In our #ChinthurstTeachers series, we're excited to introduce Mrs Griffiths. Her love of school and learning began as a child, and it's what first sparked her passion for teaching. She's always been curious about the world and loved discovering new things - inspiring that same sense of wonder in her class is the most rewarding part of her job. Discover what led her to teaching, her most rewarding moments, and why Chinthurst is the perfect place to share her love of learning.

What inspired you to become a teacher? I absolutely loved primary school and discovering so many different things. I still clearly remember all my teachers as they had such a positive impact on me and I wanted to have that same impact on other children.

What has your journey into teaching looked like so far? After finishing school, I went to Drama School to train to be an actor. When I graduated, after a few years of touring with a theatre company, I decided to train as a teacher so that I could do supply work when not in an acting job. After training, I loved it so much that instead I taught full time for 11 years in some very tough schools in deprived areas of Inner London before moving to Surrey. I now work part-time as, a few years ago, I decided to go back into acting again. When I'm not at Chinthurst I might be in London doing in-person auditions, filming for TV and adverts or spending lots of time in front of the camera doing online auditions from home! I love the variety this brings to my working week!

What is your favourite children's book and why? I love Room on The Broom by Julia Donaldson because I get to do so many fun voices. Another favourite is Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield - I think it's what originally inspired my love of the stage!

What subject did you enjoy most when you were at school? I'd have to say History and PE. I'm a BIG history nut - particularly the Tudor and Elizabethan periods and I love teaching it. In sport, I played for as many teams as I possibly could at school including gymnastics, netball, hockey, swimming and athletics. Before I had my children, I played netball for Claygate Netball Club and various other netball teams for several years. I've also done four half-marathons, love my Peloton at home and have recently started coaching rugby!

What's been your most rewarding teaching moment? I love the moment you see a lightbulb go on in the eyes of a child you are working with. That moment when they finally understand something and they feel so proud and excited to finally get it. It's priceless and always happens because they didn't give up and kept on trying.

A quote or piece of advice that inspires you? Noel Coward once said, “Work hard, do the best you can, don't ever lose faith in yourself and take no notice of what other people say about you.” For me, that really says it all - it's at the heart of everything I believe. Additionally, when I was training as a teacher, my mentor said, "always look first at the things which went well, the things you did brilliantly. Those are the important things, but often the ones we overlook." I think this is the same for children and adults - don't focus on what went wrong, always look first to what you did brilliantly. The rest you can fix afterwards.

What do you love most about Chinthurst? I love that Chinthurst feels like a family. From the very first time I stepped onto the school grounds for a tour when looking for a school for my children, it instantly felt like home. That feeling only grew stronger when I joined as a teacher – the care and support shown by both children and staff is so genuine. I love Chinthurst, not only as a parent with children here but also as a teacher – in my eyes, it truly is the best school in the world!