Meet the Staff

Miss Paula Blackburn

Executive Headteacher, Federation of Boskenwyn and Germoe Schools

head@fbgschools.co.uk

I was born in Manchester a long, long time ago! I moved to Cornwall 20 years ago and my 2 lovely children grew up here. Before then I lived and taught in a variety of places including Sweden (where I developed a love of the Scandinavian way of learning). I became head of Germoe School in 2006 and then Executive head of Boskenwyn and Germoe 8 years ago. I love my job and I'm passionate about enabling children to have a wonderful experience at school, developing a lifelong love of learning and being the best they can be. In my spare time I like to travel and immerse myself into different cultures. I am a member of Coverack Bluetits and sea swim when I can, I also enjoy coastal walking and I love reading.

Mrs Joanne Nicholas

Deputy Head /Poldhu Class Teacher/writing lead/art lead - Y5/6

jnicholas@fbgschools.co.uk

Hello.
I am the year 5/6 teacher and deputy head here at Boskenwyn.
I was born in Cornwall and grew up around Penzance.
When I was younger I always wanted to be a teacher. I studied Primary Education at university and I have been teaching for 15 years. I started my teaching career at Germoe School, before moving to Boskenwyn for two terms (8 years ago). I love teaching in a small school as we get to know all of the children so well. I am passionate about reading and creating a love of reading in children. I want to inspire all children to have a love of learning and to reach their full potential no matter their background or ability.

In my own time I enjoy spending time with my own children (9 and 4). I also spend time watching stage shows and enjoy dancing (often around my kitchen)

Mr L Hemsley

Class Teacher/Computing Lead - Y3/4

LHemsley@fbgschools.co.uk

I am Mr Hemsley and I am Church Cove Class Teacher and Computing lead. I was born and have grown up in Cornwall, loving school from a young age and have always felt enthusiastic about learning. I started at Boskenwyn School in 2018 as a teaching assistant in Poldhu class until I started my teacher training in 2020. Once I finished my teacher training, I returned to Boskenwyn, initially as a teaching assistant once more. I was offered a teaching role at Boskenwyn and Germoe soon after, starting in January 2022.

Outside of school, I am very into football and currently manage Porthleven Reserves mens team while I recover from a serious knee injury. I am passionate about sport and exercise as well as believing in the importance of technology in schools, in a world in which it is becoming increasingly prominent.

Mr J Watson

Class Teacher - Reception & Y1

JWatson@fbgschools.co.uk

Hello,

I am the teacher in Rosemullion class (Reception and Yr 1).

I completed my teacher training in 2019 and have worked at our wonderful school since 2020. I have a real passion for education and helping children explore and develop those vital skills they need for their future.

Outside of school I really enjoy going for long walks with my dog and exercising. I have previously played rugby for my local team, Helston, but this year I have decided to try Jiu-Jitsu.

Mrs D Rusga

Class teacher Y2

I came into teaching as a second career. My first career was Branch Manager in a building society. It was not until I had my own children that I became fascinated in child development and the way children learn. I have lived in Cornwall with my husband Steve for over twenty years and have two grown up daughters and two dogs.

I became a parent governor at Germoe School and starting volunteering in classes before becoming a paid teaching assistant. I was lucky enough to be able to train to be a teacher whilst working at the school and moved to Boskenwyn to teach Reception and Nursery. As the school grew the class became a Nursery, Reception and Year 1 class. Most recently I have worked with the single year class 2 group. I am currently working across both schools and year groups in an exciting new role coordinating and delivering interventions to groups and individuals.

I am passionate about the environment and instilling a love of nature in children. I am level 3 Forest School trained and try to take learning outside as much as possible. I feel really privileged to be part of so many children's learning and development.

Outside of work I spend as much time as possible walking my dogs on the beautiful Cornish Coast and Countryside, reading, cookery, travelling and sampling the best food Cornwall has to offer!

Mrs A Larcombe

SENDCO

I worked as a Teaching Assistant in local schools whilst my daughter was growing up, and decided I’d like to have my own class, so set about 7 years of part time study before achieving BA in Historical and Cultural Studies. I then did PGCE with Exeter University.

I started working at Boskenwyn school when it was a small two class school, with just four part time teachers. Before this, I worked in Penzance and other Helston and Lizard schools for a few years. I’ve taught all ages and key stages, and around 5 years ago, left the classroom for the role of Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

I have always been interested in children’s development and the development of the ‘whole’ child. I feel so privileged to be working with children and their families, and with colleagues, that really value the important things – relationship, nurture and commitment to supporting children to achieve their best, and thrive, academically, emotionally, socially and physically.

In my spare time, I enjoy family time, gardening, cooking, my cats and chickens, and spending time in the beautiful Cornish landscapes. I have interests in archaeology, family and local history and I’ve just started yoga.

Miss C Brooks

Teaching Assistant

Mrs L Van Kesteren

Teaching Assistant

Mrs P Bird

Teaching Assistant

Mrs H Lawson

Teaching Assistant

Ms C Schellekens

Teaching Assistant

Miss D Willoughby

Teaching Assistant

Mrs L Winter

Teaching Assistant

Mrs L Murphy

Lunchtime Supervisor/Kitchen Assistant

Mrs L McKeown

School Secretary

Ms K Levy

Cook

Miss N Willis

Cook

Mr T Lane

Premises Manager

Mrs A Care

School Secretary (Germoe)

Mr D Davies

Cleaner