I am the deputy head at Hillmead and teach year 6. I have been teaching for over ten years now and have always taught in Key Stage 2.  I trained at Middlesex University and have supported the University in past years by mentoring their trainee teachers.  My favourite subject is Literacy - I love writing and making the children in my class write too!

I trained as a teacher in Norwich, then came back to work in Bishop’s Stortford at All Saint’s Primary School. When my children were very young I worked for Hertford Regional College running art and craft courses for adults with learning difficulties based at Bishop’s House Day Centre. I started at Hillmead just after it moved over to Woburn Avenue. I help to look after the art and history in school (luckily those are my favourite subjects). In my spare time I like to potter around in my garden, walk in the countryside and think about the painting, drawing and craft projects I would like to do when I have more time!

I joined Hillmead in November 2009. I have always lived in Bishop's Stortford and my mum was once the school secretary of Hillmead (many years ago!) Before I had my children I worked as a Customer Service Manager for one of the high street banks. When I had my children I took a break from banking and became a swimming teacher and have taught many children in the local area. I am pleased to have an office job again as I no longer smell of chlorine! In my spare time I enjoy many sports, especially netball. In my younger days I was lucky enough to be part of the England squad, but now I spend more time coaching my daughter's team.

Before joining the team at Hillmead, I attended the London College of Dance and Drama, becoming a qualified dance teacher, and I soon reached my goal of running my own dance school. I then decided to 'retire' to raise my family. With my two boys attending Hillmead, I decided to become an L.S.A., where I have spent many happy years. I am now a Higher Level Teaching Assistant which means support children across most year groups.

Since starting at Hillmead in September 2009, I taught in Daisy, Bluebell and Buttercup classes.

During my younger years I worked in the property industry before taking time out to raise my family.  I spent some time working as a teaching assistant in Bishop’s Stortford before leaving to take up the challenge of training to become a teacher.  I trained recently at the University of Hertfordshire and am delighted to be part of the Hillmead team.

I am married with three children and live locally in Bishop’s Stortford.  I like to spend any spare time with my family or digging in my garden.

Caretaker.

I started working at Hillmead School in November 1997 as the Schools Cook Manager, on its former site. In January 2004 my present position arose as an L.S.A in Year 1 and Reception. I have since worked my way up through the school working in all year groups. I am also the Senior Supervisor at lunchtime so I am very lucky to be able to meet and talk to all the children at Hillmead. In 2006/2007 I did my NVQ3 for teaching assistants which I enjoyed very much. I feel very privileged  to work in such a happy, friendly school. I love my job.

I have two children of my own and in my spare time I like to socialise with my friends, holiday in the sun, read and of course cook!!

When I passed my A levels my head teacher wanted me to be a junior school teacher but I instead trained as a Trilingual Secretary (English, French and Italian) attending university in London and Nantes.  After qualifying I worked in London and Paris as a Bilingual Secretary. After a year I went into the Civil Service where I worked as a Buyer for Crown Agents firstly purchasing and shipping items to equip jute mills and other industries under the UK loan to Bangladesh and then transferring to Major engineering projects and finally to looking after the needs of islands in the West Pacific - all very interesting .I left to have my children and then re-trained and worked as a Medical Secretary at Princess Alexandra Hospital in the Oncology Department and then onto Old Harlow Health Centre again as a Medical Secretary before I came here. I have really enjoyed all my jobs, I love languages and meeting people.  I am very happy to work in Hillmead School, I think that the children are very polite and normally well behaved and my old head teacher who did not approve of me training to be a secretary was pleased to learn that I had ended up working in a primary school although not as the teacher she had envisaged. In my spare time I enjoy going out with friends and playing bridge and poker.

I currently teach year 4 at Hillmead. This is my first teaching position, having recently trained at Hertfordshire University. I am very excited to be starting my teaching career at Hillmead as I have been lucky to spend time here already, as a trainee teacher during my time at university, and think the staff and pupils at Hillmead are all wonderful!

Mrs Smith is a star Learning Support Assistant!

"mrs smith is veary nice person i love in my love in heart lovr you from all the callass" By Josh

Year 5 teacher (Supply)

After completing my training course at Canterbury Christ Church University college, where I studied for a BA (Hons) in Primary Education & an Advanced Diploma in specialist subject studies (Maths). I started my teaching career at Hillmead School, teaching the class of Year 2 children.
Outside school, I enjoy being a member of a theatre company called Fusion; a great opportunity to relax as well as perform. I enjoy ballet, tap & modern dance & I've played the clarinet and piano for a number of years. I also enjoy swimming and socialising.

In 2005, I started volunteering in Nursery Class and the following year became a part-time assistant. I then completed an NVQ and became a full time Learning Support Assistant. In December 2010 I achieved the Higher Level Teaching Assistant Status.
I am also a committee member of the Friends of Hillmead where I help raise money for the school. You can usually find me either behind the counter selling drinks and snacks or selling raffle tickets.
I enjoy working with the children and being a part of the Hillmead School team!