ST.PETROC'S
EARLY YEARS
Maggie Wood (BEd Hons Primary)
Life before St Petroc’s
I have always wanted to teach, but got side-tracked along the way! I had a variety of jobs from retail to support work with adults with learning disabilities. I had my daughter, Jordan, who is twenty one and my son, Sam, who is fifteen. In my late twenties I decided that I needed to fulfil my ambition and so I completed an access course and applied to the College of St Mark and St John in Plymouth to do a BEd Primary degree, Sam was only two at the time so he joined the Marjon crèche and so our university life began! Unfortunately I didn’t get to see much of the other side of “uni” life with a two year old in tow! After qualifying I worked as a Year 1 teacher at Callington Primary School, before starting here at St P’s in 2004. Sam also followed me to St P’s and is very proud to be an “Old Petrocian.”
What is your favourite lesson?
I love teaching practical science, particularly changing materials with melting ice, chocolate and making popcorn, demonstrating that some changes are irreversible, the children absolutely love it!
What do you most enjoy about St Petroc’s?
I enjoy all aspects of teaching, but particularly love that “lightbulb” moment when a young child suddenly understands what you have been trying to get through to them! Life at St Petroc’s is great, it is a very unique school, with high expectations, academically and also in ensuring the children have a fun time during their educational years here. We have a fantastic team of staff, who are all extremely supportive of each other and there is a lovely feeling within the school. I feel privileged to be Deputy Head in such a great place.
Life beyond St Petroc’s
I enjoy watching rugby, particularly the Cornish All Blacks, as my nephew plays for them alongside Mr Hilton. I walk a lot with “Woody” my jack Russell and I love skiing (or trying to!) I run a crèche for a ski company in the Easter holidays, its great fun.
Carol Cook (BA Hons Humanities)
Life before St Petroc’s
I’ve lived in Cornwall off and on since I was in my teens and brought my family up here. I’ve had several jobs but my most enduring was that of Secretary at Sir James Smith’s School in Camelford. During my time there I completed an Open University degree and then decided to retrain as a teacher. After a year of part time work for the Music Service and part-time work and supply, I was very pleased to secure my job at St Petroc’s.
What is your favourite lesson?
My favourite lessons are History, DT, PE and Art. That’s when I’m free!!
What do you most enjoy about St Petroc’s?
I enjoy many aspects of life at St Petroc’s. The children are a joy to teach, the staff are supportive and friendly. I love the fact that Music and Drama are valued alongside the other important subjects.
Life beyond St Petroc’s
Outside St Petroc’s, I enjoy all sorts of activities. I founded a theatre group in my local village which involves productions for both children and adults. We perform about two plays a year, my favourite having been ‘Allo ‘Allo in which I played Helga! I enjoy drama on TV and at the movies, as well as visiting the theatre when I can afford it!! I am told I read far too much! For activity, I like to walk and swim and used to be a keen tennis player – not so much now but I am hoping to replace it with golf when time allows. Creatively, I enjoy knitting and crafts and have many projects on the go, some of which will probably never be finished! I am a very proud granny and love spending time with my grandson and the rest of my family and friends.
Sue Cuff (BEd Hons Primary)
Life before St Petroc’s
Whilst my two children were small I ran a small cottage industry with my husband. I then became involved in education, firstly as a teaching assistant. After a period working for the Royal Cornwall’s Hospital Trust as an audiomatrician, I realised that education was my passion and so I decided to train as a teacher and went to The College of St Mark and St John to do my BEd(Hons) with Design and Technology. My first post was as a Reception Class teacher at Callington Primary School – a much bigger (500 pupils) school. I had 29 children in my Reception class!
What is your favourite lesson?
I enjoy providing the children with a large and varied range of experiences and materials. I particularly like teaching phonics in the Reception year as the children generally develop these skills quickly and soon begin to read and write which is very exciting.
What do you most enjoy about St Petroc’s?
St Petroc’s is a very special place to work. All the teachers know all the children by name and we all feel part of our big family! The teachers are very supportive of each other and the staffroom is a happy place to spend your breaks. Our location is an added benefit with the town, the beach and the woods all within easy reach, resulting in lots of class trips out and abou
Life beyond St Petroc’s
I love walking around our beautiful coastline – my favourite place is Pentire Point near Polzeath. In the summer my husband and I go on road trips on our motorbike. Last year we travelled around Ireland and Northern Ireland. Playing badminton, watching films, reading, gardening and getting involved in my village events are some of my other pass-times.
Tom Fox
Jenny Rees
Life before St Petroc’s
After spending five years travelling and working in Australia and New Zealand my husband and I decided to move to Bude and start a family. It was whilst volunteering in my son’s reception class that I realised I wanted to swap the office for the classroom. I have spent the last four years training and working at Bude Infant School as a Teaching Assistant.
What do you most enjoy about St Petroc’s?
Working in early years is lots of fun and everyday is packed full of exciting activities. Reception year is very special as the children experience many things for the first time and learn so many important skills for life. It is a privilege to be a part of their learning journey. Life beyond St Petrocs
Life beyond St Petroc’s
My family and I love being outdoors and regularly enjoy cycling the Camel trail or going for long walks on the beach. My two sons both enjoy playing rugby and football so many of our weekends involve travelling and watching them play matches. When at home I enjoy cooking, reading and gardening.