MY BURFORD - MRS BASSETT- ENGLISH TEACHER

Our English Teacher, Mrs Bassett reflects on her role and time at Burford School as part of our new 'My Burford' series.

This feature series aims to shine a spotlight on the superb staff team at Burford who make it possible for us to offer 'the best of education' to our students.

Stepping into Burford School for the first time, I couldn’t have imagined the incredible journey that lay ahead. Over the years, this school has become more than just a place of work—it’s felt like a family, filled with moments of joy, challenge, and triumph, and just like family, we’ve supported one another every step of the way.   

I arrived at Burford in the late 2000s, having spent time studying in Southampton and Oxford, where I was also fortunate enough to have enjoyed a stint working in CID for Hampshire Constabulary. While I had enjoyed my teacher training in local secondary schools, I wasn't quite prepared for the menagerie of farm animals ambling around the school grounds during lessons – a sight that was certainly entertaining for both staff and students alike! 

I was fortunate to join the Year 7 tutor team, where we embarked on many memorable trips, including our adventures to the Isle of Wight. From campfires on the beach and toasting marshmallows to sharing stories and bonding as a group, these experiences were the perfect way to begin my journey and build lasting connections.  

As an English teacher, I’ve been able to share with students my love for literature. Whether it’s discussing classic novels, exploring poetry, or analysing plays, it’s such a rewarding experience to foster a love for reading in students. Reading is a passport to countless adventures. It is the key that unlocks the door to imagination, creativity, and understanding in children, guiding them to explore the world beyond their own. With this in mind, I am excited to be taking our Y12 English Literature students to France and Belgium in May 2025, to help them immerse themselves in aspects of WW1 literature.  

For me, Burford has always been more than a school, it’s been a place where friendships are formed and memories are made. Some of my greatest memories have been on the trips I’ve been fortunate enough to accompany. It is one of the greatest privileges of the job: to witness students embracing new experiences and gaining confidence in skills they never knew they had. One of the stand-out trips has to be the Australasia Sports Tour, where as a newly-married couple, Mr Bassett and I, along with Mr Claydon and Mr and Mrs Williams, took 40 students around the world, visiting Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. While my hockey skills were somewhat lacking, we certainly created unforgettable memories together, including visits to a Māori village with a celebratory meal in Rotorua, climbing the Auckland Sky Tower, and a slightly terrifying speedboat ride around Sydney Harbour! 

One of the things I cherish most about each school year are the traditions that bring our community together; from the jingling of bells at the Christmas carol concerts, the opening bars of ‘Sleigh Ride’ at Miscellany, to Mr Frankcom’s musical extravaganzas, these events all create a sense of joy that we look forward to year after year.  

With Christmas fast approaching, my to-do list seems to grow longer every day, but I’m making an effort to embrace the quiet moments (whenever they come!). I’m looking forward to some festive baking with my family, as I’m currently perfecting my gingerbread recipe. The English Department might just find themselves the lucky recipients of a few taste tests over the next few weeks! 

Looking back on my time here, I am deeply grateful for the many experiences that have shaped my journey. I must, of course, acknowledge Mr. B., who has been a significant part of my time at Burford. With our daughter starting Year 7 in September, it’s truly going to be a Bassett family affair! I’m certainly excited for the new memories and adventures in the years to come!