To be precise

If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing?

I am, as it happens, gardening and loving it! My garden has never looked this perfect because I’ve never had the time to lavish on it that I do now.

What did you want to be when you were 10?

As a child I dreamed of flying, but I didn’t want to be the pilot, I wanted to be the plane! I remember our family used to ‘‘religiously’’ watch, the TV show The Flying Nun, with a very young Sally Field.

What should 10yearolds aspire to today?

To be kind, be kind, be kind . . . and then lead by example!

Name one thing you would change about your job?

I loved my job, teaching great students and watching them grow in knowledge and in confidence. I also published articles I am proud of.

Do you get weekends and public holidays off?

Only, if you are prepared to set aside the teaching, marking, research, and administration duties that mean you never have an empty intray.