Chronicle 687

38 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Emily Bernstein You joined us as Head of Geography in September. Tell us about your career so far. I joined as Head of Geography having had five years out of the classroom completing my PhD in Education and having my two children – Ella and George. My research focused on global citizenship education and its provision at 16+ across the IB and A Level. Previous to that, I was a teacher of Geography and Politics at Rugby School along with being Head of EPQ and an Assistant Housemistress. What are the benefits of studying Geography? What do you see your pupils going on to do? Geographers have the ability to think critically and observe the world from multiple different perspectives: on the more positivist side, geographers study the science of the world from the chemistry of volcanoes and tectonic movement to the physics of weather movements and how they are affected by climate change and the biology of macroinvertebrates in rivers; on the interpretivist side, geographers explore social interactions between people, issues of structural inequality, the design of cities and exploring global political order. What do you enjoy about working at St Edward’s? The magic of Teddies is in the community itself. The school is proudly inclusive, family oriented and kindness really is at its core. Everyone is welcomed and accepted for who they are – that includes wider family members and the plethora of pets. Which three words would you use to summarise the ethos of the School? Empathic, kind and proudly unique. How do you think Teddies’ location in Oxford benefits our pupils? Oxford is an incredible city. Its obvious connections to education mean pupils have the opportunity to visit world-leading museums, exhibitions, plays and talks with some of the most influential people working today. Pupils are taught to become the best versions of themselves, with no boundaries or expectations, because they engage daily with such diverse people in the city. Oxford remains, unlike many cities, connected to nature – we really cannot ever underestimate the value of having places like Port Meadow on our doorstep for both our physical and mental wellbeing. Do you have a favourite place in Oxford? Beyond the Pitt Rivers Museum, one of my favourite spots on a sunny day is the Botanic Garden along the banks of the river. Gaining peace in the middle of the city amongst some beautiful plants is such a joy. Do you have a favourite quote or piece of advice? Finishing my education in South Africa, Nelson Mandela became an extremely important person in my own journey into teaching. I live by his philosophy that ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. It can contribute to nation building and

reconciliation. It is the great engine of development.’ What are three things you can’t live without?

I couldn’t live without a garden, the ability to travel and explore new places and a good book that questions your understandings of the world. Which book do you think everyone should read? Edible Economics by Ha-Joon Chang.