Members of our Northgate News Team have decided to find out a bit more about staff at Northgate. Emma, Year 10, met with Mrs Harris, Head of Drama and Dance, for a quick chat. Mrs Harris joined Northgate at Easter. Here’s what she had to say.
Where were you born?
I was born in Essex but my mum is Italian.
Were you always interested in drama and dance?
Yes, I took drama GCSE when I was at school and had dance lessons since I was young. I completed a degree which combined directing and dance and have always wanted to teach.
Did you always want to be a teacher?
Yes. I only wanted to be a teacher as far as professions go!
Where have you taught previously?
I’ve previously taught at Neatherd High School for 10 years and Downham Market Academy for 4 and a half years, and now at Northgate.
What is your favourite class?
I love teaching all of them but I particularly enjoy teaching Year 10 drama or dance, I think.
What is your favourite style of dance?
I would have to say contemporary dance. I run a competition team called Obsidian, made up of 12 – 24 year olds. They competed regularly before covid and we are taking part in a competition in Liverpool in October.
Have you been abroad?
Yes, I lived in Rome for a year, working at the Colosseum. I even saw celebrities such as Tom Hanks, The Rock and Ellen DeGeneres when they visited! I used to give tours to English speaking people.
Do you have any children?
Yes, I have a 3-year-old daughter – she is the embodiment of a dancer, and a 14 month old son – he is cheeky and a little clumsy!
What is your favourite fruit?
I have an obsession with satsumas at the moment, however it used to be bananas!
What does your husband do?
My husband is an ex-England badminton player. He trains and coaches juniors for the England team in London.
A big thank you to Emma and Mrs Harris for doing this interview – it is always nice to find out a bit more about our Northgate staff. If anyone is interested in joining our Drama club, open to Year 7s and 8s on a Thursday after school, please speak to Mrs Harris or Mr Dungar to find out more.
