Meet our Governors
Katy Majumdar
I love being a Governor at Westdene. I enjoy being a part of somewhere that gives every child the opportunity to be the absolute best that they can be. I am trained as a primary school teacher and have taught from Years 2-7 in both Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. My areas of responsibility were primarily Mathematics, Assessment and Curriculum Development. I left full time teaching after the birth of my second child. I have two daughters currently at Westdene and also completed one of my teaching practices here over twenty years ago! I currently work as a supply teacher for the school.
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Judy Hawker
Co-opted Governor, Chair of Curriculum and Standards Committee
In a career based in education and languages spanning 40+ years, I have taught in primary, secondary, further and higher education, including 10 years as a Head of Modern Foreign Languages in three Secondary Schools. My love, however, of the primary age group bought me back to language teaching in Primary Schools and finally to the exciting post of Primary Languages Consultant in Brighton & Hove.
Outside the classroom I have held a variety of roles including Examinations Officer at the Institute of Linguists, International Relations Officer in local government, and Research Officer at the National Foundation for Educational Research.
My family moved to Sussex in 1999 and I started my association with Brighton & Hove teaching at Patcham Special School, before joining Westdene to set up the Primary French Department. When I took up the post of Primary Languages Consultant in the authority I remained involved in the school as a Governor, and working in the former Westdene Teaching School.
My contributions to the Governing Body are focussed on the Curriculum, School Improvement, and in-depth knowledge of the Local School Community.
My leisure interests are cruising the canals on the family narrowboat, travel, tennis, reading and choral singing.
Lucy Smith
I have been a co-opted governor at Westdene School since February 2007. I am a West Sussex paediatrician working with children and young people with long term neurodevelopment conditions and special educational needs (SEN) . I am also a parent at Westdene and spend much of my free time exploring the local area with my dog. I am able to offer experience in health and safeguarding to the governing body particularly with respect to SEN.
Philip Mcdonald
My background is in Horticulture and I have run my own business for over 30 years. I fully support the delivery of Forest School and personally help deliver the practical side of the Science curriculum to all of the children. I recognise the importance of showing where our food comes from and also understanding the natural world. |
I am currently serving my second term as a Governor, taking a lead role on the Health and Safety within the school, and bringing the insight of a parents perspective to the Senior Leadership Team. I also bring my business management, buildings and premises experience to support the running of the school. |
I have a Music degree and currently play in a number of different bands, including a Soul Jazz band, a Blues and an originals band. |
I live in Westdene and my son currently attends the school. My Garden Design and Landscaping business is locally based, as are the majority of my clients. |
I became a Governor initially, as my father was a Governor at my primary school and I was interested to help and offer my skills to all of the Teaching and Administration staff to benefit all of the childrens education. I was also keen to help set up the Allotment and use of the grounds of the school as a rich resource for educational purposes. |