What is your educational background?
I’m originally from Newcastle, but I studied Drama at the University of Hull – and I’m still here in the city!
What made you decide to be a teacher?
I was in my second or third year of university when I decided I’d like to be a teacher.
Working with young people was something I found really fulfilling, and I enjoyed the community side of drama and how it brings people together.
What skills do you feel drama gives to your pupils?
Drama gives you those essential skills that will help in any job you have when you’re older, like teamwork, respect, confidence and communication. It is also a great way to encourage independent learning and creativity.
Miss Nickolay and I feel it’s very important to help children develop these skills because that’s when we see pupils coming out of their shells and really discovering who they are.
What do you enjoy most about being a teacher at Malet Lambert?
Malet Lambert is such a supportive environment. I’ve found that all staff are very welcoming and really appreciate each other.
I’m lucky to work with Head of Drama, Miss Nickolay, who is a great example of outstanding teaching. The pupils I work with are well behaved and try really hard in lessons. It has been great getting to know them.
Do you immerse yourself in drama outside of school?
I used to do a lot of performances and acting when I was still at university.
At the moment, I’m keeping drama at school and focusing on music when I’m at home. I play the guitar and I like to write my own songs, so I like to perform at open mic nights when I get the chance.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
For some reason, I really wanted to be a chef, but I have no idea why! I liked the idea of cooking.
When I started getting into drama at about 13, I decided I wanted to be an actress before settling on a career in teaching when I was at university.
What advice would you give to pupils who would like a career in drama?
Make sure you do something outside of school, like a drama club, because that will help to build your confidence. Keep working hard at what you do and, if even you aren’t THE best, you should still try your very hardest.
Face any nerves you have head on. People who do drama aren’t always confident every time they perform, they all get nervous from time to time, but it’s how you deal with it that is important. Use those nerves and channel them into something positive.