Diane Stirling
Teacher - Primary Years' Music
Growing up in Greenock, an industrial town in the West Coast of Scotland, I was inspired by many teachers in both my Primary and Secondary schools. I have always been passionate about learning and I have always loved being involved in everything school life has to offer. In my final year at school I was elected Head Girl and given the opportunity to lead the student body. This post of responsibility helped me to focus on my plans for the future. I decided that I would combine my love of education with my passion for Music and pursue a career as a Music Teacher.
After successfully completing the audition and interview process for the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, I gained one of only a few places on their intensive Bachelor of Education course. Graduating in 2006 with an Honours Degree, and accredited a Merit of Excellence in teaching, I then completed my probationary teaching year in the bustling music department at Park Mains High School. I moved on to a full time position in the equally thriving music department at St Andrew’s Academy where I have spent three wonderful, exciting and fulfilling years as a member of the lively Music Department. At the core of this Department’s ethos is the belief that ‘Music is for everyone’. This is a strong personal belief of mine and I witness the success of this mantra on a daily basis. I have taught all levels from infants to final year pre-university students and have developed my expertise in teaching to address the different requirements of stage and ability.
During my time at St Andrew’s Academy I have successfully written new courses and developed a number of curricular areas resulting in higher attainment at all levels. In particular, my expertise in arranging popular music has dramatically improved motivation and musical literacy. I was heavily involved in the extra curricular life of both the department and the whole school. I was responsible for directing the Junior Choir, whose membership increased from twenty to seventy members within the first year, performing at school and charity events to much acclaim. I was part of the team who led the Senior Choir trip to Rome where the choir performed in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and in The Pantheon. Due to my success with the various choirs and music initiatives in school, I was approached by the Local Authority (Renfrewshire Council) to build and direct their Senior Schools Choir. In my spare time my love of Music has led me to teach piano privately, be the rehearsal pianist for theatre groups and prepare pupils for music examinations at a Saturday Music Centre.
I am looking forward with excited anticipation to working with the students and staff at the British School of Chicago and experiencing everything that Chicago has to offer.