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When it comes to planning his classes, this head of English at elite private girls' school Roedean is inspired by his atmospheric Gothic surroundings - and by the institution's can-do culture
My working day begins in the chapel, singing Jerusalem. It is the start of term and, once we have finished, all the staff line up in the corridors for the traditional handshaking, where the girls and teachers greet one other. It is a wonderful opportunity to make each other's acquaintance.
I am the newly appointed faculty lead for English and master teacher here at Roedean School in East Sussex, and I am fascinated by this place. This year I am teaching the Gothic unit of A-level English literature and I will be using the school's atmospheric setting to inspire the girls.
I am often reminded of Catherine Morland, the heroine in Jane Austen's Gothic parody Northanger Abbey, when I look at the building,...