Governors Bio

BUSHEY ACADEMY GOVERNOR BIOGRAPHIES- 2016/17

HEIDI ANDERSON- STAFF GOVERNOR In my six years as Subject Leader of Music, I have seen tremendous changes in Academy achievements. I have been inspired to improve my own performance to keep pace with the teaching environment and ever improving examination results. I promote confidence within our pupils with extra-curricular activities.

Recent personal achievements;  Studying for Middle Management Qualification (NPQML)  Prince’s Teaching Institute Award for Music 2013  External community events  INTU Centre performance  Carol singing at Bushey Station and Squires Garden Centre to raise money for charity  Christmas Carol Concert at St James Church  Care Home Visit.

Links with;  Purcell School  Chelsea Opera Group.

DEBBY CUMMINS - PARENT GOVERNOR I work part-time as an Administration Manger for a small company in St Albans. I live in Bushey and have two daughters, both of whom currently attend The Bushey Academy.

I firmly believe in parents having a voice through the Governing Body regarding our children’s education and to that end stood and was elected as a Parent Governor to the school in December 2013. I feel passionate that the academy should continue to grow in strength and as a member of the Governing Body, will challenge and support the academy to be the best that it can be.

BERNADETTE WOOLDRIDGE I have been a School Science Technician for over 15 years and a Senior Technician for 10 of those years. I joined the Bushey Academy in January 2011, only a few months before our first move to the temporary buildings, which was both exciting and challenging. The second move to our wonderful new building was even more exciting as I took charge of our unique setup in the MEGALAB. Together with the support of the other two technicians in the department, we maximise opportunities for students to be involved in hands-on experiments and demonstrations whenever possible so that they are able to develop a passion for the subject and deepen their enjoyment and understanding.

In my role as a Senior Technician, I enjoy training technicians new to the job and supporting teachers venturing into the wonderful world of practical Science.

However, the part of my job which I find the most enjoyable is when I am working closely with students, setting up and demonstrating experiments and experiencing with them the wonder and excitement of discovering something new. That is one of the reasons why I’m also involved in running the Science Club for Year 7 and 8 students weekly after school - it is fantastic to see the students enjoying Science so much.

I keep myself abreast of new development and initiatives in science by being part of a technician’s forum and attending courses at the National Science Learning Centre in York.

Being part of the Governing Body as a Support Staff Governor gives me valuable insight into the operation of a successful school and provides me with greater opportunity to support students further and contribute to the academy’s future successes.

MARK HARMON: VICE CHAIR OF THE GOVERNING BODY- TRUST APPOINTED GOVERNOR I became a Governor when the school changed from Bushey Hall to The Bushey Academy. I felt that there was huge potential to make the academy one of the best schools in the local area, if not the county. The school is making fantastic progress with all governors committed to the school’s long term future.

ROBERT GALASHAN – CHAIR OF THE GOVERNING BODY- TRUST APPOINTED GOVERNOR I have lived in Watford for the past 18 years. I have one son who has spent his entire secondary education firstly at Bushey Hall and then at The Bushey Academy and who has recently completed his ‘A’ levels. I am a Civil Servant currently working in an IT recruitment role although I have fulfilled a number of different roles over the years which I have brought to bear in my role as a Governor.

I have been a School Governor for the past 7 years. I became a School Governor to make a difference to the education and life chances of my son and the other children in what was then Bushey Hall School. I started as a Parent Governor and then became a Trust appointed Governor when the school closed and The Bushey Academy opened in 2009. I have recently been honoured to be appointed to the role of Chair of the Governing Body.

I am proud to have been closely involved in the transition the academy has undergone over the past few years and feel certain that we will continue to improve for many years to come.

I am Proud to belong.

Dr GORDON MIZNER I studied aeronautical Engineering at London University and have spent nearly 30 years working in the oil industry in a variety of functions including research, product management relating to renewable and conventional fuels and lubricants and general management in the UK, South Africa, Indian Ocean and Africa.

In September 2005 I joined the Engineering Development Trust, a UK-wide education charity, as Chief Executive.

ANDY MOLONEY Born and raised in Watford, I’ve always lived in the local area and now have 2 daughters at the academy. I left Queens School after completing my A-levels and have worked in the financial services sector in a variety of operational and project roles ever since. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a number of different community projects, including coaching and mentoring students from different schools and universities. As a recently appointed Governor, I’m now very much looking forward to using this experience to support the academy in continuing to help students achieve the very best that they can through the “proud to belong” ethos.

MARK STRUGNELL I have been a Bushey and Oxhey resident for nearly twenty years. My wife, Sarah and I have two children, both of whom attend The Bushey Academy. Both children, have thrived at the school; a place that we have seen go from strength to strength in the last few years. Being asked to join the Governing Body in July 2016 was a real privilege. I am very keen to give something back to a school that I feel has plenty of potential to continue to grow and build on the many successes to date. For over twenty-five years I have served in the Metropolitan Police, currently in a senior detective position. Over this time I have had experience of leading a large number of different units and people across a very varied number of roles. This has included working in close partnership with local authorities, schools and others involved in safeguarding. I am hoping this experience will allow me to add value to the future of the young people currently at the academy and the generations to come.

Newly Appointed Governors Richard Elms

-

Biography to follow