Claudia Aguiar-Hemon

Claudia Aguiar-Hemon has been the head of modern foreign languages at Les Varendes High since 2021. 
‘She teaches with such kindness, understanding, and patience,’ said her nominator Mara Vieira, describing her teacher as ‘sunshine in human form’. 
‘I am so surprised,’ said Mrs Aguiar-Hemon. 
‘When you are doing your day-to-day job you don’t realise the impact you are having on these young people. It makes you realise why you do your job.
‘I really value spending time with the students and getting to hear more about their backgrounds. When engaging with one another’s cultural experiences, a community is built.’ 
Mara commended Mrs Aguiar-Hemon for building her confidence with languages, and as a result is now choosing to study French at A-level. 
‘She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,’ said Mara. ‘You can tell that she really cares about each student.’ 
‘She is a teacher who has made such a difference. I look up to her every single day.’ 
Mrs Aguiar-Hemon also wanted to use her nomination to recognise the commitment of the department staff. 
‘The team are a fantastic, tight-knit group. We pull on each other’s strengths to make the department the best it can be.’