Helen Stevens

Assistant Head: Teaching & Learning

What does the English department do particularly well?

Being supportive and caring; having high expectations with a sense of fun and humour; and challenging pupils with constantly high-level questioning and debating ideas in texts…”

What do you most enjoy about your role?

“Interaction with colleagues and pupils – they make me laugh even if I’m having a bad day!

I enjoy observing lessons across the school and it is an absolute pleasure to see the delight the girls take in learning something new, and the passion and interest of all our teachers. I even learn a few things myself!

Also, I love seeing the girls develop and gain confidence as the years pass.”

Tell us more about author visits and workshops…

“Recently, visiting author Lauren James judged our creative writing competition. Meanwhile, Olly Lines from Streatham Space Project ran an interactive Shakespeare drama workshop. We’ve also had girls long-listed and highly commended in the National Theatre New Views playwriting programme.” 

What makes you most proud about working here?

“Rather than hot-housing, Tormead girls are helped to succeed – and believe they can succeed – while remaining highly independent.”

Memorable moments?

“Watching the Fashion Show in my first year. And delivering a speech to the Sixth Form on feminism then hearing the girls’ feedback about the impact I’d made.”

Where next?

Staff and Governors