In 2020, my family and I made a huge decision to leave all of our family and friends behind and move to Cornwall to find a better quality of life. The move to St Ives was made possible by securing a job at the secondary school in St Ives. I am now the Head of the Science faculty in the school and very eager to further promote science to our young adults in our community and create enthusiastic scientists. I have had extensive experience in the education setting and been teaching for over a decade. Previous roles of mine have included a learning support assistant, science teacher, Science College Manager and Head of Sixth Form.
When not working, my family and I are always taking advantage of the brilliant outdoor opportunities in the local area, from running around on the beach, climbing the rocks, cycling bikes on the promenade or walking our dog, we really love the outdoors. I also (attempt) to play rugby for St Ives RFC and have been able to give some of my time to coaching some of the older youth groups at the club.
Whilst at home, I really enjoy spending time with my kids and both my children (5 and 3 years old) love their reading. I am constantly surprised by their enthusiasm with books and although they could list over 30 books as their ‘favourites’ my personal favourites come from the ‘Oi Frog!’ series. As someone who struggled with reading as a child due to dyslexia, I really appreciate the time I am able to give my children to support their progress in reading.
Since moving to St Ives, I have noticed a particularly strong sense of community here and we can’t believe how lucky we have been to find such a welcoming and supporting environment. Being a parent governor at St Ives Infant school gives me the opportunity to support this wonderful community and the school which is at the centre of it.
Why do I want to be Governor at St Ives Infant School?
Be able to transfer my skills and expertise from my profession to support the school which is at the heart of the local community.
Provide support to staff and families linked with the skill as we, as a nation, recover from the impacts of the Covid Virus.
To gain a deeper understanding of my children's education and how I could support their learning further.
I have a huge affiliation to the town of St Ives. I grew up in the heart of the town and attended all of the St Ives Schools before going on to Penwith College and Winchester University where I studied Sports Science. I am hugely passionate for young people of St Ives to have every opportunity to be successful and am lucky enough to work at St Ives Secondary School as the Head of Lower School where I hope I have an impact on helping young people be the best that they can be.
I love being involved in everything sporty and list football, golf, rugby and running as personal favourites. I have been involved with many sports teams within the community and am a member at West Cornwall Golf Club in Lelant.
Since my return to the area following my stint at university I have had many roles throughout my time at St Ives Secondary School including being a Learning Support Assistant, Activities Co-Ordinator, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of Year, Head of Lower School, Head of Admissions and Head of Transition. If I hadn’t gone into education I like to think I would have become a policeman or firefighter.
When I do have some spare time I really enjoy reading either with my daughter or on my own, I am not sure there is anything more relaxing. My daughter and I enjoy to read Roald Dahl books which I love because they were my favourite as a child. Our personal favourites are The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox and George’s Marvellous Medicine. I think my daughter’s all-time favourite is Matilda because she loves the movie and musical productions as well as the book. In my own time I prefer to read nonfiction or nonfiction narratives including autobiographies. It won’t surprise you from reading the above information that I enjoy reading sports stars autobiographies the most.
I am most proud of my family and adore being a father to my 6 year old child who attends St Ives Infant School with the dream for her to attend the same schools as both myself and my wife attended with her community throughout her education.
Why do I want to be Governor at St Ives Infant School?
After enjoying my time as a teacher governor at St Ives Secondary School, I wanted to try and continue to support using my experiences.
As previously mentioned the area of St Ives means a great deal to me and I want to assist young people in the community be as successful as they can be.
I have many friends and family that have children who attend the school and I want to support the community and therefore their children.
I became a teacher at the age of 21 and worked in Education all my working life.
I was a Headtecher for 25 years and it's been my vocation to equip children with the tools to reach their full potential.
Since retiring I have spent time enjoying doing things I love and supporting my daughter raising her young family.
My grandson recently started in the Reception class at the school. So when I learnt that there was an opportunity to become a community Governor, I felt that my skills and experience could support St Ives Infant school to continue it's journey and achieve it's aims and objectives.
Personally I love spending with my grandchildren, reading, swimming, arts and crafts. I also enjoy walking in our beautiful county and also travelling abroad, discovering different cultures and enjoying new experiences.
Year 1 Class teacher
Art and DT Lead