PUBLISHED 02 September 2022
George Goldson: Teacher of Computer Science and PSHE
George grew up in Leyland, until moving on for university and work. He studied Computer Science at the University of Hull, seeking a year in industry that ultimately led to his job at MBDA Missile Systems. There, he fought his way onto the Team Tempest future fighter program. This involved working on a future air combat simulator, as well leading a weapon-platform integration project. After five years, and a growing desire to find a more personally rewarding career, he decided to move towards his long-held ambition of teaching.
He enjoys public speaking and has spoken at a number of major defence events in and around London. In his own time, he participates in Games Jams, and occasionally works on a game of his own. He also greatly enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons and writing creative stories to incorporate into the games. When time allows, he likes going hiking and climbing with friends, and will plan routes that end at the pub. He is excited to join the AKS community and bring his passion for Computer Science to everyone he can!
Helen Ronan: Head of Chemistry
Helen attended school in Hexham, Northumberland, before moving to London to study for an MSci Chemistry degree at University College London. She spent the third year of her degree studying abroad at the University of Toronto, Canada, where she experienced all the benefits of an international education set in the expansive and inspirational Canadian landscape.
She joins us from Kirkbie Kendal School in the Lake District, where she has held various roles over the past eight years, most recently as Assistant Headteacher in charge of Teaching & Learning. She loves spending time reading and researching different aspects of teaching pedagogy and improving her teaching craft within the classroom. Outside work, she enjoys walking in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, as well as working on her latest crafting projects. To date, these have included a king-sized quilt, a knitted blanket and a range of embroidered wall art. Helen is looking forward to becoming a part of our school community and helping to continue the fantastic work of the AKS Chemistry department.
Deborah Mayhew: Teacher of English
Blackpool born; Deborah studied English Literature at the University of Leicester before completing her PGCE at the University of Leeds. A former teacher and Deputy Head of Sixth Form at Arnold School, Deborah left in 2010 to take the position of Curriculum Leader KS5 English at Queen Ethelburga’s College, York and on relocating back to the Fylde coast, Lead Teacher of English and Literacy at Cardinal Allen Catholic High School. Over her teaching career, Deborah has spent twelve years working with both the Lancashire and Yorkshire Regiment CCF, in addition to assisting with various sporting and dramatic pursuits. An early highlight was directing the Arnold whole school pantomimes, in which many of our current staff at AKS performed – Mr Hayden a delightful Widow Twanky and Mr Smyth a delectable ugly sister!
Enjoying all things active, Deborah is keenly into running and fitness, currently taking twice weekly HIIT/boxfit classes for staff and pupils. Elsewhere, a love of walking has seen her recently scale Scafell Pike and embrace the rugged landscape of Skye with her trusty canine companions. Deborah is very much looking forward to returning to the AKS community, albeit in a slightly different mould to the school that she left.
Robert Wilkinson: Teacher of History
Robert grew up on the Fylde coast and has lived in the area all his life. He studied history at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, before moving on to undertake a Masters by Research Project, investigating the impact of the First World War on the railways of Britain.
Outside of work, Robert is a keen amateur actor, and has recently been appointed as co-Vice Chairman of his amateur theatre group. His favourite style of shows to perform in are pantomimes and murder mystery evenings. Robert is thrilled to be joining the AKS community and is looking forward to helping contribute towards the long tradition of academic success of historical education at the school.
Cathy Hurst: Head of Learning Support
Although not originally from the area, Cathy has lived locally since 2006 and is now proud to call the Fylde coast home. Cathy has a degree in Geography from Oxford Brookes University, she completed her PGCE with Edgehill University and went on to complete a Post Graduate Certificate and Masters Degree with the University of Cumbria.
Cathy joins AKS from Park Community Academy in Blackpool, where she worked for twelve years as a Secondary SEND teacher and Key Stage Leader. Prior to this, Cathy worked as a Geography teacher and has also been an SEND advisory teacher to mainstream Primary and Secondary schools in Blackpool.
Cathy has two daughters and enjoys busy parent life! In her spare time, Cathy likes to keep fit and loves visiting the Lake District for a walk or some open water swimming. Cathy is excited to join AKS and to support both pupils and staff in achieving their ambitions.
Rachel Mason - Head of Girls’ PE and Games
Rachel grew up in Warwickshire attending Bablake School in Coventry before moving to Newcastle Upon Tyne, where she studied Sport and Exercise Science at Northumbria University. Rachel has been a very keen sportswoman for as long as she can remember and has played National League Hockey for two club teams as well as gaining County and Regional honours. She has also gained County honours for Badminton and Cricket.
Her favourite memories as a player were qualifying for the National Finals in both Hockey and Netball with her school teams in the same year and as a teacher, coaching an U14 school team to become Midlands Champions and runners-up in the National Finals. Rachel also considers herself extremely fortunate to have played hockey in Holland, Canada and South Africa, as well as taking teams abroad to play in Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Holland.
Rachel joins AKS from King Henry VIII School in Coventry, where she worked for 15 years in various roles, Head of Girls’ Hockey, Head of Academic PE and more recently, Head of Girls’ PE and Games.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, her daughter and her dog as well as watching most types of sport, meeting with family and friends, and travelling.
Rachel is excited to join the AKS community and is looking forward to getting to know everyone.
Zoe Dillon: Head of Careers
Zoe has been working in the Careers industry for over 8 years and has worked within many secondary schools across the Northwest as a Careers Consultant. She is a qualified Level 7 Careers Advisor and is currently working towards her Masters in Careers Education and Employability. She is passionate about supporting students’ ambitions and raising aspirations.
Outside of work, Zoe is a keen golfer and also enjoys travelling. Her favourite destination is Singapore and since having a little boy has enjoyed visiting Disney World. Zoe is very much looking forward to joining the AKS community and seeing students follow their dreams.
Laura Hall: Teacher of Mathematics
Laura, originally from Blackburn, moved to the area at age 15, leaving only briefly to study at Lancaster University from which she graduated with a First Class Honours in Mathematics, and was also awarded an IMA prize for outstanding performance in her final year. Laura joins us from Cardinal Newman College, where in addition to her role as teacher of Mathematics she is also Level 3 Lead for Abacus Northwest Maths Hub - providing support and professional development to colleagues throughout the Blackpool and Lancashire area and coordinating and collaborating with other Maths Hub Leads both at a regional and national level.
Growing up, Laura also studied Textiles, Graphic Design and Drama alongside her Maths and Further Maths A levels. As an adult this creative side has manifested in an interest into interior design and house renovation and Laura loves to spend time painting, decorating and reconfiguring her home, which she shares with her husband and three young children - her latest accomplishment was converting her garage into a self-contained granny flat. Laura can’t wait to join the Mathematics department at AKS and is excited about being involved in the wider school community!