BA, Sports Science and Design & Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University
PGCE Design & Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University
What makes a good teacher at Bedales?
A good sense of humour, a love for your subject and a genuine interest in all that happens in this busy place.
What are you trying to encourage and instil in your students?
Outdoor Work is unique and has a huge variety of subject areas within it. Students that choose ODW as one of their options have the opportunity to try something new and different. I want students to try it, give it a go and see what happens. You never know where it may take you!
Apart from your teaching role, what else do you get involved with at the school?
I have overall responsibility for all the livestock on the estate and the running of the school farm. Ensuring the animals are happy, healthy and well fed takes up the majority of my time when I’m not teaching, after all sheep don’t go home at the end of term! I bake on average 90 loaves of bread each Friday with the help of a dedicated group of students who join me before breakfast. I’m also responsible for organising the Whole School Effort for Badley Weekend.
In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?
I have never worked in a school where the students are so happy, confident and deeply interested in their school and how it runs.
What is your best memory of Bedales?
My first hand shaking after assembly was an incredible experience.
Who or what inspires you?
I was fortunate enough to work as an apprentice to Betty Seaman, a natural builder and cob extraordinaire in California, who taught me not only about building with natural materials but so much about the beautiful environment we live in.
Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
I’m a qualified sports masseur.
