In this first High Storrs Blog of the new school year we have a brief introduction from our new recruits.  They have each shared a little of their history and a few nuggets of other information.  We have been so pleased to welcome such a talented group of people to join our High Storrs staff.

Marion Tout – Biology Teacher

I am a Biology NQT, looking forward to starting my teaching career at an amazing school.

I have lived in Sheffield since I was 18, when I started University. I spent the 5 years after my undergraduate degree (in Plant Sciences!) working in the University of Sheffield’s Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, teaching undergraduates, doing research and working towards my PhD.

During my training year I really enjoyed getting involved with the DofE and LGBT pride groups, and hope to keep working on these. I am also interested in pupil wellbeing and mental health. In my spare time I do Thai boxing, which is an amazing stress buster.

Abbie Marshall - PE Teacher

I studied PE and school sport at undergraduate level. Then a completed a Masters Degree in Education. I also worked at Sheffield college lecturing in sport and public services prior to doing my teacher training last year. I spent most of my teacher training year at High Storrs so obviously am happy to be staying within the PE department!

Harriet Paterson – Design and Technology teacher

As a brief introduction let me tell you a little bit about myself:

•    I’m a Design Technology teacher. Previously I was a professional interior designer and Style Director of an international magazine.

•    I am passionate about design and the important role it plays in the world.

•    I moved to Sheffield last year (from London) and as a result much of my spare time is spent exploring Sheffield and the hills of the Peak District.

•    I am really looking forward to meeting you in September!

Sophie Hawley - Cover Supervisor

I have many years of teaching, cover supervising and coaching experience in schools. Including a year teaching English in Vietnam, teaching English and coaching sports in Sri Lanka and cover supervising across some schools in Sheffield.

Something I wish to bring to High Storrs is my determination and perseverance from my love of fitness and sports! As well as my passion for growing and learning.

I am feeling excited about my new role and I can’t wait to join the team of staff and students here at High Storrs.

Charlotte Jones – Cover Supervisor

I’ve been an English and History teacher for about 15 years now, in the UK and abroad, but most recently at the International School of Geneva in Switzerland. I’m so excited to be joining High Storrs, especially at this time - as both a teacher and a parent I know how challenging, but important, this new term will be, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a part in supporting students as we all get back into the classroom. I can’t wait to get started, and am so looking forward to this new adventure.

Zoe Levy – Chemistry Teacher

 I will be teaching chemistry (because it’s clearly the best subject). I have just finished my PGCE at Newcastle University where I also studied Chemistry, and this is my first school as a qualified teacher.

I’m excited to move back to mighty Yorkshire and be the best science teacher I can; to enthuse students with science and develop a love of learning. I’m looking forward to developing myself as a teacher and getting stuck into school life at HSS.

Peter Formby – Teacher of Chemistry

I am so excited to be joining the science team at HSS, and I will mostly be teaching my specialism of Chemistry. I finished my PGCE this year having spent my trainee placements at Firth Park Academy and Hinde House School here in Sheffield. I have come relatively late to teaching having spent 12 years working as a Research Scientist, most recently at the University of Sheffield.

I hope to bring a bit of fun to my lessons and to inspire as many students as possible to get interested in science and to shake off this myth that it is a difficult and boring subject! I have heard such great things about the school and its incredible students and I can’t wait to get started.

 Richard Tattersall, Head of House (Crucible House) & Teacher of Science (Biology) & PE

Before joining High Storrs I was working at a School in Slough, called Ditton Park Academy where I was a Head of House for three years.  Within my final year at the school I also held a leadership position looking at behaviour systems and metacognition strategies.  During my time at Ditton Park Academy I taught Science, PE, PSHE and even some KS3 History and Geography.  Prior to my job in Slough I worked at Cheney School in Oxford for four years where I taught Science and held two other positions, Assistant Head of KS4 Science and Head of Student Leadership.

I am very excited to be relocating up to Sheffield to be closer to my family (I am originally from Burton on Trent) and am looking forward to continuing my work as a Head of House, which is a job I absolutely love. I hope to bring to High Storrs some different ideas to add to the already fantastic work of the pastoral team as well as my love for sport, in particular rugby, cricket and football.

Karen Hyatt – Teaching Assistant

I am joining High Storrs School as a Teaching Assistant. My background is in secondary education.  I have had experience in various roles, working with a range of students with a variety of different needs. I am excited to be working with the staff and students in learning support, who were all so welcoming when I worked with them briefly in March. I look forward to being in lessons and helping the students reach their potential.

Abigail Jenkins – Maths Teacher

I’m joining High Storrs this September to teach Maths and PSHCEE. I’ve been teaching for six years in South London, which is where I grew up. My husband is from Sheffield and is a former High Storrs student himself. We made the decision to move to Sheffield this summer to be nearer to friends and family, as well as to embrace the outdoor lifestyle that Sheffield affords. I am a keen runner and enjoy learning new languages. I am looking forward to joining the High Storrs community and getting involved in school life; particularly fostering a love of Maths and continuing to encourage an open and positive dialogue around mental health in PSHCEE.

Kayleigh Williamson – Teaching Assistant

I am a Level 2 Teaching Assistant and before working at High Storrs I worked in a PRU in Barnsley and with SEN students all over South Yorkshire since 2015. I have lived in Sheffield for 8 years, originally from Manchester and definitely prefer it over this side of the Pennines! I am a strong supporter of LGBT+ pride and encouraging students to being able to express themselves without fear of prejudice.

In my spare time I enjoy playing badminton and creating art in particular digital illustration. During lockdown I have learnt how to sew with particular focus on facemasks.

James Hill – Physics Teacher

I'm joining High Storrs this September to teach Physics. My background is in engineering and project management. Four years ago, I decided to change careers and become a teacher and I've not looked back since. I have been teaching at Canon Slade school in Bolton since then but recently decided to move back home to Sheffield with my wife and two young boys. I am really excited to be joining High Storrs and I'm looking forward to getting involved in the school life. In particular I would love to help out getting pupils interested in pursuing engineering careers.

Katie Knowles – Maths Teacher

I will be teaching Maths at High Storrs. I did my teacher training and NQT year at a school in Bedfordshire where I learned quickly about behaviour management. I then moved to Sandringham School in St. Albans, where I have been teaching both GCSE and A Level for the last 5 years, and I was shocked to find students emailing me for work they had missed! Working at these two very different schools has given me a wide range of experience that I hope will make me a valuable member of the High Storrs team. I am originally from Sheffield so I am very excited to be moving back to my home city and reuniting with friends and family. I am excited to be joining the team at High Storrs School and look forward to working with you all.

Rachel Farthing – Heads P.A

Hi, I’m Rachel Farthing, Claire Tasker’s new PA.  I’m originally from Sheffield and after spending 20 years in London working as an Executive PA I returned home with my husband and two boys ten years ago.  Having started at High Storrs during lockdown I am very much looking forward to fully embracing my role now with the return of all staff and students.  I attended High Storrs School for all my secondary education so it feels like I have now come full circle!