Shapwick School

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: <br/> • Church Colleges Certificate in Religious Studies<br/> • Art and Design for the Primary Teacher<br/> • TESOL – Trinity College, London<br/> • RSA Certificate for Teachers of Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties<br/> • DCD/Dyspraxia (CAPS) course, University of Plymouth<br/>

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: <br/> • RE co-ordinator<br/> • Maths co-ordinator<br/> • History co-ordinator<br/>

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.

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.