The Fen Rivers Academy Staff

Meet the staff at the Fen Rivers Academy

Senior Leadership Team 

John Shanahan, Executive Principal (East & Central) Catch 22 Multi Academies Trust

I am currently working for Catch-22 Education as Executive Principal for the East & Central. I have been with Catch-22 for two and half years where I started as Head Teacher at Include Suffolk. There are three academies currently within my region. Two are SEMH Specialist Provision Academies and one is an Alternative Provision.

I have been in education for over 30 years and had been fortunate enough to have experienced a variety of roles and responsibilities including a wide range of leadership roles. I have experience in a wide range of sectors in education, including; private independent, denomination faith, LA comprehensive, international overseas, academy and academy groups, primary, secondary and post 16. Most have been mainstream, my work with Catch-22 is specifically specialist provision.

Amanda Fewkes, Headteacher / Designated Safeguarding Lead / Mental Health First Aider / Senior Mental Health Lead 

BSC (Hons), PGCE, Postgrad Diploma Education, NPQH, MCCT, FCCT, MHFA, YMHFA TMHIP

I have worked in education for 27 years, 17 of those in educational leadership. During this time I have taught from Early Years Foundation Stage children to Secondary age children and enjoy the challenges that each age and stage brings. I worked as a SENCO for 15 years, as well as leading as Headteacher in two previous schools, before joining Fen Rivers two years ago. During this time I served as a Chair of Governors in a Primary school as well as being on the PGCE Management Committee at UEA. I am also a Mental Health and Youth Mental Health First Aider and a Fellow of The Chartered College of Teaching and have recently completed a Level 5 Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Practice. 

I am a passionate advocate for positive mental health and wellbeing, firmly believing that my staff team and the pupils we serve will all thrive and achieve great things if we care for their wellbeing and they are able to be their authentic selves; feeling seen, heard and held in mind. I am currently undertaking Masters Level study in Leadership of Mental Health and Wellbeing in schools, as well as in therapeutic and trauma informed practice. 

James Thompson, Deputy Headteacher / DDSL  / MHFA

BSC (Hons), PGCE
 

After finishing my degree at Sheffield Hallam University and completing my teacher training, I began my career as a Physical Education teacher in a secondary school.

I am a strong believer in the power of leading a healthy and active lifestyle and have witnessed first-hand the benefits that this can have for our young people, physically, socially and mentally.

As a practitioner, I am keen to maximise creative learning opportunities, including practical Maths, outdoor teambuilding and also the building of core life skills and communication. I am passionate about unlocking the best in our children and supporting them on their journeys towards becoming confident, thoughtful, valued members of society.

As a leader, I am focused on supporting the wellbeing and continuous professional development of our team by providing tailored, evidence-based CPD, which is specifically designed to meet the needs of our students and teachers. I joined the team at The Fen Rivers Academy in 2019 and have recently begun studying for my National Professional Qualification for Headship.

Jodie Reedman, Assistant Headteacher / SENCo / Staff Development /  DDSL 

BSC (Hons) QTS , NASENCO
 

Since graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a first class honours in Primary Education with QTS and a diploma in Leading Primary Practice, I have taught in both mainstream and specialist settings across the age-range from foundation stage/KS1 to KS4; teaching pupils with MLD, PMLD and ASD.

I have a passion for advocating for the rights of children with special educational needs and as such I completed The National Award for SEN Coordination in 2017. Since joining Fen Rivers in September 2020, I have worked as a KS2 class teacher, Staff Development Lead and in July 2021, was appointed as SENCO and Assistant Head. I am currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership.

I strive to ensure the very best outcomes for our pupils through working as a team with staff, pupils, parents and carers; viewing this as essential to pupil progress and well-being. It is no surprise, therefore, that the most rewarding part of my job is seeing our pupils succeed and taking pride in their successes and achievements.