6 minute read
People of Tanglin
from The Voice 36
PEOPLE TANGLINof
Each student, teacher, staff member and parent who passes through Tanglin is an important piece that forms the anatomy of Tanglin’s culture and identity. Here are some of their stories.
Erika Rahim
Personal Assistant to Head of Infant School
What is the best thing about working in Tanglin?
I love being around educators. As a mother to two young children, I enjoy observing how the teachers do their jobs with so much love and passion. I get to learn by observing them and apply what I learned on my children.
When did you join Tanglin? What did you do before that?
I joined Tanglin in March 2016 as a customer service officer and in October 2017, I took on my current role. My predecessor was with Tanglin for 30 years hence I had big shoes to fill. Prior to Tanglin, I was in a similar role at a Spanish language school. The most fulfilling part of my career at Tanglin is having my work recognised. It’s important to have good working relationships with bosses and colleagues, and I am very lucky to have that here. I support Paula Craigie, who is the Head of Infant School. She is an amazing boss and I try my best to help her in all ways, including making sure she has her lunch!
What does a typical workday look like?
A lot goes on in the Infant School office. I could be taking last minute transport orders/messages, checking expense receipts, drafting letters, arranging meetings, solving problems and sometimes fighting fire! Every day is different but fulfilling.
Benjamin Walker
Assistant Head of Junior School (Co-Curriculum)
What did you do before Tanglin?
Before becoming Assistant Head of Junior School this year, I have been a class teacher, Assistant Head of Year and Head of Year. I also spent three years at an international school in Hong Kong where I was Head of Music and prior to that, I was Head of Year 6 and Head of Music at a large primary school in Lincolnshire, UK. In my ‘Life Before Teaching’, I obtained a degree in Performing Arts and spent two years playing the piano and singing in theatres, restaurants and onboard a ship. I worked a little in orchestra pits but spent a lot of time musical directing youth theatre shows and performance choirs, particularly for Stagecoach Theatre Arts. This is where my passion for teaching grew, and I went on to obtain a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Cambridge.
What’s been the most fulfilling part of your career at Tanglin?
I am very passionate about holistic education and the education of the whole child; this is something that’s absolutely front and centre at Tanglin. It’s a real privilege to watch the children grow and develop into young adults and my role as Assistant Head of Juniors, with a focus on developing our co-curriculum, embraces just that. The co-curriculum allows our learners to explore passions, develop new talents and build on existing ones, as well as reap the benefits of building social relationships, self-confidence, and resilience.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I am a devoted Norwich City fan, which has certainly taught me how to be resilient and optimistic! »
Peter Ayompe
Outdoor Education Specialist
When did you join Tanglin? What did you do before that?
I joined Tanglin in 2008. Prior to that, I lived in Egypt for three years. While I was there, I did two Post Graduate Certificates in Management at the American University in Cairo. I was also teaching sports at the Cairo American College at the same time. When we moved to Singapore, I had a coaching role in the now defunct Brazilian Soccer Academy before I joined Tanglin as a Sports Facilities Supervisor.
How would your friends describe you?
Committed, loyal and professional. I have been working in Tanglin for 13 years and have never once thought about leaving. On a regular basis, I seek feedback and try to improve in what I do, so that I can make a difference within and outside the community.
What’s the best thing about working in a school?
Support for one another’s growth intellectually and emotionally. This includes care and concern shown by the teaching staff to students and colleagues. I was once told that “schools look after their own” and that is the best thing about working in a school, especially at Tanglin!
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope that Tanglin continues to flourish and create generations of excellence through an inspiring, safe, and nurturing environment.
Atmika Niranjan
Chemistry Teacher, Senior School
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Reading, England and joined Tanglin in 2013. I did a BSc in Chemistry and previously taught at a school in West London. Prior to teaching I worked as a research and development scientist for The Dow Chemical Company. After I spent a bleak winter working on a chemical plant in rural Germany and missing social interactions, I decided to explore a career in teaching and went on to obtain a PGCE and Master’s in Science Education. I haven’t looked back since!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Our work begins from 7.30am in the Chemistry department. We are very fortunate to be supported by an amazing group of technicians. On any given day we could be doing rock salt extractions with Year 7, making copper sulphate crystals with Year 10, conducting flame tests to analyse unknown ions with Year 11 or making Aspirin and determining its purity with Year 13. If you are in the vicinity and hear a loud bang, it’s probably us, investigating the properties of elements by exploding hydrogen balloons.
What has been the most fulfilling part of your career at Tanglin?
Pastorally, it’s playing a part in the Sixth Form journey, seeing the transition from high-school student to adulthood, experiencing the ups and downs with the students and watching them mature into young adults on graduation day. Words can’t describe the sense of pride you experience as a teacher seeing the students graduate.
John Sprague
Philosophy and Religious Studies Teacher, Senior School
What would your friends tell us about you?
Probably all my secrets.
What did you do before joining Tanglin?
I joined Tanglin in 2015. Previously I was Director of IB and Director of the Centre for Innovation and Excellence at Sevenoaks School in Kent.
What is the best thing about working in a school?
Students are the best thing. I love my subject and I love teaching it to students. They are already natural philosophers so giving them an opportunity to explore the ideas they are already thinking about is a real joy.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Sometimes I go to bed early just so I can wake up earlier and have that cup of coffee as I read the morning papers. I’ll do a bit of work first to get ready for the day. Then I walk to work (5,700 steps!) as I reconnect with Mrs Sprague. I then catch up with my form class before getting caught up in the day’s work. ■
