Teachers

Hello, I am Laura Glanville- Thomas (but most people call me Mrs GT). I have the wonderful privilege of teaching the youngest pupils at Chacewater School, our reception class - ‘Acorns’. I began my journey at Chacewater in 2018 where I started off as the Year 1 teacher. I’ve now been in reception for 5 years and I can honestly say that I love every single minute of it. The progression you see, the creativity that reception brings and the eagerness of all children, makes my job incredibly rewarding.

Ever since I was a little girl, my dream was always to become a teacher. My dream finally crept closer in September 2012 when I finally took the plunge and started my BA (hons) degree in Education Studies. After a wonderful 3 years at Plymouth University, I decided to come home and broaden my educational knowledge by working in 2 local schools as a Teaching Assistant and completing my PGCE in Early Years Primary Teaching. I feel very proud and fortunate in finding such a wonderful school to work in, with brilliant members of staff and such a community ethos.

Outside of school I like to keep busy too. I love spending time with my family, my daughters and husband. We also love to socialise, spending time with my friends and family - which consists of mainly going out for food. I also enjoy running, walking, paddle boarding and exploring the beautiful countryside and beaches Cornwall has to offer.

My name is Claire James and I joined Chacewater Primary school in 2012, having moved back to Cornwall after many years away! I have been teaching for over twenty five years (which is shocking when I think about it), mostly in the Bristol area where I was the Deputy Head of Paulton Junior School. Since graduating from Cardiff University with a BA in Education and Psychology I have never wanted to do anything else but teach; helping children to learn and grow still gives me the same joy as when I first began. It has always been an inspiring profession and continues to be so.
I currently teach a wonderful group of Year 5 pupils in the Red Oaks class. My aim is to provide the children with a varied and engaging curriculum, where they can develop as individuals as well as life long learners. I am particularly interested in art, science and maths. I am the science coordinator - a role I thoroughly enjoy as I love encouraging practical learning and critical thinking. I also mentor students and Early Careers Teachers.
Having grown up in Cornwall it is fantastic to be able to give my own two boys the same experiences and freedom that I had as a young girl. It is also wonderful to be part of a close community, an added bonus to being a member of the Chacewater team.
When I am not working I like to spend time with my family, especially if it involves a beach trip, although most weekends are spent cheering on my boys at football matches these days. I also enjoy swimming, yoga, and running (and any activity that includes eating cake!)

My name is Sophie Laskowski and I am pleased to be continuing my teaching career at Chacewater School as the Year 6 class teacher. I completed both my undergraduate degree in Education and PGCE at Bath Spa University where I worked in a variety of schools and settings. I aim to provide the children with engaging and creative lessons which enable all children to reach their full potential.
When I am not in school, I enjoy playing hockey, badminton and going to the gym, and I hope to use my sporting interests to motivate and inspire children throughout the school.
Having grown up in Cornwall, I am excited to be working at Chacewater School and look forward to watching the ‘Mighty Oaks’ progress and grow!

My name is Sophie Barnes, and I am so pleased to have been welcomed into the Chacewater community in 2023. I studied Drama and English at Queen Mary University of London, and went on the complete my PGCE at London Metropolitan University. After training and teaching in London and Surrey for the past several years, it is wonderful to have moved back to Cornwall to be closer to my family and the beach! I am passionate about the early years of education. I have spent my time teaching in Early Years and KS1, and consider it a privilege to work with children in their first years of school. I particularly love sharing books with the children, fostering a joy for learning and a love of reading. When I'm not in school, I love walking on the beach, reading, and learning new crafts like embroidery and knitting.

My name is Georgia O'Callaghan and I am delighted to be able to continue my teaching career at Chacewater School as the Year 2 class teacher. I completed my PGCE through Exeter University, where I worked at a number of local schools in the Falmouth area. I aim to create a enthusiastic, creative, and safe learning environment, encouraging children to try their best in every aspect. When I am not in school, I enjoy going to the gym, and spending time exploring new Cornish beaches. I am so lucky that I am able to develop and grow my teaching career at such a lovely community school, and can't wait to learn with the children in Young Oaks this year.

My name is Shelley Hoare and I am so proud to teach at Chacewater school. I previously worked at Chacewater school as a Teaching Assistant and I was also a pupil here as a child. I trained to teach at the University of Gloucestershire, completing my BEd Hons in Primary Education in 2012. After this, I worked as a Nanny, Tutor, Teaching Assistant and now as a Primary School Teacher. I lead P.E and Computing, two areas of the curriculum I am really passionate about. When I'm not working, I love being with my two young children, doing yoga and sea swimming.

I am Harry Lawrence and have joined Chacewater this year to teach the Acorns alongside Mrs Morgan.
After completing a BA in History, I completed my SCITT in 2022. Since then I have specialised in the Early Years, with experience as a Nursery teacher to a 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant. I have lived locally in Truro my whole life, with my Gran growing up on a farm. Both my parents were teachers so has been a part of my life from a young age, I love sharing Cornish stories, history and traditions with the children.

I take pleasure working in such a beautiful school, with focus on growing the children’s personal, social and emotional development with a strong community and engaging curriculum.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy exploring stone circles with my film camera, reading, and a bit of karaoke.

My name is Mr Jack Wilson and it is a pleasure to now be working at Chacewater in what is my 12th year as a Primary age teacher. Teaching is a job that I am incredibly passionate about and I can't really imagine doing anything else. Helping children to grow in themselves and learn about the world around them is a lot of fun!

When I am not teaching, I enjoy living and playing with my family and friends around Cornwall, either surfing in the sea, performing on stage in local AmDram groups, or going on walks through the woods.