Our Team

Mrs Cath Bufton-Green

Head Teacher

My memory of school as a child:
I really enjoyed school as I loved the opportunities it provided me. I thrived on being engaged and belonging to lots of different clubs and activities and have never lost my desire to be busy and involved in many things. I remember making lots of friends and many of them are still my close friends today - yes even after all this time!

Why I got into teaching in the first place:
At first, my choice of career was to join the Police Force and I had completed my teaching qualification as potentially ‘something for the future’. So, whilst applying for the Police Force I used my newly acquired teaching qualification to do some cover teaching in schools. I loved working with the children and seeing their progress and their delight in learning and that was it - I got the bug and never looked back.

The best and worst part of being a teacher:
By far the best part of being a teacher is helping pupils (and staff) to realise their potential, believe in themselves and grow in so many ways. The worst part for me is not having enough hours in the day to implement all the ideas and development opportunities as quickly as I would like to.

My proudest moment in teaching:
There are so many moments in my teaching career that I am proud of. However, the common theme is ‘growth’. I love being a part of pupils’ successes, helping staff develop their own skill sets and challenging myself to be a better leader every day.

Mrs Suzanne Kemp

Acting Deputy Head

My memory of school as a child:
I loved school! I remember my infant school first teacher playing Puff the Magic dragon on her guitar as we sang along. Hatching ducklings in Mrs Gobran’s class and the smell of yeast as we waited for our bread to rise. (We seemed to make a lot of bread!).

Why I got into teaching in the first place:
I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to have a positive impact on students just as my teachers did on me.
The best and worst of being a teacher?
Best- Seeing the smile on a child’s face as they do something for the first time. Worst- The paper work…

My proudest moment in teaching:
When a child says I’ll miss you at the end of the year. Teaching a child to read. Getting a distinction in my final teaching practice. Having my own class for the first time. Teaching in Papua New Guinea. Being made EYU coordinator. Getting my current job!

Mrs Rebecca Izard

Head for Staff, Subject Leader for Creative Arts

My memory of school as a child:
School dinners – especially all those stodgy puddings. One of my earliest memories is singing ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’ in assembly holding my favourite teddy bear. I really enjoyed history from an early age – I remember going home and asking my mum what it was like living in a cave in the Stone Age!

Why I got into teaching in the first place:
I initially trained as a singer at the Guildhall School of Music. In my last year there, I did work experience teaching music and group singing at an infant school in Tower Hamlets. I loved being able to share something I enjoyed with the children and found it really rewarding watching what they could achieve. As a result I decided to pursue teaching as a career.

The best and worst of being a teacher:
The feeling I’ve introduced something new and exciting to a child and watching the buzz and thrill as they realise what they can achieve. I love surprises and one of the best is to discover that a child can sing or has an aptitude for music. The worst part is not having enough time to do everything.

My proudest moment in teaching:
One of my proudest moments was sitting in the audience watching an ex Gateway pupil win BBC Chorister of the Year a few years ago but I’m proud whenever any of the children perform. It’s funny – I never get emotional during a public performance – I think I’m too focused – but I’ve been brought close to tears on many occasions during dress rehearsals. To see an end product and the effort, enthusiasm and energy that goes into it – it’s pure magic!

Samantha Woods

Head of Foundation Stage and KS1

My memory of school as a child:School was a happy place filled with laughter and singing. I still know most of the words to the songs we practised in my primary school assemblies. I remember one teacher wore wooden clogs and played ‘When the Red, Red Robin comes Bob, Bob Bobbin’ on her her guitar for us all to sing along to. I also remember creating a time capsule and adding a picture of the recently married Princess Diana.

Why I got into teaching in the first place:I decided to become a teacher because I knew it is one way that I can make a difference to the children and their future. For younger children every day has the potential to be a new learning adventure and I enjoy being part of it.

My proudest moment in teaching:When I reflect on my time as a teacher there are so many moments and children I am proud of. But I think there is a moment for every child where they have that ‘lightbulb’ moment and get excited because they have learnt something new. I like to be there when this happens.

Best and worst of being a teacher:Best bit is just being around happy, enthusiastic learners. The worst is saying goodbye to the class at the end of the year.