Teachers

Reception

Pennie Hills
Assistant Headteacher

I have been teaching for many years both in London and Kent. I have taught Nursery, Reception and Year 1 and really enjoy working with the younger children. They learn new things every day and it is great to be at the start of their amazing learning journey. As the Early Years Foundation Stage Leader the best part of my job is being able to watch the children develop and grow during their first year in school where foundations are laid for children to become life long learners.  I am also a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Maddie Tunnicliffe

Hi I’m Maddie Tunnicliffe, Sunflower class (reception) teacher. Before I became a teacher (and did a degree in early years) I was a nursery leader and a pub manager. I have always enjoyed dance and have a background in ballet and ballroom and Latin. Though it may not seem immediately apparent, a love of developing young children and their learning fits in very well with the ability to move around the classroom in a lively way and have a good understanding of the best beverages to drink at the end of a busy week teaching. However, as a mum to a very lively, strong willed little lady, you will probably find me asleep in her bed after a busy week teaching now! Mum life + teacher life = tired Miss Tunnicliffe. I hope to make the most of all my life experiences in bringing the best opportunities for children in my class.

Helen Vincent

I have been teaching at West Hill Primary for 5 years; teaching years 5, 1 and Reception. Outside of school, I help run a Brownie unit and really enjoy travelling. I have been lucky enough to have visited many countries with Girlguiding, Malawi and Thailand being a couple. Reading is a passion of mine, although mostly only during school holidays, as otherwise I end up staying up until the early hours, desperate to read a little bit more. I love supporting children with their learning and my many trips abroad have made me realise just how lucky we are to be able to access education. The lightbulb moments and inquisitive minds make any day in teaching so varied and different.

Georgina Mapleson

I have worked at West Hill Primary for over ten years. I have taught in both key stages but mainly the infants. When not in the classroom you will find me singing and acting in Sidcup! I have two children and work part time. Teaching is a rewarding jobs and I love working with your children.

Year 1

Gemma Humphreys

I started at Temple Hill in 2017 after moving across the Galaxy Trust from West Hill. I am still quite new to teaching and completed my degree in Early Years Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University in 2016. I am passionate about working with young children, and I really enjoy the challenge of teaching young minds and the oodles of fun that comes with working with them everyday.

Emily Stone

I joined The Galaxy Trust in January 2019 when I moved from Australia to the UK. I completed my teaching degree at Macquarie University, Sydney in 2016. Children have a way of reminding us of the wonder, excitement and possibilities within the world around us, making working with them all the more rewarding!

Hilary Alexander

I have worked at West Hill since 2010. I worked in EYFS for 5 years until I completed my HLTA qualification which enabled me to cover teach. My 3 girls all attended West Hill Primary School.  I really enjoy working with all the children and feel privileged to have such an amazing job. 

Year 2

Carla Glover

Assistant Headteacher

I joined West Hill in January 2016 and then the trust in 2017.  Since qualifying as a primary school teacher in 2005, I have taught across all year groups and led on a number of areas.  Now I am currently enjoying my role as Assistant Headteacher, which gives me that great opportunity of leading while still being in class doing what I love.

Jessica Yelton

I graduated from the University of Reading in 2016 with a BA Hons in Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies. After completing my degree, I went to work as a teaching assistant in a school in Medway before going to the University of Greenwich to study for my PGCE. Outside of school, I enjoy performing in different pantomimes and spending time with my family and friends.

Rebecca Williams

I graduated from Greenwich University in 2014 with a BA Hons degree in Primary Education. Throughout my degree I knew I wanted to become a teacher and this was confirmed when I became a teacher at West Hill. Since then, I have loved watching the children have those light bulb moments and develop a passion for learning. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring new places and visiting the cinema.

Year 3

Victoria Brown

Assistant Headteacher

I started working at West Hill Primary in 2002 as an NQT and have taught in all years across Key Stage 2 as well as some experience in Key Stage 1. As any primary school teacher will tell you, there is never a dull moment and no class is ever the same. This has meant that I have kept my love of teaching and helping the children in my care reach their full potential. I have been lucky enough to have had so many different roles in my time working at our school: from MFL co-ordinator to being a Maths leading teacher for Dartford. I am currently Assistant Head Teacher for English and am enjoying the challenges and opportunities that this role brings. West Hill is definitely in my blood and I enjoy being a part of our school community.

Sarah Graaskov

I graduated from the University of Greenwich, in 2003 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Science. I have been teaching at West Hill Primary School since 2012. 

Outside of school my interests include travelling, visiting the cinema and historical buildings and spending time with family and friends.

Katreena Giovanelli

I have been teaching for 9 years and  have taught at West Hill since 2016 after working in a Bexley school for 8 years.  I have taught mainly in years 2 and 6 during my time teaching.  I love working with children and try to make sure they enjoy their learning and have fun at the same time.

I have 3 children myself, aged 8, 5 and 2 so my hands are always full! I work part time so that I have a balance between looking after my own children and the children in my class .  During my spare time I like to spend time with my family as well as going running, horse riding, swimming and to the gym.

Year 4

Donna Murphy

I have worked in education for the last 10 years following a successful career in banking. I have worked in schools in the London and Kent area. I joined West Hill in September 2016 as a Class Teacher.

Charlie Thompson

I graduated from the University of Essex in 2009. I then completed my PGCE at the University of East London. I have taught in London for many years before moving and working in Dublin, Ireland. I have since relocated to Kent. I thoroughly love teaching and working with children is the most rewarding experience. 

Year 5

Hannah Berry

During my time at West Hill I have taught in different year groups in KS1 and KS2. When not in the classroom you can find me in my wellies in the school garden. I’m also very partial to chocolate and despite success in the fruit and vegetable department; I unfortunately haven’t yet mastered the art of growing cocoa beans in the British climate.

Lewis McElhill

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read the following. 

Growing up with younger siblings has meant that I have become accustomed to children around me; this would lead to making friends of my age, and younger, especially on holiday. Subsequently, I would often find myself entertaining the entire swimming pool with a game of 'Hide-and-Seek-It', for example. It was from this point I knew I greatly suited the company of children. After studying Drama at university, I felt it would be ideal for me to get back into teaching. My interest was expressed to my secondary school who employed me as a Learning Support Assistant to give me a feel of what it was like in the classroom, without having to fully commit to a teacher-training role. It was after two academic years in this role that I thought I would love to teach, but in the Primary sector. West Hill Primary Academy welcomed me in April 2018, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity they have given me.

With regards to my teaching philosophy, I like to see age as merely a figure and that we are all human-beings with varying levels of experience; my class of 36 have between 252-288 years of experience, which is at least 227 years more experience than me; therefore, they have a lot to teach me as well as for me to teach them. Additionally, 'continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential' is a Churchill quotation that is on the wall of my classroom and something I endeavour to live by and, thus, teach by. After all, there are no limits and only possibilities.

Nicola Wickenden

I have been a teacher for 20 years and have taught in schools in different areas of the country, from London to Manchester.  I usually teach in Key Stage 2, but I have recently had the opportunity to enjoy working in classes with younger children too. Both of my own children are also primary school teachers, so we always have plenty to talk about! I live in Dartford with my husband. I enjoy reading-a lot. I love growing things in my garden, especially vegetables, and I like to take long country walks, perhaps stopping at a castle or historic building along the route.

Year 6

Rachel Roe

Assistant Headteacher

I started my teaching career at Temple Hill in 2006 and have thoroughly enjoyed working there for many years. I have also worked in other schools in Bexley, Essex, and also at Oakfield, as I like a change and a new challenge every now and again! So when West Hill joined The Galaxy Trust, I jumped at the chance to experience another school and I am really enjoying working in this lovely school filled with lovely children!

Teaching is an amazing job and I spend a lot of my time thinking about what I will do with the children I teach, but when I am not here you will most likely find me in another country exploring the world - I love going on holiday!

Lucy Larner

I’m Miss Larner and I joined West Hill teaching the fabulous Redmond class in September 2016. I completed my teacher training at Canterbury Christ Church University 6 years ago and have since taught in schools across Bexley. Getting the chance to educate children and prepare them for later life is a real privilege and I love seeing how a class develop and grow from September all the way through to July. Outside of school, I teach dancing and enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

Amanda Robertson

Prior to joining West Hill I was at Temple Hill for eight years mainly working with Years Five and Six. I began my teaching journey five years ago after graduating with a First Class Honours degree in psychology, raising my two boys and having a successful career in retail management. 

Working with children is a privilege and thoroughly enjoyable  as no two days are ever the same. I believe passionately that children should feel enthused, engaged and in control of their learning as this will prepare them for the next steps of their own journey.

In those precious moments of spare time I enjoy yoga, spending time with my family and travelling.

Additional Teaching Staff

Lisa Chisholm

I’m Lisa Chisholm and I started my teaching career here at West Hill Primary Academy in June 2016. Since then I have had the privilege of teaching several year 6 classes, preparing the wonderful children of West Hill for the next step in their education. It is a delight to teach the young people of our school and amazing to see their love of learning grow. Outside of West Hill, you will find me spending time with my family and friends or caring for my adorable pet mouse – Monty!