What is your role at Vinehall?
Maths Teacher in the Prep school.
What subject/s do you teach?
Maths!
What made you want to become a teacher?
I always wanted to become a teacher because I have a love of Maths which I wanted to pass on. I started life in a secondary school teaching GCSE and A level Maths. I moved quickly into roles where I could affect the teaching of the school being a Head of Maths and then into a leadership role so although I taught less, I was in a position to make key changes to my school. When my granddaughter was born I decided that a change was needed so I had the priveledge of giving up work to look after her whilst my daughter worked part time. The role at Vinehall School was advertised just as my granddaughter started nursery so with perfect timimg! Teaching year 4 to 8 Maths revolutionised the way I thought about things and gave me a new excitement for teaching which was fantastic at this stage of my career.
What do you enjoy most about Vinehall?
I love the children, the staff, the grounds, infact everything!
What is your most disliked phrase?
I could never do Maths at school…
I believe that all children can do Maths and just need confidence and good teaching to reach an understanding.
What is your best teaching memory?
When teaching algebra to an A level class, one student shouted out ‘that is beautiful Mrs Collins’ and since then I have always thought of algebra as not just fun but beautiful!
When you are not in the classroom I am most likely to be …
With my family, I have a husband, two children and one lovely granddaughter. I love playing board games with my 6 year old granddaughter.
Something not many people know about you is …
I decided that I wanted to become a Maths teacher at the age of 4 and I have never ever changed my mind. Nor have I ever regretted the decision!
