Many thanks to Mr Priddin, one of our fabulous Year 4 teachers, for his Snapshot Interview.
What inspired you to be a teacher?
When I was a student at St Olave’s Grammar School in Orpington (way back in the last century!) I had some very inspirational teachers. Taking part in lessons that made me laugh and were fun made me wonder if I would like to be a teacher one day.
Tell us about your path into teaching:
After a rather dull year working for a major insurer, where I spent most of the time clock-watching, I knew that office work wasn’t for me. Therefore, I applied to do my PGCE at the University of Sussex, studying middle years with modern foreign languages. Although I enjoyed my placement at a Secondary School, I quickly realised that Primary was the right route for me.
What do you love most about teaching?
I think that the variety and unpredictability that come with the job is what I enjoy most about teaching. One day, I can be in a science lab, experimenting with acids and alkalis; the next, I can be playing the piano for a school production. Thinking of new ways to make learning fun for the children in my care is something that I don’t think I will ever tire of.
What were you like at school?
I was a terrible daydreamer at primary school. I might not have been the most alert in in lessons, but I always had good ideas for stories. At secondary school, I worked hard and was pretty sensible, although I did often get in trouble for giggling.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I dreamed about being a car designer when I was younger, happily spending hours drawing pictures of cars.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve had in a classroom?
Working in America, morning snack was always delivered to the classroom. One day, a particularly delicious tray of muffins arrived. To this day, I’m not quite sure how I managed to sit on them – but I did!
What’s the most important lesson you can teach?
Listen to your imagination and give time to let its ideas develop.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Lots, but probably having one of my Year 6 pupils pass his GCSE Maths with an A*
What are you most excited about at Marlborough House this year?
I am looking forward to the opportunity to use the Science lab for lessons, to teaching French and planning exciting activities for that and, of course, getting to know all the staff and pupils even more.
What makes Marlborough House such a special place to be?
Marlborough House has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It feels as much like entering a family home as it does a school.
Quick-fire questions:
School House: Hawkins
Years at MHS: 1
Club that you take at MHS: Spanish
Unusual fact: I am devoted fan of Norwegian pop group, a-ha
Highlight of my day: Cup of coffee from the Nespresso machine after lunch!
The book I am reading: ‘The Moonflower Murders’ by Anthony Horowitz