Síle de Valera.

Current job: Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science.

What school did you attend? Loreto Convent, Foxrock, Dublin 18.

Did you have any famous classmates? All influential in their different walks of life.

Hidden talents at school? Still looking!

Best subject? Geography/history

Worst subject? Maths

Most inspirational teacher and why? Mr Crosby, an elderly physics teacher, managed to complete the course while at the same time entertaining us with wonderful stories of the war years in Britain. A great boon for anyone like me who enjoyed history, but did not share the same enthusiasm for physics!

Where did you go to college? University College Dublin, where I obtained a BA, H Dip Ed, diploma in career guidance and a postgraduate course in psychology.

What's the best aspect of the Irish education system? Good teaching based on a sound curriculum supported by interested parents.

What's the worst aspect of the Irish education system? Too much pressure on achieving good exam results.

What song most reminds you of your school days? Hey Jude by The Beatles as the head nun at our school at the time was called Sister Jude!