Nursery – Emma Locke
I attended Trinity College in Carmarthen where I trained as a primary school teacher. I taught in Bridgend County for 15 years in the infants/foundation phase before joining Awel y Môr in September 2018. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and going on days out.
Reception – Fran Sykes
I grew up in Port Talbot and after completing my ‘A’ levels in Afan College, I attended teaching training college in Carmarthen. In 1999, after four years, I graduated with a Bachelor of Education (History focus). Once graduating I moved to work in an outer London school in Thamesead, I worked in a Reception class for 18 months before returning to Port Talbot. On my return I undertook supply teaching teaching within NPT area, covering maternity and long term sickness in several local schools. In 2004 I moved to Somerset where I worked in a small school in a growing town. Here I worked mainly within Foundation phase for just over 12 years before returning to Port Talbot, and my most recent post within Awel y Môr.
Year 1 – Cai Pughsley
I grew up in Neath where I attended Dwr-Y-Felin comprehensive school. After completing my Master’s, I went on to pursue further studies and am now working towards my Doctorate in Education. In school, my goal is to create a space where students feel comfortable, confident, and inspired to achieve their best.
Outside of work, I’m a big fan of travelling, music, sports & socialising and I’ll happily give anything new a go—there aren’t many things I haven’t tried at least once!
Year 1/2 – Rachael Margetson
I grew up in Port Talbot and attended Sandfields Comprehensive school. I completed my A levels at Neath college and then spent 6 months travelling around Australia and Southeast Asia with my partner. I then went on to study BSc Biology and MSc Environmental Biology, where I got to travel to more of the world, including climbing Mt Kilimanjaro! During my studies at Swansea University, I started work at Awel Y Mor Primary and am now completing my PGCE. In my free time I love to travel, play netball, and spend time with friends.
Year 2 – Amanda Thyer
I grew up in Swansea and attended Swansea Institute where I studied Primary Education to become a teacher. I knew from the age of 3 that I wanted to be a teacher and worked hard all through school to achieve my goal. I qualified in 2002 and started work as a supply teacher. After a few years I finally landed a full-time permanent position at Glanymor. I transferred to Awel-y-Môr when the old schools joined together to form one new one. In my free time I enjoy music, training at Funky Pump and watching t.v.
Abbygayle Louh
I grew up in Neath and went to St Joseph’s Comprehensive School. After Sixth Form I went to Exeter University to study BSc Geography. I then completed my PGCE at University of Wales Trinity Saint David. When I finished my PGCE I moved to Maidenhead and I worked in a Year 1 class in Slough for 3 years. I then moved to Qatar, Doha and taught in a year 2 class for 2 years. When I got home I worked in St. Therese’s Primary, before coming to Awel y Môr Primary. At the weekend I love spending time with family and friends and going for long walks with my dog.