This week it's time to have a chat with English and media studies teacher Duncan McKinlay.

How long have you been teaching and how long have you been at Nayland College?

9 years, all of them at Nayland College.

What are your passions and areas of expertise?

Getting students to tell their own story, whether through creative writing or film. If I was on your trivia team, I'd be the one answering your film/music/pop culture questions. I enjoy playing guitar and singing, but not many other people seem to enjoy me doing that thus far. Having my own kids has forced me to get off the couch and rediscover my love of tramping and the outdoor delights the Tasman region has to offer.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey?

As far as being a teacher, my grandma was influential as she was an English teacher as well. When I'd write my Christmas thank you letters, she'd send mine back with the corrections highlighted! You wouldn't think it looking at me now, but when I was 14, I got my black belt in Goju Ryu Karate. I used to help run the junior training sessions which maybe sowed the seeds as far my future career goes. In regards to being a 'lifelong learner', my own kids are again quite influential, as trying to keep up with their inquisitiveness about the world is forcing me to remain inquisitive as well.

What is your favourite thing about the school?

The students by far. It is fantastic to see the progress they make as learners and as individuals during their time at Nayland College.

What are your ambitions for the future?

We would like to take the kids and go traveling for a year, especially through India, Asia and Europe, as they have been quite important places for my wife and me. For some reason, the idea of running a campground in an idyllic country town seems like a nice way to semi-retire.