Menu

Preparatory

Head of Prep

Mrs Katie Hinks BA (Hons) QTS

I have been teaching children of different ages and abilities from all over the world, for over 20 years now, both in the UK and overseas.  I came to Truro High School from the International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands, where I was the Principal for the past six years: responsible for the education of 200 children from 25 different nations. Whilst I have taught have taught across many ages and phases, I am a Primary specialist and my experience and ongoing professional development has given me a deep understanding of how children at this age learn best. 

As a leader, I am focused, professional, forward-thinking, organised and someone who sets high expectations for myself and those around me. My philosophy of education is completely child centred; whatever is best for the child and their education has to be at the heart of every decision being made.  

I am absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead this happy and dynamic school forward into the next phase of its future. Working together, with the children, teachers, parents and the community we can make sure that every child who walks through our doors will achieve their very best, across a broad and rich curriculum and have fun whilst doing so!

Form Teacher - Pre-Prep

Miss Helen Mills, MEd

This is my twenty-second year teaching here at Truro High School, where I began as a newly qualified teacher. I have been lucky enough to have many adventures teaching in all three of the infant classes: Reception, Prep 1 and Prep 2.  Whilst working at the High School, I completed my Master's in Education, researching primarily Key Stage 1 English and Mathematics, an area in which I have a keen interest.  I pride myself in being able to address the diverse needs of the children within this age group and feel privileged to be a part of their early reading, writing and mathematical journeys.  Outside school, I enjoy Art, and I have taken this as a club with Prep girls as well as teaching the subject in Prep 5 & 6. My latest role, and something I am very proud of, is as a Governor of a local Nursery School.  

Form Teacher - Pre-Prep

Mrs Emma Robertson, BA(Hons) QTS

I graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University College, Lincoln in 2000 and began my teaching career full of excitement and ready to educate with awe, inspiration and enthusiasm. With a positive mindset I began teaching in a Beacon school in North Lincolnshire. I had not been prepared for how much teaching would actually teach me and from that very first school I have continued my career always being totally open minded, ready to try anything new and to see change as an exciting opportunity.

I then spent 4 years teaching at Harrow, Bangkok in the brand new, purpose built, Early Years Centre. Returning to the UK in 2008, I took the role of Foundation Stage Leader in a school with the largest Nursery in Cambridgeshire. I absolutely loved my time at Park Lane with over 100 children in the Nursery, Child Care onsite and 2 large Reception classes. Within a year, we had been graded as Outstanding by Ofsted and as I continued to develop the team I became the Lead EYFS Moderator for Cambridgeshire, supported schools in Special Measures, taught Leading Lessons observed by colleagues from across Cambridgeshire and was part of the working party advising the Government on the creation of the new Early Years Framework for 2012. For 8 years, the children at Park Lane made above expected progress and achieved results that outshone the National averages.

My move to Cornwall has been a joy and I am thrilled to be part of a school with such a strong community that offers girls the richest of opportunities and has an environment that nourishes excitement for learning. As a Pre-Prep teacher I relish seeing the incredible progress the girls make and the bold steps they take in their learning on a daily basis. I feel very lucky to be part of this fantastic team.

Form Teacher - Prep 3

Mrs Olivia Kellow, BA (Hons), QTS

I began my teaching career as a Teaching Assistant but became a Teacher not long after, and since 2015 have taught in many schools. Most recently, I have been Private Tutoring and Supply Teaching throughout Mid-Cornwall. I recently joined Truro High School in September 2022, and this year I teach Prep 3. In my free time, I enjoy days out with my young family, reading and going to Pilates. I have a degree in Graphic Design and love all things creative - especially Art and Music. 

Form Teacher - Prep 4

Mrs Sarah Hendra BA (Hons), PGCE

I first discovered my love of teaching when I had the opportunity to teach Primary-aged children in France as part of my French degree and, shortly afterwards, during my PGCE. After graduating from teacher training, I taught in a co-educational Prep school in Berkshire for ten enjoyable years teaching in the Junior Department of the school. I joined Truro High School in 2017 where I spent two exciting years teaching in the Pre-Prep Department before coming to Prep 4. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed thinking of creative ways to deliver the curriculum and supporting the children to believe in themselves, helping them to discover their strengths, talents and interests. 

Form Teacher - Prep 5

Miss Catherine Coffee, BA (Hons), PGCE

Hi! I’m Miss Coffee and I am joining THS to teach Prep 5 in September! I’m so looking forward to getting to know the girls and becoming part of the THS family. I’ve been a teacher in Cornwall since 2010, and have taught in a range of settings to get the last 12 years.

When not teaching, I’m usually found outdoors; rowing, swimming and paddleboarding are amongst my favourite pastimes, as well as baking and walking my cocker spaniel Albus. 

Senior Prep Teacher & Form Teacher - Prep 6

Mrs Yvette Simpson, BEd(Hons)

The world is an exciting place, and my motivation for teaching is to engender a love of learning in my pupils to explore and wonder about themselves and their environment. Every year this leads to many exciting initiatives both inside and outside the classroom. I currently teach a variety of subjects to Prep 5 and 6 and specialize in English and Humanities. During the year I run a popular Gardening and Wildlife Club, a Traditional Games club and an annual Bananagrams Championship. I also organise an annual residential visit for the Prep 5 & 6 classes, enter girls into several poetry and verse speaking classes in the Cornwall Music Festival and direct the annual Prep School play. The Prep School is certainly a stimulating and rewarding place for children to thrive, every day is an adventure and I delight in being a member of the committed and experienced team who make this possible.

Form Teacher - Prep 6

Mrs Ruth Norman-Jones, BA(Hons), PGCE

I have been working in the Prep school for 5 years now. I spent some time in Learning Support; as a Teaching Assistant through the whole of Prep School and am now lucky enough to be working as a Teaching Assistant with Pre-Prep. My background is mainly in nursing although I did complete my degree in teaching in Bristol where I specialised in early years. (BA Hons.) I feel extremely fortunate to be working with early years again and greatly enjoy the enthusiasm of the girls here at Truro High.

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Emmie Rowlands-Pritchard, BA(Hons)

I have been working in the Prep school for 5 years now. I spent some time in Learning Support; as a Teaching Assistant through the whole of Prep School and am now lucky enough to be working as a Teaching Assistant with Pre-Prep. My background is mainly in nursing although I did complete my degree in teaching in Bristol where I specialised in early years. (BA Hons.) I feel extremely fortunate to be working with early years again and greatly enjoy the enthusiasm of the girls here at Truro High.

Senior School teachers working with Prep School in 2022/23 include:

Mrs Cox – French
Mr Craze – Outdoor Learning
Dr Dollins – Pre-Prep Choir
Miss Fry & Ms Redd – PE
Mrs Hallam and Ms Ward – Science
Mrs Ferris – Spanish
Miss Meardon – Dance
Mr Norman – Music and Prep School Choir
Ms Crowe – Drama
Mrs Williams and Mrs Graven – Art
Mrs Matthews – Religious Philosophy
Mrs Jones – Food
Truffle – Pre-Prep Reading Companion

back to top