This week our Staff Snapshot Interview is with Mrs Archer who is our Assistant Head (Academic)
What inspired you to be a teacher?
I had a wonderfully eccentric English teacher at Senior School, who never failed to deliver a fun and entertaining lesson. As a result, I loved her lessons and continued to study English through to Degree level.
Tell us about your path into teaching:
Post university, I worked in Events for a year and then decided that my teachers had always been right - I should be a teacher! I've worked in Secondary Moderns, Comprehensives, an all boys’ Senior School and in The Gambia, teaching Year 5 to Year 13 and everything in between.
What do you love most about teaching?
The unpredictable nature of every lesson. You can teach the same topic each year and every class and every lesson will be different.
What were you like at school?
I got the odd 'stripe' mainly for avoiding homework at all costs but luckily I was popular with the teachers, so got away with a lot!
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A vet, then I decided I would have to work too hard, so I decided to marry a vet instead - neither plan worked out!
What’s the funniest moment you’ve had in a classroom?
Not quite the classroom but on the coach drive to a PGL centre in Dorset (having insisted the children must all bring two pairs of trainers) I realised I only had flip flops with me and had to ring Mrs Jones to ask if I could borrow one of Hattie's pairs for the week!
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
At the time, becoming an Assistant Headteacher at 26 was a proud moment, now I enjoy hearing success stories from the children I have taught and supported over the years.
What makes Marlborough House such a special place to be?
The warmth the exudes from every teacher towards the children they teach. I have never worked in such a kind and caring school.
Quick-fire questions:
School House: Awdry
Years at MHS: 7½
Clubs: Roller-skating and Slice of Art
Unusual fact: I used to live in France
Highlight of my day: Breakfast, lunch and dinner - it is such a treat to have someone cook for me!
The book I am reading: 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop
Most memorable moment at MHS: Clinging onto Mr Ridge (a former MHS Head of History) 30 feet in the air, on a giant swing in Dorset on the Leavers' trip, as I was too proud to let on that I was terrified of heights. I hated every minute!