SPOTLIGHT – REBECCA GLENNY
As we go into half term, the Spotlight shines on KS2 Teacher & Head of Prep Maths, Rebecca Glenny, our Warminster 'homebird'.
Rebecca grew up in the beautiful North East of England, she spent 7 years at boarding school in York, and loved every minute! She moved to Bath for university where she studied Sociology. After graduation, she became assistant manager and quizmaster in the pub where she had worked through university. Whilst there, she decided she wanted to become a teacher. A part time job in a junior boarding house at Kingswood Prep led Rebecca down the teaching path and she was given the opportunity to become a teacher through the Graduate Teaching Programme. Since joining Warminster as Miss Hunter, she has become Mrs Glenny and now has two boys of her own at the Prep School: Jasper and Inigo. Three quarters of her family are obsessed with sport; she is the other quarter, but it has become a big part of her life over the last few years.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
13 years. (There are a couple of Year 8 pupils whom I can recall being born in my first year – they know who they are!)
What’s the best thing about your role?
All my lovely tutor groups; from the very first 3RH to the current 6RG and also directing school productions.
Describe a typical day?
A typical day at school is fun, busy and varied – the extras depend on the time of year. The structure of my day is constant though: Breakfast with the boys – a very important meal in our house. We then usually walk in together. Once the boys are sorted, I grab a cup of tea and a quick catch up with colleagues before heading to my classroom to start the day with my tutor group and then teach a combination of Maths, English and Drama to Year 5 and 6. I go back to being mummy when we walk home from school. The routine is different from day to day, but the highlight is always cosying up for our bedtime story before I get back on my laptop/planning to catch up on anything I’ve not managed to fit into the day and make sure I’m ready for the next.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
The energy, enthusiasm and encouragement that radiates throughout our community. There is a strong sense of community and participation culture at Warminster.
What would surprise us about you?
I have recently been made a Freeman of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
Hmmmm tricky one. I think I would really like to be in the Sixth Form. Unfortunately, I chose the wrong subjects at A level. I love the sound of the IB programme as I think it would have suited me or I would like to replace my Chemistry and Biology A levels with Art and French.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A G.P. an actress or writer/illustrator. In retrospect, I think the G.P. ambition was less a desire to practise medicine and more a desire to spend all day chatting to lots of different people.
What did your school reports say about you?
Enthusiastic, contributes well – must try to curb her talkative nature during work that requires concentration.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Do what you enjoy; not what you think everyone else is expecting of you.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
Let your life speak and trust that your children will learn by your example.
Biggest bugbear?
It is a tough call between: people who don’t pick up after their dogs or hearing the word pronunciation pronounced as pronounciation.
Favourite musician/group?
I have an eclectic taste in music inherited from my dad so it is hard to pick out a favourite: Folk; Hip Hop; Brit Pop; Dance; Grunge; Drum and Bass and some very cheesy tunes all feature on our ‘Kitchen Party Tunes Playlist.’ The artist who has crossed all these genres for me is Madonna. She has always been able to capture the zeitgeist.
Guilty pleasure?
Karaoke. Once I have started, I find it very hard to stop!
MasterChef signature dish?
Butternut squash, aubergine and red lentil sambhar served with homemade naan and coconut rice.
Favourite TV programme?
The Good Place and Dix Pourcent have been my favourite recent antidotes to the hard-hitting, gritty series we tend to have on the go. I really love Charlie and Lola too.
Last book you read?
An American Marriage – Tayari Jones (to myself). The Famous Five – Enid Blyton (to the boys).
Last movie watched?
Toy Story 4.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Drew Barrymore. At University I played Scout in Ben Elton’s Popcorn – so many random people told me I reminded them of her – there must be some similarity and I am happy to take it – I think she is great!
Favourite tipple?
Gin and tonic.
Favourite place/city in the world and why?
It may be a cliché but home is definitely, where the heart is and home is being with the people I love. Wherever that is.
Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter.
You can follow Mrs Glenny on @BeccaGlenny