Breaktime with Mrs Cheater

We caught up with Junior School class teacher Mrs. Cheater to learn more about her, what she has enjoyed most during her first year with us and what she's looking forward to next academic year.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself...

I moved to Bristol from London 13 years ago with my husband and two children who are both now at secondary school. We have two cats who I absolutely adore even though they are quite naughty! My family and I love all kinds of sport. I love skiing and going sailing in particular but I also really enjoy watching cricket, rugby and tennis.

I enjoy gardening and have a raised bed in my garden where I grow lettuces, runner beans and tomatoes. This year, I have run a gardening club during lunchtimes at school. We have grown all sorts of things, including garlic which we used to make garlic bread! I also love to bake and decorate cakes which I do with my daughter.

My favourite subjects are history, geography and art. I love learning about the past and about places in the world. We have a wonderful art teacher at the Juniors but I am lucky enough to teach art to some classes!

I also enjoy reading and listening to audiobooks. I’m currently reading The Thursday Murder Club and my favourite children’s book series is the Charlie Bone series.

2. What made you want to become a teacher?

I love seeing children crack something that they’ve been finding tricky. It is an amazing moment when I know I have explained something that has helped a child to understand and enjoy their learning! Every day is different and there is always someone in my class that makes me smile or teaches me something new too!

3. What has been the best thing about being part of the Redmaids’ High community so far?

Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. It is like being part of a big family. Staff, children and parents all work together. I really enjoy all of the extra-curricular opportunities in the timetable as well. All the staff are so talented and passionate about what they do. I feel so lucky to part of the team.

4. With your first year almost complete, tell us about one of the highlights from your first year.

Years 3 and 4 take part in a Creative Arts workshop where the girls are given a theme or an outline of a story and then work in their House teams to create a drama production for parents. It was absolutely incredible to see how the girls created little performances from scratch using their own ideas. The performance given to parents was so impressive because it had all been put together by the girls!

5. What are your upcoming summer holiday plans? 

I am going to Croatia with my family for two weeks. I cannot wait to go snorkelling in the clear blue sea!

6. What are you most looking forward to next academic year?

I am really looking forward to next academic year. It will be exciting to teach some new topics and we are using a new English scheme which includes some of my favourite books. It will also be very nice to know the girls across the school better than I did when I started this year!

7. Finally, do you have a message for new pupils who will be joining next September?

When you join remember to be yourself. Take every opportunity you can and keep an open mind. Try new things and don’t worry if it doesn’t quite work out. There are so many kind and supportive girls and staff that will be there to help you!

To find out more about the Junior School, join us at one of our visiting events in the Autumn Term.