Jack Keen

Assistant Headteacher

Riverview Primary Academy

The Golden Thread Alliance STEM Leader

Since beginning my career in teaching, I have always had one aim, to provide children with moments that they will remember forever so they look back at their time with our school with absolute admiration. Whether that is the science experiment that inspires a scientist, a maths lesson where a concept ‘clicks’, or a D&T lesson where a child is able to see the finished product of their hard work. STEM provides children with skills that they will use forever, in any path that they follow later in life. That is why it gives me great pleasure to be the Lead Practitioner for STEM for The Golden Thread Alliance, working with a fantastic team of people to help promote STEM across all of the schools within our trust, giving more children moments to remember. 

Alex Burnett

Year 6 Teacher

Fleetdown Science and STEM Leader

Fleetdown Primary Academy

I started my career in 2015 and thoroughly enjoy the opportunities this brings. In my interview for the role all those years ago, I stated something that I still say today and truly believe: "If a child leaves school each day with a smile and knowing that they achieved something, then I have done my job." I am the Science Leader for Fleetdown and for all four schools in The Galaxy Trust. As I work further in the world of STEM I continue to promote this belief and will always ensure that every child leaves school in Year 6 being fully aware of the talents they hold, not just in STEM but in every area of their life.

Amanda Robertson

Year 5/6 Class Teacher

West Hill Primary Academy

I have worked in The Galaxy Trust for 12 years, firstly at Temple Hill and now at West Hill as a Year 5/6 teacher. As well as this I am an ex-parent of Fleetdown so I feel that I understand our Trust values from many perspectives. Over the years I have had the privilege of witnessing the investigative learning that occurs through the STEM subjects when children are enabled with the skills to explore concepts, question ideas and discover through enquiry and creativity. Working with Alex and the other science leads in our Trust I firmly believe we can continue to build on this. We will endeavour to support our children become confident and engaged learners, who are inspired by the STEM subjects. Children who are ready for the next steps in their education, future careers and their lives beyond.

Shona Hathway

Class Teacher

Riverview Infants Academy

I started my teaching career later in life and have thoroughly enjoyed teaching children science and helping them to see the magic in the world around them. I am the science lead at Riverview Infant School and also now their STEM ambassador, I am looking forward to helping the children see the possibilities and opportunities that are around for them as they become older.  I think that children can enjoy the STEM subjects and see the patterns and problem solving that they will use can be used across all of their learning, and that they can achieve their full potential by seeing examples of others that have achieved. 

Stuart Elrick

Year 5 Class Teacher

Culverstone Green Primary Academy

Having come to teaching later in life (after a 22 year career in banking), I began my second career here at Culverstone Green 9 years ago. I am currently the Year 5 teacher with responsibility for leading both Science and Design & Technology. Previously I have lead Computing and been a part of the local Maths Hub. I love those ‘penny drop’ moments when the children discovery something new, especially in Science – and the look of awe and wonder that accompanies it.

Rosie Firmin

Class Teacher

Oakfield Primary Academy

I’ve been a teacher now for over six years, both in the U.K. and abroad. I love the opportunities and adventures this job brings and I never tire of seeing that ‘lightbulb’ moment in one of my pupils. I am Computing Lead at Oakfield and am looking forward to my role as STEM ambassador in the school.

Sarah Dean

Class Teacher

Meopham Primary Academy

I started my teaching career in 2007 and have worked in KS2 in 3 different schools.  During that time, I have held the role of Maths subject leader in all three schools and I am now the STEM lead at Meopham Community Academy which I very much enjoy.  I love seeing the children explore and investigate in the different STEM areas, as well as seeing the links between them.

Jonathan Smith

Class Teacher

Wrotham Road Primary Academy

In 2017, I joined Wrotham Road Primary School as a Key Stage 2 Phase Leader and Science Lead. Having worked successfully on developing our school curriculum - ensuring progression and coverage through a topic based approach -  I’m excited to accept this new opportunity to be a STEM ambassador for the Golden Thread Alliance. My previous work in this area has highlighted the importance of making links between Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to ensure that our pupils engage with rich opportunities that touch their own lives and reflect the world around them. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with the other STEM leaders to host workshops and events to achieve this. 

Jordan Laws

Class Teacher

Temple Hill Primary Academy

Throughout my teaching career, I have been passionate about science and STEM activities. Leading science and teaching STEM lessons at Temple Hill Primary Academy has allowed me to inspire curiosity and critical thinking which at a young age can profoundly impact a child's future. I believe by fostering an early love of science and technology, we can help prepare the next generation for a world that increasingly relies on innovation and problem-solving. Being a STEM ambassador across The Golden Thread Alliance has further allowed me to encourage others to adopt my ethos and inspire the next generation of leaders.