Originally from a small town in Northumberland, England, Kirsty attended a state comprehensive school then went on to graduate from Oxford University with a BA and MA in Biochemistry. Kirsty taught biology and chemistry to A level and GCSE in London in top state schools and an independent sixth form college before coming to Spain in 2005. She has QTS, NQT and 25 years experience of teaching science from year 7 to year 13. On top of this Kirsty has over 20 years experience of advising students’ on UK university applications via UCAS. She feels that the key to a successful application is matching a student’s talents, as well as wishes, to the right course. She has helped students gain places at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and many more, covering a whole range of courses including Medicine, Engineering, Business Management and International Relations. So we thought we would ask her a few more questions…
How did you get into teaching?
I actually always wanted to be a researcher, but in the last year of my degree I was part of a research team for a few months, and it was so cutthroat it put me off! A friend asked me what I’d enjoyed most about university, and I realised it was coaching rowing teams. I decided to give teaching a try…. That was 1992!
Tell us a little about your time as a teacher?
I’ve worked in state schools and private schools in the UK and in Spain. I have been Head of Science, Head of Year, Head of Sixth form and UCAS Director
What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?
Being in the classroom with the students. Every lesson someone comes out with something – a question or comment, that I’ve never heard before, and I learn something new form every class.
What do you enjoy most about Phoenix College?
The students are wonderful, and my colleagues are not only fantastic professionals and the best teachers in the world – they’re great fun too.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Live within your means” – my Dad
If you could have dinner with two famous people (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?
David Attenborough – one of my heroes and the best champion for Nature we could have.
Elizabeth I of England, whose survival to ascend the throne was little short of miraculous and who went on to navigate all manner of potential disasters, I might have to learn 16th century English, however!
Three words that best describe you:
Tenacious – once I decide on a course of action, that’s that. Generous, sometimes a bit too much, and fiery, ditto!
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