Charity Update
1. What was your favourite subject at school? History.
2. What made you choose teaching as a career?
I had worked with a lot of young people in youth movements, which came together with my love of history.
3. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
At an age when I could still do it, I probably would’ve liked to be a pro rugby player.
4. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, Van Morrison’s Moondance - the first dance at my wedding!
5. If you could be any animal what would you be? A dog because they’re faithful and loyal.
6. If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be?
Probably somebody from my own PhD research, so I could get them to read my thesis and ask whether I got it right!
7. What do you think makes Dame Allan’s special?
For me, it’s the sense of family and the idea that we’re a community who work to support each other.
8. Do you have any regrets about your time here?
I don’t think so- there are things I would’ve done differently, but I’ve got no major regrets.
9. What has been your proudest moment as principal?
The standout moment was meeting Her Majesty the Queen - but I’ve also loved seeing pupils develop and succeed, and finish school as the people we want them to be.
10. This is your last year at Dame Allan’s. What will you miss the most?
The people, without a shadow of a doubt. The routine will perhaps be quite nice to get out of, but I will miss interacting with students, and watching them grow and develop. THROUGH THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS, 22 primary school students from Years 5 and 6 participated in Dame Allan’s very own ‘Science Week’, focusing on a different branch of STEM every day to enthuse younger students about the possibilities in science and technology.
The week-long course invited students from several of Newcastle’s primary schools, engaging the group in everything from studying the physics behind colour and light, to building a ‘Battle Bug’ (and were even given the chance to learn some computer coding!)
The general consensus was the most enjoyable part of the week was the ‘Rocket Building competition’ which resulted in a victory for the students and disappointment for the Dame Allan’s Sixth Formers! FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS of our founder, Dame Eleanor Allen, charitable causes remain an integral part of the Dame Allan’s experience. At the beginning of the year, the Principal, Dr Hind, challenged every student to see what they could do to make a difference. This led to a greater variety of projects and increased responsibility. Students from across the schools raised £14,000 for a wide range of causes. Projects included: Year 11 girls raising £1,500 pounds to fund educational needs in South Africa; form groups in Years 10 and 11 performing a song of their choice to a paying audience; and Year 7 organising bake sales.
Work has already begun this academic year: the schools have signed up to the Loneliness Project, in which girls in Year 9 aim to write 30 ‘postcards of kindness’ every six weeks to help prevent elderly isolation.