Word had spread at St Thomas More School, Wood Green, that one of their English Specialist Teaching Assistants, Hannah Symons, was taking part in BBC singing show The Voice.
They were even more amazed when Hannah, originally from Bath, got all the four singing mentors to turn because they wanted her in their team (as part of the auditions, the four mentors sit in chairs facing away from the singer so they judge them purely on their voice. If they are impressed and want them on their team, they hit a button and turn around to face them).
Hannah’s voice, which has been described as ‘soulful and edgy’, prompted mentors Sir Tom Jones, Rita Ora, Will.I.Am and Ricky Wilson from the Kaiser Chiefs to turn in their revolving chairs. Placed in the unusual position of being ‘spoilt for choice’, Hannah plumped for Ricky Wilson to mentor her throughout the competition.
Amiyah Cottoy in Year 7 said ‘I could not believe it when I saw Ms Symons singing on the television and I immediately messaged all my class friends’. Julian Dulgheru in Year 10 said ‘I know Ms Symons from my extra English classes on Saturday and I was so amazed with her performance, she was incredible’.
Mr Rowland, Head of School, said: ‘Obviously we wish Hannah the very best in the competition but she is such an inspiring teacher and due to finish her training, I hope she remains with us’.
