our team
Your children are in safe hands
Paediatric First Aiders
Paediatric first aid training; first aid training with specialised care for children. We hope that we won’t have to use it; but if we do, rest assured we’re fully trained.
Enhanced DBS checks
Enhanced DBS checks for all teachers and company directors. Update checked every 6-12 months.
All of our staff undergo a thorough vetting procedure as part of our Safer Recruitment Policy. They are all experienced in working with children and have a passion for learning.
Our volunteers are supervised and where possible have been vetted through STEM Ambassadors.
Fully trained in Safeguarding
With Sophie as our Safeguarding Lead, Briony as our Deputy and all of our teachers and directors trained in safeguarding and Prevent training we will always have your children’s interests at heart.
Your children are our priority and their safety and wellbeing are at the forefront of our care.
who we are.
Sophie Calienda
Director, EYFS and KS1 Specialist
My name is Sophie and I am one of the teachers and Directors at Cognition Creative Learning. I have been a teacher for 20 years specialising in Early Years and KS1. I have worn many hats over the years being a member of the Senior Leadership Team and a Deputy Head.
I’m a firm believer in learning through play (at any age) and am responsible for leading many of the workshops we deliver at Cognition Learning. I work closely alongside schools to design Curriculum linked long-term and medium-term plans and enjoy coaching FIRST LEGO League teams.
I have three children so I am very busy at home. We love to do arts and crafts activities and messy play as well as getting outdoors for long walks, or swimming in the sea and playing on the beach. Personally I enjoy getting outdoors too, with hobbies including running, walking our dog Tilly and swimming in Bude Sea Pool. I also love reading and enjoy a peaceful cup of tea with a good book to relax.
Briony Cole
Director, KS2 and EdTech Specialist
BA, PGCE, MA Ed
I have been a teacher for 10 years in primary, prep and secondary schools around the UK and New Zealand . I have a degree and PGCE (Secondary School) in French and Spanish and after following a love of Computing and LEGO, undertook a Masters of Education focusing on Creativity, Technology and Thinking. I graduated in 2018 with a Distinction from the University of Exeter.
I’m a gamer, tinkerer and tech fan. I love sharing my enthusiasm with children in our local area. I deliver many of the long-term school contracts , workshops and FIRST LEGO League sessions, and I run our French and Spanish clubs and lessons too.
I grew up in Bude and couldn’t imagine a better place to bring up my own family. My husband and I have two sons, and a spaniel who all keep us on our toes.
Kim Westley
Course Assistant and FLL Mentor
I’ve been a software developer for 10 years after getting a degree in Software Engineering, working in internet TV, energy, cyber security and currently online education.
I’ve found mentoring juniors the most rewarding part of my job and am excited to be working with Cognition to bring fun technology education to Cornwall. I wish this had been around when I was a kid!
Outside of work you can often find me cycling or walking around Bude or in the swimming pool, on slower days I love to create my own LEGO models (MOCs) with builds ranging from gaming zones to cinemas to leisure centres.
kim@cognitionlearning.co.uk
Kelly Williams
Course Assistant and FLL Mentor
Kelly brings 11 years of experience working with children and a passion for LEGO (and sorting bricks!) to the team at Cognition Learning.
Kelly integrates teaching problem solving skills and strategies to children across our Cognition courses and workshops and especially enjoys mentoring FIRST LEGO League teams.
Kelly is a LEGO Spike Essential guru; she loves teaching children in KS2 how to get the most out of these mighty little robots and enjoys seeing the sparkle in children’s eyes when they first see their creations come to life.
A mother of two children, she enjoys playing on the beach, going swimming and doing plenty of arts and crafts with them. She also enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible and going to local dance classes in her spare time.
kelly@cognitionlearning.co.uk
Lindsey Ageneau
BSc, MSc, PhD
Director and Resident Dr of Geochemistry
Lindsey brings a strong scientific background to Cognition, having gained a Masters in Environmental Geology at the University of London and a Ph.D specialising in Economic Geology and geochemistry from CODES in Australia - even spending time working at an underground gold mine in the Indonesian jungle!
Lindsey has taught in several capacities - instructing sailing and kayaking since she was 15 and supervising, teaching and mentoring A-Level and university students both in the classroom and on field trips in Australia and Europe.
Currently mid-renovation on a big build project, Lindsey is on sabbatical from active teaching and is a board member of Cognition Learning.
Lindsey has two children, and can often be found with them exploring our amazing beaches, listening to music or even travelling the world.
Andy robinson-Noades
BSc, Msc
Consultant, AFOL, LEGO Spike expert
Hi I’m Andy, a pop-up member of the Cognition team. Having a degree in marine biology, I love all things under the sea, and will happily give a 4-hour lecture on why octopus are just the best!
When not talking about tentacles, you’ll find me in Billund at LEGO HQ in an exciting new role. When I’m back in the UK you’ll find me hovering around FIRST LEGO League regionals and nationals.
For me, learning is all about having fun and positive experiences. It is why I love what Cognition Creative Learning delivers. I take having a positive impact seriously, and it is why I generally don’t take myself too seriously. Memorable moments get the next generation hooked on STEM.
In my spare time I enjoy kayaking and snorkelling. If the weather is playing up though, then you can find me fulfilling my role as an absolute AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO)! I’m a proud cat dad and if you ever have a video call with me, you probably will find one of them walking in front of the camera.