Susan joined the Coombes school community in 1978 as a parent of three children. in 1980 she became the school secretary, and in 1984 left the school to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Reading University. She rejoined the Coombes staff group as a teacher in September 1985. She became Deputy Headteacher in 1991, and in 2000 gained the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship). She became Headteacher of the school in January 2003.
She has wide-ranging professional interests: she is a frequent contributor to the Educational Press and co-author of five books describing the work of the school. She contributes to a number of conferences and seminars in the UK and abroad, and has developed special links with educational institutions in Sweden, The Gambia and China. Her expertise lies in Primary Science in particular.
She travels widely and has developed a special interest in health and educational issues in West Africa. The Coombes school supports a range of charitable projects in The Gambia, including the sponsorship of children who would otherwise not attend school.
Deputy Headteacher
There is currently no Deputy Headteacher at the school. instead, we have two Lead Teachers who undertake aspects of Deputy Headship as appropriate:
Carol Cooke is the school's ICT Coordinator. She is Leading Teacher for ICT and offers regular "hands-on" support to LEA Schools. She teaches Year 1 Literacy and Numeracy.
Carole Davies is the Library Coordinator, and a Drama Specialist. In 2003, she took on responsibility for School Finance and Resource Management. She teaches Year 2 Literacy and Numeracy. Carole is currently undertaking the NPQH.
The Coombes is proud of its talented and close-knit teaching team and collegiate style of management.
In addition to Carol Cooke and Carole Davies, the team comprises:
Mim Barrows - Science Co-Coordinator, teaching Year 1 Literacy and Numeracy.
Anne Clague - Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
Shirley Clubley -our newest recruit in September 2005, who teaches year 1 Literacy and Numeracy and provides PPA cover to the staff group.
Gill Daniell - Music specialist, and teaching Foundation 2 children (Reception Infants).
Ray Faulkner - joined the Nursery team in September 2005, part-time.
Jo Page - Art Coordinator and English Co-coordinator, teaching Year 2 Literacy and Numeracy.
Kathryn Pedley (formerly Rice) - looks after the school's intranet site, and teaches Foundation 2 children part-time.
Vanessa Petch - regular Supply teacher and also teaching Foundation Stage 2 children part time.
Jenny Poore - PE Specialist part-time.
Patrick Pritchett - Science Co-Coordinator and teaching Year 2 Literacy and Numeracy.
Donna Ravinet -NNEB in the Nursery, part-time.
Anne Roberts - Lead teacher in the Nursery and currently undertaking an MA Degree with the institute of Education, London.
Vicky Wellington - NNEB/Teacher in the Nursery, part-time.
Other Team Members
The teaching group is supported by a dedicated and well-trained group of Learning Support Assistants, administrative and other ancillary staff, and is further supported by parents and families, governors and friends of the school.
Susan was the founding Headteacher of The Coombes in 1971: she retired in 2002, but continues to work on a voluntary basis with us in school, teaching regularly and serving as the school's Environmental Consultant.
Susan's vision for providing children with excellence both in and out of the classroom has brought the school international recognition.
She continues to lecture regularly throughout the UK and Northern Europe about the work of the school. She is Trustee of the Learning Through Landscapes Trust. She was honoured with an MBE in 1995, and in 1999 was awarded an Honorary Master's Degree of the Open University for services to education. She is a writer for the educational press and the co-author, with Susan Rowe, of five books describing the work of the school.