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 my career in a secondary school teaching GCSE and A level Maths. I moved quickly into roles where I could affect the teaching of maths at the school being a Head of Department 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 privilege 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, in fact 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!
