PGCE in MFL, Spanish and French, University of Plymouth
QTS, The Mid Somerset Consortium
BA (Hons) Open Degree, Open University
CELTA, Teacher of English as a Foreign Language, Campbell College Valencia
What makes a good teacher at Bedales?
I believe a good teacher anywhere in the world needs to understand that students are unique individuals who learn in different ways and feel motivated and intrigued by different things. A teacher needs to be understanding and flexible and to be continuously adapting and growing. We can learn so much from students! It is important to offer them the right space in which they feel safe and can flourish, and celebrate their individuality.
What are you trying to encourage and instil in your students?
Above everything, I try to instil curiosity for the world around us. I try to make them understand that by learning a different language, they intrinsically learn the culture of the country where the language is spoken, and that that will help them understand the world in a better and more empathetic way. Learning about other ways of life makes us humbler and better people in many ways.
In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?
I think Bedales is a place where students are genuinely allowed to discover and explore who they really are. They can be themselves here. Also, and on top of everything a private school has to offer, Bedales delves into the relationship between people and the spaces around them, including all the creatures sharing this beautiful campus with us. I love the values and skills they can learn in ODW and I feel very privileged to be able to share these moments with them.
Who or what inspires you?
I deeply admire Sir David Attenborough and his dedication to learning more about and looking after nature. His continuous efforts to raise awareness about the fragility of our world are so laudable! I feel inspired by hardworking and caring people. Am I allowed to say Gandalf? “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us”. Definitely my son and his ability to enjoy every second of life deeply; his freedom, honesty and innocence and his gentle and caring spirit.
Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
I actually love singing and dancing, and many people may think that because I am Spanish I can do at least the second, but I am really terrible at both. I still sing in the car and dance in my kitchen. I love hiking with my family and our lurcher, especially in the Pyrenees and I am happy with some dark chocolate and a good book in my hand.