Mrs Burke is our longest serving teacher. She’s proud of the excellent provision she oversees in her Reception class, the final year of Early Years education, and often welcomes teachers from of schools who may need some support or guidance around good practice.
Q. Where do you come from?
A. I’m a proud Loiner! That means I was born in Leeds. In fact I grew up not so far away from here in Chapel Allerton and went to St Matthews Primary School and Roundhay School. After living in other places I came back to Leeds ten years ago.
Q. What is your favourite subject?
A. When I was at school I loved science, especially biology and wanted to be a vet. Now I like teaching phonics and reading because I love seeing the pride and joy children feel when they read a book for the very first time.
Q. What is your favourite food?
A. Breakfast. Any type of breakfast, full English, continental, porridge, chapati anything really. It’s my favourite meal of the day and I never, ever miss it because I wake up so hungry!
Q. What is your favourite animal?
A. I’ve always loved dolphins and last summer I got the chance to swim with one on holiday in Turkey. It was fantastic and I’d love to do it again one day.
Q. What is your favourite sport?
A. The only sport I was ever any good at was swimming. I still love it and try to go as often as I can. Nowadays though I spend a lot of time watching my son train and swim in competitions. Obviously, coming from Leeds I am a die-hard Leeds United fan!
Q. Why did you become a teacher?
A. When I was a child I spent ages playing schools. I used to line all my teddies and dolls in rows and be the teacher. This used to make my parents laugh because I didn’t like school very much! When I left school I did lots of other jobs but I still wanted to be a teacher and eventually I went back to studying and fulfilled my goal!
