Caroline Nixon M.A. (Oxon.), M.Ed.

Principal

I joined Taunton School International in 1996, its first year, as an English and Business Studies teacher. Later I became Director of Studies, then Deputy Principal, and then Principal in 2003. It is a huge pleasure and a privilege for me to meet and guide so many students from all over the world.

I am very happy to help and advise all our students with their applications to their next school. I particularly enjoy hearing from past students who have left us to go on to so many different boarding schools all over the U.K. and who are now attending university as successful and confident young men and women.

I encourage all students to come and see me regularly so I can help them with any problems, whether academic or pastoral.

Adrian Hallworth B.Sc.(Hons.), PGCE (Maths), Dip. TEFL

Deputy Principal / Mathematics Teacher

I grew up in Stratford-Upon-Avon where I was fortunate enough to study for my A levels at Shakespeare’s old school. I was keen to go to university in the capital and so was extremely pleased to get a place at King’s College, London to study Geography. I graduated in 1991, after taking a gap year out to travel India, and then went on to take a PGCE in Mathematics at Nottingham University.

After a short stint teaching mathematics in a secondary school in Derbyshire, I decided to return to the Far East in search of work and over the years, I have taught in and/or visited several countries in the Far East, including Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand. I also spent three years working at a language school near Paris in France, teaching EFL, EAL and ESP, both to adults and children.

When I finally returned to England, I made Cambridgeshire my home, where, between September 1999 and June 2006, I was Academic Manager at King’s International Study Centre, Ely. In September 2006, I was delighted to take up the role of Deputy Principal at Taunton School International, where I continue my aim of seeking to get the best out of all students, no matter what their background, culture or ability.  I do not underestimate how fortunate I am to work with so many gifted and talented students from all over the world - their ability to adapt to a new culture and education system never ceases to amaze me.

Helen Collier B.A. (Hons.), Dip. Tourism Studies, TESOL, PGCE (French & PE)

Housemistress

I grew up near Guildford in the South of England and went to King Edward’s School Witley which had a very international mix of students. Yorkshire beckoned and I completed a degree in European Studies at Bradford University, spending one year in Montpellier (France) in order to gain fluency in French. Having graduated I worked for the summer teaching English in northern Spain and then went on to the University of Surrey to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Studies.

I fell into my first proper job marketing academic books to International Schools in Europe and thoroughly enjoyed the chance to travel and work in so many different countries. These experiences encouraged me to complete a TESOL qualification, followed by a PGCE at York University. Having really enjoyed teaching for four years in a large comprehensive school in West Yorkshire I then headed to Tanzania for two years and Kenya for six years, teaching in International Schools, and ending up as Deputy Head at Peponi School.

Since returning to the UK I have worked as Housemistress at Gordonstoun in Scotland and as Head of Sixth Form/Deputy Head Pastoral at Moreton Hall in Shropshire. I am now very much enjoying my time as Housemistress at Taunton School International.  The students are committed, enthusiastic, courteous, and the atmosphere is friendly and supportive.

Gareth Collier B.Sc. (Hons.) PGCE (Geography & PE)

International Marketing and Summer School Director

Having completed my degree at Dundee University I entered the world of work as a management trainer. My first experience of sales and marketing came through telesales and developed into a more strategic role whilst running a management training centre using the outdoors as a medium for learning. I enjoyed my work but I also enjoyed contributing to the whole business and being responsible for creating a quality product and making clients aware of its value. I came into contact with a wide range of people from many walks of life. However, I gained most fulfilment from facilitating change in young people. Their receptiveness to new ideas and desire to learn was infectious and fostered in me the desire to work full time with them and so I trained to become a teacher at Leeds University.  

As a teacher of geography, geology and PE I worked first in Yorkshire and then in Tanzania and Kenya. I found that teaching in an international context I was able to combine my enthusiasm for work with young people along with my marketing background and became heavily involved in the marketing and student recruitment programmes, performing the role of Deputy Headteacher and Marketing Manager.

Returning to the UK as a Director of Sport in Shropshire I was again able to use sport as a marketing tool within the schools’ programme. I am now enjoying the challenge of working as International Marketing and Summer School Director at Taunton School International where I am, once again able to combine many of my skills and interests into one post.

Graeme Morley M.Ed. (Bilingualism in Education) B.Sc. (Hons.), PGCE

Science Teacher

Originally Scottish, I moved to South Africa when I was eleven and spent all of my teenage years there, finishing my schooling and working as a mineral prospector in the Bushveld regions in the north of the country. I returned to the UK in my early twenties and read Microbiology at King's College London before moving back to Scotland.

I then worked in various Chromatography-related research and industrial areas before training as a Teacher in 1997. Since then I have taught Biology and Chemistry to A-level and all three sciences to GCSE in a range of State and Independent schools.

I teach Biology and Combined Science to Taunton School International students. I enjoy helping as many as possible to achieve their goals.  Working here is also a learning process for me and I have used my experiences to obtain a Masters degree from Birmingham University which helps me to tailor my teaching to the needs of our students.  

In my free time I enjoy any sporting or other activity that allows me to be outdoors and/or get my hands dirty.

Jill Phillips B.A. (Hons) PGCE CELTA

Head of English

I am originally from the west coast of Scotland and have lived in Somerset for ten years. I went to University in Kent and Bristol and although I have fairly recently enjoyed two years working in industry, it did not have the rewards of the classroom.

 

I have moved from the English department at Taunton Senior School to become Head of English here at Taunton School International. This is a stimulating and energetic environment to work in and the motivation of our students continues to impress me.

Jo Hall B.A (Hons.) Cert TEFL

Mathematics Teacher

Originally I am from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, but after taking my 'A' levels I moved to the University of Kent where I studied Law.  Following graduation, I enjoyed a couple of very memorable years in Japan teaching English as a foreign language to children and adults.  I then lived in London for a number of years working in the world of corporate finance and finally I returned to teaching -  this time Mathematics- in the beautiful South West of England.

I am so pleased to be a part of the friendly and committed team at Taunton School International, which is truly a unique school.  My aim now is to spread enthusiasm for my subject and to help enrich my students' experience of Maths here in Taunton and beyond.

Alison Budd B.A. (Hons.), Licentiate Diploma in TESOL, CELTA

English / Psychology Teacher

Originally from as far away from Taunton as you can get without leaving England, I grew up in Northumberland, the English county which borders Scotland.  I lived there until I went to university to study International Relations. This course gave me an interest in international affairs and, when I graduated, I decided to teach English in Portugal. While in Portugal, I taught all ages and soon decided that I preferred being in a classroom of more energetic, younger people. Since returning to the UK, I have always taught in international boarding schools.

My timetable at Taunton School International is divided equally between English and Psychology, subjects which both offer plenty of scope for discussion. I hope to be able to share my interest in these subjects and give students the skills and knowledge needed to move forward in their education.

Melanie Calvert B.Sc.(Hons.) Bological Sciences (Biophysics and Physiology), PGCE Secondary

Science Teacher / Examinations Officer

I began my teaching career more than twenty years ago after graduating from the University of East Anglia and completing my teacher training in Norwich.  Initially I taught all three sciences in a secondary school in Suffolk and then after a few years teaching in the Midlands moved to Somerset to take a post in a Community College in the county.  Ten years later, still committed to teaching Sciences, I found a new challenge teaching  students with English as a second language  at Taunton School International.  I have  now been teaching at TSI for several years and have also taken on the responsibility of Examinations Officer which has brought me into contact with all the students at TSI. Examinations are a stressful time for any student and particularly so for students who are unfamiliar with British methods and it is rewarding for me to assist students to get through this necessary process in the best way possible.  I continue to teach Sciences with enjoyment and look forward to many more years at TSI.

Victoria Griffiths B.A. (Hons.), PGCE (Geography)

Geography Teacher

I grew up and went to school in South London, where I took A-Levels in French, Spanish and Geography, before going to the University of Sussex to read Geography and French with European Studies.  This included a year as an ERASMUS student, studying at the Université des Sciences Sociales in Toulouse. I loved living in France and enjoyed studying with students from all over Europe. 

 

After University I stayed in Brighton, with its vibrant café culture and both the beautiful South Downs and the seaside right on my doorstep.  I completed my PGCE in Geography and took up a post in a comprehensive school just outside Brighton.  Whilst I was there, the school almost doubled in size, going from strength to strength and gaining Language College status.  It provided me with the chance to teach many subjects including RE, French, ICT and PSHE.

 

I love travel and have been to many European countries as well as spending a couple of months in Thailand and some time in Gambia, studying women’s garden co-operatives. I also enjoy walking, camping and gardening – anything that gets me out in the fresh air!  I really enjoy teaching at Taunton School International as the challenge of teaching geography to international students keeps the job fresh and exciting.

Justine Hallworth B.A. (Hons) Dip. TEFL

English Teacher

 

I come from the North-East of England and made my first move from home to London where I studied French and English literature at King’s College London.  After a short spell in the commercial world after college, I moved into teaching EFL, first in the UK and then abroad in Indonesia, Hong Kong and France, mainly teaching Business English and younger learners.  I returned to the UK to further my qualifications and settled in Cambridge, teaching English and Business Studies in an international independent school and enjoying 5 years as a Girls’ Boarding Housemistress.  Moving to the South-West, I am thrilled to be a part of the team at Taunton School International and enjoy contributing my experience and enthusiasm to the talented and dedicated teaching team.

 

There is nothing better than being at the heart of learning with young people who will go on to use their new-found skills to change and shape the face of the future. I feel very proud and privileged to once again be a part of this exciting and dynamic experience.

Claire Stock B.A. (Hons.) Physical Education QTS

P.E. / Girls' Game Teacher

I was born, raised and schooled in Taunton after my parents moved here from County Durham. I completed my GCSEs at Bishop Fox's Community School and then went on to study Physical Education, Biology, Geography and Psychology at A level at Richard Huish College. I had always wanted to be a PE teacher having been inspired by my own PE experience at school, orginally planning to go to university to read Sport and Exercise Science and then do a PGCE. However, I went to an interview at Brighton University and fell in love with the seaside and the course!

After 4 years of hard work I graduated from the Chelsea School of Sport and Education at Brighton University with a 2:2 in Physical Education with Qualified Teacher Status.  

My role at Taunton School International is as a GCSE PE teacher in charge of the girls sport curriclum. I bring exciting and new sporting activities to the students and I hope that they enjoy the variety on offer. I appreciate the challenge of teaching international students but I also enjoy the pastoral duties attached to the post.

My interests and hobbies include Swimming, Hockey, Trampolining, Scuba Diving, Outdoor and Adventurous Activties and anything else that doesn't involve staying still!

Ben Horbury B.Sc. (Hons.), Dip. TEFL

English Teacher

Fenella Perriman B.Sc.(Hons) PGCE

Mathematics & Accounting Teacher

I grew up in South Africa and went to school in Johannesburg.  After finishing school  I worked and travelled in Southern Africa for two years before attending Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

After graduating I continued my travelling in Britain, France and Germany, but fell in love with England.  I settled in Somerset where I started a family and gained a maths and statistics degree along with my teaching qualifications.

Darren Jones, B.Sc. (Hons.), PGCE Economics, Business & ICT

Economics / ICT Teacher

At TSI I am responsible for teaching the International GCSE in Economics and International GCSE in Information Communication Studies.  I also work for the International Baccalaureate as an Examiner and Moderator on their Higher Level Business and Management exams.

 

In my working life I take a pride in helping students to gain the best possible results by carefully planning and resourcing the courses I teach whilst utilising my examiner skills to give my students the best advantage. I thoroughly enjoy my teaching and the students at TSI are the best young people I have ever worked with.

 

In my personal life, I try to balance my time between being a father of three young girls and progressing my music skills in Piano and Saxophone.  My other interests include maintaining and riding an old BMW motorcycle and eating good food!  However, I try not to do these last two things at the same time! It gets messy!

Aurelie Lossouarn B.A. (Hons.), PGCE (Modern Foreign Languages)

English / French / Leisure and Tourism Teacher

I was born , raised and educated in France. After my Baccalaureate I chose to study English at the University of Nantes with the aim of becoming an EAL teacher. I gained experience in several secondary schools in Cornwall and Hampshire. As part of my degree, I spent a year in  the UK as a Modern Foreign Languages and Learning Support Assistant in a secondary school in Taunton. I then returned to France to enroll in a Masters Degree in English and finally came back to Britain to complete a PGCE in MFL and graduated from Exeter University in July 2004. I then worked for four years in a secondary school in Taunton, where I taught French, Spanish and Leisure and Tourism.

 

I am delighted to be a part of Taunton School International and look forward every day to my time teaching and as a tutor.

John Nixon B.Sc. (Hons.), PGCE.

Business Studies Teacher

I qualified in Economics and Business Administration from Bath University in 1973 and went into marketing in the Rank Organisation. I remained in the industrial / commercial sector in various roles until 1989 when I started teaching A’ Level Economics at South Devon College in Torquay. At South Devon College I diversified into teaching GNVQ Business Studies and obtained the relevant D32/33 teacher qualification. Having decided that teaching was for me I took a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics at Exeter University in 1995/96.

After qualifying I started teaching Mathematics in mainstream state comprehensive schools (including being a SATS3 examiner) until 2001 when I joined Taunton School International to teach Mathematics and Business Studies. I enjoy the challenge of always looking for, and trying to develop, new ways to teach academic subjects to students with limited English and differing cultural backgrounds.

Linda Searle B.A. (Hons.)

Art Teacher

I have been fortunate in my career to have had two important directions. I believe that to be an inspirational and effective teacher of Art, being actively and personally engaged in the creative process is essential.

Graduating from Goldsmiths College, I remained in London employed in the Animation Film Industry, before moving to the North East of England to run my own studio producing Animated ‘Shorts’ for the BBC. Since living in the South West I have worked as an artist on several children’s animated television series. I have my own film production company and have completed the production of my third short, live action film.

Alongside my career as a freelance animator and film maker, I have held art posts at secondary level and taught Primary, Further Education and Special Needs children.

I am committed to sharing my experience as a professional artist with the children that I teach, to inspire and generate enthusiasm to develop their own creativity and individuality within the broad spectrum of Art.

Martin Tredwell

Prep Co-ordinator / Boys' Games Teacher

I work at Taunton School International as Prep Co-ordinator and Boy's Games Teacher. I started working at Taunton School International shortly after it opened, after serving 24 years in the Army.

Whilst in the Army I developed a passion for outdoor pursuits and over a period of 17 years I gained caving, canoeing, climbing and abseiling qualifications. I also have the Summer Mountain Leadership Certificate, Mountain First Aider and Life Saver certificates. I use my experience and qualifications to the full as I take groups of Taunton School International students away on camping expedition weekends, usually to Snowdonia.

I enjoy my job at Taunton School International because I am working with students from many different countries, helping them to keep fit. I am also able to give them the opportunity to try outdoor activities they would not otherwise have the chance to do.

Since I have been at Taunton School International, I have gained my Level 1 rugby coach and Level 1 hockey umpires qualifications as well as my Level 2 NVQ Fitness instructor.   and enjoy introducing international students to all of the sports that they can expect to find in a typical British Boarding School. This helps them gain the confidence to play and compete with their peers from the UK.

Daniel House B.Sc. (Hons)

Assistant House Parent

I was born and raised in Warminster, Wiltshire.  After studying for my degree in South Wales, where I studied sports coaching and development, I decided to look for an active role in coaching sport.  Sport is one of my main passions in life, whether playing, coaching or being a spectator, with football and cricket considered as my main sports.

Through various work experience and work placements during my university life, I began to believe that my vocation was in teaching and working with children.  Within Taunton School International I am living in the boys' house, helping them to settle into the new boarding routine and hopefully helping them to achieve the best out of their short but significant year in the house.

I am thoroughly enjoying being a part of the pastoral staff here at Taunton School International and am looking forward to what the rest of the year has to offer.

 

Abigail Schultz B.A. (Hons) Cantab

Graduate Residential Assistant

I grew up in rural Oxfordshire and studied for A Levels in Geography, Religious Studies and Maths at Oxford High School.  I graduated in 2011 from Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge where I achieved a BA Honours in Archaelogy and Anthropology choosing to specialise in Social Anthropology.  For my dissertation research I spent the summer of 2010 completing an internship at a grassroots NGO in Himalayan India, looking at the effects of womens' cooperatives on female empowerment.

I am looking forward to my coming year at TSI, especially the opportunity to be amongst students from such varied cultures.  Living in the girls boarding house will provide the opportunity to offer pastoral support and the exposure to the teaching profession will be invaluable for a PGCE.

Sophie Leach B.Sc. (Hons)

Graduate Residential Assistant

I was raised and attended school in Tavistock, Devon where I studied A Levels in Psychology, English Literature and French.  From there I went on to study a degree in Psychology with Education in South Wales where I carried out a research dissertation in to whether reward or punishment based motivation is more effective.

I was also privileged enough to carry out a variety of work experience placements in a range of school settings.  It was these experiences that led me to think about teaching as a career, and I am excited about the prospect of my year at TSI.  So far I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the boarding house alongside the pastoral team and I am excited abou the prospect of the coming year.

 

Samuel Mason B.A. (Hons)

Graduate Residential Assistant

I grew up in Cornwall in the South West of England and am content to once again base myself in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

I am very much at home in an outdoor environment, pursuing interests in camping, skiing and surfing.

I am extremely enthused by the prospect of making my acquaintance with the students.

 

Michele Goodall

Housekeeper

I lived in Hampshire for 20 years and worked in elderly care, before moving to Somerset in 2004 with my family.   In my free time I enjoy gardening, reading and walking my two dogs which keeps me fit.

I started working for Taunton School International this summer and have a good team working with me.

Sandra Huggett

Assistant Housekeeper

I am  born and bred in Taunton and have enjoyed many happy years working in the area. I went to school at Bishop Fox’s when it was a girls’ school. I have worked at our family manufacturing business for over 25 years and have very much enjoyed the challenges that this has presented. However, I also enjoy the working with young people and the opportunity to do this arose in 2006 when I started work at Taunton School International. This allows me the chance to further my personnel experience in a vibrant and dynamic school.

The young international students are a pleasure to work with and their respectful nature is something which makes the job a joy. My colleagues are likewise very supportive and the environment at Taunton School International is a very special one.

In my relaxation time I am a keen gardener and take pleasure from making my home environment a special place for me and my family.

Gill Robb

Admissions Administrator

My career started in London where I worked for three years in the City of London before joining the Women's Royal Naval Service in 1974. During my time in the Navy I worked in Plymouth and Fareham in the UK and in Hong Kong. After my marriage I returned to Hong Kong where I lived for over 20 years before returning to the UK in 1997.

Whilst in Hong Kong I worked for a number of large organisations including being Office Manager for JRP (who were involved in the building of the new Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Headquarters), Johnson Stokes & Master (a Hong Kong based law firm), Sarah Beattie Secretarial College where I taught Typing and Business English, Swire Insurance and as the Marketing and Business Development Manager of Denton Hall, a UK law firm.

I joined Taunton School International in June 1997.