'The 'wooden O' and the 'Mayflower' missionary boat are the inspiration behind The Ship Theatre at Walthamstow Hall. A wooden thrust apron stage, a gallery and a two hundred seated auditorium is the shape of this intimate yet imposing theatrical space.

The Ship is fifteen years old and the amalgamation of the structure of Shakespeare's Globe into the theatre's design was the inspiration of the previous Head of Drama, Ann Vaughan. Like me, Ann was passionate about Shakespeare. I have been Head of Drama here for three years.

The Ship has seen every facet of theatre and drama being performed and presented by the girls, staff and professionals from the worlds of drama, dance and music. My latest two major productions have been a tribute to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I performed over the weekend of the 400th anniversary of her death: 'Princess Ascending' by Norman Holland and a production of Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' in conjunction with our 'brother' school - Tonbridge.

My next major project is again in collaboration with Tonbridge School - 'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde. The husband of one of our English Department works at the British Museum. A couple of years ago, W.H. (yet another nickname!) decided to make a commitment to raise funds in a variety of ways as a contribution to the 'upkeep' of the original manuscript of Wilde's play; some of our box-office takings will be donated to do just that.

After graduating no one was more surprised than me when I decided to embark on teaching as a career. I have taught continually since I left Warwick through two marriages, many moves and the births of my two children. I have never regretted my decision - but the government's passion for testing and bureaucracy has affected the joy of the job, it has to be said.

My own passion for drama - as for many years I was Head of English in an all boy's independent school - comes from years of amateur acting with an excellent Little Guild Theatre, the Oast Theatre in Tonbridge, Kent. I was fortunate enough to be given wonderful roles in Shakespeare, Sheridan, Goldoni, Ayckbourn, Bennett, to name but a few, and to be directed by some very talented directors - both amateur and professional.

It is the 'passing-on' of these skills, knowledge and passion for the subject that inspires not only my present job - but is my philosophy on teaching. After 22 years, I can still say that my job 'turns me on'!'