Nova Shoesmith

Nova has a Bachelor of Education (Hons) in the Primary Curriculum. Science was her chosen subject within the degree, as she believes that the practical science curriculum is a key element in nurturing the inquisitive nature of children and developing their enquiring minds. Her passion for this is evidenced by the Outdoor Classroom and gardens created when she first arrived at St Bede’s.

For 12 years Nova worked as a classroom teacher from Reception to Year 2. Before moving to St Bede’s, Nova was Early Years co-ordinator and Head of Pre-Prep at a school near Hastings. During her time there she studied for and obtained a Master of Arts in Education. The three modules she chose to study were: Mentoring, Learning, Curriculum and Assessment and Leading Professional Development. She believes strongly in using reflective practice in professional development and helping others to fulfil their potential and is adamant that no-one should ever stop learning and improving, whatever their age!

Nova joined St Bede’s in 2007, lured by the Trust’s plans to create a bespoke Nursery and Pre-Prep in Holywell Mount and to extend St Bede’s early years provision from two years to three months and open 50 weeks of the year.

She continues to work as an ISI Team Inspector which she says gives her: ‘The opportunity to widen my own knowledge of alternative ways the Early Years and

Infant curriculum can be presented.’ She is also a Subject Tutor for the Induction of Newly Qualified Teachers in Key Stage 1.

Nova is married with two young sons who both attend St Bede’s Prep School.