The Team
Mrs Laura Watkins
Director of Sixth Form and Assistant Principal
As Director of Sixth Form, I am responsible for the transition, progress and pastoral care of all those in Years 12 and 13. As well as my role in Key Stage 5 I am also a teacher of RS and Philosophy and Ethics.
My aim is to make sure that students flourish, enjoy their time in Sixth Form and are looking forward to a life beyond school. Central to this is ensuring that students meet or exceed their academic targets, develop relevant skills and gain valuable experiences for the next stage of their lives. I intend to stretch and challenge our students, intervene when they need more support, and provide extra-curricular opportunities that develop skills and broaden horizons.
Miss Stacey Knight
Sixth Form Achievement and Progress Lead
As Sixth Form Achievement and Progress Lead, I am responsible for supporting both academic and pastoral provisions with our A-Level, BTEC and Vocational learners in year 12& 13. My holistic experience in secondary and further education within a college setting, teamed with a passion for supporting young adults, has enabled me to actively contribute to our school's mission of academic excellence, whilst implementing our inclusive ethos and culture.
Prior to joining Wyedean in January 2023, I worked in a further education college for eight years in South Wales as Lecturer of Photography and Art, and as a personal tutor to learners supporting them with their career options and supporting the UCAS application process.
I apply a student-centered approach, ensuring that each individual learner receives the support and guidance necessary to meet and exceed their potential. I support, nurture and understand the issues that this age group presents, whilst bringing energy and humour to the role.
Since joining Wyedean, I have been blown away by the community of staff, parents and amazing students we have here, and it is a privilege to be part of such an amazing school and a flourishing sixth form provision.
Mrs Hannah Searle
Sixth Form Academic Mentor
I joined the Wyedean Sixth Form team in September 2018, providing both academic and pastoral support to year 12 and year 13 students.
As a qualified teacher I have taught English to students aged from 11 to 70 but spent the majority of my career teaching GCSEs and A levels in a local Sixth Form College. I have also been involved in voluntary youth work over the years as I love working with and supporting young people.
A significant part of my role at Wyedean is to work one-to-one with students in order to support them in improving their organisational and study skills and managing their workload. I am available to provide a listening ear to students should they need to talk. As a team, as well as encouraging students to aim high, we are also committed to ensuring that they focus on their wellbeing.
Mrs Jessica Carelse
Sixth Form Academic Mentor / Librarian
My journey at Wyedean began in September 2021 to work in conjunction with Hannah to fulfil a pastoral role within the department. To provide the students in Sixth Form with a supportive, nurturing environment in which they can be their personal best. Offering mentoring sessions (to help with planning), providing subject and career advice. Or simply someone to listen to. This care is to ensure their well-being is always at the forefront in what we do. Whilst fulling my pastoral role I support my colleagues in many administrative tasks in the department to ensure the everyday operations are smooth. As a teacher by profession, I have had a number of years teaching in Secondary Schools. And this has allowed me to gain valuable insight into the key running’s of a school. Whilst supporting my colleagues in Sixth Form I also manage the library; ensuring the students have a productive space for independent study. Whilst ensuring students at Wyedean have a range of reading materials to engage with. ( I currently also run English Library lessons in the library fortnightly for our year 7’s and 8’s to ensure that our students are acquiring valuable literacy skills.)