Our Team

Mrs Sue La Farge

Headteacher

My memory of school as a child:  
I loved my schools. I had some lovely teachers, many of whom I still remember now. I made lots of very good friends and was lucky enough to have many opportunities offered to me.

Why I got into teaching in the first place:
I was working in ICT for ten years after graduating and had manoeuvred my career so that I was organising and delivering training to adults. I was also running a Girl Guide Company and I really enjoyed this so I decided to re-train as a primary teacher. A great decision!

The best and worst of being a teacher:
The greatest thing about teaching is working with enthusiastic learners every day and feeling that you are making a difference. I also enjoy watching my pupils play sport and take part in musical and dramatic performances. The worst is never having enough time to do everything you would like to with your class.

My proudest moment in teaching:
When a child tells me I have helped them with their learning or with a pastoral problem they were struggling with.

Mr Rob Grosse

Deputy Headteacher

My memory of school as a child: 
Playing plenty of sport and being part of various teams. Developing lifelong friendships.

Why I got into teaching in the first place:
It was again hugely influenced by sport- if I wasn’t quite good enough to play sport for my living then I still wanted to be involved with it in some shape or form. Teaching seemed the obvious choice and after spending my gap year in New Zealand working at a school, my mind was made up.

The best and worst of being a teacher:
Best: watching the children achieve at something that they had previously struggled with, the sense of achievement felt by the children when representing the school at something, seeing a very different side to the children when out on school trips or sports fixtures. Worst: Saturday morning x-country! (until I get there when it becomes enjoyable!).

My proudest moment in teaching:
Reaching the finals of National and regional competitions with boys and girls of various ages, teaching GCSE English to permanently excluded pupils who many people had given up on; Year 6 presentation evenings every year, hearing about the children’s achievements during their time at Gateway and watching them receive their cups.

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!

Mrs Suzanne Kemp

Head of Early Years and Key Stage 1

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!

Mr Adam Atkinson

Head for Pastoral, Subject Leader for ICT

My memory of school as a child:
I loved school, although I am not sure that all of my teachers loved me! I played as much sport as I could and made friendships that have lasted across many years and borders.

Why I got into teaching in the first place:
After leaving the Army I realised that I enjoyed helping and working with people. Teaching seemed like a good way to do this and it was; I have been lucky enough to work in 5 countries and teach 3 curriculums!

Best parts/worst parts of being a teacher:
I am lucky enough to be one of those people who look forward to coming to work every day. My role allows me to interact with staff and pupils from all areas of the school, there is never a dull day! The worst part of teaching has to be the paperwork, I like things being digital, it makes things much harder to lose!

My proudest moment in teaching:
I am always proud at the end of the year when the children move on to another class/school. It is lovely to reflect on the progress that each child has made, it is a privilege to be a part of their learning journey.