Mrs Charlie Lawton - Kingfisher (Mon-Wed)

Since qualifying as a teacher in 2015, I have been lucky enough to teach in all year groups from Reception to Year 5 and I am very much looking forward to Year 4. Teaching in different year groups has allowed me to see how the children progress and grow along their learning journey. 

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 supporting the children along their learning journey.

Mrs Katherine Luker - Kingfisher (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 in Year 4 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 Key Stage 2, I am a firm believer in helping children to develop their aspirational values.  As they prepare to take the next step in their learning journey, having the confidence to reflect upon their work and think about what they need to do next is a great skill to acquire.

Robin—Mrs Kim Hartnell (nee Mason)

I began my teaching career in 2014 and I thoroughly enjoy working in Key Stage Two and supporting the children both academically and developmentally. I have thoroughly enjoyed this year in Year Four and am looking forward to another year in this year group!  Alongside teaching, I am our Personal Development lead at Shiphay Learning Academy and am very passionate about supporting the children’s development in all aspects, as well as promoting careers and real-life opportunities for our children. During my career, I have also led Reading, Writing, PSHE, RSHE and British Values.

My areas of interest within education are pupil development, reading and writing. I am very interested in understanding the stages of development and how we can best support children socially and emotionally in all aspects of their lives. Through my interest in these areas I have become a Specialist in Personal Development and work closely alongside Public Health to promote and create the best opportunities for the children and young people in Torbay. In addition to this, I am also very passionate about Careers Education.  I continue to plan and create opportunities for the children to explore and learn about a wide range of career opportunities within Torbay and further afield.

 I aim to create a classroom where the children enjoy their learning experiences, build resilience in all areas of their learning and have opportunities to develop both personally and academically. I hope all children in Woodpecker enjoy their time in class, develop their understanding of the world and learn through exciting and engaging learning activities. In turn, I believe they will all be confident, independent and resilient individuals.