BA Bradford
PGCE Leeds
What do you think makes a good teacher at Bedales?
A complete commitment to the subject and a real enthusiasm to share this with the students, together with practising what you preach. Also, as in life, an understanding that every individual has something of value to offer and this needs to be consistently embraced and encouraged.
What are you trying to encourage and instil in your students?
I am trying to encourage my students to consider the wider world in everything they do. By understanding what makes us all human and that inherently we all strive for the same things, regardless of religion, culture or where we are born, they can develop skills of empathy to make a real difference to the world.
Apart from your teaching role, what else do you get involved with at the school?
I am keen to encourage all students to engage in a form of community volunteering during their time at Bedales, whether that is locally, nationally or internationally. I also wish to create as many opportunities as possible for students to be able to express their views about the world in a safe space, through such initiatives as Model United Nations, hosting conferences and generally leading the way in developing global education.
In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?
The whole school’s focus on global awareness. The fact that students have the potential to develop such extraordinary transferable skills is wonderful. They are able to emerge into an increasingly changing and challenging world equipped to make a difference.
Who or what inspires you?
My children.
Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
I have not quite (but nearly!) achieved my aim of seeing Bob Dylan 40 times by the end of my 40th year.