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Staff ListPrincipal: Mrs Caroline Nixon Housemistress: Mrs Helen Collier Academic Staff: Graduate Residential Assistants Sarah Hayes - Pastoral Assistant Liz Shirley - Housekeeper
 Caroline Nixon M.A. (Oxon.), M.Ed.Principal / PSHE & TOK Teacher I joined Taunton School International 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.
I grew up near Guildford in the South of England and went to King Edward’s School Witley which had a very international mix of students. Yorkshire beckoned and I completed a degree in European Studies at Bradford University, spending one year in Montpellier (France) in order to gain fluency in French. Having graduated I worked for the summer teaching English in northern Spain and then went on to the University of Surrey to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Studies. I fell into my first proper job marketing academic books to International Schools in Europe and thoroughly enjoyed the chance to travel and work in so many different countries. These experiences encouraged me to complete a TESOL qualification, followed by a PGCE at York University. Having survived four years in a large comprehensive school in West Yorkshire I then headed to Tanzania for two years and Kenya for six years, teaching in International Schools, and ending up as Deputy Head at Peponi School. Since returning to the UK I have worked as Housemistress at Gordonstoun in Scotland and as Head of Sixth Form/Deputy Head Pastoral at Moreton Hall in Shropshire. I am now very excited about the challenges and opportunities of working as Housemistress here at Taunton School International, finding the atmosphere friendly and supportive and the students committed and enthusiastic.
International Marketing and Summer School Director As a teacher of geography, geology and PE I worked first in Yorkshire and then in Tanzania and Kenya. I found that teaching in an international context I was able to combine my enthusiasm for work with young people along with my marketing background and became heavily involved in the marketing and student recruitment programmes, performing the role of Deputy Headteacher and Marketing Manager. Returning to the UK as a Director of Sport in Shropshire I was again able to use sport as a marketing tool within the schools’ programme. I am now enjoying the challenge of working as International Marketing and Summer School Director at Taunton School International where I am, once again able to combine many of my skills and interests into one post.
Academic Staff
I decided I wanted to be a maths teacher when I was 5 years old and I used to practise on my younger sister, which she didn't always appreciate! In spite of that unpromising start, I wasn't put off and read Maths and Management Science at UMIST and then did a PGCE in York. My first teaching post was in a Grammar School in Cheshire where I taught 'O' and 'A' level maths and then after 3 years I was head of year (yr 10) and taught maths and games in a South London comprehensive. Since then I have done private tuition for GCSE and A level students and taught part time in independent and state schools in Hertfordshire and Taunton. As we have been guardians for a student from Hong Kong and one of our daughters spent some time at boarding school I am able to see the value of Taunton School International from several vantage points. My interests include most sports, travel, doing sudoku and visiting our children and grandchildren.
Since joining Taunton School International, the majority of my teaching time has been spent teaching English, but I also teach GCSE Psychology and the Study Skills programme.
 Melanie Calvert B.Sc.(Hons.) Bological Sciences (Biophysics and Physiology), PGCE SecondaryScience Teacher / Exams' Co-ordinator I decided to become a teacher from a very early age and most of my years in secondary education were working towards that aim. After completing my degree in Biological Sciences (specialising in Biophysics and Physiology) at the University of East Anglia I remained in Norwich for my teacher training. I began work 17 years ago in Suffolk teaching Sciences and Maths to students aged 11 - 16 years and although I subsequently moved around a little I have remained committed to teaching Sciences. I have lived in Somerset for nearly 12 years and for most of that time I taught in a local Community College. Needing a new challenge I moved to Taunton School International and I enjoy very much continuing to develop my interest in teaching Sciences with a new emphasis on language skills. In my spare time I enjoy music, walking, gardening, DIY and crafts of all kinds and I have an interest in health issues, particularly the role of exercise and nutrition in optimum health.
Mandarin Teacher
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 of Mandarin, its curriculum and my career. Extending my understanding of the British education system, I came to study in the UK and completed my MA degree at the University of Birmingham.
I enjoy teaching atTaunton School International and I am keen to deliver Chinese culture to all of our international students in this warm and friendly learning environment.
Geography Teacher
I grew up and went to school in South London, where I took A-Levels in French, Spanish and Geography, before going to the University of Sussex to read Geography and French with European Studies. This included a year as an ERASMUS student, studying at the Université des Sciences Sociales in Toulouse. I loved living in France and enjoyed studying with students from all over Europe.
After University I stayed in Brighton, with its vibrant café culture and both the beautiful South Downs and the seaside right on my doorstep. I completed my PGCE in Geography and took up a post in a comprehensive school just outside Brighton. Whilst I was there, the school almost doubled in size, going from strength to strength and gaining Language College status. It provided me with the chance to teach many subjects including RE, French, ICT and PSHE.
I love travel and have been to many European countries as well as spending a couple of months in Thailand and some time in Gambia, studying women’s garden co-operatives. I also enjoy running, swimming, walking, skiing, camping, and gardening – anything that gets me out in the fresh air! I am really excited about teaching at Taunton School International and the new challenge of teaching geography to international students.
English Teacher
I come from the North-East of England and made my first move from home to London where I studied French and English literature at King’s College London. After a short spell in the commercial world after college, I moved into teaching EFL, first in the UK and then abroad in Indonesia, Hong Kong and France, mainly teaching Business English and younger learners. I returned to the UK to further my qualifications and settled in Cambridge, teaching English and Business Studies in an international independent school and enjoying 5 years as a Girls’ Boarding Housemistress. Moving to the South-West, I am thrilled to be a part of the team at Taunton School International and enjoy contributing my experience and enthusiasm to the talented and dedicated teaching team.
There is nothing better than being at the heart of learning with young people who will go on to use their new-found skills to change and shape the face of the future. I feel very proud and privileged to once again be a part of this exciting and dynamic experience.
I was born, raised and schooled in Taunton after my parents moved here from County Durham. I completed my GCSEs at Bishop Fox's Community School and then went 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 experience at school, orginally planning to go to university to read Sport and Exercise Science and then do a PGCE. However, I went to an interview at Brighton University and fell in love with the seaside and the course! After 4 years of hard work I graduated from the Chelsea School of Sport and Education at Brighton University with a 2:2 in Physical Education with Qualified Teacher Status. My role at Taunton School International is as a GCSE PE teacher in charge of the girls sport curriclum. I bring exciting and new sporting activities to the students and I hope that they enjoy the variety on offer. I appreciate the challenge of teaching international students but I also enjoy the pastoral duties attached to the post. My interests and hobbies include Swimming, Hockey, Trampolining, Scuba Diving, Outdoor and Adventurous Activties and anything else that doesn't involve staying still!
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 thought about returning to teaching and in 2005 I decided to start the PGCE certificate to become a Maths teacher. In 2007 I began at Taunton School International where I enjoy teaching my subject and the cultural diversity that makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Business Studies / ICT Teacher
I grew up in the English 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 Taunton School International, teaching the GCSE and overseeing the Pre-GCSE courses.
My interests include all things technical (ICT of course), playing piano and outward bound activities like Mountainwalking and Mountainbiking.
English / French / Leisure and Tourism Teacher
I was born , raised and educated in France. After my Baccalaureate I chose to study English at the University of Nantes with the aim of becoming an EAL teacher. I gained experience in several secondary schools in Cornwall and Hampshire. As part of my degree, I spent a year in the UK as a Modern Foreign Languages and Learning Support Assistant in a secondary school in Taunton. I then returned to France to enroll in a Masters Degree in English and finally came back to Britain to complete a PGCE in MFL and graduated from Exeter University in July 2004. I then worked for four years in a secondary school in Taunton, where I taught French, Spanish and Leisure and Tourism.
I am delighted to be a part of Taunton School International and look forward every day to my time teaching and as a tutor.
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 of England 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 my own film production company and have 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.
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 teaching Maths and Accounting to GCSE and ICT to non-GCSE Taunton School International students. I aim to continue to help my students to reach their full potential both academically and socially through my work in the girls' house.
In my free time I enjoy running and have run many marathons and ultra marathons.
I have now gained my Level 1 rugby coach qualification and enjoy introducing international students to all of the sports that they can expect to find in a typical British Boarding School. This helps them gain the confidence to play and compete with their peers from the UK.
Graduate Residential Assistants: Sarah Hayes, M.A., LTHE I have lived in Taunton all of my life, and was educated at Taunton School from Kindergarten through to Sixth Form. After a career in retail management, I returned to academia as a mature student, achieving a combined honours degree in History and Archaeology at Exeter University in 2001. I subsequently won scholarships enabling me to specialise in the history of medicine, completing an M.A. and Ph.D. at the Centre for Medical History at Exeter University. My research focused on the history of child psychology and psychiatry, whilst my teaching experience was gained lecturing on Historical Theory and the History of Childhood to undergraduates.
Craig Loveday B.A. (Hons.) I have lived in South West England most of my life. I went to Chilton Trinity Technology School before attending Bridgwater college where I studied a BTEC in Sports Science. Studying at Bridgwater College helped me to focus on a role as a teacher. Whilst there I gained many sports coaching qualifications and this led to me furthering my knowledge of sport and sports coaching. I then continued my education by completing a Coaching and Physical Education degree at the College of St Marks and St Johns University. Before joining Taunton School International I was working in an International Summer School in Hertfordshire, where I was looking after international students from the ages of 6 to 17, this helped me realise that working with international students was rewarding as well as inspiring. I am able to use my experience gained to help the Taunton School International students settle in to a British boarding school and the particular aspects of living in a school house. I am excited about working as a Graduate Residential Assistant as I feel it will be the perfect opportunity to help me further my knowledge of teaching and also to allow me to use my experience to shape the lives of students. I hope I can give the students in Boys West the best year of their life which they will never forget.
Amanda Cox B.Sc. (Hons.)
I was born in Exeter and attended St Peters C of E High School, Exeter before going on to study a BTEC in Applied Science at Exeter College. I graduated from Loughborough University with a 2:1 degree in Sport and Exercise Science in 2007. I am a very keen sports person and enjoy taking part in most sports, however, my main love is tennis which I have played at national level from a young age and coached for the last two years since graduating. Through my tennis coaching experience and my keen interest in sport it has led me to think about becoming a PE teacher. Therefore I feel that working as a graduate residential assistant at Taunton School International is a great opportunity to learn all aspects of school life. I am enjoying working in Boys’ East House and helping to provide my own perspective on living in a British boarding school.
Bethany Coles B.A. (Hons.) I was born and raised in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. It was my University degree which brought me to the South West of England, as I studied Coach Education and Sport Development at the University of Bath. Sport is one of my main passions in life, whether playing, coaching or just spectating, with badminton considered as my main sport. Through various work experience and work placements during my university life I began to believe that my vocation was in teaching and working with children. Within Taunton School International I am living in the girls house, helping them to settle into the new boarding routine and hopefully helping them to achieve the best out of their short but significant year in the house. I am thoroughly enjoying being part of the pastoral staff here at Taunton School International and am looking forward to what the rest of the year has to offer.
Born and raised in the north of England, I first moved to the South West to study at the University of Bath, where I gained my degree in Politics with Economics. I moved to London after graduating, where I got a job in the House of Commons as an assistant to a Member of Parliament. I had a fantastic experience over the year I worked in Westminster but decided to return to the South West to pursue my interest in teaching. Before going to university I spent a year travelling, and worked in a US summer Camp as a counsellor and football coach. I look forward to putting the skills I learnt there into practice at Taunton School International and further broadening my experience of other cultures. Both my parents are teachers and I have always considered following in their footsteps. I feel privileged to be able to gain experience in such a prestigious school with a long tradition of excellence.
Domestic Staff
Liz Shirley I was born and bred in Taunton and schooled at what is now St Augustine’s before working as a self employed domestic manager. I have worked in this role for four institutions within the Taunton area and very much enjoy not only the work but the interaction with the people with whom I come into contact. I started work at Taunton School International in 2008 and was promoted to Housekeeper in June 2009. I am very lucky that I work with an excellent team who all enjoy giving their best to make the houses as homely and welcoming as possible for the international students. I believe that when a student arrives from a different country it is extremely important that they can identify with a safe and friendly environment as quickly as possible. The students at Taunton School International are a pleasure to work with and I enjoy the challenge of introducing them to a typical British Boarding School atmosphere. My hobbies include keeping fit via running, cycling and circuit training and listening to a variety of music from the Stereophonics to Fleetwood Mac.
Sandra Huggett Like Liz, I am also born and bred in Taunton and have enjoyed many happy years working in the area. I went to school at Bishop Fox’s when it was a girls’ school. I have worked at our family manufacturing business for over 25 years and have very much enjoyed the challenges that this has presented. However, I also enjoy the working with young people and the opportunity to do this arose in 2006 when I started work at Taunton School International. This allows me the chance to further my personnel experience in a vibrant and dynamic school. The young international students are a pleasure to work with and their respectful nature is something which makes the job a joy. My colleagues are likewise very supportive and the environment at Taunton School International is a very special one. In my relaxation time I am a keen gardener and take pleasure from making my home environment a special place for me and my family.
Administrative Staff
I was born in Zimbabwe, and have lived in many of the Southern African countries whilst growing up including going to boarding school in South Africa. After completing an Executive Secretarial Diploma, I worked for the Chairman of Barker McCormac Advertising and Marketing as his Personal Assistant before moving to London where I worked for British Gas in the Legal Department. I enjoyed travelling Europe whilst living in London. I returned to Zimbabwe and worked for the Executive Director - Swift Unifreight as his Personal Assistant. I then married and went farming with my husband who grew Tobacco and Maize and managed a herd of 1000 Brahman cattle. We left Zimbabwe in 2000 and moved to Taunton with our family. I joined Taunton School in 2002 and am very pleased to be working with the Taunton School International team and Gareth Collier the International Marketing and Summer School Director.
Gill Robb
Born in Newark, Nottinghamshire, I am one of identical twins, which proved amazing fun. From a very young age I moved constantly within England and abroad due to my father’s position in the RAF, and when he was posted to Guam we were sent to boarding school in Lyme Regis, Dorset. I fell in love with the beauty of the sea and coastline, and developed a love for water sports. Later I put my energies into youth work instead of sports. I have worked as a secretary/administrator for 33 years, except for a short period when I enjoyed the challenge of working as a photographer. I moved to Taunton in January and joined Taunton School International as an administrator shortly afterwards. |
Adrian Hallworth B.Sc.(Hons.), PGCE (Maths), Dip. TEFLA
Helen Collier B.A. (Hons.), Dip. Tourism Studies, Dip.TESOL, PGCE (French & PE)
Gareth Collier B.Sc. (Hons.) PGCE (Geography & PE)
Lynne Birks B.Sc. (Hons.) PGCE (Mathematics)
Alison Budd B.A. (Hons.), Licentiate Diploma in TESOL, CELTA
Lin Gao B.Ed. Chinese language and Literature MA. Management and Policy (Merit) and MEd. TEFL
Victoria Griffiths B.A. (Hons.), PGCE (Geography)
Justine Hallworth
Claire Haste B.A. (Hons.) Physical Education QTS 
Ben Horbury B.Sc. (Hons.), Trinity TESOL Certficate
Catrin Jones B.Sc. (Hons.), PGCE (Mathematics)
Darren Jones, B.Sc. (Hons.)
Aurelie Lossouarn B.A. (Hons.), PGCE (Modern Foreign Languages)
Graeme Morley B.Sc. (Hons.), PGCE
John Nixon B.Sc. (Hons.), PGCE.
Linda Searle B.A. (Hons.)
Chriselda Shaw B.A. (Hons.), Higher Education Diploma (Post Graduate), QTS (Maths)
Martin Tredwell
June Marriott
Anne Brown