The Alleynian 711 2023

Lexi Kelly By Jenny Stanley

Steve Kelly By Phil Greenaway

Steve started working at Dulwich as a Graduate Sports Assistant in September 2014 and immedi- ately made a big impression with his enthusiasm and energy for all things sport. Steve is an outstand- ing sportsman, and whilst he has been teaching at Dulwich, he has also represented Wales at Hock- ey in both the Commonwealth Games and the Hockey World

after week she brightened the days of the local primary children who attended the scheme, providing engaging and hands-on practical science sessions that fostered a love of learning. She frequently volunteered to run after-school sessions for neighbouring secondary schools and offered countless mock interviews for those aspiring to study Physics or Engineering at university. From 2018 to 2022 Lexi was also the most successful Day Housemaster in the history of Day Housemastering. She guided her Middle School boys to victory for four con- secutive years, her distinctive American accent hollering encouragement from the side lines of every competition. Although she was known for her sweet rewards and doughnuts at House meetings, it was without doubt her positivity and fervorous competitiveness that truly spurred on her students. Inside the Science Common Room, Lexi kept us all enter- tained with her impressions and inspired us by her ability to survive on no sleep, running a casual 10km before breakfast and still having time to grab a tray of doughnuts from Dulwich Bakery. We all have her to thank for a few excess pounds! Lexi leaves us to become Head of Science at Clifton College, a boarding school in Bristol. While we celebrate this incredible opportunity for her and her family, we will sorely miss the vibrant presence that Lexi brought to our school community. Her dedication to teaching, her unwavering support for colleagues, and her genuine care for every student have left an indelible mark on Dulwich College. We say goodbye with immense gratitude for all that she has given, and we hope that her new endeavours bring her joy and fulfilment as she continues to inspire young minds in her new role. ◎

Lexi joined the College as a Physics teacher in 2016, just as the Science Department moved into the new Laboratory. In her initial year, Lexi’s uncharacteristic quietness led many to mistake her for a PGCE student, but it didn’t take long for her to reveal her true nature – a devoted teacher willing to go above and beyond, to support each and every student in

Steve will be sorely missed by everyone in the PE and Games Department. He is a fantastic teacher, role model and all-round good guy, who has always given his all for the College. He is excellent on a staff social as well as being a fantastic professional, and he will leave a large hole in the rich tapestry of Dulwich life. To use a sporting analogy, Steve leaves the shirt in a better place than he found it. ◎

Cup. It wasn’t all glamorous, however, as he took a good shot to the face in the Commies, much to the amusement of the department as they watched on in the office. Steve is equally capable with a cricket bat or a golf club in his hand, or even playing as fly-half for the Staff XV. For such a talented sportsman, it is incredible how little time he spends in the gym! Since qualifying as a PE teacher, Steve has gone on to make a huge contribution to College life beyond the field of sport. He has been an excellent Lower School form tutor, leading Marlowe in the Lower School House competition with gusto and efficiency, and he has put that efficiency to even better use as a very able and dedicat- ed secretary of the Common Room. In addition, he has perfected the art of spoon-tapping, a skill he might use as he takes his next steps on the career pathway. As hockey coach, and latterly Head of Hockey, Steve has more than proved his worth. As Steve has built on the work of his predecessor, Justin King, it has been won- derful to see this fast-paced and skilful sport continue to attract so many students. Many people won’t know that Steve has also led our fencing programme for the last five years, and has seen us land numerous national titles. He has been a dependable member of the department, tak- ing on some unenviable tasks, such as organising all of the staff kit, being responsible for all of our sports analysis, and dealing with all of the games allocations across the College.

her classes. Her lessons were meticulously planned and delivered, and her students valued her energy, passion and dedication. In 2018 Lexi’s exceptional work ethic and devotion to teaching and learning propelled her to the role of Head of Physics. She took full responsibility for every student studying Physics, regardless of whether she taught them personally. She monitored progress closely, providing weekly revision and catch-up classes, and even holiday crammers for those who required extra support. She sought to make life easier for those within the depart- ment, shouldering multiple cover classes each week, taking on the most challenging questions during exam marking, and producing a wealth of exceptional resourc- es – especially during revision periods. When Covid threw the world into lockdown, and teachers and students had to adopt online learning overnight, she was immediately creating banks of online resources and supporting the up- skilling of staff within the department. Lexi was distraught when Covid legislation forced her to take early maternity leave. So committed was she to her role and classes that although we managed to keep her off campus, she insisted on live-streaming all her lessons from home. She subsequently took less than a term’s full maternity leave, and was back at the helm before the summer break. Lexi’s enthusiasm for Physics was also demonstrated through her partnership work, and particularly through her coordination of the Science Saturday School. Week

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