Meet the Sycamore team
Hello everyone! We're looking forward to seeing you all again in September, but we thought you'd like to get to know us all a bit more before then!
If you could only choose one meal, what would it be?
Mrs S: It would have to be lobster thermidore.
Mr W: Anything spicy! The hotter the better! If I have a curry, it has to be a vindaloo (I asked for it extra hot once, which was a mistake...) and a pizza has to have jalapenos or green chillies on it, I'll even put Tabasco on my spaghetti bolognese. Mrs W always tells me off because I usually end up with hiccups and a runny nose when I'm eating my curry!
What hobbies and interests do you have?
Mr S: I enjoy knitting, sewing, reading, recycling... lots of things. Anything creative really, along with walking my dog, Murphy.
Mr W: Both Mrs Sutherland and I have fox red Labradors, mine is called Teddy (his Sunday name is Theodore Woofsevelt) and I enjoy taking him for walks in the countryside. One of his favourite walks is Cragside as he gets to sniff all of the flowers in the garden and swim in the big lake. During lockdown, once restrictions on travel had been eased, I got into mountain biking. Although it was quite a few years since I had last ridden a bike (when I was in primary school!) so the hills took some getting used to! I also like my games consoles (I have an Xbox One and a Switch) and painting.
What is you favourite type of holiday?
Mrs S: My favourite holiday would be dog friendly, by the beach with lots of sunshine.
Mr W: My favourite holiday I have ever been on was last year, when we got to go to Florida and Disney's Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. It was great being able to go on all the rollercoasters (the best was either Rip Ride Rockit or The Hulk) and experience the magic of Disney. I love any holiday if it's hot, just being able to get away and be guaranteed good weather is a rare treat! Whilst I love the sun, I also fancy going snowboarding. I have never been skiing or snowboarding but it looks like fun!
If you were an animal, what would it be?
Mrs S: I think I would like to be a bear (a friendly one!). The idea of being able to hibernate over the winter really appeals to me!
Mr W: When I'm on holiday one of my favourite things to do is to jump in the deep end, dive and blow all the air out of my lungs, and sit down on the bottom of the pool. I reckon that, that would probably make me a dolphin because I love to play in the water. Either that or lie on a sun lounger like a walrus...
What is the best thing about your job?
Mrs S: It's great to be able to share a love of art and DT with the children and see the wonderful work they produce as they progress through the school each year.
Mr W: Everyday is different and you are never, ever bored! Our broad and balanced curriculum is so stimulating and it is a joy to teach! Seeing the progress the children make in their work and socially and emotionally as they mature over the course of the year is a constant joy.