Ben Allin- Head of Performing Arts
What inspired you to be a PA Teacher?
As a wee boy I was always involved in drama productions, camps and workshops. At the age of 10 years old
I got the lead role of ‘Binky Ruddich’ in Theatre Kent’s productions of ‘Revenge of the Space Pandas or Binky
Ruddich and His Two Speed Clock’ which ignited my passion for drama and theatre. As I grew older I had
the opportunity to lead and plan a summer drama camp so I was able to gain my first experience teaching
others something I loved; theatre! I also really admired two of my own high school drama teachers who
pushed me even further to pursuit a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in ‘Drama in Education and
Community’ at the University of Windsor in Canada. I gained a further Bachelor of Education from York
University, specialising in Drama and Politics…now here I am at Esher High hoping I can inspire others to
pursuit a career in the Arts when they leave our school.
What has been your most memorable moment as a PA Teacher?
Being backstage during school productions is so much fun. I don’t think the audience realises how much of a
blast we all have during the shows whilst not on stage. There is an incredible buzz and everyone is really
enjoying themselves. Not to mention the coordinated firing of the confetti cannons which Mr Emery and I
have down to a tee. Also our tour to Spain in 2018 and the ‘buy the craziest object you can find’ contest at
the market in Barcelona. Let's just say myself and other PA staff members received some pretty hilarious
‘gifts’ from our students.
What is the worst part of your job?
That I have to follow the staff dress-code policy and teach drama in a suit. If I had it my way, I’d be in sweats,
rolling around on the floor and being as active as possible with all the students acting ridiculous, having fun
and learning along the way.
What is special about Esher High School’s PA Department?
The passion, determination and dedication of our students makes the PA department the best in the school.
There is a strong sense of community and working together collaboratively that you can feel when you’re in
the building and in PA lessons. PA staff are fully committed to ensuring
As a wee boy I was always involved in drama productions, camps and workshops. At the age of 10 years old
I got the lead role of ‘Binky Ruddich’ in Theatre Kent’s productions of ‘Revenge of the Space Pandas or Binky
Ruddich and His Two Speed Clock’ which ignited my passion for drama and theatre. As I grew older I had
the opportunity to lead and plan a summer drama camp so I was able to gain my first experience teaching
others something I loved; theatre! I also really admired two of my own high school drama teachers who
pushed me even further to pursuit a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in ‘Drama in Education and
Community’ at the University of Windsor in Canada. I gained a further Bachelor of Education from York
University, specialising in Drama and Politics…now here I am at Esher High hoping I can inspire others to
pursuit a career in the Arts when they leave our school.
What has been your most memorable moment as a PA Teacher?
Being backstage during school productions is so much fun. I don’t think the audience realises how much of a
blast we all have during the shows whilst not on stage. There is an incredible buzz and everyone is really
enjoying themselves. Not to mention the coordinated firing of the confetti cannons which Mr Emery and I
have down to a tee. Also our tour to Spain in 2018 and the ‘buy the craziest object you can find’ contest at
the market in Barcelona. Let's just say myself and other PA staff members received some pretty hilarious
‘gifts’ from our students.
What is the worst part of your job?
That I have to follow the staff dress-code policy and teach drama in a suit. If I had it my way, I’d be in sweats,
rolling around on the floor and being as active as possible with all the students acting ridiculous, having fun
and learning along the way.
What is special about Esher High School’s PA Department?
The passion, determination and dedication of our students makes the PA department the best in the school.
There is a strong sense of community and working together collaboratively that you can feel when you’re in
the building and in PA lessons. PA staff are fully committed to ensuring
