Year 6 Transition 2022

Department: English

Started at Northgate: June 2022

Where you studied (and qualifications): University of Windsor, Canada (BA Honours in Drama in Education and Community with minors in English and Psychology), Trent University (Teacher’s College)

Your interests and any exciting/unusual things you have done:  I am a keen traveller. In addition to several solo backpacking trips and of course moving across the globe to the UK from Canada, I worked on cruise ships with Carnival Cruise Lines for two years where I organised the programming for the teen club on board. Those were two of the most fantastic years of my life! I try, as much as I can, to continue to travel to as many new places as I can.

Message to Year 7: Coming to a whole new environment can be scary sometimes. I get it; I only moved here this summer so it is also new to me! So I am happy that we can embark on this journey together.
Starting high school is an exciting time full of new knowledge, new friends and new experiences. The students and staff here at Northgate are here to make the transition easy and help you get into the swing of things in no time.
I look forward to meeting each of you in September.

jbauman@ng6.unity-ed.uk

Department: Modern Foreign Languages

Role in school: Head of Languages

Started at Northgate:

Where you studied: University of Cambridge

Your interests and any exciting/unusual things you have done: I speak French and Spanish, as well as English. I have taught at Northgate for over 15 years. Before that, I taught in other schools in England, France and Mexico.

Message to Year 7: I am looking forward to getting to know a new Year 7 form and taking you through your time at Northgate.

veverett@ng6.unity-ed.uk

Department: Design Faculty

Role in School: Head of the Design Faculty

Started at Northgate: 2002

Where you studied: Middlesex University BA (Hons) in Fine Art. PGCE

Your interests and any exciting/unusual things you have done: I will have been at Northgate High School for twenty years by the time we are together in September. I have seen many changes whilst I have been at Northgate, I arrived in post as the Head of Art from London where I taught in a school called Southgate School. The department has evolved and developed into the fabulous Design Faculty that it is today. Our Design Faculty includes: Art, Textiles, Photography, RM, Graphics and Food. Our team are always happy to help with events and productions and it is very likely that you may help too in future events.

Being an Art teacher is part of what I do but I love the outdoors, really enjoy gardening, and especially enjoy going on holidays abroad with my family. I have two cheeky dogs and a very stubborn cat. Every chance I get I always like to visit exhibitions, galleries and of course take our pupils on visits too if we get the opportunity.

I really love our school too, so much so that Mr Mottley and I decided to send our own children here. My eldest daughter Freya is now in Year 12 at Dereham Sixth Form and my youngest daughter Esme is now in Year 9. Mr Mottley joined our school three years ago as he was so impressed and he is in charge of Design Technology.

Message to Year 7: As I said to my old Year 11 form in Leavers’ Assembly, aim to be the best version of yourself. Aim high and you will do well. I strongly believe that attitude is everything, so always have a positive one. Y7 is a very exciting time; you may arrive with loads of friends but you may meet your forever-best friend. There will be clubs and activities, visits and trips. Your hopes and dreams may start small but by the time you leave in Year 11 you will have ambitions and success that you may not even think about yet. Year 7 is the start of your journey and I will help you along the way. I am really looking forward to being your form tutor and cannot wait to meet you.

mmottley@ng6.unity-ed.uk

Department: PE

Role in School: Head of PE

Started at Northgate: September 2005 initially as a PE teacher/School Sports Coordinator which involved working with primary schools helping them to deliver their PE. I am became Head of PE in 2008.

Where you studied (and qualifications): Wolverhampton University (BSc Hons in Sport Science), Bath University (PGCE in Physical Education). As well as this, I have numerous coaching qualifications and am a qualified Fitness Instructor.

Your interests and any exciting/unusual things you have done: Naturally, I am interested in sport and physical activity and enjoy playing most sports. I have played Hockey for over 25 years and currently play for Norwich Dragons HC. I run regularly, which I took up during lockdown to get out of the house and stay active, and have recently started paddle boarding.

Message to Year 7: Starting high school is a huge step in your life journey and although you will be excited, there will also be lots of you who are nervous. However, there is no need to worry as there is plenty of support at Northgate to help make your transition into high school an enjoyable and safe one. As a father of three (1 boy and 2 girls) only last year I saw my own son make his journey to secondary school, so I am really excited to have the chance to be a year 7 tutor. Remember you only get out of life what you put in.
I look forward to getting to know you all and to helping you to get the very best out of your time and individual talents whilst at Northgate.

rphillis@ng6.unity-ed.uk