BEd, University of Sydney
Grad Dip Counselling, Australian College of Applied Psychology
Grad Dip Therapeutic Play Skills, Play Therapy UK, Leeds Beckett University
What makes a good teacher at Bedales Pre-prep?
A teacher who creates an indoor, outdoor and emotional environment which keeps children's innate curiosity and wonder alive. Someone who provides a safe space for the students with purposeful materials which spark their questioning, along with promoting active engagement to develop creative and critical thinking skills. A good teacher follows the children's interests, encourages risk taking, promotes collaborative learning and shares a love of learning with the students. Someone who is fun, enthusiastic, and positive will ignite the joy of learning.
What are you trying to encourage and instil in your students?
I aim to create opportunities where children are encouraged to be independent and critical thinkers who ask questions. I want to instil the love of learning through play, the confidence to take risks and the importance of caring for each other and the environment.
Apart from your teaching role, what else do you get involved with at the school?
I provide a safe space for students who see me for Play Therapy sessions.
In your opinion, what makes Bedales Pre-prep special?
The positive and warm relationships between students and staff makes Bedales Pre-prep special. The diverse opportunities children are given to explore, play, connect with the environment and to be creative makes the Pre-prep a unique and magical place. Happy, smiling children having fun!
Who or what inspires you?
My family, friends and of course the children I teach inspire me every day.
Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
My first teaching experience was with the School of the Air in outback Australia before there was the internet.