Nursery – 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.
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 – 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.
Year 1/2 – 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.
Year 2 – Eden Brewer
I grew up in Pontypridd and I went to Cardiff University to study BSc Psychology. I then worked with adults and children with additional learning needs as a support worker and as a LSA. I then completed my PGCE at University of Wales Trinity Saint David. When I finished my PGCE I went travelling around Asia for nine months, and when I got home I worked as a supply teacher in lots of primary schools across Wales. I then worked as a year one teacher in a school in Porthcawl, before coming to Awel y Môr Primary. In my free time I enjoy reading, travelling, playing games, and taking my dogs on long walks.
Graduate Teacher – Rachael Sheehy
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.