Meet the Team

Emma Thomson

Maths

I have been teaching Maths for nearly 20 years in a variety of schools in the area. I have taught all levels of KS3 and GCSE students as well as A level and Core Maths to post 16 students.

I have been mentoring trainee teachers for many years and became Lead Subject Tutor for Maths at the SCITT when I started teaching at Twynham School 8 years ago. Mentoring and training the next generation of Maths teachers is a very rewarding part of my job. It is always great to visit other schools and catch up with past trainees and hear about their careers.

Nina Nicholson

Art

My teaching career began in 2008 and over the past 15 years I have had the privilege of working in two outstanding state academies in the South of England. I became a teacher out of a sheer commitment and dedication to my subject.  As an artist myself, I previously completed an artist residency programme in South Africa. During this time I ran a series of workshops with local children and through this experience I became acutely aware of the power of art education and the positive impact it can have on young peoples’ lives.

I have taken on a variety of different roles over the years, including Head of Department and consistently strived to continue to develop my own subject knowledge and pedagogical understanding. I have particularly enjoyed running sixth form trips to London and Paris.  Over the past 10 years, I have also worked as an external moderator for OCR, a role which has enabled me to become an A Level assessment specialist. In 2012, I completed an MA in Inclusive Arts Practice, an experience that continues to underpin many aspects of my teaching.

It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved in supporting trainee teachers and ECTs throughout my career. I feel enormously privileged to be a SCITT subject mentor and lead subject tutor. Having the opportunity to build these exciting working relationships is mutually beneficial.  Working collaboratively to build fresh ideas, debate subject-specific topics and practise new strategies is how we continue to move forward and deliver the very best education for our young people.

Katy Bacon

Music

My teaching career started in 2010, and I have had the privilege of taking on Head of Extra Curricular Music at Twynham School. I have taught across Key stages 3 – 5 and believe that music can be transformative in children’s lives whether for pleasure or academic pursuit. The subject allows for so much beyond the classroom, and this is where true enjoyment and nurturing can take place.

During my time in the classroom, I have developed my own pedagogy through working as an external examiner for AQA and Edexcel, a role which has enabled me to become a GCSE assessment specialist. I have also had the experience of being a SCITT and ECT mentor, so can help at any stage in your teaching journey.

I have enjoyed training and mentoring future music teachers for 15 years and love the fact that I am still learning from the new ideas each trainee brings to each placement.

Amy Mortimer

MFL

I have been teaching French and Spanish (and a bit of German!) for nearly 20 years now. I have taught all levels of KS3 and KS4 (GCSE) students as well as A and A/S level to post 16 students.

I have been mentoring trainee teachers since 2019, have also worked extensively with ECTs, and became Lead Subject Tutor for MFL in 2022. In addition, I am the Professional and Induction Tutor at Highcliffe School, so I am very lucky that I am able to guide trainees through their training year, with a holistic view of the next steps of their career in the ECT programme.

Mentoring and training the next generation of MFL teachers is a very rewarding part of my job. I firmly believe in supporting our teachers through this demanding process is key to ensuring the high standards of our profession are maintained and aim to ensure that teachers are provided with the tools needed to navigate the early years of their careers and beyond.

Emma Weir

Social Sciences

I have taught Social Science and Humanities subjects for nearly 20 years across Key Stages 3 to 5. I specialise in both Sociology and Religious Studies and have introduced GCSE Sociology and the WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology during my career. Additionally, I serve as an examiner for AQA and Pearson Edexcel. Recently, I became involved in Initial Teacher Training as a mentor for the academic year 2023/2024, and I will also be an LST in 2024. I am passionate about enhancing my understanding of pedagogy and applying it in the Social Sciences classroom. Sharing this knowledge with trainees is a privilege, and I look forward to working with you.

Phil Crossley

Geography

I have been a Geography teacher since 2005 in schools across London, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. I have been lucky enough to take on a variety of roles including Head of Department, Lead Practitioner and leadership positions as well, and I’ve also taught other subjects including Travel and Tourism up to KS5 level. Alongside this I have worked with Pearson, co-authoring their GCSE Geography textbooks.

I have been a mentor for trainees and early career teachers for many years and took on the role of Lead Subject Tutor for Geography in 2024. I’ve found this aspect of teaching to be extremely rewarding and enjoyable as I watch teachers new to the profession develop and hone their skills in the classroom, becoming more confident and adding fresh ideas and perspectives to education.

Louise White

Biology & Chemistry

I have been teaching science for over 20 years and had a hugely varied career teaching all subjects in science, up to GCSE, as well as A level biology, and now coordinating the delivery of GCSE sciences at Ringwood. I have gained a great deal of pleasure in my career from many aspects, including being involved in the development of trainee teachers, and I think it is crucial that we give the next generation of teachers the skills they need to succeed in a long and satisfying career.

Claire Blackmore

Dance

My teaching career started in 2005, and I have had the privilege of taking on a wide variety of roles over the years, including Head of Department for Dance and Drama and more recently PSHE. I have taught across Key stages 3 – 5 and am a strong believer that learning outside the classroom is crucial to giving all students a rounded curriculum particularly through extracurricular activities, clubs and trips. Over the past 20 years, I have developed my own pedagogy through working as an external examiner for AQA, a role which has enabled me to become a GCSE assessment specialist. And, taken on roles such as a teaching and learning/CPD group leader, coach and line manager.

It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved in supporting trainee teachers and ECTs throughout my career. I have been a SCITT mentor and LST for over 12 years I feel enormously privileged to have the opportunity to support and work collaboratively with trainee and newly qualified teachers.

Ani Costello

Business Studies

Jamie Fleming

Design & Technology

I have been teaching Design and Technology for a number of years, having begun my teaching career in 2016 after exploring the opportunities available during the final year of my Industrial Design degree at Bournemouth University.

Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of educational settings and have held leadership positions as Head of Computing and Head of Design and Technology. My experience spans both the independent and mainstream education sectors, providing me with a broad understanding of diverse learning environments and educational practices.

I completed my initial teacher training through the provider formerly known as BCP SCITT and subsequently achieved a PGCE from Southampton University.

In 2025, I was delighted to take on the role of Lead Subject Tutor (LST). Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting and developing the next generation of teachers, and I find it highly rewarding to contribute to their professional growth and success within the profession.

Joyce Abernethy

Physics

Initially I had no intensions of becoming a teacher, however, throughout my undergraduate degree and PhD I kept gravitating back to youth work and physics education, and finally realised that I could combine my passion for physics with the love of working with young people! I have been teaching now for nearly 25 years and couldn’t imagine doing any other job. Over the years I have had the privilege of working in roles across all aspects of school life, including coordinating the Duke of Edinburgh Award and setting up a new House system as Head of House. I am currently Head of Physics at Ringwood School, and an examiner for Edexcel A Level Physics, both roles that I absolutely love. I am excited to work with trainee science teachers to share my love of physics teaching, and to help them develop their skills and experience in this career.

Robin Orman

History

I am an experienced and enthusiastic History and Politics teacher with a passion for helping young people understand the past and think critically about the world around them. Having taught History across Key Stages 3 & 4 and Politics A level for 7 years, I have developed a strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment and the teaching approaches that help students make meaningful progress.

Alongside my classroom practice, I have supported trainee and early career teachers through mentoring and coaching, helping them build confidence, refine their teaching and develop their professional identity. I am particularly interested in effective history pedagogy, including the teaching of second-order concepts and the use of formative assessment to deepen students’ historical thinking.

As Lead Subject Tutor, I am committed to creating a supportive and challenging environment in which trainee teachers can develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become successful History educators.

Courtenay Bayly

English

I teach English and Media across KS3, KS4, and KS5, drawing on a strong foundation of classroom experience, subject knowledge, and pedagogical theory. I have previously been a Head of Department and gained my NPQLT. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being a tutor, supporting students pastorally throughout their school journey. As the English SCITT lead tutor, I am passionate about mentoring new teachers, helping them build confidence and develop their practice as they begin their careers in education. Alongside teaching, I am currently studying for a doctorate in Media Education.

Kirsty Holloway

Computing

I am a passionate and experienced Computing educator who made the transition into teaching after a successful career in the financial services sector. During this time, I gained award-winning experience designing and delivering STEM and Computing workshops for colleagues, local charities and schools, helping to inspire learners and build digital skills across a wide range of audiences.

Since entering education, I have progressed rapidly, becoming Head of Department in only my second year of teaching. Throughout my career, I have been committed to developing high-quality Computing provision. I have experience mentoring trainee teachers, helping them to build confidence, refine their practice and succeed in the classroom.

My teaching experience spans Key Stage 3 Computing, GCSE Computer Science, BTEC Digital Information Technology, A Level Computer Science, T Level Software Development and T Level Digital Support Services. This breadth of curriculum knowledge enables me to support trainees across a variety of qualifications and settings.

As Lead Subject Tutor, I bring my personal blend of real-world experience in teaching and industry to help new trainee teachers to build their confidence and understanding of how what effective computing education looks like in an increasingly digital world.

Dylan Allard

PE

Hi, I’m Dylan and I started teaching PE in 2021. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to combine my love of sport with helping young people develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in Physical Education. Alongside teaching, I’ve worked as an AQA Practical Sports Moderator for the past two years.

I studied at the University of Chichester, where I specialised in Anatomy and Physiology. Outside of school, I enjoy keeping active and regularly go to the gym. I’m also qualified in Level 3 Personal Training and Level 4 Strength and Conditioning, which has helped me develop a deeper understanding of training and performance.

My favourite sports are tennis, football, rugby, cricket and, more recently, padel. Whether I’m playing, watching or teaching sport, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge, teamwork and enjoyment that sport can bring to all.

Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed supporting colleagues and trainee teachers, including working as a mentor. As a Lead Subject Tutor, I’m looking forward to helping future PE teachers develop their confidence, share ideas, overcome challenges and become the best teachers they can be.