Meet The Pod Micro School Team
Rob Collard
Lead Teacher and DSL
Qualifications:
BSc (hons) Geography and Ocean Science
Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
My first taste of teaching was in 2001, teaching children in Tanzania about how to reduce the risk of malaria. Since then, I have been hooked on teaching and my passion for helping the next generation achieve more.
I taught people from the age of two to adult in Japan before returning to the UK to qualify as a teacher in 2009. Over 11 years, I have taught in three different schools ( one in Essex and two in North Somerset), teaching all primary ages from 2 up to 11. I have been geography leader, curriculum designer, deputy headteacher, designated safeguarding leader and headteacher.
Following the pandemic, I wanted to explore different ways to teach children outside of the constraints of the current school system, with a focus on experiences, practical learning, personal growth and exploring the natural world around us. I also wanted to cater for those children who find school a challenge so that they too can be supported by high quality teaching but in a more comfortable and nurturing environment.
Thus, Pod Micro School was born.
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I am married with two children and we all enjoy being outdoors and exploring nature. I can speak Japanese, I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and I once appeared on Mastermind!
John Anderson
Teacher and DDSL
Qualifications:
BA(hons) ITE Primary (Advanced Early Years)
BTEC National Diploma in Nursery Nursing
Bushcraft Training
John has over 20 years of teaching experience across a wide range of local schools. He has taught across the Primary Range but is most at home in Key Stage 1 and Early Years. John has been on the Senior Leadership Team in schools as KS1 Lead. He also has a wealth of experience from working in Early Years childcare settings prior to completing his teaching qualifications. John has experience of working with children with a range of needs and has a plethora of skills to support their learning and wellbeing. He enjoys having the freedom to enable children to thrive at the Pod away from the rigid patterns of mainstream education.
Before teaching John was (and still is) a qualified chef and has managed kitchens in London and locally. John is able to bring his cooking skills and carpentry talents to the Pod giving our curriculum breadth.
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Outside of the Pod, John is a fan of Liverpool FC and is a keen darts player! He has two grown-up sons and enjoys taking his dog, Buster, out for walks.
Amy Weaver
Teacher and DDSL
Qualifications:
BA(hons) Education
Forest School Level 2
Amy has been in education for over 10 years and has worked across several schools in North Somerset. She is an outstanding EYFS Practitioner, specialising in creating rich learning environments and empowering children to tell their stories and feel valued, using Small World and Helicopter Story techniques. Amy is a Level .... Forest School Leader and has a real passion for outdoor, practical learning. She has spent time working and learning in Denmark's Forest Schools which have greatly informed her holistic approach to education with the child at the centre.
Amy has worked across all areas of the Primary Phase and has held the important roles of PE and DT Co-ordinator as well as a Senior Leadership role of Early Years and Foundation Leader.
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Amy has teenage and grown-up children and is skilled in helping our older Pod children make sense of the changes they undergo as they grow with the Pod. Away from the Pod, Amy is a keen WIld Swimmer, bravely taking a dip in the sea all year round!