Northgate News Interview – Miss Woodier
Pera, Year 8, is part of our Northgate News Team. She decided to interview Miss Woodier who teaches English and a little bit of Drama and Citizenship. She also runs a creative writing club and works with some super talented writers. Here’s what she had to say in response to Pera’s questions:
What made you want to become a teacher?
I was inspired by my English teacher when I was at school. I was a very shy student, and they helped me find my voice and gain confidence through reading and writing.
What’s your favourite book or text to teach, and why?
My favourite text to teach is Boys Don’t Cry because it really resonates with students. It’s an emotional and powerful story and everyone connects with it in different ways. It often leads to some of the most meaningful lessons.
What was your favourite subject at school?
English was my favourite subject at school because I loved reading and writing. I enjoyed exploring different stories and expressing my ideas creatively, which made lessons something I always looked forward to.
Did you always enjoy English when you were a student?
I always have enjoyed English but I had other favourites too.
What advice would you give to students preparing for exams?
Start revising early so you don’t feel overwhelmed, and try to stay calm. Doing a little revision regularly and looking after yourself makes a big difference.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy bouldering – which is climbing without the harness, spending time with my friends, making really strange jam, and reading lots of books. I like having a mix of active hobbies and relaxing ones
If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you’d be doing?
If I wasn’t a teacher, I think I would be a nurse because I enjoy helping people and making a positive difference in their lives. I worked in healthcare alongside studying at university so the field is familiar.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you?
I have four cats and they are all named after Pokemon.
We noticed you like dressing up, for example for the spelling bee and for open evenings. What is the most random costume you have ever worn?
The most random costume I’ve ever worn was Miss Trunchbull. It was definitely one of the scariest costumes, but also one of the most fun to dress up as.
Describe Northgate in 3 words.
Inclusive
Creative
Supportive
Quick Fire Questions:
Books or movies? Books
Writing a story or reading? Writing a story
Who is your favourite author? Stephanie Garber is the author I would recommend to students.
Home cooked meal or takeaway? Home cooked
Spring or Autumn? Spring
Vacation or staycation? Vacation
Chocolate or crisps? Chocolate
Giving presents or receiving presents? Giving
Poetry or creative writing? Creative writing
Xander is part of the Creative Writing group that Miss Woodier works with on a Monday after school. He then asked her a few questions about the group:
What do you like about the creative writing club?
I really enjoy seeing the differing skills between the students, as everyone brings their own strengths and ideas to the group. I love teaching new writing skills and techniques, and sharing my passion for writing while watching students grow in confidence and creativity.
What’s your favourite competition?
My favourite competition has been the Halloween stories. The students really love the horror genre, so there was a lot of enthusiasm and creativity, which made it a particularly strong and exciting competition.
What’s your favourite fairytale?
My favourite fairytale is Little Red Riding Hood because of its dark themes and the many different ways the story can be interpreted and retold.
What poem do you like the most?
One of my favourite poems is within a collection of code poetry by Daniel Holden and Chriss Kerr because it blends creativity with structure in an interesting and unexpected way. You can read the poem and see what is formed when entered into JavaScript.
What three words would you use to describe the school creative writing group?
Motivational, imaginative, inspiring.
Below you can scroll through some recent poems written by our Creative Writing Club as part of Children’s Mental Health Week.
Miss Thomas mainly teaches at Dereham Sixth Form, teaching Sociology, Psychology and Law, however this year she is also teaching Citizenship to a number of Year 7 groups. Jacob B, Year 7, who is part of the Northgate News Team decided to find out a bit more about Miss Thomas. Here’s what she had to say in response to his questions:
Thomas, Year 8, is part of the Northgate News Team. He decided to interview Mr Collyer from the Maths Department. Mr Collyer joined Northgate in September 2024 and recently organised the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. Here’s what he had to say in response to Thomas’ questions.
When did you first join the Air Cadets, and what made you want to sign up?
Do you have any future goals within the Air Cadets?