LAB

John Madge - Foundation Governor

I'm a retired teacher who spent most of his working life in the Reading area teaching science (mainly chemistry) to A level standard and some Maths to GCSE level.

I was brought up in Cornwall near Bude and always enjoyed being by the sea hence the return to Cornwall to retire but also to live near my daughter and grandchildren who live in St Columb Road.

I attend St. Columb Minor Church and also take part in Open the Book assemblies at 3 of the local primary schools in Newquay on a regular basis. This includes Bishop's School where I am delighted to have the opportunity to be involved with the School and to make some small contribution to the work of the Governing Body and the well-being of the school and children.

My interests include DIY, history, playing golf, watching sport, surfing (mainly watching now rather than doing it!) and listening to music.

My name is Beata Nowak and I am a mother of two girls age six and nine, attending Bishops' Academy. I come from Poland; however, I have lived in Newquay for the last fifteen years and my children were born here.

I believe it is vital that every child has an opportunity to achieve the best possible education in the place where they feel safe and valued. In my opinion, the quality of primary education is strongly linked with child success in life and I think that my previous experience can benefit the school in recognising the areas that need improvements. Together we can make the changes which will help our children to thrive.

In my professional background, I have developed a broad experience of working with children and their families for the past eight years. I worked at Treviglas College where my role as the Discreet Group Specialist, was to support children with special educational needs, disabilities and those with English as an additional language.  After six years there I decided to continue my education and achieved Children and Young Peoples Workforce, Foundation Degree. Currently, I am in my last year of university to become a Bachelor of Social Science and I also support community as a translator for public services such as the NHS and Social Services. Three years ago, alongside other dedicated volunteering parents, we established a Polish School in Cornwall, which is a non-profit organisation to give Polish children an opportunity to learn the language as well as discover traditions. Pupils and parents can also seek advice about the British education system as well as other aspects of life in the UK. As the Head of the School as well as the Safeguarding Officer, I understand the importance of positive relationships between children, parents and the school.

The role of the School Governor is special, I hope I can help to ensure that the school continue to maximise opportunities in all areas of the curriculum and allow our children to have the best start in their educational journey. 

Martyn Coles - Foundation governor

"My name is Martyn Coles and I have the privilege of being a Community Governor for Bishops C of E Learning Academy.  I have a youth work background so have spent a huge amount of my working life working with children and young people in some way.  Prior to living in Newquay I worked for The Salvation Army leading youth events, supporting and resourcing church leaders and youth leaders in their work with young people.  I moved to Newquay two years ago from Plymouth to lead The Salvation Army church here.  

I have two step children, one in reception and the other in year 2 and we have another child on the way.  I know how important it is for children to feel safe in school and that it is a place where they can thrive both in the classroom and in the friendships they build with each other.  As a governor I’m looking forward to supporting the school particularly in its Christian distinctiveness and celebrating the great work that it is already doing in the lives of the children."  

Rebecca Leivers - Parent Governor

Rachael Hatch -  Foundation Governor

My name is Rachael Hatch and I am incredibly proud to be a foundation governor at The Bishops’. I am also Senior Assistant Headteacher and I have been part of the school for 5 years. In that time I have been part of some wonderful school improvement and our LAB have been a real driving force and support on our journey. Together we have made our special school the child focused, success that it is today. I have taught in schools across the country and have a background in psychological approaches to health. My husband and I moved to Cornwall in 2016 and we haven’t looked back. We love walking the coast path, stand up paddle boarding and eating seafood whenever we get the chance. Prior to moving here we travelled extensively and still like to spend holidays exploring new places and taking part in adventure sports like white water rafting and sky diving.

Ingrid Yeomans - Staff Governor

My name is Ingrid Yeomans, and I am thrilled to represent The Bishops’ staff as a staff governor on the LAB. I have worked as a teacher at The Bishops’ for the last 11 years and recently became an Assistant Headteacher leading Key Stage 2. My passion for Geography and Science led to my role in working with the school to achieve Healthy Schools status as well as implementing our Blossom Curriculum and the child-centred, question led approach to learning, Prior to becoming a teacher in 2010, I worked as a Higher-Level teaching assistant, supporting children with additional needs. I have lived in Cornwall since 1999, moving here with my husband and 2 children, because of my husband’s military posting. A move, I must admit, we never looked back on. Even after 20 years, I still love to see the sea and enjoy walking the coastal paths with my husband and recent additions ‘Slinky and Jessie’ – my 2 sausage dogs.