New Staff - September 2018

We look forward to welcoming the following staff to Gateway School this September:

Top row l-r: Mrs Sahota, Mr Dobree-Carey, Miss Hawke

Bottom row l-r: Mrs Vyas, Ms Kemp, Mrs McKenzie

Here is short introduction to each of them.

Mr James Dobree-Carey, Teacher of Sport and PE

What attracted you to the role at Gateway?

I was attracted to Gateway because of the friendly environment the school maintains for both staff and pupils as well as the focus the school places on providing each pupil with the best opportunity to thrive. From a personal perspective, I firmly believe each pupil should be able to learn in a fully supportive, friendly and caring environment where their personal needs and interests are always catered for. I was greatly enthused at the prospect of being able to teach and be a part of such a warm and supportive school.

What skills and experience can you bring to Gateway?

I am currently finishing my teacher training which has greatly enhanced and refined all aspects of my teaching. The training year has enabled me to work across two schools where I have been able to teach a PE timetable, referee sports fixtures, run extra curricular clubs, look after a tutor group and complete CPD courses. Prior to my training year, I also worked at Haberdashers’ Aske Boy’s School where I was able to develop a strong foundation in teaching PE and Sport.

What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

The best thing about being a teacher is being able to play a role in supporting pupils to grow, develop and prosper through their time in School. Specifically, being able to inspire and help pupils achieve their personal goals and targets in any field of school life is immensely rewarding. Moreover, through teaching I find it very rewarding to build on the confidence and self-belief pupils have in their own ability with the greatest ambition being to provide a strong platform for pupils next stage in their life.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Outside of school I am an avid sportsman with a particular interest in Rugby Union and Cricket. I am currently fortunate enough to play Rugby and Cricket throughout the year for local clubs. In addition to my love of sport, I also have a deep interest in history and I have recently had the opportunity to visit the battlefields in France and Belgium which enabled me to broaden my understanding of the events of World War I. My other interests include, travelling, cars, movies and watching boxsets.

Ms Laura Hawke, Year 2 Class Teacher

What attracted you to the role at Gateway?

Having moved to the local area last December, it was important to me to find a school with a strong pupil voice, which is clearly evident at Gateway. Having led the student council and PSHE at my previous school, I understand how important it is for children to feel valued and listened to in their school and have seen the benefits that it brings to the whole school community. I therefore felt driven to join the greatly committed team at Gateway. Ensuring that all pupils are at the heart of a nurturing, caring school community is an absolute must for me!

What skills and experience can you bring to Gateway?

I am excited to work with the talented teaching team at Gateway School this year. Having previously studied for an MRes in Developmental Psychology, I came into teaching with a deep understanding of how children learn as well as a sensitivity to the range of circumstances that can impact upon learning. I am passionate about furthering academic achievement in the classroom as well as nurturing children’s social and emotional personal growth. As part of my continued professional development, I am interested in promoting and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of both pupils and teachers and am keen to continue this further at Gateway School.

What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

The best thing about being a teacher is spending days filled with positivity and wonder. It is always a real privilege to be a part of a child’s journey in exploring the world around them and watching them learn and grow as important little people.

In our rapidly changing world, it is impossible to know what the future holds for young people. I therefore believe my job is to help equip and support children to build the knowledge, skills and dispositions they will need for an exciting future.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

On a sunny weekend, I can usually be found bike riding in the Chilterns or attending my local park run on a Saturday morning. Growing up in rural Gloucestershire has provided me with a love of the countryside so I never need an excuse to be outside!

Ms Philippa Kemp, Year 4 Class Teacher

What attracted you to the role at Gateway?

For me, a love of learning is essential to good teaching and is something I always aim to inspire through my practice. This ethos is shared with Gateway School, where pupils are encouraged to be inquisitive, recognise and celebrate their individual strengths, and involve themselves in the wider life of the school. The prospect of honing my teaching skills and challenging myself in the classroom environment of a reputable preparatory school appeals greatly and I am looking forward to my new role.

What skills and experience can you bring to Gateway?

I have taught a variety of year groups across Key Stage 1 and 2 which has left me with a firm grasp of the curriculum and how children learn at different ages.

As Subject Leader of Maths at my current school, I have enjoyed developing schemes of work and strategies to develop maths comprehension skills across the school. I have also taken responsibility for a wide range of extra curricular clubs within school (including netball, choir and German) and I am particularly looking forward to contributing to the extensive extra curricular programme at Gateway School.

What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

Teaching is an extremely rewarding career for a number of reasons. I particularly enjoy the fact that no two days are ever the same, meaning you must be flexible and willing to learn yourself. Most satisfying, however, is that you get to see the impact you have on a young person's education; witnessing the spark of understanding on a child’s face when a lesson “clicks” for them is a fantastic moment.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time in nature and will go on walks or jogs through the countryside, as well as dedicate some time to my garden. I'm also interested in the creative arts and am looking forward to joining an amateur theatre group or choir when I move to the area.

Mrs Veronika McKenzie, Reception Class Teacher

What attracted you to the role at Gateway?

I have been coming to Gateway School for number of years as either a supply teacher or volunteer. The school has made a great impression on me with its dedicated staff and kind and caring approach to teaching while seeking excellence in every single child. I am thrilled to be joining the Early Years team in this school.

What skills and experience can you bring to Gateway?

Before moving into teaching I had a successful career in the corporate world. My professional experience has given me a passion for learning, determination and perseverance, all of which I hope to pass on to the children at Gateway School.

I gained a First Class degree in Primary Education with specialism in Art and Design at the Roehampton University in London and I have been fortunate to experience different educational systems in the UK and abroad. Working in a variety of schools in both independent and state sector has given me a valuable insight into a range of teaching practices and approaches. I am planning to draw on this experience and are delighted to have the opportunity to share my skills while teaching children at Gateway School.

What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

I personally feel that seeing children’s eagerness to learn and their utter joy when they acquire new skills or discover how the world works around them is the best reward for any teacher. I always feel excited to meet and to get to know all the children in my class and explore the ways how I can support and guide them throughout their learning journey. It is incredible to witness how much the children develop and grow in one year when positive relationships are built between the individual children as well as with their parents. I believe that teaching is all about nurturing, supporting and inspiring young people to be the best versions of themselves.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Outside of school I enjoy reading, traveling and discovering new places. I love art, design technology and anything else that encourages children to be creative in their own ways. I also have had a lifelong passion for equine experiences which has fostered my own love of the outdoors. I aim to share my passions at Gateway School, both in lessons and after school clubs.

Mrs Harbi Sahota, Subject Leader Mathematics

What attracted you to the role at Gateway?

I was very much inspired by the motto ‘Aspire’. The focus on the individual allows each child to thrive; to feel challenged and secure; to explore and to be happy.

What skills and experience can you bring to Gateway?

I believe in developing the talents and abilities of each child, making them feel valued and helping them maximise their potential. Out of my 26 years of teaching experience, 14 years have been spent in the Independent Sector doing a job I love!

What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

The most rewarding part is when the ‘penny drops’; when a child feels empowered to take risks in their learning. Mistakes are an important part of learning and we shouldn’t be afraid to get things wrong.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, organising days out and museum visits; these feed my interest in Maths and History. At least once a week, I like to hike around the nature reserves near my home. I also listen to podcasts and am a tweeter. I can also spend hours looking into the most recent and interesting maths ideas to help enrich the children’s learning.

Mrs Sonal Vyas, Year 1 Class Teacher

What attracted you to the role at Gateway?

I was attracted to this teaching position at Gateway because of its core belief that education is not just about academic success but also about building a foundation that gives each child the confidence and skills they need to be the best that they can be. This ethos strongly matches my personal views as a teacher and I am therefore very excited about being a new member of the Gateway family.

What skills and experience can you bring to Gateway?

I have obtained great experience working in an outstanding state infant school for five years. Throughout this time, I spent one year as part of the EYFS team and four years within the Year 1 team. During my teaching career in an inclusive school I have gained a wealth of experience and skills that I am eager to bring to Gateway.

• Leading whole school coaching for both children and teaching staff
• Managing whole school Continuous Professional Development
• Head of whole school Physical Education
• Successfully embedding Maths Mastery within the classroom
• Part of the Science team whereby we are successfully on track for receiving our Quality Mark

I am an enthusiastic individual who believes in a fun and progressive environment to ensure that every child maintains a positive learning experience and develops a love for learning.

What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

Personally, I feel the best moment with any child is that ‘lightbulb’ moment. When you teach a child something for the first time or support them on a question they may have found challenging but they then suddenly get it! My summary of being a teacher is; every day is different and every day is great.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy travelling to new places, local or abroad, and immersing myself into different cultures. At home, cooking and baking are hobbies I have enjoyed from a young age and always aim to challenge myself with new and exciting recipes. Lastly, I enjoy spending time with friends and family making lots of memories.

Mr Joseph Markeseth-Gunther, GAP Year Student

What attracted you to the role at Gateway?

I am looking forward to joining Gateway School as a Gap Year Student. I believe the experience will equip me with some great skills that will enhance my future career prospects in the field of education.

What skills and experience can you bring to Gateway?

I have previous experience working with young children in a boarding school environment, and an enthusiasm for History, Art and sports, alongside an interest and pre-existing knowledge of modern technology and digital classroom interconnectivity.

What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

I enjoy working in a primary school environment and am ambitious to help educate the next generation.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Socialising, sports, reading and online gaming.