Torquay Girls Grammar School

I started my career in Devon and am now Head of English and Media Studies at Torquay Girls' Grammar School, which has approximately 800 pupils aged 11-18. I teach across the age range. I am hoping, as a result of my visit to Cape Town, to create a unit of work for Key Stage 3 pupils focusing on poetry.

Impressions of Cape Town

South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation and I am left with a kaleidoscope of impressions: the energy and pulse of the music and drama workshop; Tatumkhulu Afrika reading "Nothing's Changed" in the desolation of District Six; the conference and warmth of the choirs of the Simon Estes Music High School; the wit and perspicacity of the Westerford students; the vastness of the townships; the face of Tatumkhulu appearing ghost-like in a plate glass window; Peter Clarke recalling being told to "watch the birdie"; Mike Cope appealing to this sentient being with "Everybody"; Ingrid de Kok defining the moment reading Cape Town Poems in a wind battered room; the children and staff of the Chris Hani Community School demonstrating "hope and optimism in spite of present difficulties".

All this and so much more.