New Teaching Staff

This year we welcomed several new teachers. Our editors took the opportunity to catch up with them and see how they were settling in.

Miss Jones Deputy Head (Pastoral)

What has been your best experience at Habs so far?

I loved seeing the House trollies! I felt it gave me a glimpse into a side of Habs that I am desperate to see more of post-Covid – brilliantly creative, collaborative, proud, socially-minded and slightly bonkers.

Tell us about a hidden talent.

I can fly a plane (a very little one… not much use for school trips, sadly).

What is the best thing about being a teacher?

You! I just love getting to know amazing students, connecting over a shared passion or funny moment, feeling like I’ve been involved in however small a way in the lives of people who it feels inevitable will go on to do incredible things in the world.

If not your subject, which other would you choose to teach?

I’d love to teach everyone about the edible plants, mushrooms, seeds, nuts and berries you can find on pretty much any walk in the UK – even in London!

Miss Milsom Assistant Head (Pastoral)

What has been your best experience at Habs so far?

Meeting all of you! It has been amazing to walk the corridors of Habs and meet as many students as possible, I have been blown away by how fantastic everyone is and how welcoming you have all been.

What is the best thing about being a teacher?

Working with all of you. I also really love my subject; helping students to thrive. Every day is completely different and so inspiring in some way. I’m not sure what other job gives you that!

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

Is it cheating if I say my mum for one of the three things? I miss her! If I had to take three items then they would be – a really good book, a bar of white chocolate, and a jigsaw puzzle.

Mr Dinu Teacher of Psychology

What has been your best experience at Habs so far?

From the beginning I enjoyed the warmth and care of the staff, especially the colleagues from my Department. Furthermore, I am highly impressed by the quality of students at Habs, who never fail to amaze me with their willingness to work, engage with the material in various ways, and show splendid intellectual capabilities.

What is your favourite thing about your subject?

The best thing about Psychology is that it is applicable to all human beings and situations. Trying to decipher the behaviours, drives, and motivators of one of the most complex beings on Earth is fascinating.

What is the best thing about being a teacher?

The best aspect of being a teacher is that I get the chance to share my passion with young minds containing unlimited potential, and hopefully inspire a few students to become the best they can be in their field.

Mrs Benjamin Teacher of Mathematics

How would you sum up Habs in three words.

Community, ambitious, green

Tell us about a hidden talent.

I qualified as a balloon artist and used to decorate rooms with balloons or make balloon arrangements as gifts.

If not your subject, which other would you choose to teach?

Sport as I enjoy running outdoors and more recently I am enjoying spinning on a Peleton - it’s a massive stress release, as well as healthy, which is the perfect antidote to screens and my sweet tooth.

Mrs Fellas Teacher of Mathematics

Which extra house event would you include if you had the chance?

House singing competition (I am not sure if it existed pre-Covid…).

Tell us about a hidden talent.

I run marathons! And lots of other races too.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Kind.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

An archaeologist.

Mrs Kapadia Teacher of Science

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

A chef! I have always loved cooking and am always looking for inspiration from different cuisines.

What are you looking forward to most about teaching post-covid? Experiencing life at Habs fully and being able to interact with pupils and all members of staff freely.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I was always a shy student who would crumble at the thought of public speaking. I never considered teaching as a profession until I started working as a Learning Assistant - supporting students with special educational needs. This is when I realised that I wanted to teach, impart my knowledge and instil a love of learning amongst young adults.