During the Spring Term, PHSG recruited new staff for the new academic year. Following a rigorous recruitment process, we are delighted to have recruited such excellent staff, and we are looking forward to welcoming them into the team, starting in September. We are excited for you to meet them, and we have a sneaky preview below of who are new staff are, a little about themselves and what our students can expect from them. 

Mr Alan Jenkins - Assistant Head & Head of Sixth Form

What attracted you to PHSG?

The overwhelmingly great feedback from both past and current students, reinforcing a common message that the student is at the centre of every decision made. 

What are you looking forward to the most?

Being part of this great community and making our sixth form the best place for students to progress onto their next post-18 steps. 

What makes you different and approachable?

I am a great listener and have always placed student feedback and support at the core of my daily routine. 

What advice do you give the students who will have classes with you?

Be prepared to take risks! The more you putin, the more you will get out. I believe in critical friends, I welcome feedback and will ensure you understand the point and value of everything that we do. 

Miss Ruth Readey - English Teacher

What attracted you to PHSG?

I fell in love with PHSG when I came here as a student a LONG time ago (before the Newman Hall existed!) The ethos, community and family atmosphere is a joy to see still being an integral part of the school.

What are you looking forward to the most?

I can't wait to be part of the school's community and, having being part of its history, I am proud to be part of our new future.

What makes you different and approachable?

Being an English Teacher, I am naturally a flamboyant performer with a fervent passion for literature. I have a love for rock and alternative music. Ask me about English, guitar, singing or heavy metal, I'm all ears!

What advice do you give the students who will have classes with you?

Always come to my classroom with an open mind and a spark to challenge everything. Being positive and enthusiastic will always lead you to brighter pathways and an incredible world of knowledge and understanding. There is no such thing as 'finished'!

 

Miss Ashton Wright - History Teacher

What attracted you to PHSG?

I was fortunate enough to undertake my final placement ay PHSG and completely fell in love with the school. The students who attended my classes are some of the loveliest students I have ever encountered and have a real passion for learning and fantastic attitude to life. The History department is both challenging and immensely rewarding and I really feel it developed my development as an effective teacher. 

What are you looking forward to the most?

To meeting my students and contributing to their educational journey and life!

What makes you different and approachable?

I like to think that I have a positive and enthusiastic approach to teaching and have a real passion for my subject. 

What advice do you give the students who will have classes with you?

Remember that learning is a journey and that real progress comes from learning from mistakes and improving by using those hiccups as a navigator. I would also like to say, don't worry. History can seem like a tough subject, but it is really fun! It really allows you to show your opinions and thoughts, 

 

Miss Annette Cook - Science Teacher

What attracted you to PHSG?

I wanted the opportunity to share my passion of Physics with young women and to be involved in a great department, leading the way for schools in the southwest and truly being able to make a positive difference in the lives on young people.

What are you looking forward to the most?

The students at PHSG have an incredible attitude to learning and I'm looking forward to stretching their capabilities. I am eager to encourage more female students into STEM and I am excited to learn more about Hummingbird!

What makes you different and approachable?

I am a female physicist (Aerospace Engineering). Love the feeling of solving a difficult problem or understanding a perplexing concept. I also have a second passion, in basketball! I have been playing since I was in secondary school and still play to a high level now. 

What advice do you give the students who will have classes with you?

Have fun and challenge yourself. You are capable of so much more than you could ever imagine!

 

Mrs Alison Pickles - Head of Physical Education

What attracted you to PHSG?

I applied for the position because I was really excited at the prospect of being the Head of the PE department in a school that traditionally does really well in sport. 

What are you looking forward to the most?

Getting to know the students and becoming part of the PHSG community.

What makes you different and approachable?

I am very approachable, friendly and always here to support. I am competitive and like to win fixtures, but it is important to me that everyone has fun. 

What advice do you give the students who will have classes with you?

Be prepared to have fun in all lessons but to also be stretched and challenged. Do not be afraid to get things wrong, I will always reward effort. Remember to bring you best smile!.