Find out all about our wonderful Head of English, Mrs Henderson.
Snapshot Interview
What inspired you to be a teacher?
After graduating from university, I enrolled in the JET Program, a Japanese initiative to bring more English teaching to rural communities in Japan. I moved to Hokkaido and began teaching in local Elementary and Junior High Schools. Admittedly, I was initially drawn to the ski and travel opportunities that Japan offered rather than the teaching, but I found the job hugely rewarding and it inspired me to pursue a career in teaching when I returned.
Tell us about your path into teaching
I studied English Literature at Leeds University and then went on to complete my PGCE at Cambridge University. I spent nine years working in London Prep schools, latterly at Eaton House the Manor Prep where I worked as a KS2 class teacher and then as specialist English teacher for Years 6-8. During this time, I also completed an MA in Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy at UCL. Shortly before having my first child, my husband and I decided to relocate back to East Sussex. Since then I have been juggling parenting and teaching, working for a short time at Brambletye School, before being offered a position at MHS.
I am also a qualified yoga teacher and taught yoga for many years in London, alongside my school teaching.
What do you love most about teaching?
I love feeling inspired and motivated by those around me – the staff and the pupils. I also love the wonderful sense of community that a school provides, especially at MHS, and that every day is different.
What were you like at school?
Luckily, I always loved school and enjoyed working hard. All my spare time was taken up with drama and rehearsing for various productions.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For a few years, I was desperate to become an Air Hostess, but was told that I would be too short to reach the overhead lockers (which, it turns out, is true!) I then wanted to be an actress and writer.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve had in a classroom?
When I taught in London we had old-fashioned wooden desks in the classrooms. One day, a boy in my class was struggling to close the lid of his desk and looked quite sheepish. On closer inspection, I found that he had smuggled about 400 conkers into the classroom from Clapham Common, where we would spend our break times, and was hoarding them in his desk. It still makes me laugh now.
What’s the most important lesson you can teach?
With my own children, I try to teach them that kindness and respect are the most important things in life. These are qualities I try to bring to my teaching practise every day too.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’m always proud when children have a ‘light-bulb’ moment in my lessons, but I’m most proud of supporting my former pupils to win places at fiercely competitive London senior schools – proud and relieved!
What are you most excited about at Marlborough House this term/year?
I'm really excited about the 150th Anniversary celebrations, particularly the circus – I’ve never been to one before!
What makes Marlborough House such a special place to be?
The sense of community, the wonderful staff and pupil body, and the setting – it’s idyllic.
Quick-fire questions
School House: Hawkings
Years at MHS: 2 years
Clubs: Book club, Yoga and Creative
Writing.
Unusual fact: I have an identical twin.
Highlight of my day: My first cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning – heaven! Also, spotting my children out and about around the school – I feel very lucky to get a sneak-peek at their time here.
The book I am reading: ‘The Whalebone Theatre’ by Joanna Quinn
Most memorable moment at MHS: Singing in the staff choir at the Leavers’ Concert last year.