N E W S TA F F Colleague questions we all need answers to
DANIEL AYLING
Head of The New School What were you doing this time last year? I was Deputy Headteacher at a specialist autism secondary school in Tiverton, where I also taught computing, so I was probably fixing someone’s laptop. What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of? I love a screechy 90s diva, Mariah being my chanteuse of choice. I also like musicals, opera and choral music. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy choral singing, running (if the weather is good) and long walks along the canal or a sandy beach with Ruffles, my bichon frisé. What is your signature dish? I can rustle up a decent fish pie for guests. What is your pet hate? Cooking! I’m also a very neat and tidy person, so can’t stand mess or clutter. What is the highlight of the school year for you? Without a doubt, the Christmas carol service; there’s nothing more magical than singing with others to get you in the festive spirit. Where would you most like to live and why? Having lived in London for ten years, I feel very lucky to have made the move to a Devon home with beautiful views of Exmoor. Why would you want to live anywhere else? If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why? I’m a big fan of Art Deco architecture so I’d go back to the 1920s and visit amazing buildings, which have since sadly been lost, in all their glory.
14 The Exonian 2021
BRYONY BUCKINGHAM
Junior School Teaching Assistant and Dance Teacher What were you doing this time last year? I was rehearsing for Phantom of the Opera where I was playing ‘Meg’. I was rehearsing in London, but the performances were in Guernsey – I loved every minute of it! What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of? I like all styles of music, so I tend to mix it up a bit. However, most of the time you can find me blasting out Mabel, Ariana Grande, Joel Corry and Fleetwood Mac. I also love 80s music so Whitney Houston and ABBA are another two of my favourites! What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I love playing netball, dancing and singing (of course) and spending time with my friends and family. What is your signature dish? Spaghetti Bolognese (vegetarian/ vegan version) – it’s a winner every time! What is the highlight of the school year for you? Choreographing and helping direct the Upper Two end of year play ‘The Tempest’. I had so much fun working with Miss Cox; we are a fantastic team and all the pupils worked very hard. I was so proud of them. Where would you most like to live and why? Anywhere that is hot and by the beach! I love being by the sea. I also really enjoyed my time out in Dubai on a performing contract for a few months, so maybe I will return one day?
SAR AH COLDREY
ALEX COLLARD
What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of? I like R&B, pop and drum and bass, whilst I will never get tired of Happy by Pharrell Williams.
What were you doing this time last year? I was working at Axe Valley Academy in Axminster.
Pastoral Assistant
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Socialising with friends, being pampered and going to the beach with my family. What is your signature dish? Tuna pasta. What is your pet hate? People not picking up their dog’s poo. What is the highlight of the school year for you? I haven’t been here for a year yet but I can imagine that the build up to Christmas is nice at Exeter School. Where would you most like to live and why? Kenya (I loved it there when I went to volunteer in an orphanage) or I would live in Canada where my best friend lives. If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why? The 1920s: I like the fashion and the music from that era.
Teacher of DT, Deputy HoH Crossing
What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of? I enjoy most types of music, depending on what I’m doing at the time. I don’t have one particular song, but I have always enjoyed Mumford and Sons albums, especially Sigh No More and Babel. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy spending time with my family. We currently enjoy all sorts of water activities from SUP to spending time on our boat. I also coach rowing and still enjoy the gym. What is your signature dish? Spaghetti Bolognaise. Nice and simple with plenty of fresh ingredients. What is your pet hate? Waiting or queuing when I’m in a rush! What is the highlight of the school year for you? Easter. All the DT exam projects are finished and I get a thrill of seeing the students feeling very proud of their achievements. Where would you most like to live and why? I would stay here in the South West, but with holiday homes in Wales and Greece. If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why? Tudor times. I have always been interested in this after studying the Tudors at school. I would love to visit many parts of the UK to see how people lived and worked.
