Adriana VanHelfteren – Year Two Studio Support

I have a PGCE with a specialism in early years. I’m particularly interested in mental health. I see my main duty to be that of ensuring there is a secure, nurturing environment for all our lovely students. I believe that unconditional positive regard is vital so that self-esteem can develop and learning is enhanced. This is especially important for our more vulnerable children.

Alan Butler  LGBT Mentoring and Support

Alan is an Oral Historian working with an archive exploring the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered experience in Plymouth.

Alan offers drop in support sessions for students and is a co-director of Pride in Plymouth, a non-profit Community Interest Company, based at the school, which brings people and groups together to celebrate and promote the diversity and talent that exists within the LGBT communities of Plymouth.

Alex Boyce – PE Teacher

I am a newly qualified PE teacher who is very passionate about PE and sport, in particular netball. I am very excited to begin my teaching career here at PSCA and to inspire our pupils to engage in lots of physical activity and to most importantly have lots of fun!!

Alice Bingham – Phase One Leader

Being part of this incredible team is a real privilege. I am passionate about making a school that inspires, nurtures and challenges all children, and adults! I enjoy exploring, painting, cooking, laughing!

Allison Cooper – Music Teacher

I am multi-instrumental musician, singer, songwriter and composer and trained at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in Music and Education and completed an MA in Music Therapy.

My personal musical path has been about building my own self esteem, confidence, courage and self-discipline as well as studying the technical aspects of music. A lifelong musical path has given me the experience and understanding to be able to help students break through any creative blocks to find their unique musical and vocal self-expression and to be the best they can be.

 Andrew Bell

Working here part-time around my own school life is easily the best job I could hope for at 18. In the future I hope to complete a degree; Marketing with Chinese, as I have a passion for both, and hope to pursue a related career.

Andrew Carpenter – Deputy Headteacher

Responsibility for performance and pedagogy. I am extremely passionate about how children learn, looking at strategies and ideas to enthuse, motivate and support students to be the best they can be. I am a keen cyclist and always look to bring the real world into the studio and learning.

Andrew Nunn – Culinary Arts Teacher

Teaching cookery is a hugely important life skill which has important links to Maths, Language, Science, Geography, Art and History etc. I get a real buzz from seeing students cook and present some amazing food in Culinary Arts and seeing their confidence in themselves soar!! I take part in Triathlon, so an important element to me is well being, healthy eating and life styles.

Ange Chudley – Studio Support

My passion is all sports and in particular Netball. I will be working across all the phases in sport and hope to develop play in the playground from preschool up to year 2. My aim is to develop cycling across phase 1, starting with balance bikes and hopefully giving  all children the opportunity to ride a bike.

I am currently working in year one as a studio support. I have a BA HONS ‘Open’ degree that I gained through the Open University, whilst studying and working around my family, it consist of Media and English based subjects. I also have 60 Masters credits in primary education (half a Masters Degree).

I choose to work with children as I like seeing the world through their eyes and helping them develop and engaging with new experiences’. I have previously worked in special schools working with children with profound learning difficulties, I found working with these amazing children extremely rewarding.

I am able to share my knowledge that l learnt to help those in my class and phase who have special educational needs, by using different approaches to learning that are tailored specifically to them, enabling them to move forward and achieve.

I have a great interest in speech and language and deliver interventions as believe that communication is key and impacts on all areas of development and personal wellbeing. Everyone has the right to be able to be understood and communicate and I am privileged to help children learn to do this.

Angélique Kergosien – French Teacher

I am really excited to be a part of the development of French at PSCA. I feel privileged as a teacher to work in an environment where everything is possible and where students are given control of their learning. I am aiming at integrating my interests for music, photography, art, dance and drama within my teaching practice, developing these interests with the school. I believe that learning alongside students or from students is extremely valuable.

My role at PSCA covers the delivery of project-based cross phase computing, e-safety and continuing to develop our digital strategy. With 15 years’ teaching experience both in the UK and abroad, preparing students for their digital lives is crucial for a future in which the only thing that is certain is ever increasing reliance on technology. 

Anna Norman –  English Teacher

I joined the English team in 2015.  I am  passionate about literature and creative writing, and the importance of reading for pleasure. Before joining PSCA, I was an associate lecturer in English Literature in higher education. I believe English should be inspiring and engaging for all young people.  I love the ethos of the school, and the students, and am really enjoying growing the English Curriculum as our phase 3 and 4 students grow. 

I am currently working with Phase Three and Four to help teach Maths. I am training to be a fully qualified teacher which is an exciting process but a bit daunting! I can’t wait to achieve this and extend the knowledge I have gained from my university degree to the studio.

Ben Gentle – Phase Two Teacher

Hello I’m Ben and I am an NQT newly employed in Phase Two. I am extremely excited to work along such a bright and positive group of staff and am thirsty for fresh experiences that I can learn and reflect on to improve my practice in my Phase group. My interests in school lie mainly within Creative writing but I am also very fond of History, Geography and P.E (I’m trying to get better at Maths!) Outside of school My hobbies include Surfing, Running and Rugby (although if I could choose I would spend as much time as possible in the sea!)  am beyond blessed to have the chance to work in such a vibrant modern school and can’t wait for the year ahead!

Beth Dale – Senior Administrator

My role focuses on ensuring our digital systems support the needs of the school and its users. I joined the school in 2016, I enjoy the challenges that my role presents and I really appreciate that every day I learn something new.

Brantley Rogers – Drama Teacher

I am currently studying a masters in Performance Training. My expertise lies in devising contemporary theatre which challenges traditional theatrical conventions. I am passionate about making work from scratch in a fun and playful environment with a D.I.Y aesthetic. Alongside PSCA I work in the Creative Learning Department at TR2 where I run various workshops. I also have experience as a performer working alongside companies such as Blasted Fiction, AMINAL and Symbiotic Theatre.

Carol Speare – Wrap around Care Team

Carolyn Glover – Head of Maths

Cathy Palmer – Art Teacher

I am passionate about the arts and the feel its a real privilege to be working in such a creative environment where the arts are so valued. I love to travel, and as an artist and dancer am inspired by nature and the sea. It’s amazing to be part of such an inspiring, supportive and enthusiastic team! I am really excited about the possibilities of creating opportunities for our learners to work in ways that reflect the real world and captures their imaginations and sense of curiosity.

Charlotte Bennellick-Palmer – Preschool Teacher

I am passionate about creative teaching and learning, so feel privileged to work in such a creative environment, as Plymouth School of Creative Arts.  My motivation for teaching is developing children’s enthusiasm for learning, and enabling children to discover and recognise their individual interests and talents.  

Charlotte Slater – Teacher Phase Two

I will be teaching in Phase Two with an amazing team of people. I am passionate about creative teaching and learning and feel proud to be completing my NQT year at PCSA.I want to share my passion and enthusiasm for art, food and design and will urge young people to explore their own passions too.

Claire Strudwick – Phase Two Support

I am Montessori trained, with a love of the early years.  I wish to enable every child to discover their amazing abilities, through children leading their own learning, learning that inspires, challenges and equips them with confidence and resilience to be the best they dream to be. I have a great love of cooking, yoga and the outdoors.

Craig McGregor – Phase Two English Teacher

Whilst helping out in the Phase 2 Studio space, I mostly talk about books, words, and writing; out of the studio I mostly read books and write words, so things worked out pretty nicely for me there. I also help to run a local martial arts club, and I find that the tradition and philosophy behind the art has greatly

influenced how I perceive and respond to the world around me. Professionally, I did an MA in Creative Writing a couple of years ago and had some comic books published. I love to write and create in my spare time, and am hoping to see more work in print in the future (fingers crossed, folks). I’d like to inspire the students to use narratives and language as a means of self-expression.

Dannii O’leary – Wrap Around Care Team

I have been part of the team since 2014 starting as a Sport Apprentice building a flourishing Netball Team in Phase Three. I am now a fixed face in the After School Care Team working with Phases One and Two looking to develop further. I am a big live sports and music fan, regularly travelling to home and away fixtures for my team and different venues for various artists.

Dave Strudwick – Headteacher

It’s an immense privilege to lead such an amazing team and work in such an inspiring community. I have a love of learning, music, sport and architecture. It’s amazing what we are making together each day and I am certainly looking forward to the next part of the journey.

I have lead schools previously, written a book about behaviour and been involved in many interesting projects including the Blackawton Bees which resulted in the world’s youngest published scientists. However, the making of Plymouth School of Creative Arts is head and shoulders above the rest. This is a project that will become increasingly recognised internationally.

Denise Wilde – Cleaner

Diana Gillard – Phase Two Studio Support

My creative background as a Graphic Designer definitely influenced me to be involved as much as I could within the school. Working with the children over the years, has been so rewarding. I love talking to them and discovering all their different characters, as well as seeing them grow in confidence day by day. It has given me a lot of personal satisfaction, and I love the experiences and challenges it has created, not just for me but for all of us. I enjoy music, singing, arts and crafts, painting, drawing, knitting / crochet, technical drawing and 3D design. My daughter also enjoys it here too.

Elle – Phase Two Maths Teacher

Having been a part of the school since it first began, I feel as though I have been on a journey of development, both as part of a growing team and as an individual. Having worked alongside young people in all phases, I have an awareness and connection to how each child will progress both academically and personally whilst being educated here. I care passionately about people connecting with themselves, one another, their environment and their community as a whole. I have both a teaching qualification and a degree within the arts.

I am part of the kitchen team at Plymouth school of creative arts. We are the hub of the school and thrive to produce wholesome and healthy food for the children and staff members across the school. We are also here to support the children and parents to make sure school life is a happy and safe environment. 

I have worked with primary age children for a number of years, both in and out of the school environment. There have been so many occasions where I have seen children come into their element whilst absorbed in creative projects. I am very excited about exploring how art and craft can be used by children as a means of communication and self expression.

I am a professional contemporary dancer, crossfit coach and olympic weightlifter.

I teach dance across all phases and PE in Phase Four.

My passions are in making performance, developing young people’s love of movement and engaging people creatively through dance.

I currently perform as part of Exim Dance Company and as an individual performance artist.

I am really excited and privileged to be apart of a unique and growing school.

I love the challenges that come each day and I enjoy learning new things. 

I want to share my passion and enthusiasm with other members of the team and with the students. 

Fern O’Neill – Quality and Performance Lead

After working for a youth charity for just over 17 years, I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join PSCA.  My background is in HR and quality assurance; my firm belief being that by ensuring we have the right people, in the right jobs, at the right time will greatly support the school in Creating Individuals, Making Futures.  My role involves supporting different teams across the school with regards to performance and quality assurance, with particular emphasis on HR, finance and payroll.

I have been working at the school since 2015, during this time I have discovered that I have a passion to work with behaviour and helping to coach others through this. I enjoy helping those with additional needs and working with others to improve their time at school. I am a teaching assistant and I am currently in training to gain my level 3 in supporting teaching and learning.

Hannah Blair – Studio Support Reception

I am working as studio support in the reception class. I have a degree in Early Childhood studies and am really interested in children’s development and the different ways in which children can learn. I’m also a keen athlete and therefore very passionate about getting children active and enabling them to learn through exercise. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team!

I am a photographer, film maker, and learning technologist.

I am passionate about creative learning through making and empowering student voice.

Making creative communication’s, exploring interesting narratives and sharing great practice are common threads within my work.

Helen Currell – Studio Support and Culinary Arts Technician

This year, I am supporting learning across Phase Three but am based on the Performing and Culinary Arts Floor so working mainly alongside Culinary Arts, Dance, Music, and Drama. French is also taught within Culinary Arts so all in all, I am on a steep learning curve!

I am the Exams Officer. I will be ensuring our students are entered for the right exams by working alongside Teachers.

My background is Management Consultancy and for most of my working life Senior Management Retail. I have worked with a range of companies from recruitment, other consultancies to large and small retailers.

I’m really excited about what PSCA are doing and am looking forward to what the students can teach me!

This year I will be teaching Phase 2 as part of the PBL team bringing an interest in drama and science.  I will also be leading on PHSE in Phase Two. 

I have a huge passion for making & I’ve been a part of the school since the very first day. As a result, I have had the pleasure of teaching in every phase. This gives me great insight into the progression that will be advantageous to our phase 2 students in their learning journey through the school

Jake McCabe – Chef

I’m very passionate about food and cooking and love to bring that to the table and share my knowledge with the students. I learn something new from them everyday.

Jeff Stratton – Artist in Residence

Jeff Stratton has been an educationalist for over 50 years. From his initial work as a youth worker in 1958 he joined the teaching profession. Since then he has worked in primary and secondary schools, was a headteacher and a senior education officer, but always primarily an artist. His passion is teaching children and young people and in 2012 he won the Pearson Teacher of the Year Award for Lifetime Achievement. He is currently working with Phases Two, Three and Four, with a particular focus on developing quality Project Based Learning.

Jessica Hunter – Studio Teacher Year Two

Teacher, listener, public speaker, coach and choreographer, I will be working with Year Two from September. I love dancing and acting and enjoy sharing these passions with the children.

I am an experienced primary practitioner with an academic background and a passion for creative pedagogies. I love the cross-curricular potential offered by primary practice and believe whole-heartedly that a real-life project-based approach is the key to motivating learners. My particular curricular strengths are English, Maths, the Arts, and Modern Foreign Languages. Off-duty, I am a keen – but amateurish – pianist and footballer, and father to three amazing kids. 

I am excited to join the team working under the supervision of Alan (the Educational Psychologist) to work collaboratively with staff, students, and parents in the assessment of needs and implementation of strategies to support individual needs. I am passionate about promoting psychological wellbeing and the social, emotional and behavioural development of all pupils.

I recently graduated with a specialism in the early years. I then went on to complete my Masters in Education, researching the numerous benefits of forest school education in the early years. I enjoy inspiring awe and wonder through a range of topics and cherish the imagination and humour that young children bring. I like the fact that no two days are the same and am proud to work in a school where we are readily encouraged to question and challenge the norm in search of improvement for all! 

Kebar Forster – Art Studio Support

I am the new Art Specialist Teaching Assistant at Plymouth School of Creative Arts. I will be supporting Phase Three and Four in Art, History, English and Science. I love working with young people creatively, engaging with artists and community groups.

My role as an Administrator encompasses many areas including updating information on Progresso and keeping staffing records up to date. When I am not at work I have two beautiful children that I love spending time with and are the best part of my life, I am enjoying watching them grow and develop each day.

One of my favourite hobbies is trying to capture unique pictures and video footage using my drone which I’ve been flying for around 5 years.

I have had a career as an aircraft engineer alongside a voluntary career training teenage air cadets and as a parent I have been part of the school community since the very beginning.

In my role I face various challenges and no two days are the same.

Leea Jolly – Studio Teacher Phase Two

My passions and background come from Drama and performing. I have been involved in many Dramatic societies in Plymouth, performing and directing many shows over the years. I look forward to submerging the curriculum in a theatrical learning environment, involving the children in role play, and performances across the year.

Since graduating from my degree in Acting I’ve been passionate about linking my subject to education. I started with Plymouth School of Creative Arts as a volunteer and was lucky enough to get full time work in the drama department. I look forward to working with such an amazing team.

I am responsible for making sure that all the necessary checks have been completed for new staff and volunteers.

I am really enjoying getting to know everyone – PSCA is a such a vibrant place to be.

Lora McMahon – Preschool Teacher

For me teaching is about making connections, listening to children and taking time to learn about each child’s motivations. Every child has something valuable and exciting to offer and it is my job to celebrate that. I have been teaching for about 8 years and continue to learn and shape how I work. I enjoy travelling and exploring new places but equally love Plymouth as I’m at my happiest when I’m out at sea. My passions include sailing, kayaking and scuba diving and once in a while I’ll take myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself with an occasional half marathon or sky dive!

Lorna Pashby – Kitchen Porter

I love the atmosphere and the challenge of learning new things within catering and our school, whilst meeting lots of interesting people along the way.

Lucy Woodman – Administrator and Receptionist

I have been in the business administration industry for several years now and have gained several qualifications along the way. I have joined Plymouth School of Creative Arts ready for a new challenge.

I am a scientist and a musician. Apart from being involved in scientific and educational research, I have worked for 25 years or more with groups of all ages to combat the idea that creative thought and technical skills are in some way ‘opposite’. I have briefly visited schools on hundreds of occasions, but the opportunity to build a long term relationship and develop substantial projects within PCSA is exciting.

I consider myself lucky that my children and I have been able to be involved with the school from the very start, and play such an active role in building the PSCA community. It is an exciting time to be a parent, staff member and PTFA trustee at PSCA and love the different opportunities and perspectives all these roles bring.  As Communications Manager I am responsible for communication via newsletters and social media, developing and improving communication throughout the school and the management and coordination of a range of school events.

Melanie Wardle – Maths Lead Phase Two

I’ve always been a creative minded person and being a teacher is such an exciting platform on which to inspire others to think outside the box. I qualified as a teacher back in 2010, with art as my specialism and now my role in PSCA is set to give me even more opportunities to motivate and inspire young minds. I aim to help them to recognise the benefits of thinking creatively about their learning and ultimately their futures.

Mick Willetts – Facilities Manager

My primary function is to look after the building and grounds,supporting its occupants and creating a safe environment for them, the letting of our amazing spaces to the wider community and co-ordination of events and their requirements. My interests include music, meeting people and looking at the sea. I have a passion for life and believe no matter how small, we should make a difference every day.

Mike Beard – Deputy Headteacher

I’ve always been fascinated about what makes people ‘tick’, and how we make sense of the world around us.  My role in school is to support Human Development, and our school’s growth as a ‘learning village’; I absolutely believe that by helping one another, everyone can be the best they can be.  I also love physical challenge (I’m currently training to row more quickly!) and taking time out to walk (much more slowly) with my family and dogs in the countryside.

Nick Barbour – Studio Support Music

I am passionate about Music and sound engineering. I write, perform and record music. I come from a practical learning background and have worked in construction as an Electrician. I love working in creative environments and enjoy being of service to the students. There’s something about how music can reach each individual, allowing them to express their emotions through music and create some amazing, interesting projects. It is a valuable post and vibrant environment. Seeing students independently create and develop is very rewarding.

I have worked within Education for 15 years, helping to shape and develop positive attitudes in young people. As the Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) I look to identify and support students with additional needs, reducing their barriers and increasing their passion for learning. 

I am a huge sports fan and enjoy being active when and where possible. Paddle Boarding around the beautiful beaches of Devon have been the highlight of my summer. I Love my new role and I look to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, both professionally and personally. 

I am now going into my second year at PSCA and enjoying being part of such a wonderful community. I love all aspects of sport particularly athletics, netball and football. I will continue to engage and connect with the students to share my passion. I am looking forward to developing myself and the students through another exciting journey and year at PSCA.

Richard Read – Science Teacher

Very excited to be able to start developing a Science department from scratch, looking at how we can enthuse pupils towards Science, and enable them to become independent Scientific researchers in their own right, passionate about playing and experimenting in order to explore and discover.

Rosie Crowford – Studio Teacher Reception

I am passionate about supporting curiosity amongst children, inspiring and supporting them in developing socially and emotionally, to explore all areas of learning in context of their interests. I have a love for outdoor learning, woodworking and empowering children to mange their own risks through learning how to use tools and equipment safely. I enjoy gardening, walking and being outdoors as often as possible!

Rouen Gargan –  NQT and ITT Lead

Teacher in Phase One and Phase Two

Rudi Riley – Site Supervisor

Having worked for ten years at both Primary, and Secondary schools. I am very happy to bring my experience to the Plymouth School of creative arts, to create a safe and happy environment for everybody.

Russ Martin – PE Teacher

I have a love for all aspects of sport from individual activities to team games. I have a particular passion for Basketball and hope to inspire our students to grow a love for sport in our school and within their communities.

Sally Read – Breakfast club Lead and Chef

Since joining the kitchen it’s been fantastic. I am really enjoying helping the children learn about healthy eating and working with an excellent team!

I am currently working at the front desk of the school and like to provide and warm and welcoming approach to everyone I meet. I have been a receptionist for over 15 years and I am also a qualified teaching assistant.

One of my regrets is that at my school there were not many opportunities for making.  This is what I love about this school – making happens everywhere!

Simon Rogerson –  Lead Teacher for Behaviour

Co-ordinating positive learning behaviour across the school (Phases 1-4) for staff, students and parents.

This role includes monitoring and reporting on behaviour, parental contact and meetings, organising after school provision and quality assurance of behaviour management within the studios and staff awareness of need.

This role contributes to improving communication with parents to support greater partnership around their child’s learning and using date to guide our strategic actions and performance management.

Stevie Harris –Administrator  & Deputy Exams Officer.

The focus of my work is currently around admissions, enquiries, pupil information and day today office duties. I enjoy taking on new challenges and pushing myself to be the best I can be.

Sue Anderson – Designated Safeguarding Lead

I began volunteering at the school not long after it opened and this eventually led onto being a full time employee. I love the great outdoors and take great pleasure in supporting others to step outside their comfort zone do something amazing. My two children attend the school.

Tim Endicott – Systems Technician

After having volunteered at the school I am happy now to have a full time place here helping to develop the reporting system within Progresso. I have always had a great love of computers and technology in general and am enjoying putting these interests to work at PSCA.

Tom Rebhan – Science Teacher

I am found in the science labs where I spend my time preparing experiments and buying in chemicals for fun practical sessions! Having worked in the Pharmaceutical (Oncology) industry I hope to bring some real life science experiences to the children (and adults) of the school. When not in the lab I’m generally with my family or cycling around Plymouth and surrounding areas.

Tom Sleep – IT Technician

My role includes being the 1st line of support for any IT related queries that anyone has throughout the school and supporting all IT equipment. I’ve had a passion for technology since I was a kid, and seeing the equipment we have integrated throughout the school helping kids learn and enjoy education makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Tracey Cragg – Cleaner

I love working at PSCA, it’s a great environment to be in. As well as cleaning which I get a great deal of satisfaction from, I am an extra pair of hands in the kitchen when needed. I am happy to  get involved in what’s going on and love talking to everyone here. It’s a happy relaxed place to be. I am lucky to work in such an amazing place.

Victoria Millorit-Paull – Front Desk Administrator

I started working here as a volunteer, and now work on the Front Desk.  My role is to meet and greet parents and visitors.  In addition I undertake general administrative duties. I love the positive atmosphere that the school creates and have a child that attends the school.

Yvette Morris – Cleaner

I have a background in hair retail and beauty. I am pleased to have just completed a hair academy qualification and I am just about start a beauty academy qualification. Every day is an adventure at Plymouth School of Creative Arts and the staff and students are really friendly.