Welcome to Dr Carolyn Shelley – new Headmistress of the ‘Squirrels’.
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Having already loved working as part of the Dean Close family, I am thrilled to be Headmistress of ‘The Squirrels’. I worked in Dean Close Prep School for four years, most recently working as Deputy Director of Studies and teaching in Year 3. During most of my teaching career I have worked in the Early Years and Key Stage 1 and so I am delighted to be working at our vibrant Pre-Prep School. Since starting as Headmistress, I have already enjoyed joining in with many exciting activities, including using playdough to form letters, finding numberbonds, thinking about our golden rules, reading stories and of course chatting to many adventurers in the playground!
During my career, I have been lucky enough to have had a wide experience of working both in the UK and abroad, teaching from Reception to Year 6. I have worked in two international schools, in Uganda and in Kenya, and this has given me the opportunity to experience and value many cultures and to bring this into my teaching. My aim in all my teaching has always been to make learning 'irresistible’, by which I mean providing an exciting atmosphere in which children can’t wait to start learning and I look forward to bringing this philosophy into my role as Headmistress.
I have also worked in educational research, gaining my PhD in 2002, examining the development of thinking skills and cognitive ability in children. I am always amazed at children’s innate curiosity and capacity to learn and, as a parent of three children myself, I know how important these first years of school are and the enormous difference that the right school experiences can make.
I firmly believe that parents are vital partners in the education process and we operate an open-door policy, encouraging parents to work with us. As a staff we are committed to providing a stimulating, fun-filled environment to enable your children to flourish – academically, socially and physically – and to develop their confidence and independence. I am greatly looking forward to the years ahead as part of ‘The Squirrels’ and to working with our Pre-Prep children in their learning journey.
Some Year Two pupils decided to find out a little bit more ......
What is your favourite colour?
Blue
What is your favourite animal?
An elephant or giraffe (I’ve been so lucky to see them in Africa)
What did you do when you were in the Prep School?
I taught in Year 3 and I also was able to teach English with Year 6 and Girls Games!
What are the names of your children?
They are Suzi, Esther and William – they have all been to Dean Close – William is still here!
What is your favourite book?
That is a very difficult question indeed! I love reading and I have so many favourite books!
What is your favourite sport?
When I was at school, I liked netball best but I also like swimming too.
What do you like doing when you are not at school?
I love being with my family, reading and travelling to different places. I also really enjoy cooking, singing (but not always at the same time!) and walking in the countryside.