An introduction to the new King’s High staff
Mrs Victoria Baker
Mr David Bryce
Teacher of Biology & Psychology
Netball Professional
BSc (Nottingham Trent), currently Teacher in Charge of Psychology & Teacher of Biology & Science at Chelsea Academy
BSc (Brunel), currently Lead Training at Bryce Personal Training
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
Firstly I am looking forward to meeting the girls at King’s High. I cannot wait to get involved and help shape their precious formative years. I am also looking forward to collaborating with new staff. I am excited to share my expertise as well as develop my own practise working with a highly specialised team.
A child’s wellbeing is paramount to everything that they will aspire to and achieve. I cannot emphasise more the importance of responsibility, resilience and being reflective to enable a child to progress and develop into an independent learner. King’s High is not just about academic achievement. It is about everything that secures those qualifying years. These girls need to be ready to face the world. It is our responsibility to guide them on their journey.
I am most looking forward to helping to grow and enhance the hockey experience the girls get at King’s and at the Prep.
Sessions should be fun, challenging and player led. I will be adopting a progressivist philosophy where students can test their ideas through experimentation.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? Science is a necessity, whether you want to study it further or whether you just need a good grounding for life. I look forward to sharing my passion and enthusiasm for this subject with you. For those of you fortunate enough to be studying Psychology, I cannot wait to see your interest grow. I am still in awe of this fascinating subject. Let us develop our understanding together.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? Be prepared to work hard and have fun.
Dr Patrick Carr
Mrs Delphine Chastel Hammond
Head of Religious Studies & Philosophy
French Assistant
PhD MA (Lancaster) BA (Girton College, Cambridge), currently Teacher of RS (Head of Philosophy) & Assistant Head of Sixth Form at Alcester Grammar School
BA MA (Birmingham City), currently French Assistant at Warwick School
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
I’m looking forward to finding out your views about what’s important in life and why, and hopefully challenging you to think harder and deeper about the things you think you know already! 2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? I’ve been struck by how welcoming students have been at King’s High in my visits – it’s a sign I’ll be joining a happy school.
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy? A tricky question to ask a teacher of Philosophy – we spend our lives realising how many different philosophies there are out there! However, I firmly believe that one of the deepest pleasures in life is that sense of growing as a person that comes when we explore our deepest beliefs and values. Religious Studies and Philosophy is the best subject I know for pushing us to do this. I know I’m still on this journey of questioning, and my aim is to help you enjoy it too.
I am really excited to get to know a new school within the same foundation as I have worked at Warwick School since 2013. It will be great to discover a different atmosphere, a different history, and of course, what I am most looking forward to is teaching girls! 2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? French tuition is fun! Speaking in a new language takes a lot of practice but it’s so rewarding. I know that you will be amazed with your progress by the time you reach your IGCSE or A-Level. À bientôt! 3. What is your overriding educational philosophy? I believe in developing a strong and positive working relationship with each of my pupils and working hard to tailor each tuition to their individual needs. One of my roles as a language assistant is preparing A-Level pupils for their final speaking exam (30% of
the final mark). Offering one to one (or two to one) conversation classes to Sixth-Formers helps them improve their confidence and ability in the French language and I get to know each of them really well. My focus is on improving their fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar in a relaxed environment. I make sure I praise their hard work and progress as well as support their further development. I expect resilience as in language learning a lot of repetition is involved, but I also try to be engaging and share lots of stories about my native culture. I help pupils of all levels to develop their points of view on a range of topics from holiday to criminality! A creative person, I enjoy finding informative newspaper articles to support my pupils’ learning and make a stimulating lesson that can inspire them as I believe another part of my role is to offer a better understanding of other cultures. My previous pupils have said I am ‘supportive, fun and kind’ and that is what I try to be.
Miss Katie Clark
Mrs Clare Dempsey
Teacher of Physical Education
Teacher of Mathematics
BA (Leeds), currently a PGCE student at Worcester University
BSc (Durham), currently Teacher in Charge of KS4 Mathematics at King Henry VIII School, Coventry
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
I am incredibly excited to get stuck in with all of the fantastic sporting activities the school offers. It has always been a dream of mine to work in a school as successful as King’s High. The school strikes me as a supportive and welcoming community that is a pleasure to work within. The reputation of the girls at King’s is magnificent; they are renowned for being kind and respectful individuals.
I believe every child should be given the opportunity to thrive and be successful. As teachers we need to create a positive and nurturing learning environment where pupils feel safe and are able to achieve. I set high expectations in all of my lessons and enter with enthusiasm and an open mind. Instilling into every individual the importance of being compassionate, kind and happy is imperative to me. Finally, I value the traits of resilience and grit in people, find a passion and persevere!
I’m looking forwards to being back in a classroom after a year away.
There is no such thing as a maths person and a non-maths person. With an open mind and a willingness to try, make mistakes and improve, everyone can achieve and grow to like, if not love, mathematics.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? I am very passionate about promoting the benefits of sport and physical activity. For me females have had to face too many barriers in the past to be able to participate in sport; I want to break down those barriers. I have played a variety of sports and I hope I can contribute towards developing the sport in school further alongside the wonderful staff and all of you. I am very enthusiastic in everything I do and I love to teach!
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? I’m looking forward to getting to know you and help you achieve your potential.
Mrs Olivia Doughty
Mrs Séverine Freton-Khatkar
Teacher of English
French Assistant
BA (Exeter), currently Teacher of English at King Edward’s School, Bath
BA (Lille) MA (Paris), currently Teacher of French at Ernesford Grange Community Academy
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
I’m really looking forward to teaching in a dynamic school which clearly offers a wealth of opportunities to its students. The move to the new site next year looks very exciting and I’m glad that I will be part of the new environment – it will clearly benefit girls and boys alike. I love theatre and can’t wait to be on the doorstep of the R.S.C.
I believe that every child should be given the chance to achieve their potential in every aspect of their education and should have fun along the way!
Working with girls who want to learn and joining a department and a school that has made me feel so welcome already.
Life is all about learning – so enjoy every minute and have as many different experiences of learning as you can. There is a gem for every moment, you just have to keep digging and looking to find it and see it.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? I would tell the girls to pursue their passions.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? “The better you know your own language, the easier it is to learn another one.” This applies to many aspects of life in fact. If you know what you are trying to say, find a way to communicate it. Be creative!
Mrs Lucie Harris Head of Learning Support BAEd (Exeter), currently Deputy Head Teacher & SENCO at Whittle Academy
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s? Being a former pupil, I am struck by what appears to be the shift to a far more holistic approach to education in school. I feel this is a really positive change, appearing to encompass, broadly speaking, greater opportunities for learning relevant to: personal, intellectual, social, physical and spiritual development, than I remember. There is greater focus on the relevance of: work, vocation and employment, citizenship, community involvement, creativity, aesthetic appreciation and cultural awareness. I was delighted to see that, although retaining much of its historic character and continuing to strive for academic excellence, the school has been brought firmly into the twenty first century with significant changes to the site, the current curriculum and resources. I do not remember there being the same investment in the areas of wellbeing, pastoral care or learning support and so to join in the role of ‘Head of Learning Support’ will be such a privilege.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? Girls, I am really looking forward to meeting you and taking on this new role in school. Being an ‘old girl’, I feel that I will have an empathy with you which should be something quite special. Although school is very different from my 1980s days, I clearly remember what it was like to be in school. Those memories have stayed with me for life: the site, the traditions, the teachers and their lessons, the opportunities I was given and the friends I made (and still have). I cannot remember such a thing as any formal learning support, in those days, which is a shame as I know that it would have made a real difference to some of us and our friends. Please come and say, ‘Hello’ when you see me in school because, just as the transition from primary to secondary can be both daunting and exciting, I’ll be the new girl all over again! I am hoping that we will be able to move into a seamless relationship where all girl’s learning needs are met, where we can work together to ensure best practice in school and be held as a beacon of outstanding practice in this area.
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy? As a vocational teacher I have always had an inherent passion for teaching and learning. It was something that came to me quite naturally, instinctively even. From my primary years onwards, I remember being fascinated by my teachers, their subjects and their strategies used. My various work experience opportunities in educational settings, led to a fascination in teaching and learning methodology, classroom organisation and behavioural management. My time at Exeter University enabled me to further strengthen my understanding of best practice. Over my many years of experience and observing a range of traditional and contemporary educational philosophies, one of the key things I have learnt is to never lose sight of the fact that the students in our care really matter and must be at the heart of all that we do. As professionals, we have to do all we can to enable them to flourish whilst they are in our care. No two individuals are the same or need exactly the
same approach. Teachers need to be flexible and open to making changes to their teaching style and lesson content. It is important for teacher’s to pay attention to statutory changes and those in educational research and to adapt their teaching accordingly. Working in parental partnership is pivotal when establishing successful home/school liaison and as students become more mature and independent we must recognise there is room for greater autonomy. I have witnessed that students respond best when the curriculum is: engaging, purposeful and relevant, taught with proficiency and enthusiasm and where there is an active element to learning such as embracing exploration and discovery. The environment must be: safe, well organised and tailored to aid and support learning. The teaching staff must be: knowledgeable, inspirational and motivate students to want to extend their love for learning beyond the classroom and into adult life.
It is of paramount importance to develop a ‘can do’ attitude in students. Making mistakes is an important life lesson, but it is how we learn from them and move forward which enables students to become more resilient and willing to tackle challenging situations which will, inevitably, come their way. Setting ambitious but achievable goals is vital. However, no one can do more than ‘their best’ and so teaching and modelling this to students is also crucial. Knowing the peace that comes from giving something your all and accepting that this was your very best effort can never be underestimated.
Mrs Jennifer Hinton
Mrs Fiona McClean
Netball Professional
Teacher of English
BSc Birmingham, currently U21 Assistant Coach & Head Coach, Oxford Hub, Wasps Netball
MSc (Oxford), MA BA (Durham), currently Lecturer in English at Northampton College
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
I’m very excited to bring new and illuminating texts to the English classroom from writers of all backgrounds. My particular interests lie in Victorian literature, particularly gothic and science fiction, as well as the 21st Century novel. I look forward to meeting the girls and sharing some of these life-altering texts with them, as well as sharing in some favourites of theirs.
My overriding philosophy is that students deserve more than the didactic, ‘sit-and-listen’ teaching and learning of the past. Today we learn by doing. My classroom will be an active, lively place where the girls can enjoy experimenting with new ideas together, learning about leadership and co-operation as well as fostering their imagination. We cannot view students as machines in an exam factory; they are children who deserve to enjoy their learning.
I’m really looking forward to being part of the exciting ‘Project One Campus’. Having previously worked in a school which undertook a similar move, I know this is an amazing opportunity for all the girls who are going to benefit from the most fantastic new environment, facilities (and staff)! 2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? Netball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, with England winning Gold in the most recent Commonwealth games only confirming this! It’s a really exciting time for netball and we are fortunate enough to have several of the franchises close by, including the Superleague Champions Wasps, all of whom have pathways to encourage and motivate girls to take their netball to the next level.
I’m really looking forward to meeting the girls and learning what their ambitions are with regards to their netball. I hope my knowledge and experience will help them to develop to the best of their ability, in a fun and friendly way! 3. What is your overriding educational philosophy? With my background being in PE, my philosophy has always been that there is something for everyone when it comes to physical activity. The main thing is to try lots of different sports and most importantly enjoy whatever you decide to do. The physical, mental and social benefits to partaking in sport are huge, and will carry on with you throughout life!
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? I’d like to send the message that a person’s intelligence and ability are not fixed in place. There is no such thing as, ‘I can’t do it,’ only: ‘I haven’t done it yet.’ I look forward to getting involved with the fantastic extracurricular opportunities at King’s High, encouraging the girls to leave their comfort zones behind and find out just how strong and successful girls can be.
Dr Katharine Moody
Mrs Annabelle Paterson
Teacher of Religious Studies
Teacher of Biology
PhD MA (Lancaster) BA (Canterbury Christ Church)
MA (Worcester College, Oxford), currently Head of Biology at Marlborough College
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
I am excited to learn more from the girls as we examine ethical, philosophical and religious ideas and practices together in our classroom discussions. I’m interested to find out what questions they arrive with, what meanings they give to their experiences and how this gives purpose to their lives.
Although academic qualifications are very important for young people’s future careers, I believe that the purpose of education is to develop rounded and individual characters and to encourage traits such as curiosity, empathy and resilience. As I believe students learn well from other people’s experiences through discussion and dialogue in the classroom, working as a teacher of Religion and Philosophy provides me with the opportunity to create an environment in which girls can learn from different opinions in mature, intelligent and respectful ways.
I am really looking forward to coming to a school with great facilities and working with a dynamic department. Getting to know the girls at this well respected, prestigious school and the prospect of moving to a new purpose built school are also exciting.
Biology is an endlessly fascinating and constantly evolving subject with new discoveries appearing in the news almost every day. I believe my role as a teacher is to enable students to understand the subject well enough to be excited by it and therefore have the motivation and confidence to challenge themselves and think scientifically.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? Religion and Philosophy are intimately connected to the wonders and worries of our lives as human beings. These rich areas of study bring us into contact with some of the great traditions of thought and action in our world. They empower you to join the great conversation of humanity about what we and others think, how we live, and why.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? Marie Curie, possibly one of the most famous female scientists once said, ‘Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.’ A message that is as relevant today as it was in 1903.
Miss Celia Tedd
Miss Jennifer-George Wightman
Head of Key Stage 4 & Teacher of Latin
Teacher of History
BA (Trinity College, Oxford) MA (London), formerly Head of Sixth Form Girls & currently Head of PSHE and Teacher of Classics at King’s College School, Wimbledon (London)
BA (Durham), currently a PGCE Student at Worcester University
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
I am most looking forward to meeting and working with the students at King’s. I also cannot wait to work in a school which is clearly so passionate about education and look forward to working with colleagues in such a strong history department.
I believe that everybody has the capability to succeed but there are many challenges along the way. One of the greatest things a teacher can do to help students is to motivate them in every lesson by making lessons engaging. I believe that the teachers role is to foster intrinsic motivation and create a positive learning environment for students. It is incredibly important to allow self-discovery and encourage links to wider interests so that the relevance of the learning is embedded and becomes relevant to our own lives. In addition, I do believe that a teacher’s role extends beyond the subject matter to someone who is aware of and sensitive to the individual development of each student, creating a love of life in addition to a love of learning.
Walking through the famous blue door without having to press the buzzer. I’m also looking forward to the first day that I don’t need to ask for directions around the school. 2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? I’ll have high expectations of you, and you can have high expectations of me. I’m really looking forward to getting to know each and every girl in Key Stage 4. I’m aiming to have a chat with everyone in the first few weeks, so if you spot me before I spot you, please come and say hello.
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy? You should look back on your school years with intense satisfaction at everything you did and loved. No two people are the same, so enjoy exploring the things that make you tick and focus on those until they become an essential part of you.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? I am so looking forward to getting to know you all as individuals, and I really hope I can help you to find and develop your passion in History. History can be difficult and challenging at times, but with determination and perseverance it can be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable!
Mr Peter Garratt Teacher of Mathematics BSc (Nottingham), currently Teacher of Mathematics at Tudor Hall School
1. What are you most looking forward to in coming to King’s?
3. What is your overriding educational philosophy?
I’m looking forward to teaching the friendly and motivated students.
My educational philosophy is based upon forming strong relationships with my students and teaching them with compassion and empathy – it’s easy as a teacher to forget how hard it is to learn at times. I also firmly believe in modelling positive behaviour and attitudes.
2. What message would you like to give to the girls you will be teaching in September? Enjoy the summer, and come back refreshed for another year!