New Staff

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.

Colleague questions we all need answers to

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? SARAH COLDREY

Pastoral Assistant

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 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. ALEX COLLARD

Teacher of DT, Deputy HoH Crossing

What were you doing this time last year?

I was working at Axe Valley Academy in Axminster.

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.

MARK CONNOLLY

Teacher of Politics and History

What were you doing this time last year?

Living and working in London and plotting my escape from the ‘Big Smoke’.

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of?

I like a range of new and old music – David Bowie, The Beatles, Oasis. My current earworm is ‘Save Your Tears’ by The Weeknd.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Racket sports, swimming, hiking, golf. I’ve also been trying to get into kite surfing over the last few years, but I managed to break my leg in Portugal when I crashed onto the beach.

What is your signature dish?

My Spanish omelette is always a go-to option, though I was disappointed to discover that Tesco now sell a pre-made version that tastes better than mine.

What is the highlight of the school year for you?

I’ve always enjoyed the last few weeks of the summer term as it is normally a time to reflect on all of the successes and memorable moments from that school year. GCSE and A Level results days can involve a mix of emotions, but seeing happy students who’ve achieved the grades they were hoping for is also a real highlight.

If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why?

I’ve always enjoyed reading about Victorian East London so I would go there. I’d probably take a bodyguard as it wasn’t the safest place to be at that time. MATT DAVIES

Assistant Director of Music

What were you doing this

time last year? ) I was living in Bristol and working at a boarding school in Gloucestershire, spending too much time running and not enough time sleeping.

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of?

That’s a really difficult question for a music teacher, and it really depends on what I’m doing. Looking at Spotify, the last things I listened to were a collection of 80s power ballads, Dusty Springfield, Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ and the Chicago musical soundtrack.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

During lockdown I got into running, and I try to do at least 10-15 miles a day. Other than that, I practise piano and double bass, and am currently renovating my new house.

What is your signature dish?

My favourite things to cook are curries, like Achari Kaddu or Palak Dahl but, if I’m honest, my favourite thing to eat would be beans on toast!

What is your pet hate?

People not showing kindness and respect for one another. That, and misused apostrophes!

What is the highlight of the school year for you?

For me it has to be the end of autumn term, with all the concerts, carol services and preparations for Christmas.

If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why?

The Victorian period, to see what life was like in the period which shaped so much of what is familiar to us today. There are certainly days when I think it would be great to experience a time without IT, smartphones, email and social media! DAVID GIBSON

Director of Sport

What were you doing this time last year?

Working at Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire. Probably planning my next trip to Devon to visit family but dreaming of a sunshine holiday after lockdown.

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of?

Oasis but spend more time listening to the Frozen soundtrack in my house. Favourite album is Paul Simon’s Graceland.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my wonderful family which normally involved dancing/gymnastics with a 4-year-old and a game or two of monopoly deal with an 8-year-old.

What is your signature dish?

Friday night homemade pizzas!

What is your pet hate?

People giving up too easily.

What is the highlight of the school year for you?

The first sporting fixtures of the new academic year.

Where would you most like to live and why?

I should probably say Devon as I have just moved here but I think I would be equally happy living on a tropical island (perhaps one of the Fijian or Caribbean Islands); as long as there was some sport to watch!

If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why?

Ancient Rome. MIKE GLANVILLE

Teacher of Maths, Deputy HoH Daw

What were you doing this time last year?

Chalking off the number of days left in the year – I set myself the ambitious target of completing a 5km or some form of CV every day in 2020 (run/swim/row/paddle board). I succeeded, but I was looking forward to 31 December.

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of?

I will happily listen to anything, however, at heart I am a rocker – the heavier the better. Metallica – Enter Sandman never gets old to me and I always have to turn it up to 11.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

If I’m not in/on the water, or walking my dog, Inca, you’ll probably find me throwing a barbell around in a CrossFit Gym.

What is your signature dish?

Nachos! Or Enchiladas… in fact, any Mexican food. Ok, now I am hungry.

What is your pet hate?

Ingratitude.

What is the highlight of the school year for you?

The last week before we break up for Christmas; everything is buzzing but above all, people are generous and happy.

Where would you most like to live and why?

Exmouth in Australia… it’s a lot warmer than the Exmouth I currently live in and the Ningaloo reef is breathtakingly beautiful.

If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why?

The early Middle ages when the Vikings came to the British Isles. Mainly to see if I could blend in with the bearded visitors from the north.

SEAN HEALY

Teacher of English

What were you doing this time last year?

Trying to find somewhere to live in Exeter and closely following the build up to the US presidential election.

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of?

Rock, soul, RnB, classical and especially jazz. ‘Worried about you’ by The Rolling Stones and ‘The Mighty Quinn’ by Bob Dylan.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading books (literary fiction, biography, and history usually), playing tennis, walking, and exploring Devon and Cornwall, going to the theatre, and eating out.

What is your signature dish?

Stir fry.

What is your pet hate?

Lateness.

What is the highlight of the school year for you?

8 March (when onsite teaching returned) was a great day because I finally got to meet my classes in person. It was also my birthday, so this was a timely present. Also, the first meeting of the Literary Society where I got to discuss ‘The Great Gatsby’ with Middle Fifth pupils.

Where would you most like to live and why?

St Ives – the scenery and the art are both so picturesque.

If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why?

The 1920s, to experience ‘the Jazz Age’ in person. Or Victorian London to experience the vivacious and iconic setting of so many great novels. MONETTE MONTAGU

Teacher of Biology

What were you doing this time last year?

I was watching my house get torn apart... We had just started a big renovation project which involved the demolition and digging of foundations for an extension. The end result is fantastic and so worth the dust and dirt!

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of?

It is a very eclectic mix that floats my boat. I never get tired of the Blower’s Daughter by Damien Rice.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like to keep active and play tennis, do yoga, HIIT, swimming, cycling and even some running. As a family we love exploring the beautiful west country with our two young dogs, building bonfires and growing veg!

What is your signature dish?

A cocktail of gin, prosecco, soda and elderflower, with some limes and mint. Does that count? I mean, the mint comes from the garden and the elderflower cordial is homemade?

What is your pet hate?

Unmatched socks. There seem to be hundreds in our house!

What is the highlight of the school year for you?

Carol services.

Where would you most like to live and why?

Most of the stunning places that Microsoft feature on my lock screen, although only for a short while as the green hills of Devon would pull me back.

If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why?

The 1920s. To meet the people that built our house and find out who they built it for. PHILIP O’CONNOR

Teacher of Chemistry

What were you doing this time last year?

Teaching chemistry in Canterbury, Kent

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of?

Country and folk, but in particular John Prine – I Have Met My Love Today – The Tree of Forgiveness. It reminds me of good times, the loves of my life and family.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Riding vintage British motorbikes and walking my dog to pubs in order to sample real ales.

What is your signature dish?

Slow-cooked braising steak chilli.

What is your pet hate?

Not putting lids on jam jars properly.

What is the highlight of the school year for you?

The start of the academic year: having that fresh, ‘out of the box’ feeling with my classes.

Where would you most like to live and why?

Having moved from Kent to Devon, I feel that I’m already living the dream.

If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why?

It depends if it’s a one way ticket, but it would probably have to be to visit Stadium Australia, Sydney on 22 November 2003 and watch England win the Rugby World Cup. JAMIE WILKINS

Accounts Assistant

What were you doing this time last year?

I had just started at Exeter School, which was my third job of the year due to Covid! Also, my wife and I bought and moved into our first house!

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have a song you will never get tired of?

I’ll listen to just about anything, but various types of rock are what I will listen to most! I think I could listen to just about any Linkin Park song and not get tired of it!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In the Covid world, binge watching TV series with my wife. Pre-Covid, binge watching TV series with my wife. I also love films, video games, board games and tabletop RPGs, reading, rock climbing and cycling!

What is your signature dish?

Paella. Anything that only uses one pan is a win for me! We have an outdoor Paella burner and pan, so I enjoy getting that out when it’s sunny and cooking outside!

What is your pet hate?

Having to physically go shopping. Amazon Prime and Tesco groceries are my saviour!

What is the highlight of the school year for you?

Finally getting to have the onion bhaji in a bap… Ann has gone on about how great it is since the day I started. It did not disappoint.

Where would you most like to live and why?

New Zealand. It’s Middle Earth without the risk of being slaughtered by Orcs.

If you had a time machine, what period of time would you travel to and why?

Somewhere in the distant future. We have a pretty good understanding of our past, so to see where we go would be really interesting.