PHIL ARMSTRONG – CHAIR OF GOVERNORS Co-opted governor; Chair of Resources Management sub-committee I have been a governor since 2013. I have no specific links to Campton but, as I have a background in project management, I was originally asked to support the school in their dealings with suppliers and contracts. This evolved into a general role with an emphasis on the operation of the Resources Committee and, more recently, as Chair of Governors. I am keen to support schools such as Campton as I believe them to be key element of local communities. As a child in a Services family, admittedly a long time ago, I recognise the value of the care and support Campton Lower School gives to such children during their time with us.

All correspondence to go to: CMA-Chair@bestacademies.org.uk

My name is Maureen Gravell. I have one grandchild at Campton Academy and three more who have attended the school in the past. Before retirement I was a teacher and a head teacher and I initially became involved with the school as a volunteer. I became a governor three years ago and am currently vice chair.

I am a member of the UK Armed Forces and have served for 14 years and am currently an instructor based on Chicksands Camp. I have a young 5-year-old daughter within the school that keeps me on my toes and have been married for 9 years. I am originally from Australia and have a love of the beach and ocean, which is something that my daughter has also inherited. As a family we love to travel and explore the UK and wider Europe also. I am currently studying for a master’s degree in Terrorism and Political Violence through St Andrews University and have at least two academic years left on the course. I find the subject interesting as ‘terrorism’ is an ancient form of political violence and one that seems as potent today as it was centuries ago. I look forward to being involved in the Campton Lower community over my term.

I moved to the area in September 2018 and my children both started at Campton. I have recently (May 2019) taken up post as a parent governor and as a member of the Resource Management subcommittee. I am a current serving member of the military and I am based locally. My career has involved time abroad and the experience of schools outside of the Bedfordshire area. I also have experience of working within the training environment. I have been really impressed at how happy my own children have been at Campton and I want to help to maintain that environment. In my spare time I enjoy being in the outdoors with my family, gardening, reading and I also coach a junior football team.

I was posted to Chicksands in 2010 and became a governor at Campton Lower School in 2011. I have had an interest in Training and Development throughout my military career and this is an area I have pursued since leaving the military. My time spent as a governor has opened my eyes to the day to day challenges faced by the staff of a village school with a highly transient military population. My two oldest children have both attended Campton Lower School and my youngest is currently in year 2.

I have recently joined the Governing Body in March 2019. I am new to the area and within a short space of time I am hugely impressed with the school. Whilst overseas I had previous experience as a governor where I had the position as chair of the finance and resource committee. I have children who are at the school and I understand the strains of Military life and the impacts it can have on children having served myself for over 20 years. I am keen to support the school for as long as I am here and help get the best for our children. In my spare time I am a keen footballer, skydiver and skier.

My son has just started Reception class at Campton Lower (2019). I want to be a governor with the drive to further help the school navigate the next period. I am currently Head of Sales & Marketing at a software company, whilst also Managing Director of the Mauritian subsidiary. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling to different corners of the world and seeing different cultures. I have been a Central Bedfordshire resident since 2004 and am looking forward to really help everyone at the school.

I have lived in the area for 17yrs. I worked for many years in the technology industry, where I held various positions. On retiring I worked as contractor for a local county council in the Children’s Services team, working in various areas where I learnt a lot about children’s needs both in education and daily life. I have a great interest in children’s education and well-being on becoming a grandmother. I was once part of the military environment and understand some of the issues that go with being part of the Armed Forces especially for the children of those serving. I have been a governor before, so fully understand the requirements and challenges that schools face. I look forward to being able to assist in the well-being of the school and also am a volunteer reading listener.

My wife and I moved to Campton in April 2018, and I became an Associate Governor at the school here in 2019. We have lived in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire since the 1970s, when I worked at British Aerospace Hatfield as a ‘Wind Tunnel Aerodynamicist’, and our two daughters attended school in Great Offley. After BAe, I did a Postgraduate Certificate of Education, and then taught mathematics and computing at a Secondary School in Harpenden before moving into the Computer Industry, where I spent the next 27 years as a software developer, Project Manager and then Technical Director of a company in Cambridge specialising in computer-based training. I was a Governor of the primary school in Whitwell, Herts; one of my activities there was to manage the project to install a new boiler and hot water system. My particular interests are therefore in the teaching of maths, science and computing, but I am keen to be involved in many other aspects of the school – time permitting … In my spare time, I run a website telling the stories of pre-war and civilian WW2 (Air Transport Auxiliary) pilots, and I have also been a volunteer at Shuttleworth Aircraft Museum, helping to restore old aeroplanes. I also enjoy walking, music, travelling, and DIY.

SARAH FRAHER – INTERIM PRINCIPAL - GOVERNOR I have worked as a class teacher at Campton Lower since 2006 and became a staff governor for the second time in April 2018. During my time at Campton I have taught pupils in Years 1, 2 and 3 and my main priority has always been to provide every child with the best possible educational outcomes. This includes ensuring every pupil is treated as an individual and that their social and emotional needs are met. I am also the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, keeping fit and travelling as much as we can.

Sarah Dale - Class teacher - Staff Governor.