Recollection of KLASS and Me

An interview with Deirdre Whittington

Assistant Head of Mathematics Secondary Campus, Equine Park

Tell us about yourself and what you teach at Alice Smith?

I graduated as an Electrical Engineer from Aberdeen University and worked for an offshore contractor before joining the Central Electricity Generating Board in England, where I worked on the design of nuclear power stations. I decided to change career and taught myself to programme in “C+”. I was recruited to work in a UK government establishment to “Q” section (seriously!). For followers of James Bond – you’ll get the reference! I am still covered by the Official Secrets Act.

My third career was as a mother of two (both who attended KLASS for their Senior School years.) Teaching Maths was my fourth career.

How long have you taught in Alice Smith?

Technically, I started teaching in September 2006 but enjoyed being a class helper in 2005.

What inspired you to teach and choose Alice Smith?

A series of “coincidences” led me to become a teacher (if you really want to know you will have to ask me when you’ve got plenty of time to spare!) and initially I was going to train as a Junior school teacher. I chose to teach at KLASS because my kids were there and I applied as a cover teacher initially.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

I remember watching the moon landing on a black and white TV.

If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead?

First of all I would be hugely surprised as I don’t think I’ve ever bought a lottery ticket – the odds are too high against winning! However, my husband says that if I won the lottery, I could travel around the world as his golf caddy! Probably another reason why not to buy a lottery ticket!

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

The students – there’s always at least one who makes me laugh.

What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed for class?

I’m usually in the swimming pool about 6am to do 1km backstroke, because I can’t do front crawl. My husband calls it assisted drifting. It doesn’t exactly jazz me for class but I get at least 50 minutes of peace with my thoughts as I look into the night sky and pray for the day.

In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day?

Why? It would have to be in Madame Wong’s class as I would like to practise my French, as she comes into my class to practise Maths and the kids love it!

What current trends (among students) are baffling to you? And why?

I never quite understood “dabbing”, and I was convinced it would die a death quickly but students seemed loath to stop doing it!

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

If you want to be happy, do something that you are both good and passionate about, otherwise you will dislike Sunday evenings!