Shapwick School

Kate gained a Certificate in Advanced Professional Studies – “Special Needs in the Ordinary School” in 1995 and went on to gain her Post Graduate Diploma in Special Learning Difficulties in 2005.

Kate is a very experienced teacher having worked as a SENCO and teacher in a number of mainstream primary schools throughout the UK.

Relevant courses attended by Kate have included: Somerset Total Communication, Providing for Children with Learning Difficulties in mainstream and specialist contexts, Developmental Dyspraxia, Gifted and Talented, and Behaviour Modification.

Kate’s interests include personal fitness, reading, ornithology, music and history.

As a mature student and father to five Dan gained his B.Ed (Honours) degree from the University of the West of England and followed this with a successful teaching career in both middle and secondary schools. He started at Shapwick in 1998 and has created a popular and successful design and technology department.

In previous employment he gained skills and qualifications in agriculture, building and construction and engineering. All of this experience helps in his delivery of the technology subjects that he teaches. He has also gained qualifications in his own time in the use of modern software products like MS Office, AutoCAD, sign writing and photo editing packages that he uses in a holistic way in his day to day teaching.

Dan has keen interests in DIY and, furniture and vehicle restoration – he likes hill walking, surf canoeing, and caving, Dan is also a member of an archery club where he helps run introductory courses for beginners as a qualified leader. With his students Dan enjoys go-karting and paintballing.

Dan has enjoyed seeing the successes of his students at the school and he has kept in touch with many of them through Facebook after they have left. He is looking forward to future success and challenges!

Phil gained his BA in PE and Geography from the University of Liverpool and followed this by taking a Post Graduate Certificate in PE/Outdoor Education at the University of Exeter. Between this time Phil was involved in cultural exchanges with young people in Mass USA.

On his return from work and travel in the US he worked for two years in sales and marketing (for Duracell batteries).

After completing his PGCE certificate Phil worked in management training for a further two years before entering the teaching profession. Phil holds an extensive range of professional (sport/outdoor) qualifications and is trained in counselling and conflict resolution at an introductory level.

Phil now works for a number of organisations as PE teacher and sports coach. He is still an active outdoor pursuitist and plays squash for Somerset (over 45s). Phil is married with two daughters.

Ann has extensive experience working with children and assessing and teaching those with SpLD (specific learning difficulties). She gained an RSA Certificate in teaching English as a foreign language. In addition, Ann speaks fluent French; she has adapted her knowledge to help dyslexic students with French as a first language. She is devising a morphological system to use as a reading/spelling scheme.

Ann gained her Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties in 1996, and now specialises in Word Attack skills, teaching to small groups and individuals. She produces Individual Learning Programmes, applying computer technology to develop independent learning skills for dyslexic pupils and has developed a Study Skills programme.

John joined Shapwick School in 2008, and teaches PE/Games and Maths.

John has worked in the secondary sector for thirty four years having been promoted to Head of Maths at 26 years old. He spent fourteen years at Preston School in Yeovil including one year on exchange in Oklahoma USA. During this time he began a student exchange to Connecticut for Year 10 students. He then moved to Chilton Trinity School in Bridgwater as Head of Lower School. He subsequently became Head of Year and Assistant Head before 'retiring' in 2006.

Sue gained a merit in the Hornsby Diploma for teaching students with dyslexia.

Sue has experience of working in the area of English as a Second Language (ESL) at a Saudi Arabian International School. Sue has tutored students on an individual basis from six years of age through to adulthood. She has extensive experience working with children with dyslexia and also teaches individual music including piano, singing and recorder.

Sue’s interests include swimming, walking her dog, skiing and a passion for music from classical to modern day ballads.

As a dyslexic himself, Robin empathises with the needs of his students. He has himself been highly successful as an artist and a teacher. The positions he has held in teaching include

• Art Teacher in a range of state and private schools including prep, grammar and comprehensive schools

• Head of Art & Design, Court Lodge School, Surrey

• Head of Sixth Form, Court Lodge School, Surrey

• Head of Faculty CDT, Oldfield School, Bath

• Panel Member, South East Regional Examinations Board, Arts & Crafts

• Visiting Lecturer, Brighton Art Teachers Training College

• Schools Lecturer, Royal Photographic Society

• Chairman of Association of Bath Art Teachers

Robin has also worked as a freelance lecturer in schools and colleges, art societies and other organisations. He has over 30 one man exhibitions and was Winner of Hidden Earth Competition 1996 and 1997. He has held a position of Chairman of the International Society of Spelaeological Art.

Amongst Robin’s other interests are caving, climbing, archery and mountain biking for Mendip Outdoor Pursuits and creative writing. He leads a variety of trips both in the UK and abroad to different centres of culture.

Neil holds a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies from the University of Exeter. Neil’s particular expertise lies in the field of physical education but he has a strong passion for history.

Neil previously held the position of Head of PE for ten years. He has also taught religious education and drama (Director of twelve Year 9 school productions).

He is a keen golfer and enjoys music. Amongst his other interests Neil is a ardent cricket fan and plays table tennis at a competitive level.

Marc was awarded his B.Ed from the University of Wales. His previous experience included teaching mathematics at Hereford College, Swindon College, George Ward Comprehensive and Abersychan Comprehensive.

He followed this by working at the Bishop Perown Church of England High School where he taught GCSE mathematics, ICT and Science. Prior to joining Shapwick Marc taught mathematics, ICT and Science at Hugh Sexey’s Church of England Middle School in Somerset.

Marc undertook AMBDA training in Dyscalculia and for a period worked as a houseparent and mathematics/ICT teacher at Mark College.

Marc’s hobbies include running, cycling, playing the guitar, renovations and studying French.

Helene was awarded a BA degree involving the study of Cognitive Psychology, Arts, Technology and World Religions and followed this by successfully completing her PGCE (University of Exeter) at College of St Mark & St John, Plymouth.

Helene holds the following additional qualifications: • Church Colleges Certificate in Religious Studies

• Art and Design for the Primary Teacher

• TESOL – Trinity College, London

• RSA Certificate for Teachers of Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties

• DCD/Dyspraxia (CAPS) course, University of Plymouth

As well as teaching in schools in the south west Helene also undertook a teaching exchange post in New South Wales, Australia. Prior to joining Shapwick, Helene held the following positions:

• RE co-ordinator

• Maths co-ordinator

• History co-ordinator

James has vast experience of teaching Science in a number of schools. Past roles include Head of Science at Bramcote School, Scarborough and most recently Head of Science at All Hallows School in Shepton Mallet. This role included responsibility for the day to day running of the department, the effective delivery of the Science Curriculum and preparing pupils for Common Entrance and Public School Scholorship. James was also a form tutor with responsibility for the progress of a group of boys and girls.

During his teaching career James has organised many extra curricular activities ranging from cycling, computing, science and outings to concerts, opera and the theatre.

Bridget gained her Certificate of Education and B.Ed. Hons from Homerton College, Cambridge University (major subjects included Biology and Geography). Bridget has extensive teaching experience gained whilst working in Berkshire, Bromley, Basingstoke, Hertfordshire, Yorkshire and Somerset across a range of independent and state schools.

Bridget also worked as Education Officer at the National Trust and following this worked as a freelance editor and advisor for educational publishers. This included the preparation of a teachers’ resource pack to enable schools to incorporate a study of the Milliennium whilst addressing National Curriculum subjects and maintaining literacy and numeracy hours. She was responsible for directing a team of teachers and coordinating the production of articles.

Bridget has completed an Advanced Professional Studies Course in Environmental Education. She has also studied courses in Computer Appreciation and BASIC programming, a City & Guilds Certificate in Computer Literacy and a course in ‘Identifying and Helping the Dyslexic Child’.

Bridget has assisted with the publication of schools magazines and has contributed to a number of journals as a photo journalist.

She has organised and escorted a range of adventure holidays, water sports day and outdoor education events including Ten Tors, which she has been managing at Shapwick for the past five years.

For a number of years Bridget was external coursework moderator for science GCSE and she was heavily involved in writing material to compliment the new Core Science GCSE. She is the internal verifier for the BTEC range of qualifications which has been introduced to the school at Key Stage 4 level.

David was awarded his BSc (Hons) in Zoology at Southampton and followed this by taking a PGCE at the University of York.

He has extensive teaching experience both nationally and internationally plus experience as a Research Assistant for the RSPCA.

David is highly skilled in the area of ICT having written a specific record keeping program to monitor pupils’ performance. He has extensive experience working in all three science disciplines including A-Level. Prior to joining, he managed the school website of his last school.

He has an interest in ESD and has run workshops on sustainable energy.

Claire gained her BA (Hons) in French from Nottingham University and followed this by completing a PGCE in French and English from York University.

Claire has extensive experience of working both nationally and internationally. In 1998 she set up a link between Crispin School in Street and a secondary school in Western Kenya. This link has thrived and now includes three local primary schools. She has also tutored French at Strode College.

She has been involved in setting up playscheme for primary aged children. Her interests include cycling, gardening and she is an avid reader and a member of a local book club.

Lucy was awarded her BA (Hons) in RE and History from Lancaster University, following this she successfully completed her PGCE in Religious Studies and History at Exeter University.

She has extensive primary and secondary experience having worked at the George Ward School, Wiltshire; the Gryphon School, Sherborne; Ashton Park School, Bristol and St Benedicts School, Glastonbury.

Michael initially trained as a Bacteriologist at the Bland-Sutton Institute of Pathology, Middlesex Hospital.

In 1966 he applied to St. Luke’s College, Exeter to study Biology with a view to teaching at secondary level. Michael gained his Certificate of Education and started a teaching role at Holloway School, a large boys’ comprehensive in London.

After one year Michael secured for a post at Edgarley Hall (Millfield Preparatory School). There he taught Physics and Biology for twenty six years. For sixteen years Michael and his wife were houseparents to approximately forty girls whose ages ranged from 6 to 14 years. They occupied Hillside, one of the Shapwick School houses that had been taken over by Millfield in 1979.

In 1996, owing to ill health, Michael retired from full-time teaching. However, in 1999 he was invited to join the staff at Shapwick to coordinate the Sixth Form, which at that time had four students. Throughout his career Michael has supported children with dyslexia and enjoys overcoming the challenges that the condition presents.

Today, Shapwick students access a wide variety of courses at Bridgwater College and part of Michael’s job is to ensure that there are members of staff to support the students with their assignments. The courses range from Level 1 to Level 3 Vocational courses to A-Levels. Some students are in College for three days, which means that they are in school for two and a half, requiring support. Others may be in College for a greater amount of time.

The Sixth Form has now grown in size to over 20 students and Michael’s task is to liaise very closely with the staff at Bridgwater College with regard to the daily progress of our students. Close contact is maintained through email and telephone conversations, plus weekly visits to meet the staff at Bridgwater.

Pat has worked at Shapwick School since the early 1980s in a number of senior roles including Head of English from 1985, Director of Studies from 1991 and Deputy Head of Edington School (now known as Shapwick Prep) from 1994.

Pat now concentrates on consultancy work, but still supports the school’s assessment function including the Annual Neale Analysis and Single Word Tests. She also chairs review meetings for statemented children.

Pat worked as a Distance Learning Tutor for the Hornsby Centre and Dyslexia Action from 1996 to 2007 and is now a practice observer/advisor for Bath Spa University on the Professional Masters programme for teachers training in Identifying and Supporting Learners with SpLD.

Pat is a former Committee member of Somerset Dyslexia Association and the British Dyslexia Association.

In her spare time Pat enjoys reading, travel, art, antiques and needlework.

Annette gained her Cert Ed from London University in Mathematics and has taught in a variety of schools joining Shapwick in 1984 as a houseparent.

She organises the Duke of Edinburgh Award, having achieved the Gold Award herself and ensures all pupils in the school have the opportunity of achieving an award.

Annette has excellent ICT skills which she brings to bear in her teaching to great effect.

Steve joined Shapwick in 1999 and teaches Geography. Steve leads many of the outdoor pursuits including rock climbing, orienteering and caving, which provides key enrichment for pupils.

Steve is a qualified provider for: • BMC SPA Rock Climbing

• BMC NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme)

• BMC Mountain Leadership

• BOF Orienteering

• BCA Caving

• BCU CSA

• Outdoor First Aid Certificate

• Duke of Edinburgh Expedition and BELA