10 things you'd like to know about...
The Tallis News team would like to introduce the first in a series of features entitled:
10 things you'd like to know about...
This first interview features Carolyn Roberts, our new Head.
Tallis News: What do you like most about Tallis?
Carolyn Roberts: Oooh the thing I like about Tallis is it’s really exciting. It’s also like a vision of the future because it’s all types of people from all types of backgrounds all living and working together and everyone seems really happy so the thing I like about Tallis is it’s a hopeful place!
TN: If you had any super power what would it be?
CR: *Laughs* I’d like to be able to eat everything I wanted and still stay fit and healthy!
TN: Who has influenced you the most and why?
CR: I haven’t got a clear answer for that one but I’ve worked with some remarkable people in my time and one head master I worked with twice. I moved from a school he worked at and he too moved. The thing he taught me as a head was that no matter what was going on in the school it’s important to always be humane and thoughtful and that stuck with me so it’s a guy called Richard and he influenced me!
TN: What’s the best decision you think you’ve ever made?
CR: I think it was deciding to come to London to go to university. That was fantastic for two reasons. Firstly it meant I fell in love with London and wanted to come back and I also met my husband on the first day of university. He wasn’t of course my husband at the time. That would have been just bizarre
TN: Where would you most like to be right now?
CR: I like being where my family are and we don’t often all get to be together so that’s nice – that was one of the reasons for moving to London to be with my children. I really like Edinburgh and I’ve only been to NYC for about 14hrs but I'm sure if I went more often it would be my favourite place.
TN: Where do you see yourself in 10 year’s time?
CR: In ten year’s time I’ll be 62 so I don’t know. I hope I’ll still be here! I don’t really have plan- a long-term plan. It really is quite un-nerving that now I’ve said I’ll be 62 in ten years time! I certainly expect to still be working
TN: What is your favourite subject?
Cr: Well I’m an R.E. teacher so I ought to say that but my favourite subject in school was always English and I read all the time so yes I would have to say English
TN: If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?
CR: I don’t know… short and fat? Wait, no, that’s two words! *laughs* Sensible! It’s really dull! Some people may think I’m pleasant, others ridiculous, but I think sensible!
TN: Where is your favourite place and why?
CR: I don’t know. I’m usually quite a happy and optimistic person so I’m happy wherever I am but I really like trains! Being on a train is always a source of happiness for me. Long distance and overnight trains. I love sleeping on trains. Really soothing.
TN: What personal qualities do you bring to Tallis?
CR: I guess experience. I’ve worked as Head of two other schools and sometimes it’s good to have someone completely new come and give opinions.
TN: Thanks for doing this. It’s been nice talking to you and getting to know you. Hope you enjoy your time at Tallis and hope you’re here for a long time!
CR: Thank you.