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Dene Magna Alumni

Pictures of 16 of our Alumni in our Hall of Fame display in the school hall

 

Alumni Profiles

                                                                  

Tim Baldwin

Founder & CEO Pooki Presses

Dene Magna 2006-2011

Picture of Tim Baldwin with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I am currently the Founder and CEO Of Pooki Presses. A Company that was born from my passion for Art and Manufacturing! We manufacture Printmaking tools for Artists all around the world (We Have 3 Presses in the DM Art Department which makes me very proud). My first Job was as an Apprentice Engineer. DM Helped me in lots of ways! Engineering is built on the principles of all the subjects taught at DM. What were your favourite subjects/best memories from school? Art and Music and Design/Technology were my favourite Subjects! They've kind of played a big part in my entire life and career(s). Some of my favourite memories are Having the space and support to be creative with Miss C, Music with Miss Burt and Having my eyes opened to a world of Making things in D&T. My most favourite (but nerve wracking) memory was singing in a whole School Assembly all about Hidden Talents! What is your least favourite thing about your career? My Least favourite thing is also kind of my favourite, lots of responsibility and pressure but that does also allow me to achieve great things! Like hiring people and making a mark on the world! What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? Mistakes are free experience. Make sure you learn from it. Be kind and compassionate but firm and fair.

                                                                  

Seja Smith

Company Director, Rothko & Frost Ltd

Dene Magna 1991-1996

Picture of Seja with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? My journey from Dene Magna took me through art studies at Five Acres and Carmarthen College of Arts, eventually leading to a thriving business venture. What began as a partnership formed in a family bakery has evolved into a leading supplier for the creative industries, serving clients ranging from interior designers to instrument restorers. We are currently celebrating a milestone year with 400% growth and new headquarters. We employ 10 other local people who I would say are my crowning glory. We are a motivated, proficient and happy little bunch. What is your favourite thing about your career? The most rewarding aspect of my work is the sheer variety of artists requiring our technical expertise. Our commitment to research and testing is the foundation of our success and the primary reason our clients return to us repeatedly. I feel very proud of that. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? Be bold. Don’t take too many things to heart or if you do use it as fuel to improve. Be nice – It’ll get you further than you think and people will remember it. It’s going to be hard, but it should be enjoyable. Nothing is a problem, just a new puzzle to solve. How did your experience at Dene Magna help you? Dene Magna provided a safe space for me to grow and learn vital life skills. If it weren't for the incredible support and nurturing from the teachers and pastoral staff, I never would have found the courage to launch my own business nor the wherewithal to keep it going. If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently? I would have tried a bit harder, listened a bit more in classes, stuck at learning the saxophone. Who knows what I could have achieved. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? I wish I had just a bit more self-belief AND that I will still be friends with Janine, Laura and Michala!

                                                                  

Kat Brown

Teacher of Science

Dene Magna 2006-2011

Picture of Kat with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I'm currently a Science teacher at Dene Magna School. I went straight to Hartpury to study Sports coaching and then to the University of Gloucester where I studied Sports Therapy. I worked for Drybrook RFC as their Sports Therapist and Woodside primary school as their sports coach for a number of years. I then wanted to pursue a career in teaching and was employed at Dene Magna as a cover supervisor where I was supported by the Science department to look into a career teaching Biology. I studied at the University of West England to carry out a PGCE in teaching Science. I was fortunate enough to interview at Dene Magna for a Science teaching position soon after I had completed my PGCE and was offered the job. What is your favourite thing about your career? I enjoy passing on my passion of Biology to our students here at Dene Magna, with the hope they are inspired and take up a career in STEM. I like working with a supportive department and learning from them to better my teaching. What is your least favourite thing about your career? The admin side of my job gets in the way of teaching and it can become overwhelming at times. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? Find a school that matches your values and a department that are supportive in your early career as a teacher. How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? I was supported by my teachers and still talk about them to this day. Along with my parents, Dene Magna instilled a work ethic that allowed me to build confidence when writing a CV, gaining interview experience and being a forward facing person. If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently? If I could do it all again, I wouldn't be scared to ask my teachers for help.

                                                                 

Bailey Hoare

Senior Acoustic Consultant - Enevo

Dene Magna 2006 - 2011

Picture of Bailey with the wording: What were your favourite subjects/best memories from school? My favourite subjects were always Maths and Geography. The way my teachers taught made the lessons genuinely enjoyable, and their teaching styles played a big part in sparking my interest. In the end, those two subjects came together perfectly in the job I have now. One of my favourite memories from my time at Dene Magna was receiving the Spirit of Dene Magna award in my final year. I was never the top student, but that award was a reassuring reminder that hard work and perseverance can take you far. What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I’m currently working as a Senior Acoustic Consultant at Enevo in Leeds, where I lead my own team. After leaving school, I went on to study at the University of Exeter, earning a BSc in Environmental Science followed by an MSc in Conservation Science and Ecology. I began my career in the acoustics industry in 2018, and since then, I’ve progressed steadily, gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control. Through hard work and dedication, I’ve risen through the ranks to become a senior leader within my team. What is your favourite thing about your career? One of my favourite parts of the job is seeing development come to life. It’s incredibly rewarding to walk around my hometown of York and see the projects I’ve worked on take shape in the real world. Another aspect I really enjoy is the travel — my role takes me all over the country. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? Acoustics is still a growing and relatively unknown industry, which makes it an exciting space to be in. I’d highly recommend getting some hands-on experience with sound or noise-related work—whether that's through a consultancy, a music studio, or a research lab. There are so many opportunities out there, so don’t be afraid to explore and give it a try.

                                                                 

Lara Craddock

Social Work Manager - GCC

Dene Magna 1993 - 1998

Picture of Lara with the wording: What were your favourite subjects/best memories from school? I have many fond memories of attending Dene Magna. I absolutely loved anything Art's and crafts, so enjoyed those the best, my love of this has continued into adulthood. Best memories would be residential trips to France, taking part in Hockey matches, and anything that was socially related. Mr David's science lessons have always remained memorable, not for the content, but for the way he encouraged us to become independent and adult like. There was of course always some humour. What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I am currently working as a Childrens Social Work Manager. When I left school, I went to RFDC, the local college, and had no clue what I wanted to do. I spent a year on A levels before I realise, I wanted to work with children. So, I then began the Nursery Nursing course and obtained a Diploma. From there I became a Family support worker, I have then gone on to gain my degree in Social Work and now I manage a team of social workers. What is your favourite thing about your career? I get to meet all different people from all types of backgrounds and help children to have better experiences. What makes this even more special is that I continue to do this in the community where I grew up and value. What is your least favourite thing about your career? It can sometimes be very time consuming, with long hours and lots of paperwork. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? Building relationships in social work is a key skill. If it is something you aspire to become, I would learn how to talk and listen to people, share their stories and imagine how they feel. How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? I became confident in myself and my abilities. Which allowed me to navigate independence with confidence and not worry about meeting new people and doing new things. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? That most of the time the adults were right, and I needed to learn !!

                                                                 

Ellie Johnson

Film Editor & Partner - Tenthree

Dene Magna 1999 - 2004

Picture of Ellie with the wording: What were your favourite subjects/best memories from school? I enjoyed Drama, English and History. My favourite memory is from a year 10 English class when we watched Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. The opening montage of that film is what inspired me to work in film. What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I work as a film editor, mainly in commercials but music videos and feature films too. After Dene Magna I went to RFDC for A Levels in Media Studies and Film Studies and realised that editing was what I really enjoyed. I went on to study Film Production then moved to London when I graduated. For any job in media it’s all about getting your foot in the door so I did some internships and eventually got a job in an editing house as a runner, then I worked my way up to editor. I am also a partner at the company I work for, which means I am responsible for managing the team who support the editors and helping the company’s reputation grow so we have access to the best work. What is your favourite thing about your career? I enjoy the creative collaboration. I work closely with directors to realise their ideas on the screen. Editing is a hugely creative part of the filmmaking process, but you’re working with the material that was captured on the shoot so it feels more like problem solving day-to-day. I also get to travel all over the world, I've edited from the top of a mountain in Austria to an artists music studio in their in Beverly Hills mansion, but spend most of my time in my edit suite in Soho. What is your least favourite thing about your career? The film and TV industry is very competitive and I had to sacrifice a lot to build a name for myself as I was coming up. Now I’m established and have a much better work life balance, but there’s still a feeling when you commit to work on a project you’re signing your life over to them for a few weeks. It can also be incredibly stressful with tight deadlines and having to navigate many different opinions and needs of those you’re working with. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? A good attitude takes you a long way in the media industry, being willing to help those around you and maintaining a positive outlook is needed, and should be easier if you’re truly enjoying what you do. Knowing exactly where you want to end up is beneficial to be able to target your education and be aware of opportunities, but soaking up experiences wherever you can and making the best impression is important as it’s a small industry. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? What a wide variety of careers and jobs there are out there. Looking back all the things I wanted from my career align perfectly with the job I do, and fortunately I am very good at it too!

                                                                 

Duncan McDonald

Cyber Security Director – NCC Group

Dene Magna 1991 - 1996

Picture of Duncan with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I lead the largest dedicated technical security consultancy in the UK, I am responsible 200 people and the delivery of £45-50m of revenue. The teams I work with spend their time testing systems to identify vulnerabilities to keeping client’s data safe and secure. I have spent the last 15 years building and leading Cyber teams, for organisations working in UK, Europe, North America, Middle East and APAC. What is your favourite thing about your career? Helping organisations to protect themselves, what is important to them and staying one step ahead of the bad guys. I have been fortunate enough to travel with my work and see parts of the world I never knew existed. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? There is a major shortage of talent in the Cyber Security industry, technology is intrinsically linked to our modern lives, and it is not going anywhere. There are huge opportunities for young people to build incredible careers in Cyber on our doorstep so get out there and find them with local employers, colleges, and universities. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? I didn’t get on particularly well at school (typical boy) and didn’t come out with great results. I spent most of my time being more interested in the social aspects of life. What I realised very soon after leaving was that to succeed, I would have to work harder than I ever imagined. However, life is about decisions, and I am a firm believer that good things come to those who work hard.

                                                                 

Nicola Mooney

Headteacher - SGS Forest High

Dene Magna 1989-1994 

Picture of Nicola with the wording: What were your favourite subjects/best memories from school? Science and Maths. I had Mr Savagar as my Maths teacher, and he had faith in me and really stretched me in lessons. What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I am the Headteacher at SGS Forest High in Cinderford. I have taught Science in the Forest, Gloucester and Hereford for over 20 years. I got there through hard work and being prepared to do what is right, not what is easy. What is your favourite thing about your career? Changing the lives of young people - opening doors for children to be able to achieve what they are capable of. What is your least favourite thing about your career? Lack of financial investment from the government limiting what is best for young people. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? Get work experience in a couple of schools to see if it is what you expect. Have high expectations of students, but keep students at the heart of everything you do. If an initiative doesn’t benefit the students, it probably isn’t the right thing to do. How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? I learned to work hard and not be afraid to go beyond my comfort zone. I trained to be a teacher in a different secondary school in the Forest of Dean but having been a student at Dene Magna made me relatable to the students and staff. Being a student here made me value how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world. If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently? Trust the process, a career is a marathon not a sprint. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? Things don’t have to always be done to perfection. The journey is more important than the destination.

                                                                 

Emma Puddle

Operations Director - Simplicity

Dene Magna 2006-2011 

Picture of Emma with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? Operations Director at Simplicity. I went to sixth form to do Maths, Psychology, PE & Biology. After finishing sixth form, I joined Simplicity as an apprentice doing business admin in the Credit Team. After completing my apprenticeship, I moved between the Credit Team, Customer Service Team & Legal Team. As Operations Director, I’m responsible for overseeing our service delivery, minimising risk, ensuring compliance & everything in between! What is your favourite thing about your career? Seeking efficiencies to streamline and improve the journey and operational processes. I also draw energy and motivation from the people I work with. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? Success is often about persistence, not speed, every small step forward brings you closer to your goal. How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? Inspiring & humble teachers that gave me the motivation & commitment to do well in my career. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? How best to manage your finances. It may be different now, but we talked very little on financial awareness and how to manage finances to maximise wealth and/or have any commercial knowledge.

                                                                 

Archie Eaton

Boccia Coach

National Boccia Champion 2022

Dene Magna 2012-2018

Picture of Archie with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I am currently a Boccia Coach. I started playing Boccia just before I got to Dene Magna and in 2019, I got my Level One Coaching qualification, firstly to help out at my local Club (Cotswold Crusaders) and secondly because I knew that Boccia has been such a big part of my life growing up and it has immeasurable benefits from raising my self-esteem during times of crisis, becoming more sociable as a person and much more. What is your favourite thing about your career? In my current role at the Chamwell centre, I love the diversity of people that I get at my sessions, young or old as well as a huge range of disabilities. I am also now studying Sports Coaching Science with Disability Sports at the University of Worcester (in my 3rd Year). How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? My experience with the Dene Magna Boccia Club in particular really helped me to understand the different people that I am faced with in my current role. My experience also showed me the diverse ways around problems that other disabled people have that sometimes aren’t even thought about. If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently? I would decide not to have a double hip replacement in Yr11 (regrettable but necessary choice). Looking back I also think that maybe picking PE could have helped me in my current role. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? I know now that what you pick for GCSEs or even A levels doesn’t have to be what you want to do for the rest of your life, for my Optional GCSEs I chose History, Spanish and Drama and my current degree and job are nothing related to any of them.

                                                                 

Leigh Davis 

Gemmologist, Rolex Manager and Engineer

Dene Magna 2008 - 2013

Picture of Leigh with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I have actually just started a new job and had a complete career change. When I left school I went to college and did A-Levels in English, Biology, Archaeology, Anthropology and History. I then went to Birmingham City University where I achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Gemmology and Jewellery studies. I also studied other industry qualifications. I worked in a Jewellers as their Gemmologist and Rolex manager but I have recently left this role to pursue a more 'hands-on career in engineering. I am still using my degree to do consultancy work. What is your least favourite thing about your career? My least favourite thing is that it is a very male-dominated industry but there are more and more women becoming engineers so hopefully this will start to change in the coming years. What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? My best advice would be to just GO FOR IT! This was a complete step out of my comfort zone and a huge step away from what I did at university but this field is enabling me much more room for progression. If you want a hands-on career that is fulfilling and still slightly academic, engineering is a great option. Girls, please don't be put off because it seems like a job for men! you can do anything you set your mind to! What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? Exams are not the be-all and end-all! as I touched on before, I spent a lot of time revising and neglecting my social life, and while this is not strictly a bad thing, getting out and enjoying yourself does wonder for your mental health. Having good mental health and not being so stressed out will make the exams far easier! You'll never get the chance to relive your school days to enjoy them while you can!

                                                                 

Rhian Wyman 

Owner Rhian Wyman Design

Dene Magna 2004 - 2009

Picture of Rhian with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I am a Textile Designer and run my own hand-weaving company. After Dene Magna, I attended Newent Sixth Form College where I studied Music, Textiles, Photography and Graphics. I then went to Hereford College of Art and studied BA (HONS) in Textile Design Degree, although the facilities were small you were able to get into and use the workshops every day. Once graduated I undertook three internships with established weaver makers, which led to a Weaving Assistant role for a Welsh woollen mill. This experience provided me with the skills and confidence to start my own weaving business in 2017, still utilizing and expanding on the photography and graphic skills I learnt at A Levels. How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? Being dyslexic Dene Magna helped me recognise my strengths and provided me with strategies to overcome challenges. If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently? I would intern during the Uni summer breaks. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? That it is ok to not know exactly what you want to do for a career, just try your best and take opportunities when they come your way.

                                                                 

Lia Morgan

Digital Marketing Officer - Wyldwood Arts

Dene Magna 2009 - 2014

Picture of Lia with the wording: How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? A big thing that helped me get my first job was the work experience that I did whilst I was a student at Dene Magna. Although my first job was in retail and my work experience was as a teaching assistant, it really helped me go out of my comfort zone and speak to new people. It helped me gain the confidence to do things like sit for an interview face-to-face or even approach customers. If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently? There are a few things I would probably do differently if I had the chance. After I left Dene Magna, I studied Level 3 Art & Design at Gloucestershire College. Back then, I never had the confidence to pursue a career in art and I actually ended up leaving after the first year to go into full-time retail work. Looking back, I wish I carried on with it and gone on to a university so that I could have worked on my skills and learnt more about the subject. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? A big thing that I know now that I didn't when I was a student at Dene Magna was the payroll side of things. I look back now and I wish the process of self-employment and tax/payroll was something we could have learnt as it is a big thing when it comes to working, or even sometimes when you get your first job. I feel that having the knowledge of how that all works could really help people to understand the working world better.

                                                                 

Gemma Meek 

Assistant Headteacher Forest of Dean Trust

Dene Magna 1994 - 1999

Picture of Gemma with the wording: What were your favourite subjects/best memories from school? I went on some amazing trips that enhanced my learning. I remember the trip to Normandy in Y8 where I saw the Bayeux tapestry, saw the D-Day landing beaches and war cemeteries. I had lots of opportunities to excel and won awards for the school - the most memorable was when I won the Tony Wilkes award for a scale model of the Technology block that was built in 1998. I had to present my model to several judges and won the award against other schools in Gloucestershire. I had some fantastic teachers (some of whom are still here - Mrs Compton and Mr May) who encouraged me to work hard and pursue my dreams. My favourite subjects were English (obviously haha) and also History and Languages (French and German). I was appointed Deputy Head Girl in my final year at Dene Magna. I had to overcome my shyness to present speeches to parents and students. What is your least favourite thing about your career? The marking! Haha. English teachers mark a lot of work - two separate exams (4 papers for Y11) and two exams for Y13, as well as marking for Y7-Y12. You do get quicker at it though! How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? I built up a lot of confidence at Dene Magna. Not only this but I was also encouraged to do A-levels and go to university by both my teachers and parents (I was the first in my family to go to university). What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? Secondary school is something to relish because it starts your career journey. I think when you are young, you tend to want to fast forward life a bit rather than enjoy the varied opportunities that secondary school can bring.

                                                                 

Lauren Barnes

Owner - Foxglove & Moss

Dene Magna 2003 - 2008

Picture of Lauren with the wording: What were your favourite subjects/best memories from school? My favourite subjects were Art and Graphics, most of my best memories at Dene Magna were spent in the art block! At the time I was taught by Mrs Smythe, she was always very supportive and encouraging of people exploring their creative talent. I also remember having end-of-year exhibitions which I always enjoyed. Another of my best memories was going on a trip to Brussels in year 10. My best friends were also on the trip and we had such a great time, eating waffles and ice cream and attempting to speak some French, poorly on my part! What is your favourite thing about your career? I love that I am able to do something creative every day, I have always wanted the opportunity to channel my creativity every day, and I am now able to do so within my dream job. Now I have my own business, I enjoy the freedom it brings me. I think my favourite aspect of my job has to be wedding work, from the initial consultation discussing ideas, right through to making up the designs and delivering on the day - I find the whole process incredibly fulfilling. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at school? I wish I knew then that it’s ok to be different and not really fit in. I am still a quiet person now but I was painfully shy when I was at school and other people were not always kind. I would have had a much better experience if I had more confidence in myself. Most of my time was spent staying as quiet as possible and trying to blend into the background… I wish I had just been myself!

                                                                 

Charlotte Probert

Digital Marketing Executive - That Designer Wholesale

Dene Magna 2014 - 2019

Picture of Charlotte with the wording: What are you currently doing and how did you get there? I am currently finishing my degree apprenticeship in digital marketing at the University of Gloucestershire. I first did my level 3 in advanced marketing apprenticeship with Gloucestershire College. I think an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn and gain experience while in a professional working environment. Dene Magna has facilitated me for both my level 3 and level 6 degree apprenticeship. What is your favourite thing about your career? I have so many favourite things about my career. If I had to choose one, it would have to be how creative it is. I love creating different graphics and seeing consumers' engagement. I also love how fast-changing the digital marketing profession is; you never know what is going to become the next big trend, and I find that exciting, as you can influence that! What advice would you give to a student wanting a job in your field? My advice to a student wanting a job in digital marketing is to be adaptable and always willing to learn. The industry constantly evolves with new trends, platforms, and tools, so staying curious and up-to-date is key. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or personal projects can be invaluable, and don't underestimate the power of networking and relationship-building within the industry. How did your experience at Dene Magna help you find your first job? Dene Magna has given me so many opportunities while I was a student and also now as an employee. I believe school, in general, helps you prepare for the working environment; you should be respectful of others, be on time for the school day, meet deadlines and learn! After being at Dene Magna I felt like I was prepared and mature enough to join the workforce.

                                                                 

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