Meet our new teachers!
8th October 26
At the start of the 2026/27 academic year, we were pleased to welcomed four new faces to the teaching staff here at The King Alfred School.
They included Charlotte O’Connor (Year 2) in Lower School, and Andres Gomez de la Torre Barrera (Geography & Politics), Ino Stavridi (Physics) and Chris Tordecilla (PE) in Upper School.
Read more below about why they wanted to join the KAS community and what students can expect in their lessons.
Charlotte O’Connor
Year 2 Teacher, Lower School
Pictured above
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My younger sister struggled with learning to tell the time when we were little, and I loved helping her to understand it. I would sit her down with our teddy bears and write things on my little whiteboard. Later, a brilliant Year 6 teacher showed me the impact teachers can have simply by taking the time to listen and support children. Those experiences stayed with me. Making children feel safe and want to come to school every day is such a rewarding job.
What drew you to The King Alfred School?
I was relocating from Hong Kong, where I was teaching previously, and looking for a school that felt like the right fit. The sense of belonging, the school community and the child-centred approach at KAS really stood out. It feels a lot more personal, and the children have really nice relationships with the adults here.
“Making children feel safe and want to come to school every day is such a rewarding job.”
How do you make learning engaging in Year 2?
I start with the children’s interests and curiosity. For example, we might use football in a Maths lesson, looking at the number of goals scored to calculate the answer to a sum. In the classroom, I also use games to build skills such as turn-taking. Opportunities to be hands-on and explore through play are important, too. Activities such as building a marble run help children to figure out problems and learn how to work together.
What is your life advice for students?
All mistakes help us learn. Things don’t always go to plan, but every experience teaches us something and helps shape where we go next.
Quick-fire questions
- Favourite book? Lately I’ve been reading a lot of Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction books. She writes about female perspectives during times of conflict.
- Favourite place in the world? It used to be Manchester, where I’m from, but now it’s Hong Kong after living there.
- Favourite season? Summer – I’m always freezing! I love the sun.
- Hobbies outside of school? Travelling, running half marathons and playing netball.
Andres Gomez de la Torre Barrera
Geography & Politics Teacher, Upper School
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My background is quite varied. I studied law in Peru and began my career in business law before moving into human rights and international development. I worked across Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East on issues such as education, health, conflict and inequality. Education was always part of that work, whether supporting community programmes or helping young people develop their understanding of global issues. Over time, I realised I wanted to bring those experiences into the classroom and work directly with young people in my own community, initially in Hackney and now here.
“Children have a right to shape the present”
What excites you most about teaching Geography and Politics?
These subjects help students make sense of the world around them. Whether we’re discussing climate change, migration, inequality or different cultures, every student can connect to the topics in some way. I love seeing young people engage in thoughtful debates and develop the confidence to become active citizens. Children aren’t just the future; they have a right to shape the present too.
What attracted you to The King Alfred School?
The warmth of the community. Students are curious, happy and eager to learn, while teachers genuinely care for them. There’s a wonderful balance between academic learning and personal development, with a real focus on enjoyment, trust and becoming better human beings.
What is your life advice for students?
Trust your instincts. At certain ages you want to fit into something, but actually you don’t need to – you can find your own path. Also, recognise your privileges and use them to make a positive difference to others.
Quick-fire questions
- Favourite book? Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall. It brilliantly shows how geography shapes cultures, politics and world events.
- Favourite film? Star Wars. I’ve loved it for years, and am now enjoying introducing my daughters to the saga.
- Favourite place in the world? Rio de Janeiro. It has everything: beaches, mountains, forests, music, culture and incredible energy.
- Favourite season? Spring. There’s something uplifting about seeing nature come back to life.
Ino Stavridi
Physics Teacher, Upper School
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I originally studied communications, completed an MBA and spent time working in my family’s radiology business before deciding to pursue teaching. I wanted a career with real purpose, and teaching combined two things I care deeply about: science and young people. Physics helps students develop problem-solving skills and understand the world around them, and I love helping them make those connections.
How do you make Science lessons engaging for students?
I always try to link lessons to real life. Whether we’re studying radioactivity, engineering or space, students become much more interested when they can see how science affects their everyday lives. Practical experiments are especially important because students learn best when they can explore, build, test and discover for themselves.
“I love that the school cares about the whole child”
What attracted you to The King Alfred School?
From the moment I arrived for my interview, I felt part of the community. I love that the school cares about the whole child, not just academic success. Students are encouraged to be curious, confident and themselves, which creates a wonderful atmosphere for learning.
What is your life advice for students?
Life is a journey. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Be curious, be resilient, and you will get there.
Quick-fire questions
- Favourite book? I like Greek mythology. Stephen Fry’s retelling of the Odyssey is very good. Homer was a storyteller.
- Favourite topic to teach? Space. Students are endlessly curious about the universe and always ask fascinating questions.
- Favourite place in the world? Ermioni, my village in Greece. I love being by the sea and spending time with my family. I find my peace there.
- Favourite season? Since moving to the UK, it’s become Autumn and Winter. I love the rain – something I never thought I’d say!
Chris Tordecilla
PE Teacher, Upper School
What brought you to The King Alfred School?
I first joined as a basketball coach three years ago, before joining as a part-time PE teacher. What stood out immediately was the welcoming atmosphere. The students and staff are incredibly friendly, and I love the school’s free-thinking approach. The enthusiasm, respect and energy students bring to sport make it a fantastic environment to work in.
What do you enjoy most about teaching PE?
For me, sport is about so much more than physical fitness. Team sports help young people develop communication, discipline, resilience and problem-solving skills. These are qualities that stay with them long after they leave school and help them navigate challenges in everyday life.
“Team sports develop skills that stay with students long after they leave school”
What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I’ll be involved in other sports, but basketball is my main focus at the moment. The boys’ programme gone from strength to strength, with back-to-back ISA championship wins in recent years. I’m also excited to help grow girls’ involvement in the sport. We’re seeing increased numbers at weekly sessions, where the focus is simply to have fun, enjoy the sport and build confidence.
What is your life advice for students?
The hardest thing is starting something. If there’s something you want to do, just start and go from there.
Quick-fire questions
- Favourite book? Leadership by US college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. I read it when I first started coaching, and I still go back to it for inspiration.
- Favourite film? Love & Basketball. It’s the story of two high school sweethearts as they go through life, told in four quarters.
- Favourite place in the world? Hawaii. My wife and I got married there. It’s such a beautiful place.
- Favourite season? Summer – although “basketball season” was a tempting answer!
