Maristine Annette Fenning (left in 1992) is the Assistant Headteacher at Holyport, special needs school in Berkshire. We spoke to Annette about her important work and her days as a Marist girl.

Q. What are your happiest memories of the Marist?
There are so many, but the laughter is probably my most prominent one, especially in the Sixth Form Common Room. The Interhouse Singing Competition and the Christmas Pantomime are also remembered with much warmth and amusement. In the Prep School I was the frog in Alice in Wonderland and I managed to forget my one line. Fortunately, Jo Watts, who is still a great friend, saved the audience from the impending silence by mouthing me the words. I also remember my home economics classes fondly. I took for granted the way my parents relished anything I brought home for them to eat, not realising at the time that their enthusiasm was fuelled by loyalty as opposed to true appreciation of the dish.

Q. What is the most important lesson that you learnt from School?
Respect for other people and also the importance of hard work in achieving your goals. The teachers were always encouraging and helping you to move forwards with confidence.

Q. What is the key to becoming a good teacher?
Understanding that teaching is about considering each child as an individual, and through that appreciation enabling them to reach their full potential. For me being a good teacher is also about wanting to make a difference, to find new ways and solutions to make learning accessible for my pupils. In my role being open minded and flexible are also crucial. It is worth those who are thinking about teaching as a career, looking at the wide range of areas that you can work in. It is important to find the right setting where you can maximise your skills. I realised after working in a variety of settings that I had found my niche in the field of Special Needs.

Q. Who is your most inspiring pupil?
One of the children in my care has cerebral palsy and is severely limited physically. Despite this he has a high level of determination. He wants so much to be independent and often refuses help with daily tasks. He makes me realise that when we say ‘I can't be bothered we take for granted the luxury of our mobility and freedom. His pride and determination inspire me everyday.

Q. What motivates you?
Inclusion and equal opportunities for my pupils are very important to me and the school. I have created strong links with mainstream schools. Mainstream pupils and our pupils now spend time together in one another's classrooms. This helps both schools and encourages people to be open-minded and receptive to one another. I find working with my pupils hugely rewarding. They fascinate me and I am driven by a desire to understand each child as much as possible, to get into their mindset and to see the world from their unique perspective. I work with a wide range of specialists in caring for each pupil, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychotherapists and physiotherapists.

Q. What is next for you?
I am keen to learn more about the field of psychotherapy and to work with children who have extensive behavioural difficulties and who come from extremely complex backgrounds. I also have ambitions to, at some point, set up an inclusive nursery provision.