Staff List

Principal: Mrs Caroline Nixon
Deputy Principal: Mr Adrian Hallworth
Vacation Course and Marketing Director: Mrs Helen Lami 
 
Academic Staff:
 
Alison Budd - English / Psychology Teacher
Melanie Calvert - Science Teacher / Exams' Coordinator
Lin Gao - Mandarin Teacher / Assistant House Tutor
Claire Haste - P.E. Teacher
Ben Horbury - House Tutor / English Teacher
Catrin Jones - Mathematics Teacher
Darren Jones - ICT Teacher
Clive Lee - House Tutor / English Teacher
Rebecca Mayer - English / French Teacher
Lesley McNeil - Senior House Tutor / English Teacher
Graeme Morley - Science Teacher / Head of Middle School
John Nixon - Business Studies Teacher
Helen Oakes - Head of English / Geography Teacher
Linda Searle - Art Teacher
Chriselda Shaw - Mathematics / ICT Teacher
Martin Tredwell - Prep Coordinator / Boys' Game Teacher

Graduate Residential Assistants

Ben House - Graduate Residential Assistant
Rehana Meeajan - Graduate Residential Assistant

Domestic Staff:

Jill Ashton - Housekeeper
Sandra Huggett - Assistant Housekeeper
Kasha Klejdysz - Domestic Assistant
Phil Newland - Domestic Assistant
Karen Trim - Domestic Assistant

Administrative Staff:

Sue Conchie - Administrator
Petra Kondrova - Vacation Course and Marketing Administrator
Gill Robb - Administrator

Caroline Nixon M.A. (Oxon.), M.Ed.

I joined TISC in 1996, its first year, as an English and Business Studies teacher.   Later I became Director of Studies, then Deputy Principal, and then Principal in 2003.   It is a huge pleasure and a privilege for me to meet and guide so many students from all over the world.  I am very happy to help and advise all our students with their applications to their next school.  I particularly enjoy hearing from past students who have left us to go on to so many different boarding schools all over the U.K. and who are now attending university as successful and confident young men and women.  I teach Personal, Social and Health Education to every class and this is a great way to get to know all our students.  I also teach Theory of Knowledge on the pre-IB course.   I encourage all students to come and see me regularly so I can help them with any problems, whether academic or pastoral. 

Adrian Hallworth B.Sc.(Hons), PGCE (Maths), Dip. TEFLA
Deputy Principal / Mathematics Teacher

I grew up in Stratford-Upon-Avon where I was fortunate enough to study for my A levels at Shakespeare’s old school.  I was keen to go to university in the capital and so was extremely pleased to get a place at King’s College, London to study Geography.  I graduated in 1991, after taking a gap year out to travel India, and then went on to take a PGCE in Mathematics at Nottingham University.

After a short stint teaching mathematics in a secondary school in Derbyshire, I decided to return to the Far East in search of work and over the years, I have taught in and/or visited several countries in the Far East, including Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand.  I also spent three years working at a language school near Paris in France, teaching EFL, EAL and ESP, both to adults and children.

When I finally returned to England, I made Cambridgeshire my home, where, between September 1999 and June 2006, I was Academic Manager at King’s International Study Centre, Ely. In September 2006, I was delighted to take up the role of Deputy Principal at TISC, where I continue my aim of seeking to get the best out of all students, no matter what their background, culture or ability.  I do not underestimate how fortunate I am to work with so many gifted and talented students from all over the world - their ability to adapt to a new culture and education system never ceases to amaze me. 

Helen J Lami
MEd in TEFL (Merit), Licentiate Diploma in TESOL and Cert in TESOL
Vacation Course & International Marketing Director
  
I originally come from Devon and my first career was working in the Insurance Industry where I enjoyed working with people. In 1994 I went to live in Albania and I was involved in voluntary and missionary work. This is where I became interested in teaching English as a second language. 

I taught English in Albania and one of my students there included the President’s daughter. I have also worked in language schools here in the UK and have been working for TISC since 2000. In May 2005 I became the Vacation Course Director and I have enjoyed running our vacation courses for the last couple of years, and seeing them grow.

 
My other role is International Marketing Director which means I travel a lot recruiting students for Taunton School, and also visiting Agents that we work with.

I enjoy my job very much and I like working in the international market. Having learnt a foreign language myself and having lived in a different culture I feel I have a good understanding of students who come to the UK to study.

Alison Budd BA (Hons), Licentiate Diploma in TESOL, CELTA
English / Psychology Teacher

Originally from Northumberland, I moved away to go to university and since then have lived in the UK and Portugal. I started teaching English as a Foreign Language in a language schools in Lisbon and gained experience teaching a very wide variety of levels and ages. Deciding that I most enjoyed working with young people, I returned to the UK when I was offered a post in an international boarding school in the south-east of England and then moved onto another school in the same area.

Since joining TISC, the majority of my teaching time has been spent teaching English, but I also teach GCSE Psychology and the Study Skills programme.

I am interested in the testing procedures of English language teaching and, because of this, have been involved in many of the University of Cambridge examinations for a number of years. I currently am an Examiner for IGCSE and IELTS, qualifications which students study for here. 

I enjoy working here and never tire of meeting students from a wide variety of countries.

Melanie Calvert B.Sc.(Hons) Bological Sciences (Biophysics and Physiology), PGCE Secondary

Lin Gao BEd. Chinese language and Literature MA. Management and Policy (Merit) and MEd. TEFL

Mandarin Teacher / Assistant House Tutor

I graduated from the South China Normal University, which is one of the famous teachers’ universities in China, as a qualified Mandarin teacher. I can communicate in three different languages to varying degrees of fluency: Mandarin, Cantonese and English. I have an in-depth understanding about Mandarin, its curriculum and my career. Extending my understanding of the British education system, I came to study in the UK and recently finished my MA degree in the University of Birmingham.

It is my first year teaching in TISC, I am keen to deliver Chinese culture to all our international students in a warm and activated environment.

Claire Haste BA (Hons) Physical Education QTS
P.E. Teacher

I was born, raised and schooled in Taunton after my parents moved here from County Durham. I completed my GCSE's at Bishop Fox's Community School and then when on to study Physical Education, Biology, Geography and Psychology at A level at Richard Huish College. I had always wanted to be a PE teacher having been inspired by my own PE at school but I had orginally planned to go to university to read Sport and Exercise Science and then do a PGCE year in PE but i went to a interview at Brighton University and fell in love with the seaside and the course!

After 4 years of hard work I have just graduated from the Chelsea School of Sport and Education in Brighton University with a 2:2 in Physical Education with Qualified Teacher Status.  

My role here at TISC is a new one as GCSE PE has never been taught before and I will be in charge of the girls sport curriclum. I hope to bring exciting and new sporting activities to the students that everyone can enjoy and I look forward to the challenge of teaching but also to the pastoral duties that this job will bring.

My interests and hobbies include Swimming, Hockey, Trampolining, Scuba Diving, Outdoor and Adventurous Activties and anything else that doesn't involve staying still!

 
Ben Horbury B.Sc., Trinity TESOL Certficate
House Tutor / English Teacher
 
Having spent the majority of my childhood near Reading and my university days just down the road in Southampton I decided it was time to broaden my horizons. After graduating with a 2.1 degree in Management Science I began preparing for my travels. This consisted of a year working as a Student Liasion Officer in a Sixth Form College, from where my desire to teach was born. That year enabled me to travel around Latin America for 9 months. An experience I found rewarding and enlightening. I returned to England eager to qualify as a EFL teacher. Last year TISC provided me with the opportunity to realise this whilst working within the boarding house. I have enjoyed the daily interaction with students and look forward to the challenges that teaching brings.

Catrin Jones B.Sc. (Hons), PGCE (Maths)
Mathematics Teacher

I originally come from Dundee in Scotland and after leaving school studied Maths and Computing at University in Aberdeen.  After completing University I worked in Malawi in Africa teaching Maths in a secondary school which I thoroughly enjoyed and gave me my first taste for teaching.  After returning to the United Kingdom I began a career in the Information Technology industry working for a company called "Logica" in both London and The Netherlands.  

I spent a couple of years working for "Logica" before I moved to work for an International Development Charity in Somerset.  This role gave me the opportunity to visit and work in a variety of different countries around the world. 

During my career I had always though about returning to teaching and in 2005 I decided to start the PGCE certificate to become a Maths teacher.  In 2007 I started at TISC where I enjoy teaching my subject and the cultural diversity at TISC makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Darren Jones, B.Sc.

Business Studies / ICT Teacher

I grew up in the midlands but finished my schooling in Taunton, Somerset. In my early career I trained as a Land Surveyor / Cartographer and worked on various Engineering placements throughout the UK.

I began my teaching career as an A level Business Studies teacher in a Further Education college. Since then I have taught on a variety of ICT and Business Studies programmes in Secondary education.

I am now the Head of ICT at TISC, teaching the GCSE and overseeing the Pre-GCSE courses.

My interest include all things technical (ICT of course), playing piano and outward bound activities like Mountainwalking and Mountainbiking.

Clive Lee MA (Oxon), LTCL Dip TESOL
House Tutor / English Teacher

My teaching experience comes from working in language schools, universities and the British council, in Hong Kong, Singapore and England. Much of that experience has been in supporting foreign students with academic English at pre-undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate level.

My other work has also been largely education or language-related. For four years, I trained communication skills for large public and private organisations with the British Council in Singapore. I have also worked with the  Oxford University Press editing school textbooks and I am an Assistant Examiner for the English paper of the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

  Rebecca Mayer B.A. Hons Modern Languages & International Studies, R.S.A. Diploma in TESOL (DTEFLA), TEFL Certified, Qualified Teacher Status
English / French Teacher

With 15 years of teaching experience, in countries as diverse as France, Poland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Spain, I have recently joined TISC to teach English French and hopefully Spanish.

I began my career as an EFL teacher, becoming a Director of Studies and then branching out to work as a teacher-trainer for The British Council in Madrid and the publishers Pearson Education (Spain). Here I trained both Primary and Secondary school teachers of English and have since also worked as a PGCE teaching mentor for trainee teachers in the UK.

My relationship with Pearson Education (Longman) led me to becoming an author and I have currently written six EFL books for Spanish secondary school students (translated into Italian), as well as being involved in the creation of two French books for secondary school students.

Prior to coming to TISC, I was the Deputy Head of English at a large secondary school in Somerset, teaching GCSE English Language and Literature.

I now have a baby daughter and consequently will be working part-time at TISC.

Lesley McNeil MEd TESOL (Merit), Trinity TESOL Certificate
Senior House Tutor / English Teacher

After spending most of my life in New Zealand, I decided to broaden my horizons by travelling around the world. I have a background in administration, advertising and accounting but I settled on a career in EFL due to my desire to meet people from different countries and to experience diverse cultures.

In New Zealand, I worked for a large language school primarily as an EFL Teacher teaching Academic English, but then progressed from Head Teacher to Assistant Director of Studies, which was a very challenging but rewarding role.

In 2003, I began working at TISC.  Time has passed very quickly, but they have all been extremely enjoyable and memorable years, as I live on campus with the students and am able to share in many unique moments with them.  As always, I am looking forward to another enjoyable year at TISC. 

Graeme Morley B.Sc., PGCE
Science and Geography Teacher

Originally Scottish, I moved to South Africa when I was eleven and spent all of my teenage years there, finishing my schooling and working as a mineral prospector in the Bushveld regions of the north of the country. I returned to the UK in my early twenties and read Microbiology at Kingís College London before moving back to Scotland.

I then worked in various Chromatography-related research and industrial areas before training as a Teacher in 1997. Since then I have taught Biology and Chemistry to A-level and all three sciences to GCSE in a range of State and Independent schools.

I teach Biology, Chemistry and Combined Science to GCSE and Geography to non-GCSE TISC students. I enjoy helping as many as possible to achieve their goals.

In my free time I enjoy any sporting or other activity that allows me to be outdoors and/or get my hands dirty.

John Nixon B.Sc., PGCE.
Business Studies Teacher

I qualified in Economics and Business Administration from Bath University in 1973 and went into marketing in the Rank Organisation. I remained in the industrial / commercial sector in various roles until 1989 when I started teaching A’ Level Economics at South Devon College in Torquay. At South Devon College I diversified into teaching GNVQ Business Studies and obtained the relevant D32/33 teacher qualification. Having decided that teaching was for me I took a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics at Exeter University in 1995/96. After qualifying I started teaching Mathematics in mainstream state comprehensive schools (including being a SATS3 examiner) until 2001 when I joined Taunton International Study Centre to teach Mathematics and Business Studies. I enjoy the challenge of always looking for, and trying to develop, new ways to teach academic subjects to students with limited English and differing cultural backgrounds.

  Helen Oakes B.Sc. (Hons.), PGCE, MA (distinction)
Head of English and Geography teacher

I spent much of my childhood in Chard, Somerset, where I went to School. I left to go to University in Aberystwyth and gained a BSc in Environmental Science. On my return I worked for the Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation as a Woodland Surveyor. This led to my getting a post with the Nature Conservancy Council in the same capacity. I worked for the NCC for two and a half years in various locations.

I then decided to train as a Science teacher. I completed my PGCE at St. Luke's in Exeter. While I was studying there, I shared a house with four foreign students and found helping them with their English was more rewarding than teaching science. I therefore decided to retrain as an EFL teacher and did my Cert. TEFL in London.

I worked at a Language School in Greece for three years, before deciding that I needed a further qualification. I returned to England and went to Essex University to do an MA in English Language Teaching. After completing this, I taught in the University's EFL Unit for one year.

I came to TISC in September 1997 and have found working here challenging and exciting. This year, in addition to English, I am teaching GCSE Geography, so returning to my first interest.

Linda Searle BA (Hons.)
Art Teacher

I have been fortunate in my career to have had two important directions. I believe that to be an inspirational and effective teacher of Art, being actively and personally engaged in the creative process is essential.

Graduating from Goldsmiths College, I remained in London employed in the Animation Film Industry, before moving to the North East to run my own studio producing Animated ‘Shorts’ for the BBC. Since living in the South West I have worked as an artist on several children’s animated television series. I have recently launched my own film production company and have just completed the production of my third short live action film.

Alongside my career as a freelance Animator and film maker, I have held Art posts at secondary level and taught Primary, Further Education and Special Needs children.

I am committed to sharing my experience as a professional artist with the children that I teach, to inspire and generate enthusiasm to develop their own creativity and individuality within the broad spectrum of Art.

Chriselda Shaw BA (Hons), Higher Education Diploma (Post Graduate), QTS (Maths)
Mathematics / ICT Teacher

I was born and lived in South Africa for most of my life. After I graduated, I  taught  for four years.  I then worked as a vocational counsellor and psychometrist.  I then moved on to become the Head of the Administration Department of the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety in Pretoria.

 I returned to education in 1996 where I taught Maths and Afrikaans in an independent school.  I also lectured in Industrial Psychology to students of the University of South Africa (part-time).

I arrived in England in January 2001 and have taught in schools in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire where I obtained Qualified Teacher Status.

I am delighted to be appointed to teach Maths to GCSE and ICT to non-GCSE TISC students. I aim to continue to help my students to reach their full potential.

In my free time I enjoy  running and have run many marathons and ultra marathons.

Martin Tredwell
Prep Coordinator / Boys' Games Teacher

I work at TISC as Recreation Co-ordinator and Pastoral Assistant. I started working here 7 years ago, after serving 24 years in the Army.

Whilst in the Army I developed a passion for outdoor pursuits and over a period of 17 years I gained caving, canoeing, climbing and abseiling qualifications. I also have the Summer Mountain Leadership Certificate, Mountain First Aider and Life Saver certificates. I use my experience and qualifications to the full as I take groups of TISC students away on camping expedition weekends, usually to Snowdonia.

I enjoy my job at TISC because I am working with students from many different countries, helping them to keep fit. I am also able to give them the opportunity to try outdoor activities they would not otherwise have the chance to do.

Ben House B.Sc. Sports and Exercise Science Hons

Graduate Residential Assistant

I have lived in the South West of England for most of my life, I went to Wellington School which is a local rival school of Taunton. I then studied Exercise and Sports Science at Exeter University. As sport is a huge passion of mine it had always been a dream for mine to go to Australia and New Zealand, which are the homes of so many sporting super stars. So after my studies I decided to take a gap year and travel around both countries.

When I returned to England I worked in a gym as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I then worked as a sales representative for a very famous footwear company called Asics. As I have said before sport is a huge part of my life, so recently I  decided to embark on a career in Physical Education and coaching. The role of Graduate House Assistant at TISC presented itself, and I saw it as a fantastic oppurtunity to utilise my sporting skills and knowledge whilst also learning other important aspects of school life. I am thoroughlly looking forward to working for TISC and being part of life in Excaliber house.

Rehana Meeajan BA Hons. (Cantab)

Graduate Residential Assistant

Until moving to Taunton recently, I spent most of my time in London, where I grew up, and later in Cambridge. I have been very lucky to have such a multicultural life and upbringing in a diverse area of London, and perhaps as a result have always been interested in learning about different cultures and languages.

In 2007 I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a 2i Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences, specialising in Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, which included study of linguistics and language acquisition.

Being offered a position at TISC has been the perfect oppurtunity for me to learn more about teaching, and social and pastoral care. In addition to my duties as Graduate House Assistant this year I will also be involved in sports and PE teaching, the Taunton School Radio Station, and other activities including debating, orienteering and music. I also hope to gain a TEFL qualification whilst I am here, as part of my plans to work abroad in the future, and hope to complete a diploma in education for children with learning difficulties and special needs.

I look forward to my time ahead at TISC and life in Guinevere House.

Jill Ashton
Housekeeper

After I left school I worked in a Chartered Accountant's office as a receptionist and junior typist. I then progressed to a large local motor company where I worked as typist and book-keeper.

I married and brought up three children, helping out in their infant and junior schools with reading and craft lessons. I also assisted for several years in the running of a playgroup for Under-5s. Whilst raising my children I also managed the paperwork for my husband's building company.

In 1987 I worked part-time as Assistant Housekeeper in a boarding house at Taunton School, and then moved to Foxcombe as Housekeeper when it became a girls' boarding house.

I feel that being part of TISC is a rewarding experience, as the challenge is to help each student feel part of an extended family during their stay with us.

Sue Conchie
Administrator

Originally from Kent I have enjoyed living the majority of my life in Somerset participating in local affairs - and when time permits, walking, tennis and sailing.

My career before raising a family was within the legal profession where I attained a good knowledge of law and, in particular, conveyancing. This formed the basis of my interest in property building/renovation and fuelled my eye and passion for renovating character properties ... and there have been quite a few!

Now that the family is older and more independent I am keen to take on a new challenge and have recently joined TISC in an administrative capacity.

Petra Kondrova M.Sc., ACIM
Vacation Course and Marketing Administrator

I was born in the Czech Republic, and I studied at the University of Economics in Prague and graduated with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Whilst I was studying I spent some time during my holidays working in the UK, Switzerland and Germany.

After University I worked in a small educational company in a marketing position for 3 years, and for 1 year as a Marketing Specialist in a Norwegian telecommunication company in Prague. Then I decided to make my life more exciting and get some experience overseas. In the UK I started working in sales but quickly moved on to a marketing position and then back to an educational environment. I enjoy working at TISC very much. I recently finished my studies for a Professional Diploma in Marketing at CIM.

Gill Robb
Administrator

My career started in London where I worked for three years in the City of London before joining the Women's Royal Naval Service in 1974. During my time in the Navy I worked in Plymouth and Fareham in the UK and in Hong Kong. After my marriage I returned to Hong Kong where I lived for over 20 years before returning to the UK in 1997.

Whilst in Hong Kong I worked for a number of large organisations including being Office Manager for JRP (who were involved in the building of the new Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Headquarters), Johnson Stokes & Master (a Hong Kong based law firm), Sarah Beattie Secretarial College where I taught Typing and Business English, Swire Insurance and as the Marketing and Business Development Manager of Denton Hall, a UK law firm.

I joined TISC in June 1997.