Mrs Louise Carter

Life before Stowe

My first teaching job was at Cranbrook School in Kent where I taught Biology and Chemistry for four years before coming to Stowe in 2000.

What do you enjoy most about your subject?

Biology is all about the wonders of nature and how every aspect of your life revolves around Biology.

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

I remember my first drive into Stowe many years ago when I came for my interview. I was a little taken back by the grandeur of Stowe House and the beautiful grounds - I thought I had come to the wrong place!!! Where better to spend your day working, amongst such inspiring surroundings and people?

What is your favourite Lesson?

We are very lucky to have many scientific gadgets in Biology including: dataloggers, flexicams, colorimeters, centrifuges, ECG equipment and I love to use them when ever possible. These all help the pupils to visualise concepts which can be difficult to appreciate from a textbook. I particularly enjoy dissection and the 'Heart surgery’ practical with the Lower Sixth is one of my favourites (dissection involving the use of surgical needles to replace faulty valves and to sew up the heart) as well as the Third Form forensic Headmaster Murder Mystery practical involving the understanding of blood groups and antibodies.

Passions

My family and I have had an allotment for a number of years and we spend most Sunday afternoons digging and weeding to prepare the ground for the various fruits and vegetables we grow. We are just now enjoying our strawberries, peas, broad beans, spinach, beetroot, garlic, lettuces, endive and new potatoes. I also enjoy running – just completed 12k run for Cystic Fibrosis in 1hr12mins. I enjoy family time at the weekends with my children – swimming, bike rides, picnics, Nintendo Wii action is always fun with the little ones!