The Bridge caught up with the newest member of the DT department... MS WILKINSON What do you like most about HGS? Everyone is so friendly and down to earth. I was a little nervous at first moving to a new school, but I felt at ease from my first day. Now I feel like I’ve been here for years. I love my department. The staff are lovely and made me feel very welcome. The department is also well resourced which is a blessing. What is your favourite book? I can’t name one book which is my favourite. At school I loved Shakespeare. I had to read Romeo and Juliet for GCSE. My English teacher Mrs Jones was amazing. She had a way with words that made the books we read come to life. She arranged a trip to Birmingham Rep where we were fortunate to see the play which brought the book to life. We also read A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I can still remember quotes. As I’ve got older I enjoy reading books that discuss human psychology. I enjoy reading books on how the mind works. What are your hobbies? I don’t really have any hobbies; I currently don’t have the time, as I have an active two-year-old. I enjoy keeping fit. I work out most mornings before work and eat healthily most of the time. I also enjoy going to the cinema (massive Marvel fan). When the weather is great I enjoy going to the park or the beach. When I get the chance I love to travel. I feel privileged to have visited several countries, my favourite being Costa Rica. My favourite memories are visiting an active volcano and swimming in the hot springs, zip-wiring across the jungle (scared of heights) and attempting to surf. Do you have a claim to fame? None that I can think of. I’ve spotted the odd celebrity on my travels, but most people have. Frank Bruno came to my school once. Back in the 90s he was an ambassador for HP and HP had a factory five minutes away from my school. He popped into the school and signed autographs and took a couple of pictures. I remember him being tall and having an infectious laugh. Who was your favourite teacher when you were at school? I loved my English, DT and PE teachers. I found these teachers to be the most encouraging and human. Mrs Jones gave great advice and was like a mother figure; Ms Pickup was down to earth, the trendy young teacher; Ms Body encouraged my enthusiasm for sports. What was the naughtiest thing you did when you were at school? I was an angel. I can’t possibly tell you the naughtiest thing I did at school. What’s the funniest question you have been asked by a pupil? Do babies come out of your bottom? What is your motto for life? Don’t worry, about a thing, every little thing’s gonna be alright – Bob Marley – three little birds. Great song. INTERVIEW ENGLISH WRITING WORKSHOP Ten Year 7 students participated in an English Writing workshop with Aaron Jones, former Handsworth Grammar School student, on 26th February 2018. The students involved found the workshop engaging and particularly enjoyed writing creatively about random objects. There is a likelihood that their writing could be published in a creative writing magazine (fingers crossed!). We wish our students all the best in this project and would like to thank Aaron for delivering an engaging workshop. 49