Staff Profiles
Name: Stephen Banks
Subject: History, Head of Senior School
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 20
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Teacher in Sussex, Essex, Norfolk
Civil Servant
Archive Assistant
Why did you decide to teach?
Always liked my subject, came to see that I liked working with younger people and enjoyed communication skills based work.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
Pupils are generally receptive and relaxed. They generally work with you and care. The staff are close knit and friendly.
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Name: Catherine Beaumont
Subject: Art and Design
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 3
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I was the Art co-ordinator in a similar small independent school in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire for two years and before that I taught Art and Design in a comprehensive school in Dorking, Surrey.
Why did you decide to teach?
After graduating from Art College in 2000 I took a year-out to travel. I explored Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and journeyed down the Amazon River. During my trip in South America I particularly enjoyed meeting people from different places, and when I returned to the U.K. I decided to English to foreign students in London. I really enjoyed this teaching experience and so I then decided to train to be a teacher in the subject that I am most passionate about: Art and Design.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
The small class sizes, the new Art studio and the beautiful surroundings. I also enjoy the opportunity to teach a wide age range of students from Prep 5 to A Level.
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Name: Clare Boyden
Subject: Prep 5 Teacher
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 1st Year here
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I had previously been working overseas. I had been teaching for 2 years in Shanghai, then a year in Geneva before heading to Suffolk.
Why did you decide to teach?
I really don't remember ever wanting to do anything else.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
The children!
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Name: Janet Catchpole
Subject: Food Technology
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 20
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Taught at 3 other secondary schools
Why did you decide to teach?
I am passionate about food and enjoy the creativity of the subject. Combining this with the challenge of imparting this to young, inquisitive and challenging minds – there was never any question about wanting to do anything else.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
The pupils, the parents and the staff
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Name: Charlotte Coathupe
Subject: Montessori Nursery Teacher
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 5
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Worked as a Nursery Nurse for the NHS
Why did you decide to teach?
I really enjoy working with children at this level as they are keen to learn. I find seeing them develop very rewarding.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
All the colleagues, especially the Early Years Team. I also enjoy the contact we have with our parents and the lovely grounds we use.
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Name: Julie Cordery
Subject: Science Technician
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 1st Year here
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I was Lower School Science Technician at Northgate High School for 7 years, prior to that I did a job share as Chemistry Technician at Stowmarket High School for 5 years. I trained in the Formulation of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic products at the city of Leicester Polytechnic, now Demontfort University. I worked in Pharmaceutical research at Glaxo, for 7 years and Napp for 2 years developing dermatological products. I am a member of The Society of Cosmetic Scientists.
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Name: Edward Cunningham
Subject: Science
Nationality: English
Number of years at the school: 1st Year here
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Science teacher at Honywood Community Science School in Essex
Why did you decide to teach?
I came into Teaching after a career as an engineer. It wasn’t a difficult choice as I was at a point in my life where I needed a change and a different and exciting new challenge. Teaching is certainly all that, no two days are ever the same. It is a career in which you can make a lasting contribution to young people’s lives.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
Teaching to small groups of well-motivated students
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Name: Julie Davis
Subject: French
Nationality: British/Luxembourgish
Number of years at the school: 2
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Just before starting at Finborough I took a year off and I went travelling around South America. I then joined an expedition ship to Antarctica. Prior to this I was working at King Edward VI School in Southampton.
I started working in Southampton on my return from 2 years working at the British School of Kathmandu in Nepal.
Other teaching appointments have been in Canada, Finland and Switzerland.
Why did you decide to teach?
For me Languages are a passion and I love sharing this passion with students of all ages.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
I thoroughly enjoy the company of my tutor group, my students and my colleagues. I love the atmosphere in our welcoming school and the situation of the school.
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Name: Graham Diedrichs
Subject: Mathematics
Nationality: New Zealand
Number of years at the school: 2
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Prior to teaching at Finborough I taught for six years at Hinchingbrooke School in Cambridgeshire– one of the largest comprehensive schools in the country – where I had various areas of responsibility. My teaching experience also extends to New Zealand (Rosmini College) where I still have many friends and to London where I worked and enjoyed teaching in some of the most deprived and lowest socio-economic areas in the Country. Having completed a commerce degree (economics), I also have experience in the commercial sector and business. I have many sporting interests, rugby, cricket, basketball, golf, to name a few and my favourite pastimes include barbequed food, travel and reading.
Why did you decide to teach?
It is a very rewarding way of making a living – seeing young people succeeding and smiling in the classroom or on the sports field is the most satisfying thing in the world. The holidays aren’t bad either!
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
The students at Finborough are very open, honest and caring. Often they are a reflection of their parents who often make big sacrifices to send them here. This coupled with the beautiful location and the teaching team make this a special place to work.
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Name: Seb Goodge
Subject: PE
Nationality: English
Number of years at the school: First year here
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Taught in state sector secondary schools for the last 5 years and part time for Otley College as well as Rugby coaching and some personal training, worked in telecommunications, insurance and sales prior to teaching.
Why did you decide to teach?
Have been involved in coaching rugby for many years prior to teaching, sport has always been my passion; it seemed like the logical move. Plus it really annoys my brother how much more holiday time I get than him!
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
Very friendly atmosphere, lots of keen young sports persons!
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Name: Sandra Green
Subject: Prep School General subjects, S1 S2 English
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 20
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Local Primary Schools in Norfolk and Suffolk
Why did you decide to teach?
I enjoy seeing the progression in the learning of young people, and in a school like Fin. where the pupils can stay until they are 18, it gives a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I had a hand in producing such well-rounded young people.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
The pupils, and the staff.
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Name: Valerie Gould
Subject: Librarian
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 1
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I was an independent learning adviser and part of the library team at an f.e. college in Essex.
What is the best thing about being a librarian at Finborough School?
The enthusiasm of the pupils for reading and participating in library activities and the support of staff members in the development of the school library.
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Name: Chantel Hale
Subject: Games, Maths and Science
Nationality: South African
Number of years at the school: 2
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I taught in South Africa as well as coached sport.
Why did you decide to teach?
I really enjoy the interaction with children, younger and older. It’s fascinating to see how children improve and learn to master various skills that you teach them.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
You are able to enjoy being around children from as young as 2 years of age all the way through to 18 years of age.
Your experiences as a teacher are broadened due to the varied age groups.
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Name: Melissa Hammond (Heyns)
Subject: Games. Leisure Studies, Religious Education and History.
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 3
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I taught for 2 years after graduating. Worked for Disney Cruise Line in Children’s Entertainment for 2 years then travelled The USA, Canada and Australia. I managed a safari lodge in Botswana for 2 years with my husband then returned to England, teaching and started a family.
Why did you decide to teach?
I have always enjoyed working with all ages, but especially thrive on the energy and enthusiasm that young people have. Watching pupils learn knowing you played a large part in shaping them is a very satisfying profession.
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Name: Amanda Harrold
Subject: Learning Support
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 7
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
A GAP year in France, a degree in education with English at Warwick University and then taught in both the state and independent sector.
Why did you decide to teach?
I wanted to help children with special educational needs.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
The school brings out the best in children and there is a happy and caring atmosphere.
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Name: Sarah Hawker
Subject: Prep 3 class teacher
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 2
What did you do before you came to Finborough?
Trained originally as Jeweller & Silversmith.
Taught at Hillcroft School for 11 years.
Why did you decide to teach?
Keen to impart enthusiasm for art & design to children.
What is the best thing about teaching at Finborough?
Staff, children, and grounds.
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Name: Huw James
Subject: Primary - Y5, games, boarding
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 1st Year here
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Taught KS2 at St Dunstan's College, London. I was also head of boys' games.
Why did you decide to teach?
I needed an audience for my bad jokes. Teaching seemed the most worthwhile way of spending my professional life.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
Small class sizes, a new challenge every day and seeing fields from my classroom window.
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Name: Zoe King
Subject: Montessori Nursery Teacher
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 8
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I worked in a Nursery in Ipswich.
Why did you decide to teach?
I knew that I wanted to work with children from a young age. I decided to become a Montessori Teacher as this enables us to provide strong foundations for learning, and concentrates on the individual child’s needs. It is lovely to help the children to learn and watch them grow. It is also a very rewarding job.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
We work together as a great team, and support one another through our roles and day to day challenges. Finborough is a small school with a family ethos which always makes it feel welcoming.
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Name: Anne Macmillan
Subject: English and Drama
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 4
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
Police Officer in Norwich, manager for United Biscuits and Debenhams,
teacher in several schools, operations director and writer for publishing
house and creative writing tutor.
Why did you decide to teach?
I was teaching even when a police officer and manager and always knew I
would move into schools, however I wanted experience of other jobs so that
I could offer a broader experience to my pupils.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
Small classes and freedom to teach what I want to teach. There is an
acknowledgement that, as a professional, I know what I need to do in order
to prepare children for both public examinations and life beyond
Finborough.
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Name: John Morcombe
Subject: Science
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 1st year here
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I was a bond fund manager for an investment bank in London for twenty years.
Why did you decide to teach?
I wanted to start a new, rewarding and challenging career and learn new skills.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
The happy, enthusiastic children.
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Name: Alice Pickering
Subject: Pre-Prep. Class Teacher
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 2
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I used to work for a Nursery School in Felixstowe, in charge of the Montessori Classroom.
Why did you decide to teach?
From a young age I always enjoyed being in the company of children. I decided to become a Montessori Teacher because it is a method of education that enables the children to become independent socially and emotionally. It also allows children to work at their own pace - therefore achieving their true potential - something I feel that is very important to give the children the best start in life.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
There are many great things about working at Finborough: the lovely children, excellent staff, wonderful Early Years Co-ordinator, friendly / family atmosphere, and beautiful surrounding countryside.
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Name: Gwyneth Rapsey
Subject: Prep School subjects and specialist teaching of Dyslexics
Nationality: Welsh
Number of years at the school: 2
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I taught at State schools in Reading and in Bristol
I also taught at Independent Schools in Bristol and Bury St Edmunds.
With my husband I was Joint Head of Hillcroft Prep school for 25years.
Why did you decide to teach?
I had been involved in Guiding and Scouting for a number of years and had enjoyed teaching younger members to do things, so it seemed like a reasonable career move. I originally wished to teach in hospital schools. I changed my mind after spending 3 weeks of a summer holiday doing just that! I then completed my teacher training and started teaching in one of the poorest areas of Bristol.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
We have splendid children to teach and lovely surroundings.
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Name: Sandra Romero
Subject: Spanish
Nationality: Spanish
Number of years at the school: 1st Year here
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I was teaching Spanish at Sancton Wood school and Abbey College in Cambridge. Before that I was teaching Spanish to foreign students in Spain.
Why did you decide to teach?
When I finished my studies in languages, I started working in different sectors: tourism, translation etc., but although all these jobs were interesting I wasn’t totally happy and satisfied. So, I started studying teaching methodologies and courses and then I realised that teaching was my passion. I discovered a fascinating world and since that day, now eight years ago, I have enjoyed and I continue to enjoy every single lesson.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
There are many good things about being a teacher at Finborough School. Since I arrived at the school on my first morning I began to enjoy the setting, the environment, and the lovely views from my classroom, which all helped me to feel comfortable and relaxed to starting my first lesson. When my first class arrived they were so polite and friendly and eager to participate. The children enjoy practising the language and role play. The staff at Finborough are simply outstanding. I really like the mix of nationalities and how well everyone works as a team. Finborough School is a dynamic school with plenty of activities and choices for both students and teachers. I think Finborough is a fantastic place, like a second home. It is difficult to explain and something special you can only understand when you come here. I also think the food is delicious; I don’t even miss Spanish food at all!
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Name: Stephanie Samuels
Subject: Early years and Primary, Head of Prep School
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 12
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I spent 12 Years in the Metropolitan Police prior to working in local schools and retraining as a teacher.
Why did you decide to teach?
I love working with children and have always been fascinated by the way in which young children learn. I wanted to inspire and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
The encouragement from other members of staff, the support of parents and the sheer pleasure one drives from the enthusiasm of the children and of course the new Prep School!
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Name: Helen Stewart
Subject: Montessori Nursery Teacher
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 8
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I worked at Haughley Pre-School.
Why did you decide to teach?
I love children and spending time with them. I became very interested with the Montessori teaching method and decided to train at Cherry Trees in 1994. I think the method is a fantastic way of increasing children’s independence, confidence and concentration.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
The best thing about being a teacher at Finborough is my colleagues, the friendly atmosphere, and teaching in such a beautiful old building with lovely grounds.
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Name: Malcolm Stuart
Subject: Mathematics
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 1st Year here
What did you do before you came to Finborough?
Having been a teacher in England for 25 years and having brought up my own family I spent 6 years with my wife teaching at International Schools in Italy, firstly in Milan and then in Modena. Working with children from 50 different nationalities was one of the most rewarding experiences in my teaching career. Living and working in Italy was also a wonderful experience.
Why did you decide to teach?
I wanted to work with young people, to help them develop and progress in their lives and to share my enjoyment of Mathematics. It always gives me pleasure to meet up with former pupils who have gone on to gain success in their own lives and who are appreciative of the help I gave them in their formative years.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
Teaching is always a very demanding job. At Finborough School the working day is long and the expectations are very high. However, working with relatively small classes in a calm, happy environment has enabled me to establish a positive working rapport with all my classes. I go home every day tired but happy!!
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Name: Chester Style
Subject: Head of English
Nationality: South African and Citizen of the World
Number of years at the school: 5
What did you do before you came to Finborough?
I was a teacher trainer at Natal University, Durban before taking up a position at SACS [South African College School] as School Counsellor and teacher of History. I spent 15 years at SACS before deciding to take a sabbatical [read: mid-career 'gap' to travel and work abroad for a few years] being Deputy Headmaster and English and History master in a large grammar school of 750 boys takes its toll and I was looking for a break and a fresh challenge and a career 'gap' experience.
Why did you decide to teach?
I was a student in South Africa in the 1980s during the 'State of Emergency’ and as a member of NUSAS [National Union of South African Students] and an activist in the anti-apartheid United Democratic Front I felt challenged and inspired to take up teaching to help change South Africa and schools seemed the place to do that ... Seeing Mandela speak to South Africa and the world as free man in February 1990 was the realisation of one of the pieces of my dream ... what a moment! And now? Teaching is still about 'ideas' and values and principles for me: I have matured and so have these ... I still believe the most important value is about teaching children tolerance and challenging their ideas whatever these are - cultural, intellectual, thinking, creativity, spirituality, ecology - and helping them develop a moral compass etc. We live in a global village and can all do things that will make the world a better place for all!
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
It's the extraordinary tolerance of the children here - they have equal measures of respect and tolerance for disability as they have respect and tolerance for achievement! They are extraordinarily caring and
compassionate and a fantastic mix of children - from diverse backgrounds. All of this and the intimate nature of the school make it a unique place that practises every day some of the practises other so-called 'world class' schools strive for!
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Name: Brian Thom
Subject: Music
Nationality: South African
Number of years at the school: 4
What did you do before you came to Finborough School? Before moving to England, I taught music at Rondebosch Boys High School in Cape Town. At Rondebosch I taught a variety of instruments as well as subject music. A big part of my job was to conduct the school jazz band at different venues in the city and at the school. A highlight was performing at the annual jazz festival, the Waterfront and at the City Hall for the annual concert with Rustenburg Girls and SACS High.
Why did you decide to teach?
At University I started teaching the flute at a music centre and discovered that I enjoyed teaching, so I gradually drifted into it.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
The most rewarding aspect of teaching at Finborough School is having excellent colleagues and keen and enthusiastic pupils.
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Name: Cheryl Thom
Subject: Prep. 1 teacher
Nationality: South African
Number of years at the school: 5 years
What did you do before you came to Finborough School?
I qualified in Early Years Education in South Africa in 1975, and have been teaching children age 3 to 6 ever since then. I became the principal of Kildare Pre-Primary School in Cape Town in 1993. I was very involved in developing the school and worked with a dedicated team of parents to this end. I left there at the end of 2004, when Brian and I decided to have a ‘Midlife Adventure’, and move to England! We were lucky to both obtain positions at Finborough School. I have never regretted the decision, and am really enjoying the adventure!
Why did you decide to teach?
I spent three years out of school trying out various options before deciding to teach. I really enjoyed being with young children, and so decided to make it my career. I wanted a job that allowed me to be creative and to work with people.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
The children are lovely, and having a small class is wonderful. I am able to really get to know the little children in my class and can give them the attention they need. I love the surroundings as well – what a pleasure to be in the countryside! It is also nice to work in such a friendly atmosphere as the staff all get on very well.
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Name: Karen Williams
Subject: Nursery / Early Years Coordinator
Nationality: British
Number of years at the school: 5
What did you do before you came to Finborough School? I ran a successful nursery class in a local preparatory school until I became a mum to my two wonderful daughters.
Why did you decide to teach?
I have always enjoyed spending time with young children helping them to become independent and watching their self confidence develop and grow. I find teaching in the early years an extremely rewarding career and could not wish to work in a more enjoyable environment.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough School?
The best part of working at Finborough is the friendly warm atmosphere and the way everyone works together to achieve the best possible potential from each individual pupil. I love the way the school really values the whole family and the importance of making every child’s experience fun and enjoyable. I also feel strongly that it is our sense of team spirit and the way we all support each other and treat each other with respect that makes working at Finborough School the best.
Name: Alison Whitcomb
Subject: Prep 2 Class teacher, Games Prep 1 and 2, Swimming Prep 1-6
Nationality: South African
Number of years at the school: 2 years in January
What did you do before you came to Finborough?
I taught a class of thirty two 7 year olds, for four years, in South Africa, a multicultural school of 1200 pupils. I then taught Year 2 for three years in Surrey at Nonsuch Primary. After my maternity leave I helped for a term, at Hillcroft in the Year 4.
Why did you decide to teach?
I knew from a young age, after spending much time in the presence of children and inspiring teachers, as my mother is a teacher, I knew that this was a career I would like to follow.
What is the best thing about being a teacher at Finborough?
When teaching in a state school I was constantly disappointed by the fact that it was not possible to have the quality lessons, purely due to the size of the class and insufficient time because we were so SATS orientated. Now the learning is guided by the needs of the children and with one- on- one opportunity to instruct, guide and extend are more possible. This gives each child quality time and learning that is enjoyable and not paper based. I love working with happy people who enjoy their job as much as I do, who are hard working, caring-always offering their assistance and are thoughtful. I feel very privileged.
