Judith Woodworth, director, National Concert Hall

Where did you go to school? Alexandra College, Dublin.

What was your best subject? History.

What was your worst subject? Maths.

If you could put a new subject on the Leaving Cert, what would it be?

Climate change. Our generation has made such a mess of our environment, we can only hope that the next generation can do something about restoring the balance.

What was your earliest career ambition?

To be an opera singer.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

A widely respected piano teacher called Rhona Marshall. She inspired me to study hard and I did well in competitions.

Who was your best friend?

I had several best friends, all of whom have gone on to have fascinating lives and careers.

What film most reminds you of your school days?

I loved early Bond films - plenty of action and romance, lots of ridiculous gimmicks, and, of course, Sean Connery.

What song most reminds you of your school days?

Simon and Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence - I recall listening to this on a transister in the Gaeltacht on the Aran Islands.

What food most reminds you of your school days?

Overcooked cabbage and watery gravy.

What was your school uniform like?

A brown serge tunic or skirt - possibly the most unattractive clothing ever designed. I still can't wear anything brown.

Who did you bring to your debs?

We did not have a debs, but I got myself invited to the Trinity Ball before entering TCD. What a magical night that was.

What was your most memorable holiday?

Travelling to Switzerland and Italy with my parents when I was 10.

What's the last book you read? Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. So many of her penetrating social observations are just as relevant to today's society.

Did you go to college and, if so, what did you study?

I studied history and political science at Trinity College and managed to fit in a considerable amount of musical studies and performing as well.

What was the best thing about your education?

We were taught to respect others and their points of view.

What was the worst thing?

There was not nearly enough support for those of us wishing to study music. This is very different from the Alexandra College of today, which has one of the largest music departments in Ireland. Sadly, this is not the case through- out our education system.