Meryl Duff (LGSM, ALAM Hons, GODA Associate member)

English, Drama

I qualified as a teacher in 1971 and started my teaching career in a large comprehensive school in Bristol. From there I went to teach in a primary school in Clevedon and after some years became vice principal. When my children were small I ran playgroups and nursery schools and then became chair of governors of a local junior school.
Although many of the people in mainstream education were thoroughly nice and dedicated, I always felt that the system was flawed and that children were processed through it in a way that disregarded their individuality.
Finding Sands School was wonderful. I first found it as a parent, and my three children attended over many years and benefited enormously from the small classes, family atmosphere and the excellent academic and pastoral care.
I joined the staff as a Drama and English teacher in 1996 and have always believed that the Sands way of doing things truly enriches a child’s educational experience in a broad and meaningful way. I love the freedom I have as a teacher, to be sensitive to the interests and needs of all the students.
I am able to offer individual support, I have time to fit in diverse topics which are inspired by the students’ interests and enthusiasms and still help them all to achieve their potential and gain exam success too.
The friendly family style and atmosphere make Sands an inspiring place to both learn and teach.

‘Meryl is just nice and lovely and she know a lot about plays. She also has great stacking boxes.’ – Yssane