Background
I have been a primary school teacher for six years, teaching at several schools across Leeds. Currently, I am teaching in Pontefract. My experience is predominately Key Stage 2, having started my teaching career in Y3 then moving my way through to Y5 and Y6. After 3 years of teaching, I decided to go travelling, exploring: Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. After being away for several months, I decided to teach in Vietnam, where I spent my time teaching English to children of all ages – an experience I will never forget! I have recently moved to the area where I live with my partner.
What brought you to Greenmount:
Being a governor, is something I have always wanted to do but I never really did anything about it. As a New Year’s resolution, I made 2018 the year I would spend some time researching what it takes to be a governor. After applying through Leeds City Council and receiving an email from the head teacher at Greenmount, I made an appointment to visit the school. After spending over an hour at the school, meeting staff, getting to know the background of Greenmount, I instantly knew it was the right school for me; a school where I could offer my knowledge and support.
What you like about being a Governor:
As a governor, it is my responsibility to be a ‘critical friend’ to the head teacher, which can be translated as ‘challenge and support.’ It’s a great opportunity for me, to be able to support the headteacher in setting the school’s aims and objectives. At every opportunity, I am able to ensure that all pupils at Greenmount receive the best possible education, which will then inspire them to be life-long- learners.
Your thoughts about Greenmount:
It is a popular school at the heart of the community and I could sense that during my visit. It is a school that fosters a love for learning and wants to support children in reaching their full potential, whatever their background or cultural beliefs. Greenmount is a school that encourages children to be confident and most importantly independent learners, caring for themselves as well as others around them.
What you believe the school vision to be:
At Greenmount Primary School, I believe the vision is to foster a love of learning and to develop enquiring minds; enabling all children to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. To encourage all children to be confident, value themselves, respect differences and work together as a community to enable all children to develop as responsible citizens.
Hobbies/interests:
Any free time I do have, I spend it at the local gym, training for charity 10Ks, supporting St Gemma’s and Wheatfield’s Hospice. I have recently started piano lessons, which I thoroughly enjoy. I love going to the theatre to watch: musicals, live performances and listening to classical music. During the summer months (when the weather is warmer) I will be hiking in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the Lake District.
Name: Laura Whitford (Community Governor)
Your background:
I am a local person who attended Greenmount Primary as well as living on Greenmount Street throughout my childhood. After leaving high school I went into full time work doing reception work then went back to college to study Law. While there I took up a part time job at British Gas and I have been there ever since which is 10 years in 2018. My career now has a massive focus on working with our local communities where we can as well as the wellbeing and engagement of the staff.
What brought you to Greenmount:
I came to Greenmount as this school gave me more than just an education but was a big part of my family and a support system for us in my childhood. I am now looking to give something back to the school the was a big part of my childhood and was one of the reasons that made me who I am today.
What you like about being a Governor:
I like that as a governor I can help shape the school’s future.
Your thoughts about Greenmount:
Greenmount is a great school to be a part of and looking at the school’s future it can only get better.
What you believe the school vision to be:
Dream, Believe and Achieve
Hobbies/interests:
My main interest is in event organising and planning, I do a lot of this in and out of work. I also enjoy going to watch the city’s rugby league side Leeds Rhino’s as well as get involved in the activities they also provide with the children in my family.