St George’s Preparatory School

Mr Mark Whelan (or Mr Mark as everyone calls him) is one of the Directors and the Bursar at St George's. Please see him if you have an invoice / financial question. Mr Mark also drives the minibus, collecting children in the morning, taking them home after school and taking classes out on visits.

Mr Mark has a Forest School Practitioner Level 3 qualification and an EFAW Paediatric First Aid Certificate

"I come from a military background, having spent the majority of my childhood growing up in Cyprus and enjoying a very 'outdoors' lifestyle. The opportunities I had in my formative years had a significant influence on my life. As such, I want to afford as many children in our care the same experiences I was fortunate enough to participate in whilst  growing up."

My main passion is Forest School and ensuring it remains true to its roots. Children need the freedom to be able to engage with the natural world in whatever way they feel comfortable. Whether it be lighting a fire, whittling a stick or quietly reflecting under the shade  of a tree. We need to ensure that children have the opportunity to take risks, get dirty and explore their own limits in a safe, supportive environment.

I am incredibly proud of our little school and everything our team has achieved and would be delighted to welcome you to experience everything our pupils enjoy on a daily basis."

 Mrs Sarah Whelan is the second director and also the Principal at St George’s. She teaches French throughout the school and is the Modern Foreign Languages co-ordinator.

Mrs Whelan has a B.Ed(Hons)degree in Education and French, as well as EYPS(Early Years Professional Status). She also holds an EFAW Paediatric First Aid certificate.

"Since qualifying as a teacher in 1988, I have taught the whole primary age range, both here and abroad, in State and Independent schools. Mark and I previously owned and managed a 99 place day nursery; I have also worked as an Early Years Advisor for the county- this gave me a thorough understanding of children's learning and development as well as a wide variety of pedagogical approaches from around the world.

I am passionate about children learning through real-life, hands-on experiences, using the great outdoors as a natural classroom. As a director of the school I'm always happy to chat to parents. I hope to meet you soon and welcome you to our very special school.

Mark and I have three children - 2 daughters (aged 24 and 21). The eldest is a Primary School teacher in Leeds and the youngest daughter is soon to start flying the world with British Airways. We also have a 16 year old son who is at agricultural college in Leicestershire. In my spare time, I love photography, particularly of equestrian sports. I enjoy watching our son play rugby each Saturday and there's nothing better than a trip to my local coffee shop!"

Mrs Gemma Hodgson is our Head Teacher and the reception class teacher.  She is the Curriculum Leader and is responsible for the teaching and assessment of Science across the school and co-ordinating P.S.H.E, Relationships and Religious Education. Mrs Hodgson is also our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Attendance Champion. 

“At the age of five, I declared to the world that I wanted to be a teacher and I’m so lucky to be living my dream! I’m very passionate about education and believe, that even for adults, every day is a school day. I am so proud to be the Head Teacher of Saint George’s Preparatory School; I work with amazing children, supportive parents and a fantastic staff team.

At Saint George’s, we are one family – it is a family I am grateful to be part of – and I love sharing my love for teaching and learning within the school. My aim will always be to create a learning environment in which children are happy, have high aspirations and can make positive progress in a style that complements their individual needs and interests. I pride myself on being creative, and promote this across the school, so don’t be surprised to see paints being used in an English lesson, hearing a class burst into song in a Maths lesson or designing and sculpting in a Geography lesson! My favourite part of the day is visiting lessons and being with the children, although at Saint George’s this might not be in a classroom. Instead, you will find us in the EYFS outdoor provision, the vegetable boxes, the forest or the farm!  

Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, visiting new places and I have a strong interest in beekeeping. One of my favourite places to visit is the children’s section of a book shop as I enjoy the stories, the illustrations and making links to how I can use these valuable resources in school.”  

Miss Kayleigh Kenworthy works alongside EYFS  and Miss Duncan. She holds a Level 3 qualification as well as Paediatric First Aid. Miss Kenworthy also supports children who require speech and language interventions. She works with years 1 and 2.

"My name is Miss Kenworthy and I have always wanted to work with children. I find it a very rewarding job as I am able to nurture each child as they continuously grow and develop in many different ways throughout their early years. 

In my spare time I like to spend quality time with family and friends. I also enjoy getting out and about for long walks as there is nothing like having fresh air in your lungs. "

 Hello, my name is Mrs Saw and I am very excited to have joined the St George’s family as the year 2 class teacher!
I have always wanted to be a teacher, I truly believe it’s the best job in the world! I love how every day is different - no one can ever say that teaching is boring. I love Disney and children’s books, so my classroom will always have a little touch of Disney and a lovely reading area. As a teacher, I believe in the quote “a teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart!” I pride myself on the relationships that I build with the children that I work with. I am the school SENDCO, Computing lead and run the School Council with Miss Duncan.

When I’m not in school, there are a number of things that I enjoy. I love going to the theatre and try to go as much as possible. I enjoy craft and baking, as well as reading. I also enjoy spending time with my family, friends, husband and cat, Milo - I am always busy doing something!

Hello my name is Miss Duncan and I am very excited to become part of the St George’s family. I love being a teacher and I believe that I am truly lucky to be a part of a child’s learning journey. I am the year 1 class teacher and deputy safeguarding lead. I am also the Art subject lead and run the School Council along with Mrs Saw. There is nothing better than watching a child’s eyes light up when they have that eureka moment! I feel honoured that I get to see them take that next stepping stone in their life. As a teacher I believe that you learn something new everyday - I love it when the children share their own knowledge with me and become a mini teacher to teach me new things. I enjoy being creative and will often find projects to do to keep me entertained. Recently I made my own bookshelf using old wooden pallets and painted children’s book characters for the classroom.

In my spare time I love to spend time with my friends and family, visit new places and go for afternoon tea. My partner and I love to visit different farm shops - especially when there is cake to buy! I just love that homely feeling you get when you step foot into a farm shop and it is what I aspire my classroom to feel like - a home away from home. 

Miss Emily Dodds  has recently achieved her PGCE and we're delighted that this year she joins the Key Stage 2 staff as year 3 class teacher.

"Hello, my name is Miss Dodds. My passion for teaching started on leaving secondary school and becoming a qualified Dance Teacher with the International Dance Teachers Association where I taught various styles of Dance for six years. This led me to teaching within the education system and to St. George's Preparatory School where I have enjoyed working since 2016. Throughout my time here I have been lucky to work through the year groups of Pre-School to now Year Three. This has allowed me to appreciate individual children's progression on their academic journey. I feel passionate about creating respectful relationships with the pupils I encounter and ensuring that they receive the education they deserve. 
 

 In my personal life, I have two children, so cherish spending time creating lasting memories. We often venture out for picnics in the park or explore new places, which I find incredibly fulfilling. When I'm not at school, I also enjoy spending quality time with my partner and friends, whilst indulging in my love for cups of tea (perhaps a little too much!)."

Mrs Zoe Fairbanks is our Year 5 class teacher.  She has BA Hons with QTS and is our most recent addition, having worked within a primary setting for the past 13 years.

“I have been extremely privileged to work with outstanding teachers and children alike in a primary setting for 13 years.  Around ten years ago I read a quote on a piece of artwork which judged a fish based on its ability to climb a tree.  This resonated deeply with me and empowered me to think about the ways that the needs of every child should be upheld and honoured through education.  It’s our duty to consider all the gifts and talents that our children are bestowed with.  Developing the ‘whole’ child is key.  I am passionate about inspiring our next generation of musicians, scientists, environmentalists, authors, mathematicians...the list goes on!  Every lesson is an opportunity to inspire.  Every lesson is an opportunity to nurture self-belief.  Every lesson should ignite a spark in a child’s mind which could potentially light up the future.  As a teacher, I believe each day is a privilege with the ability to nurture future generations to come.”

In my spare time I love to ski and scuba dive whenever possible.  At home I can normally be found stargazing and spending time with my family. 

Ms Claire Jackson is our Year 4 class teacher. She also                        co-ordinates the teaching of English, operates a paired reading scheme across the school, leads special days including World Book Day/ Roald Dahl Day and organises each year our school’s Off by Heart Poetry Competition.

Ms Jackson has a BA(Hons) degree with QTS. She also holds an EFAW Paediatric First Aid certificate.

"I’m Ms Jackson, Year 4 teacher and English Subject Lead. I’ve been a teacher for 14 glorious years and pride myself on being enthusiastic and attentive to children's ideas and interests. Before turning to teaching, I worked for Random House, the publishing company. It was a glamorous life, doing PR for high profile authors so yes I have met lots of famous celebs. My passion for books is still with me and I pride myself on being able to enthuse and inspire little people. A day in my classroom can be noisy, messy and unpredictable but it’s never dull!"

Mrs Coupland is currently on Maternity Leave. We're delighted to announce that she has a beautiful baby boy!

Mrs Katy Coupland is an HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) and works with children and groups from Year 2-Year 6. She supports some individual children and works with small groups, as well as the whole class on occasions. Mrs Coupland is currently undertaking a part-time degree with Bishop Grosseteste University and travels to Lincoln weekly.

"My name is Katy Coupland and I joined the St. George's team in January 2019. My biggest accomplishment so far was moving to America to be an Au Pair when I was 18, before becoming a nanny until I started my Teaching Assistant journey. When I'm not at work you can find me making memories with my family, getting creative, travelling (celebrity spotting comes into that) and I love a spot of afternoon tea!"

Mr John Love is our Year 6 class teacher. He is responsible for co-ordinating the teaching and assessment of Maths across the school. This term, Mr Love is running our very popular after school chess club.

"I am currently in my seventh year of teaching at Saint George's where I have had the pleasure of teaching years five, six, three and two. What I most enjoy about St. George's is the ability to follow the interests of the children and the emphasis on the children engaging with the issues of the day, through PHSE and philosophy and the chance to discuss current affairs. 

Outside school, I like to travel and keep chickens and bees in a wildlife-friendly back garden as well as spending time with my wife and three children. I also volunteer as a Watch leader with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

Mrs Annelies Bourne is our Farm Manager and deputy safeguarding lead. She began working at St George's Prep many years ago as a Teaching Assistant (and gained her level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification).

We knew that Mrs Bourne was passionate about learning outdoors and urged her to gain a Forest School qualification - she is level 3 Forest School qualified and successfully led our sessions at school for many years. Mrs Bourne also has a wealth of experience with farm animals and has British Horse Society BHSAI qualifications enabling her to teach horse riding as well as a BTEC National Diploma and HND in equine care and management. 

Not only does Mrs Bourne operate the Farm School sessions, she  organises Holiday Club (supported by a small team of professionals).

Check out our Farm School Facebook page to find out more about the learning taking place on the farm; also for details of Holiday Club sessions..

Office Administration

Mrs Leanne Jackson is St George's Operations Manager. She is often the first face that parents will see in the mornings. Mrs Jackson's role is a busy and varied one - she handles enquiries, organises visits, sells PE kit, liaises with the School Nursing Team and writes the Weekly Round-Up to keep parents informed, as well as wearing many other hats!

"I am married to Ben and have two teenage boys who attended St George's, but are both now at secondary school. You will often find me on the sidelines at the weekends, supporting my boys as they both play competitive football.

Mrs Christina Down is our lunchtime supervisor. She helps Mr Dempster serve lunch to our children, ensuring that lunchtime is a pleasurable experience for everyone.

"Hello, I'm Mrs Down. I have worked with children in nurseries since I was 17 until I had my son. After this, I then spent time as a stay-at-home mum for a little while before working at a children's gymnasium as a receptionist. In addition to my son, I also have a daughter and a rottweiler puppy to complete our family. My husband and I moved from Boston from Farnborough so we could buy our first family home and provide our children with a better future. It’s been the best decision we have made, and we have been so lucky to meet so many amazing friends. I love being the lunchtime supervisor at Saint George’s because of all the amazing children. I love seeing their happy faces coming into the hall and hearing about what they have been learning and exploring during their day. "

Mr Craig Dempster is one of the children's favourite people in school. He is our wonderful chef who provides children with enough 'fuel' to power through each exciting day at school. Mr Dempster sources the best products, using local farmers and butchers and serves children with a variety of dishes, using a four week rolling menu. Meals and fruit snacks are beautifully presented and this encourages most children to eat well.

We currently cater for children with a variety of dietary requirements - both cultural and medical. We also provide meals for vegetarians and pescatarians. Parents are able to provide a packed lunch for their child should they prefer to do so.

"After studying Business Studies and Accounts in Lincoln, I went to Keswick to work for an outdoor adventure company. An entire summer was spent cooking in a tent for over 200 guests and staff - it has left a mark on me, so much so that I have never stepped foot inside another tent since 2002! I have managed a few award winning kitchens across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Stamford areas, my highlight being winning the multi regional best pub and being shortlisted for a national award.

Nearly 20 years later, it seems that my catering career has gone full circle. Now I am cooking for the pupils of St George's, providing balanced meals and nutrients for them to learn, play and grow. Thankfully there's no tent in sight!"

Mr Ron has only just started working at St George's Prep, but he is making a huge difference to our grounds and school. If you don't see him digging, mowing or sweeping outside, you can be sure that he will be inside our school, helping to look after our Grade II listed building which requires continual and ongoing work to maintain all of its beautiful features. He also drives our minibus, picking up children in the mornings and taking them on visits too!

Thanks Mr Ron, we don't know what we did without you!