SPOTLIGHT – ELEANOR MEARS
The first Spotlight of the new academic year shines on Eleanor Mears, Head of English.
Eleanor was born in London and grew up on the Somerset Levels. She spent most of her childhood falling off horses and learning how to draw. She has a love of all things reading and writing, so decided to go into teaching (after realising becoming a vet wasn’t for her, see below…). Eleanor has been teaching English for nearly seven years and has loved every minute since starting at Warminster School.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
I’ve worked at Warminster School since January 2017.
What’s the best thing about your role?
The best thing about my role is that it never gets boring! I love working with people and I am privileged to have such a great team and such lovely pupils to teach.
Describe a typical day?
A typical day for me would start with a big mug of tea! I spend my day working with pupils both in lessons and in my tutor group. I also attend lots of meetings to ensure that everything in English is running smoothly.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
I think Warminster School is special because it is so welcoming and accepting of everyone. I’ve met many people who are warm, open and helpful at every turn.
What would surprise us about you?
My great, great, great grandfather (William Thomas) was a surgeon on the HMS Victory. His uncle saw action at Trafalgar and was signed on by Nelson. My family has hundreds of letters, documents and papers that trace my relatives back to the late 1500s. All these documents were taken from William’s surgeon’s chest that he kept onboard whilst sailing around the world.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
If I could, I would become a pupil for the day!
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was desperate to be a vet. I changed my mind after I fainted watching a rabbit being operated on…
What did your school reports say about you?
Art was my strongest subject at school – I go to painting and illustration classes now and my parents are both in the creative industry.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
“Comparison is the thief of joy”, (Theodore Roosevelt). My favourite quotation since I was a teenager.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
“Be not inhospitable to strangers, lest they be angels in disguise.” (Yeats)
Hidden ambitions still to achieve?
To publish my novel!
A favourite possession you would save from a fire?
A ring that my parents gave to me.
Biggest bugbear?
My three younger siblings and people who spell ‘definitely’ with an ‘a’…
Favourite musician/group?
I don’t have a favourite, but I love First Aid Kit and Alt-J.
Guilty pleasure?
French cheese!
MasterChef Signature dish?
Mussel Vongole.
Favourite TV programme?
Vikings.
Last book you read?
The Making of a Marchioness, by Francis Hodgson Burnett (she also wrote The Secret Garden).
Last movie watched?
Withnail & I.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
I’ll decide if that happens…
Favourite tipple?
Espresso Martini.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
My favourite place is a tiny village in Austria called Alpbach. It’s where I learned to ski with my family.
Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter!
Follow Miss Mears on @EnglishEffects