This week we get to hear from Kirstin Pettet, Teacher of Philosophy & Theology, and T&L Coordinator. 

• What’s your favourite family tradition?

All my favourite traditions are around birthdays and Christmas and things we do as a family and it makes me happy now to be starting traditions with my own family as well as continuing traditions from when I grew up.

• What is your favourite way to spend your free time?

I do lots of days out at Theme Parks with my 2 children and that is when I am at my happiest.

• What did you want to be when you grew up?

I would have loved to be a radio presenter or performer of some sort. That was the dream, but I always had a more achievable goal to become a Teacher.

• Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Neither. I would rather have both a lie in and an early night.

• What’s your biggest fear?

Snakes.

• Describe yourself in three words…

Mum, kind, extrovert.

• What music do you like listening to?

I enjoy lots of music. I love musical theatre-more modern musicals rather than the traditional ones e.g. Six, Come from Away, Wicked etc.

• Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of school?

You might notice a theme here… I am in a musical theatre society. We perform a mixture of small concerts and big musical productions throughout the year. I recently took part in the production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ and I played the part of Scuttle the Seagull.

• Where did you grow up?

Baughurst, which is outside Basingstoke.

• What animal best describes you?

Cat – I like a snooze and I can be a lovely and loyal friend.

• If you were stranded on a desert island, which two items could you not live without?

A blanket and my phone.

• Do you have a secret talent or party trick?

I learnt the alphabet backwards at a young age, which has been surprisingly helpful in life

• Rom com, sci-fi, comedy or horror etc? 

Rom com all the way and only films with happy endings.

• What TV programme, film or box set etc did you recently enjoy? 

Clarksons Farm has been one of the most enjoyable and informative programmes that I have watched.

• Do you have a celebrity crush?

I have a soft spot for Leonardo DiCaprio

• Who is your hero?

I admire David Attenborough so much and what he has done to inspire so many people. I believe that he will have a legacy in the environment that will be unmatched.

• What is your favourite vacation and why? 

I go to North Yorkshire every year. It is so peaceful and beautiful. It really is the most beautiful part of our country.

• What was your favourite school subject?

I enjoyed my time at 6th form studying A Levels, particularly Religious Studies and Psychology.

• What was the last thing you read?

The last book I finished was ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus which is one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. I thought it was a book that ticked so many boxes in terms of drama, message, context, characters etc. I read it very quickly because it had me invested right from the start.

• Would you rather cook or order takeaway?

I am very flexible I am happy for others to cook for me or to have takeaway.

• What interested you about your subject before becoming a teacher in this field?

I love that religion can be part of every subject so my degree was so varied. I studied Anthropology of Religion, Philosophy of Religion, Psychology of Religion, Sociology of Religion, Religion in Film and Religion in Art amongst other things. It allowed so much variation which suited my varied interests.

• What advice or career advice would you give your younger self?

Just do what makes you happy. Do not worry about pleasing anyone else.