In this next High Storrs Blog, we have a brief introduction from each of our new recruits. They have each shared a little of their history and a few nuggets of other information. We have been pleased to welcome such a talented group of people to join our High Storrs staff this school year.
Mr Brown, Teacher of PE
After spending the last couple of years working and travelling in America and Canada, I
have recently completed my studies at Loughborough University and I’m really excited to be
joining the PE team from September.
My main hobby is definitely sport. I love sport and always have! Growing up in the local
area, I was part of numerous sports teams and clubs, most notably Ecclesall Rangers where
I played football for 11 years.
In general, I just really enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s cycling, camping, hiking or
something else. And controversially I actually quite like when it rains!
I can’t wait to get stuck in and am looking forward to seeing the students in action on the
Sports Day at the EIS!
Mr Hurst, Teacher of Maths
My name is Matthew Hurst, and I am joining High Storrs this year as a new teacher of maths. After studying Architectural Engineering at The University of Sheffield I also undertook a PGDE (teacher training) there. After this I worked at a school in Doncaster for 3 years alongside completing my Masters in Education.
I hope to bring to High Storrs an enthusiasm and love for maths as well as a desire to deliver engaging and impactful maths lessons from year 7 all the way up to year 13. I am excited to be joining the High Storrs team and to be able to teach in the city I have lived in all my adult life.
Mrs Gardiner, Teacher of Design & Technology
Hello, my name is Roisin Gardiner, and I am delighted to be joining High Storrs as a Design and Technology Teacher and Crucible form tutor. I taught in Sheffield for 12 years;
however, for the last three years, I have been living in Borneo, teaching at an International School. This was an opportunity to train and teach the International Baccalaureate…and see
lots of beautiful animals!
I feel very privileged and excited to be part of the creative, forward-thinking, and hardworking High Storrs team.
Dr Wolf, Teacher of English
Hello! My name is Johannes Wolf and I will be joining High Storrs as a Teacher of English in September 2024. I have just completed my teacher training with the Sheffield Teacher Training Alliance, having spent time in both Forge Valley School and Silverdale School.
Prior to retraining as a secondary school teacher, I spent a number of years teaching various aspects of English including historical and sociolinguistics, Middle English literature, and Anglo-Saxon literature. I believe strongly that the core goal of education is to empower students and equip them with the tools to live full and reflective lives, and that the insights and approaches of cutting-edge research are owed not to a select few but the community at large.
I am beyond excited to be able to contribute my experience and passion to the immensely talented department at High Storrs.
Miss Sykes, Library Manager
I am excited to be joining High Storrs as the Library Manager. I have been working within education for the past 15 years. In my previous school, I worked to turn an empty classroom into a fully functioning lending library with over 4000 books for the students and staff to use and enjoy. I am looking forward to sharing my passion for reading for pleasure with everyone in the High Storrs community.
In my spare time, if I’ve not got a book in my hand, you will find me walking in the countryside with my 3-year-old labrador or enjoying an evening at the cinema. Everyone at High Storrs has been super welcoming and I am looking forward to getting to know both
students and staff and having lots of book chat!
Miss Smith, Teacher of Psychology
My name is Nicole Smith and I will be teaching Psychology to Year 11, 12 and 13 up until
Christmas. I have recently done a year at a school in Manchester, but due to doing previous
work at High Storrs and loving the culture here I took the opportunity to come back for a
little while. I am now entering my third year of teaching Psychology, and I am feeling
excited to be doing this at High Storrs!
Miss Howarth, Teaching Assistant
My name is Jacquie Howarth. I have been a member of the High Storrs Community for the last 11 years where my own children have studied their secondary education. I have spent the last 7 years volunteering for High Storrs School. This has been with the Y6/Y7 Summer School and the last 3 years in a volunteering now paid/volunteering in the Learning Support Department. This is an area that I am passionate about supporting students in their learning journey.
I have recently been awarded the Minerva Learning Trust inugural Jim McDonnell Award 2024 for volunteering. This award is such an honor to receive and is named after another person who spent many hours volunteering and who sadly passed away in 2022.
Before volunteering at High Storrs School, I previously volunteered at primary school level supporting both neurodiverse and neurotypical children in their learning environment. In 2016 while volunteering at primary level I obtained my Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support in Teaching and Learning.
What I absolutely love about High Storrs School is the ethos and individuality. What I do tell the students I support is exactly this. We are all individuals. Not everyone learns the same or at the same rate. Not everyone thinks the same and life would be very boring if we were all the same. That is what makes High Storrs School a wonderful place to learn and to work.
At home, I am a carer for my young adult son who has complex disabilities and medical needs. If I do have any spare time, I enjoy a little gaming and watching real-life medical documentaries.
I am super excited about continuing to support both students and staff and to make positive contributions on a subject that I am so passionate about.
Miss French, Teaching Assistant
My name is Ellie French, and I have started at High Storrs this September as a Level 2 Teaching Assistant and have also been working closely to support the sixth form team with some students in Y12 and Y13.
I am currently on a placement year from my undergraduate degree in BSc Psychology at the University of Sheffield, so I will be here for an exciting year before heading back to finish my degree in September 2025. I have worked at High Storrs previously as agency staff so some may recognise me by face! But if not, I hope to meet and work with as many of you as possible this year! I hope to bring a happy face to High Storrs, doing my best for staff and students alike! I look forward to making this a productive, fulfilling and inspiring year, and hope to speak to more of you as the weeks go on.