Meet our Alumni
Page includes: Michael Hoffman, Denis Barrington Shaw, David Astall, Jordan Shuck, and Olly Smith
Simply click the name to read the profile.
After leaving Baines he was working in Skelmersdale as exams officer which soon became a data manager as well. The school he was at was a very different school to Baines, but as it was close to where he grew up he knew what to expect.
As Mike moved to Garstang (to be nearer his wife’s family) travel meant he had to change jobs and gained a job at Westholme School (Independent!) in Blackburn with the very grand title of Academic Systems Manager - basically all things SIMS which he liked to think he became quite good at, who knew what SIMS could actually do! SIMS is an educational management system.
Six years after leaving Baines he finally retired and involved himself in voluntary work - St John's Hospice in Lancaster, the COVID vaccination roll out, Millenium Green in Garstang, H&S at the local church and more recently Garstang Food Bank and the Lions - so keeping himself pretty busy.
Return to meet the Alumni page
Attended School 1958 - 1965
Denis James Barrington Shaw took a first class degree in geography and a Ph.D from University College, London. He lectured at Birmingham University and became a Reader. His speciality was Russian historical geography. As a research student he spent a year at a Russian university and later attended many conferences in Russia. His published work (books and articles) is enormous. Just try Googling it.
Return to meet the Alumni page
Taught at Baines 1989 - 2015
I couldnt leave myself out of the list, could I ? Not many people can apply for the same school twice within two years, but I did, and luckily I got an interview and the job second time around.
After leaving Baines on ill health I took up a post that i had previously gained but was not due to take until 2017 that of consultant at Cambridge University International Examinations. I have continued in the same job since then although now it is known as Cambridge University Press and Assessment.
I was part of the team that created Baines Alumni of which i am Secretary. I am also the current Presdient of the FPA, a post I have held since 2019, no one has held the position as long. I am a Councillor in my spare time - which is short. Also in my spare time i have written a number of books and papers.
One of my hobbies is to act as a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Assessor, a role which I have undertaken since 1994. I have been associated with Framlingham College, Suffolk DofE since 1995. I was awarded my long service award for DofE in 2018.
Return to meet the Alumni page
Attended School 2010-2017
After Jordan left Baines he gained a BA(Hons) in Television & Radio at Salford University. Whilst at University he worked as a production runner for Thames TV and the BBC on a number of shows including Britain’s Got Talent and Songs of Praise.
On gaining his degree he became an edit runner on Channel 4’s, The Circle. Within a year, in 2021, he was Production Manager Assistant on the Dragon’s Den . He is currently working as a Production Co-ordinator on the BBC’s Morning Live. His duties include:
Working in the film team, coordinate a team to create a range of VTs, finding locations, and liaising with talent/agents.
If you wish to read about Jordan’s other achievements, then his website link is jordanshuck.uk.
Jordan is another member of the Baines Alumni who has made a name for themselves in Media. One of his achievements at the BBC, was the BBC Rising Star Award.
Eurovision was Jordan’s latest venture, and he writes about his involvement below:
Eurovision
On behalf of Ukraine, the United Kingdom were honoured to host this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. I am so proud to have worked as part of the production team to make such an amazing event watched by over 180 million people worldwide.
I was working at Eurovision for three weeks, taking a step away from my normal job on BBC Morning Live to get stuck in and all hands-on deck across the BBC to make the contest a massive success.
As a Production Coordinator, I was one of the cogs in the over 1000 strong crew who worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth-running programme. We are truly all United by Music. From making VTs to painting shoes for the artists costumes, no two days were the same. Even making an appearance in Semi Final 2 on screen!
Return to meet the Alumni page
Olly is another former pupil who is in the entertainment world . Olly is currently Head of Sound at Rock of Ages. He was also Head of Sound at such events as Toy Show – The Musical, Beautiful – the Carole King Musical and similar jobs at a number of other musicals. He is currently on tour with Shrek the Musical with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.
He studied Music Production & Engineering at The University of Central Lancashire before studying Music Production and Audio Engineering at Leeds Conservatoire. He started his sound career at the Lowther Pavilion and the Winter Gardens.
Return to meet the Alumni page