Helen

Co-opted Governor

I joined the Governing Body of Emily Wilding Davison School as a co-opted governor shortly after my retirement from teaching and prior to the school’s name change and move from Seghill to the current site in Ponteland. I entered the teaching profession in 1997 after completing a degree and PGCE as a mature student and retired in 2017.  After qualifying, I taught at a Primary school in Elswick before moving to a school in Northumberland where I stayed until retirement.

During my teaching career I taught in all Primary year groups including each of those that complete statutory assessment, most recently in Year Six.  While I taught in Year Two I was also a Key Stage One Moderator for Northumberland County Council.  Through this roleI worked with assessment co-ordinators across the Bedlington Partnership Schools, including the High Schools and Special School, to design a common, standardised language and understanding for assessment. I also worked with the Data Unit from County to devise a bespoke assessment and progress tracking system for school and when I taught in Reception, worked with the on-site PVI Nursery Manager to devise our own Early Years Foundation Stage assessment system.

During my career I had many roles and responsibilities and always took the opportunity to further my experience and to develop new skills; the role of Governor allows me the opportunity of still being involved in the education system and to continue to put my skills and experience to good use.

After retirement I got two dogs and enjoy getting out and about in our lovely region with them.  They are Ttoodles; a mix of Tibetan terrier and miniature poodle and whilst cute, they are nowhere near as well behaved as the school therapy dogs. I love to travel both in the United Kingdom where the dogs often come too, and abroad, where they don’t. I also like to go to the theatre where I enjoy  ballet and musicals.  I have always enjoyed live music although these days, I prefer a venue where I can sit down!

Term of office – 14/03/19 – 13/03/27