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Staff ListPrincipal: Mrs Caroline Nixon Graduate Residential Assistants Sarah Hayes - Pastoral Assistant Anne Brown - Administrator
 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.
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 S. 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'm looking forward to experiencing life at Taunton School International. 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' Coordinator I decided to become a teacher very early on 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 began looking for a new position and that has brought me to Taunton School International. I am looking forward very much to developing my interest in teaching Sciences with 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 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 Taunton School International, I am keen to deliver Chinese culture to all our international students in a warm and activated 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 cooperatives. I also enjoy running, swimming, walking, skiing, camping, and gardening – anything that gets me out in the fresh air! I am really excited to be taking up a post at Taunton School International and look forward to the new challenge of working with international students.
Maths Teacher
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 joining the team at Taunton School International and look forward to contributing my experience and enthusiasm to its talented and dedicated 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 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 Taunton School International 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!
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 Taunton School International where I enjoy teaching my subject and the cultural diversity at Taunton School International makes the experience even more enjoyable.
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 Taunton School International, 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.
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.
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 assistant and Learning support assistant in a secondary school in Taunton. I then returned to France to enroll in a Masters Degree in English and returned 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 join Taunton International this year and look forward to my time there as teacher and tutor of Excalibur house.
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.
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 Taunton School International 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.
I have now gained my Level 1 rugby coach qualification and hoped to achieve the next grade in the near future.
Graduate Residential Assistants: Sarah Hayes, MA, 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.
Graduate Residential Assistant
I am a very keen sportsman, and as I mentioned before I wish to break into a career in teaching, so as a result, the role of Graduate House Assistant at Taunton International couldn’t have been more perfect for me or come at a better time. I see this position as a fantastic opportunity to utilise my sporting skills and knowledge whilst also learning other important aspects of school life. I am thoroughly looking forward to working for Taunton School International and being part of life in Excalibur house.
Alice Tomlinson
I have lived in Taunton all my life. I attended The Castle School and then went onto Richard Huish College where I studied Archaeology and History. I then studied Education at the University of Plymouth. Last year I spent 6 months in America. Whilst in America I worked at a summer camp sponsored by the Girl Scouts of America, as a unit leader and archery instructor. I did this for three months and spent the rest of the time travelling. During my time spent in America I gained a lot of professional and life experience. Plus, it was a lot of fun! I feel the role of Graduate House Assistant will give me a good insight into all aspects of school life. I am looking forward to working and Taunton School International and with the girls in Guinevere house.
I was a student at Taunton School for eight years, starting out in the Preparatory and continuing through to study for my GCSE’s. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to go to such a prestigious school though continual hard work from my parents. I have great memories of my time at Taunton School and it has definitely shaped the person who I am today. I followed through into further education at Richard Huish College, which gave me the ability to focus on more niche subjects. This resulted in me studying Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University and I was successful in graduating with a BA (Hons) 2:1 degree. I still have a great passion when it comes to filmmaking and I’ve managed to maintain the a decent level of work experience in this field, however I landed a job working in an international summer school in the summer after graduating that ignited my passion to enter a career in teaching. Before being offered the position at Taunton International I decided to gain a reputable qualification by gaining a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). I used the skills learnt on this course to teach English and sport over a six week summer school for LAL Torbay in both Taunton and Tavistock. I feel that my role as Graduate House Assistant will provide me with the perfect opportunity to learn more about a full time teaching routine, including after school activities and games lessons and most importantly the pastoral care. I’m thoroughly looking forward to the year ahead as I find it inspiring to learn about the different cultures of the students whilst being able to help them to adapt to British boarding school life. Hopefully the students of Avalon house will have a year full of amazing experiences which will shape their future and mine too.
Domestic Staff
Administrative Staff
I was born in Zimbabwe, and have lived in many of the Southern African countries whilst growing up. I went 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 Helen Lami the Summer School & International Marketing Director.
Gill Robb
Administrator 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 on 9 February 2009. |
Adrian Hallworth B.Sc.(Hons), PGCE (Maths), Dip. TEFLA
Helen J Lami
Lynne Birks BSc PGCE
Alison Budd BA (Hons), Licentiate Diploma in TESOL, CELTA
Lin Gao BEd. Chinese language and Literature MA. Management and Policy (Merit) and MEd. TEFL
Victoria Griffiths BA (Hons), PGCE
Saly Hale
Justine Hallworth
Claire Haste BA (Hons) Physical Education QTS 
Ben Horbury B.Sc., Trinity TESOL Certficate
Catrin Jones B.Sc. (Hons), PGCE (Maths)
Darren Jones, B.Sc.
Clive Lee MA (Oxon), LTCL Dip TESOL
Aurelie Lossouarn BA., PGCE (MFL)
Graeme Morley B.Sc., PGCE
John Nixon B.Sc., PGCE.
Linda Searle BA (Hons.)
Chriselda Shaw BA (Hons), Higher Education Diploma (Post Graduate), QTS (Maths)
Martin Tredwell
Matt Bettridge LLB (Hons) 
Brook McAllister BA Hons., Cambridge CELTA
Jill Ashton
June Marriott
Anne Brown