New Staff Autumn 2021

A warm welcome to lots of new faces (and some familiar ones) to the Shiplake College staffing team. We really hope you enjoy your time here.

Miss Annabel James

Welcome to Miss James who joins Shiplake as a Teacher of Geography and Deputy Housemistress of Gilson. Before joining Shiplake Miss James was completing her PGCE at Oxford University with a placement at Highdown in Caversham.

Miss James is really looking forward to getting to know all the staff and pupils at the College and becoming part of the community. She said: "I cannot wait to get involved with the girls in the boarding house and in girls' sports. I am also looking forward to being part of such a great department in geography!"

Miss James is a really keen sportswoman, and plays lots of netball, hockey and touch rugby. She has recently joined a netball club in Henley and is also really interested in travelling and experiencing new cultures, especially after travelling Southeast Asia and Australia.

Miss Bridget Jacques

Mathematics Teacher, Miss Jacques joins us from Highdown School. Previous to this, she was completing her PGCE at Exeter University.

Miss Jacques is really looking forward to getting to know the students and helping out with the senior girls' rowing programme.

In her spare time, Miss Jacques enjoys running along the Thames and going out for the occasional row and is about to start a pottery course. When she's home in Northern Ireland, she goes for a daily swim in the Irish Sea. 

Mr Kade Heaney

Mr Heaney joins us as Teacher of Criminology and Sociology after completing his PGCE last year.

He said: "I’m fairly new to the profession and really new to the area. I join Shiplake College from Cheshire, where I grew up and have spent most of my life. I read Law at university in Manchester, worked in industry at both a solicitor’s firm and barristers' chambers, before spending time travelling South America, where I had the experience of a lifetime.

"I am a keen sportsman and enjoy playing football and watching my beloved Manchester City (I was a fan before the takeover!). The sense of community here has been overwhelming, and I am really excited to meet more of the fantastic members of staff, to explore ‘down south’ (without the famous Mancunian rain) and most of all, to help my pupils become well rounded, motivated and inspiring young people in whatever they decide to pursue next."

Mr Heaney will also be involved in football coaching and Duke of Edinburgh.

Miss Stephanie Lane

Welcome to Miss Lane who joins Shiplake as Teacher of History and Politics. Prior to joining Shiplake, Miss Lane was at Highdown School for two years.

Before her PGCE she was a sales advisor for breweries which involved tasting and judging beer. 

She said: "I'm looking forward to working within these beautiful surroundings and being part of the lovely ethos the school has."

In her spare time, Miss Lane is a campanologist. She likes to play the piano and she also 'attempts' to surf each summer. 

Mrs Karen Padrick

Welcome to Mrs Padrick who joins us from Charters School as Teacher of Design, Engineering and Technology.

Mrs Padrick is looking forward to: "Inspiring students to inspire others with their creativity and problem solving skills which they will develop collaboratively in a supportive environment."

In her spare time, Mrs Padrick enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and exploring. She plays tennis and helps to coach hockey and has always been keen on sport and fitness. 

Mr Will Carey

Old Viking Mr Carey joins us as Graduate Assistant in his first teaching role since graduating from the University of London. As well as being a former Shiplake pupil, Mr Carey is a familiar face around Shiplake as he has been coaching rowing over the past year.

Mr Carey is really looking forward to: "The experience of helping the students progress in their school lives as well as gaining experience for myself in many different areas."

Outside of school, Mr Carey enjoys rowing, cycling and climbing and is 'trying' to teach himself guitar.

Mr Liam Fuller

Welcome to Mr Fuller, Shiplake's new Head of Design, Engineering and Technology. Prior to Shiplake, Mr Fuller taught in a school for pupils with autism which he said was 'an amazing experience'.

Mr Fuller is looking forward to Shiplake College’s 'amazing facilities' and helping pupils reach their full potential in his subject.

Outside of school, Mr Fuller is an Assistant Scout Leader and enjoys camping. He also enjoys learning about technology and applying new technologies to make his life easier.    

Mrs Georgina Partridge

Mrs Partridge joins us as Learning Development Teacher after completing her Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties, last year. Previous to that she worked at Trinity Primary School. 

She said: "I am most looking forward to supporting the students in reaching their full academic goals and watching them grow and develop as individuals." 

Outside of teaching Mrs Partridge is a busy mum to three children. If she has any spare time she enjoys running and playing tennis. 

Mr Jasper Elliott

Welcome back Mr Elliott who (re)joins Shiplake as Teacher of Music. Mr Elliott is also in charge of music administration.

Last year he was at the University of Reading completing his PGCE in Music after a successful year as a Graduate Music Teacher here at Shiplake.

He said: "I am most looking forward to the familiar and friendly faces of the Shiplake staff and pupils. I am also very excited to get involved in the boat club with the new rowing facilities on offer.

Dr Lays Valim

Dr Lays Valim is joining us this year as Head of Computing Studies and Director of Digital Strategy. She spent the last two years as Head of Computer Science at Wellington College, where she led the delivery of A Level and IB DP qualifications in the Sixth Form.

Currently she is involved with national initiatives to raise standards in Computer Science education and works closely with the British Computer Society to support teachers in various stages of their careers.

Dr Valim is very passionate about STEM subjects in general and she places great emphasis on the value of scholarship. Originally from Brazil, Dr Valim came to the UK in 2006 and has just moved to Shiplake with her family. She is a mother of two boys aged 6 and 12 and spends her free time gardening, as well as enjoying countryside walks with her partner and their adorable, yet stubborn, French Bulldog.

Miss Sharon Eden

Welcome to Miss Eden who joins Shiplake as our new Computing Teacher. Prior to Shiplake Miss Eden taught at Thames Valley School, a small specialist autism school.

She said: "I'm looking forward to seeing the beautiful surroundings every day and teaching at sixth form level again.

"In my spare time I love to hike and travel, it's been a while since I travelled further than Scotland. I'm looking forward to international travel getting back to normal so I can go visit somewhere new."

Mrs Rebecca Goulden

Welcome back to Art Teacher Mrs Goulden. Mrs Goulden comes to us from Crosfields Prep, but prior to that she was with us here at Shiplake.

She said: "I am looking forward to reconnecting with art students who I previously taught and worked with and meeting new students who have since joined, to help guide, support and inspire during their time at Shiplake College. I am excited by being part of Burr House tutor team and fully integrating myself into the Shiplake College community. It's great to be back."

In her spare time, Mrs Goulden enjoys tennis, pilates and netball. She has two children - Will (10 ) and Eleanor (5), so her weekend is primarily family time, either attending a weekend football or rugby fixture, or walking their young, friendly Labrador Jasper in the woods. She is also partial to a spot of online shopping and chocolate!