Meet the team

Mrs Allan-Grant

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

My job is to communicate any additional needs you might have to Teachers and all the Learning Support Staff in school, so that we can all help you to have the best journey through Gosforth Academy as possible! I also help to put any additional requirements you might have in place, such as an extra adult to help you with your learning, a laptop or even a special chair.

3 facts about me:

I spent 5 years working in the Police Force in London before I became a teacher which was eye-opening.

I spent a year travelling the world about 10 years ago now which was AMAZING. New Zealand was my absolute favourite place and one day I really want to go back there.

I have young twin boys that are full of energy and keep me on my toes.

Mr Gavin Mather

Student Well-Being Leader

My role in school is to support students who cannot follow their usual timetable for one reason or another. This might be because of a bereavement; where students need 'time-out', or it might be because a student suffers from anxiety or a medical issue. Students can be referred to me for support which lasts a day or I can offer support for much longer periods! I also work alongside some external partner organisations to offer opportunities that enable student success; this might include a work placement or time spent working with our NUFC partners. In my spare time I also teach Geography and Social Studies and I'm one of the schools Safeguarding Leads!

3 facts about me:

I spent 10 years working in the Police before I became a teacher.

I lived in Australia when Sydney hosted the Olympic Games and held the Olympic torch!

I am proud of my Danish roots; my Nana was a proud Dane!

Miss Dodd

Day to day I teach Geography from year 9 to year 13 and I also am an Assistant SENCO here in the Student Support Base.

My favourite topics to teach are the Tropical Rainforest, the Water Cycle and Rivers - I love to learn about the natural world.

My job in the SSB means I am responsible for sorting out any extra arrangements needed for exams such as extra time or help with reading and writing.

I also teach small reading groups in Year 9 and help SEN students across the school.

You'll find me in room 206 but I also have an office down here in the SSB - room 40

Three facts about me:

I like to spend time outdoors: running, walking, at the beach or in my garden.

I have a fluffy cat called Pablo.

I like to travel - my favourite place is Singapore.

Mrs Gillings

My name is Mrs Gillings and you will find me in the same office as Mrs Allan-Grant and Miss Dodd in the SSB.

I teach English and Social Studies and you will see me around the SSB helping students out or running the weekly LGBTQ+ lunchtime club.

3 facts you should know about me:

I absolutely love to read - my favourite book of all time is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! I am always excited to talk about the book I am currently reading so if you see me, please ask me what I'm reading! I am also a huge Potter Head so feel free to talk to me about all things Harry Potter related!

I love dogs. All dogs. Big dogs. Small dogs. Hairy dogs. Waggy tail dogs. I love them all. I have a dog called Dolly; she's a brown cockapoo and I will gladly spend lots of time talking to you about how wonderful she is! Got a dog? I want to know about it!

I once met and partied with a very famous rock band... 🤘

Ali Stanley

Job Role: - Welfare and Attendance Officer

My main role is to provide support to students who may find coming into school difficult sometimes. The reasons for this vary from child to child and my job is to help that child overcome those difficulties so that they can come into school happier and more confident. I often meet with students and their teachers and meet with parents / carers too.

3 facts about me:

I have 2 dogs, Willow and Oskar and a cat called Tallulah and have built a fishpond so will have fish too.

I love Harry Potter and was supposed to go to Harry Potter World in March for my Birthday, but it was cancelled ☹ I am still excited about going sometime in the future though!

I went to Australia last year and fell in love with a Koala called Gumnut 😊

Jill Bray

My job as a Learning Support Assistant involves supporting students who need help in lessons, and after school at Homework club. I also jointly run Nurture group and the BU group which you might get invited to! When I am not in lessons you can find me in the Student Support Base.

Three facts about me:

I would love a puppy, either a Labrador or a Golden Retriever.

My hobbies include baking bread and cakes.

My favourite lesson is English as it is so interesting.

Mrs McKenna

My job as an LSA is both challenging and rewarding. I spend time in different classrooms helping students understand the work teachers are setting them. I support in a wide range of subjects and my work can vary from solving maths problems to weighing out cooking ingredients to carrying out science practicals to reading a role in an English play. I never quite know what I am going to be doing but it is all good fun.

In my spare time I look after our 3 horses which can be hard work.
My favourite lesson in school is Spanish and I hope to one day be fluent in it.

If I could live anywhere it would be in Diagon Alley at Harry Potters World in America. It is an amazing place.

Mr Bell

Learning Support Assistant

I work with students across years 9, 10 and 11 to help support them in lessons. It could be working with groups of students or individually in certain subjects.

Three facts about me are:

I love to play football and snooker.

I first visited Newcastle in 2006 before moving here in 2016.

I used to play in a band.

Julie Orme

My name is Julie Orme and I’m a Learning Support Assistant. When I’m not supporting in lessons you can find me in the SSB. I’m very approachable and will always be ready for a chat, should you need to talk to someone.

I love supporting students in lessons and helping them to reach their maximum potential. My favourite lesson is English, particularly Literature, as I love reading and discovering how authors use language to engage their readers.

In my spare time I love to bake and am a huge fan of ‘The Great British Bake Off’. I also like to go on long walks in the countryside, especially in Autumn, as the leaves are turning beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red. I have two grown up sons, one is a primary teacher and one teaches Drama and English in a secondary school in Romania – so I’m now learning to speak Romanian, but very slowly!

Amy Bullas

My name is Mrs Bullas and I am a Learning Support Assistant. I assist students who need extra support in lessons. You can find me in the student's support base, at the start and end of school.
I have a group of students that come to read in the base in the mornings before school. We are currently reading Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.

On Tuesdays, I help at our LGBTQ+ and friends group. I have loved meeting everyone in the group, which is getting bigger every week!

Three facts about me:

I love Harry Potter. I’ve watched all the movies, read the books and been on the studio tour in London.

I wear odd socks. I have done this since I was at school. The only time I don’t is when I wear black socks.

I taught myself to crochet. I started making a granny square blanket and now I can make many different things from a Baby Groot to Halloween ghosts.

Mrs Sword

I help manage the ‘Alternative Curriculum room’ (ACR) which is room 034 in the Student Support Base.
This is where students work if they are unable to access a lesson for some reason for example if someone has a broken bone and can’t do PE lessons.

Three facts about me:

I am married.

I have two grown up sons.

I love going on holidays overseas.

Mrs Penman

Hi, my name is Mrs Penman
Higher Level Teaching Assistant
There are a few things I do to help students. I support in some lessons (especially maths), I am a Key Contact which means some students can have regular meetings with me to chat about how things are going. Before and after school I’m around to help with reading and homework but my main job is to make sure everything is in place for exams and tests for students who need a little bit more help like a computer or extra time.

3 things about me:

I have 2 sons, one of them also works at Gosforth Academy - you might meet him in some lessons!

I love holidays! Whether it’s in a nice hotel or in a tent in a field. My dream is to see the Northern Lights.

I am learning sign language so I can help students who are deaf.

Alison Furness

Hi, I’m Alison Furness and you will find me in the Student Support Base helping with exam arrangements.

On the run up to exams I will be working alongside Mrs Allan-Grant and Mrs Penman making sure you have all you need for your exams. So, you may see me running around catching up with you for a chat to make sure I have the right information.

If you have any worries about exam arrangements, please come along and see me.

3 facts about me:

I love sport and music, so if you are involved in any activity I would love to hear about it.

I like spending time doing my garden

Most of all I'm known in the Base for my love of CHOCOLATE!

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Alisha Potts

I'm Miss Potts and my job is to make sure you get the most out of your education. I support in class for learning and behaviour. I have regular meetings with a number of students to make sure they're doing ok, and I'm available for a chat in the Student Support Base if you ever need it.
3 facts about me:

I have a Staffy called Ronnie.

I love all things Christmas. I'm even guilty of watching Christmas films in July!

I have a degree in Drama and have performed in numerous theatres in Newcastle.

Sam Taylor

Hello, My Name is Mrs Taylor, I am a Learning Support Assistant. I help support students in lessons and support students with medical needs. I am a key contact for a number of students and have regular meetings with these students to have a chat and see how things are going. I run a Nurture group on a Monday morning which is a drop-in session in the Student Support Base where you can pop along and have a chat and meet new people. If I am not in lessons you can find me in the Student Support base, I can help you with schoolwork, homework or be there if you just fancy a chat.

Three facts about myself:

I love going on holidays abroad

I enjoy spending time with my children and getting outdoors

I love shopping

Stephen Carr

Hello, I'm Stephen - I am a Learning Support Assistant, a job that I really enjoy. Every day I attend lots of lessons, where I offer my support and help to students who might need a little bit of extra support. Before and after school you can find me in the Student Support Base, where I can help you with your homework, your reading and writing or if you just fancy a good old chinwag.

3 facts about me:

I love cycling - my son and I ride on the Manchester Velodrome every year.

Me and my family are learning French - for when we go to France to watch the Tour de France.

When I get time to relax, I enjoy reading.