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Arttu Rajantie |
Chair of Governors, Link Governor for Science I was elected as parent governor in 2013. I chaired the Learning and Teaching Committee from 2016 to January 2020, when I became the Chair of Governors. I have two children currently at Highdown, and one already at university. Originally from Finland, I have lived in Caversham since 2005. I work as a professor of theoretical physics at Imperial College London. |
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Vice-Chair of Governors, Chair of Audit Committee, Link Governor for Maths My son studied at Highdown from 2012 to 2019. I joined the Governing Body as elected Parent Governor in 2017. In September 2019 I became Appointed Governor. I chaired the Finance Committee from January 2020 to September 2020, when I became Vice-Chair of Governors. Originally from Venezuela, between 2008 to 2010 I was Member of the Board of the International School of Caracas (Venezuela). In 2010, I moved to England and since then I have lived in Caversham. |
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Jocelyn Crowland |
Clerk to the Governing Body Moving from Thame to Caversham in 2005, this is my tenth year working at Highdown mainly with the data team – one of my jobs being collating and sending out the information parents receive in reports. I have to admit that my favourite days at school are when I help handing out the exam results envelopes to the student – love to see their faces when they realise their hard work was worth it. My twins have just started their second year at university so I have time to take on this additional role. |
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Link Governor for Safeguarding and Careers I have been part of the Governing Body since July 2019. I live in Woodley, and I have been in the teaching profession for 25 years. In my current role I am a principal of a school in North London. I enjoy working as a governor, as I can support the strategic direction of the school. As the Chair for the Finance Committee, I can use my skills that I use daily to support the school in maintaining high financial management. |
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Learning & Teaching Committee Chair, Link Governor for Curriculum and for SEND I have been an elected parent governor since November 2020 and have two children at Highdown. I work at the University of Reading in Initial Teacher Education having previously been a secondary science teacher, and before that a research chemist. I enjoy working as a governor to help support and develop the strategic aims of the academy. I ask lots of questions to understand the reasoning behind decisions and the potential impact on staff and students! I am passionate about the provision of an enjoyable exciting curriculum that is accessible to everyone. |
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Finance, Staffing and Premises Chair, Link Governor for English I was elected as a parent governor in April 2021, following 7 years on the governing board of a primary school where I was Chair of the Finance Committee. I have two children at Highdown. My role as governor is varied and I have been involved in interviewing staff, sitting on various panels, approving building projects and ensuring policies and guidance are adhered to. I work as a Tax Director at a large accountancy firm. Outside of this, I am a keen (if slow) runner and am Treasurer (and violinist) at Reading Symphony Orchestra. |
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Rick Larsen |
Staff Governor After many years of working in the service industry, most notably with the Jamie Oliver Group, I decided to take the dive into the teaching profession. Part of my PGCE was completed at Highdown and I was delighted when I gained a teaching role within the Maths department of the Academy 6 years ago. I put myself forward for election as Staff Governor so that I could give a little back to the school that has helped to shape me as an educator. I hope to use my variety of skills and experience from management, business and education to maintain Highdown as one of the leading schools in the region. |
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Elizabeth McCrum |
I have a son in Year 9 and another in Year 6 who I hope will join his brother at Highdown next year. I am an experienced school governor of primary and secondary schools, most recently having spent 9 years as a governor at Thameside Primary School, the last 4 years as Chair. I have an understanding of educational issues and experience of strategic leadership through my work. I am a Professor of Education and am on the leadership team of the University of Reading where I am responsible for teaching, learning and student experience. I look forward to representing parents on the Governing Body of Highdown. I am really committed to and enthusiastic about the role. |
Marco Cuttin 
Wayne Edwards 
Caroline Foulkes 
Meredith Miller 
