Mrs Charlie Lawton - Chestnut (Mon-Wed)

Since qualifying as a teacher in 2015, I have been lucky enough to teach in all year groups from Reception to Year 4 and I am now very much looking forward to expanding that further to Year 5. Teaching in different year groups has allowed me to see how the children progress and grow along their learning journey. When I return from maternity leave in July, I will be teaching part-time in Year 4, where I will be able to spend lots of time getting to know the children ahead of September. 

I enjoy teaching all areas of the curriculum, particularly English. I also have a keen passion and interest for Geography and Computing. I am currently the Computing subject lead and support the Online Safety Champions and Digital Leaders.   

I strongly believe that an engaging curriculum should be accessible to all children in an environment that is both safe and nurturing to each child's needs. In the classroom, I aim to create a fun, friendly, welcoming environment where children feel empowered to learn and feel secure enough to make mistakes in their learning and grow from these. I like to teach in a range of ways that meet many different learning styles so each child can have equal opportunities to access the curriculum. 

I am looking forward to starting a new venture in Upper School and supporting the children along their learning journey.

Mrs Katherine Luker - Chestnut (Thur-Fri)

I have been teaching at Shiphay since 1999, primarily in Upper School.   My first eight years here were on a full time basis and I am now working part time, on a Thursday and Friday.  I am so excited to be working with Chestnut this year.   Prior to my time at Shiphay, I taught in a First and Middle school in Poole, where I was responsible for Year 5, 6 and 7 classes.  

I thoroughly enjoy my time at Shiphay and relish teaching all aspects of the curriculum.  My particular interest is teaching languages .  For my teaching degree, I specialised in teaching French at a primary level.  The enthusiasm shown by children when learning a modern foreign language is fantastic.  They love learning through games and songs and are always willing to have a go.  I also love being part of the Performing Arts team which gives me the opportunity to work with children from Year 3 to Year 6.  It is wonderful to see them build confidence in themselves and their ideas.  The cooperation, teamwork and friendships that develop over the years is fantastic to observe. 

Outside of school, my family and I enjoy trips to the theatre and taking advantage of this wonderful area in which we live, with walks on Dartmoor and trips to the many beaches in the south west.

Teaching in Upper School, I am a firm believer in helping children to develop their aspirational values.  As they prepare to take the next step in their learning, having the confidence to reflect upon their work and think about what they need to do next is a great skill to acquire.