LAST WORDS
What better way to close this edition of the Alleynian than by asking two of this year’s joiners and leavers to tell us, in their own words, what their time at College has meant to them? Tom Saer joined the Classics Department in September to cover a colleague’s parental leave for a year, while Sue Mulholland is leaving after almost a decade in a diverse range of roles.
James Innes By Andrew Threadgould
Jamie MacInnes By Robert Baylis
James joined the College in Sep- tember 2022 as Assistant Head Digital Learning and Innovation. He brought with him a passion for all things technological, a clear eye for detail, and an understand- ing of the best practices, drawn from across a diverse range of schools. James has worked en- thusiastically with teachers, heads of department and operational
Jamie joined the Modern Lan- guages Department in September 2022 to cover for Rachel Porter whilst she was on maternity leave. In the short time that he has been with us, he has made a strong impact, not only in the Modern Languages team and but also in the wider life of the College. Above all, Jamie is a very effective classroom teacher who teaches
On my arrival nine years ago, I instantly felt encompassed by colleagues’ encourage- ment, support and warmth, and I knew that I could grow and flourish on this stage of my personal and professional journey. Good humour and intellectual brilliance are always on the menu here at the College, and I am indebt- ed to the pupils and staff from whom I have been lucky
From the start of Michael- mas term, I was immediately struck by the warmth and friendliness with which I have been treated by teaching and operational staff alike. It has been a pleasure being able to connect with other depart- ments, whether that is saying hi to some new faces over lunch, or at staff events such as the Burns’ Night supper – which had no right to be as enjoyable as it was!
staff from across the College to develop skills and to in- spire all staff to embrace and shape the future of teaching and learning. He has also been an inspiring form tutor in Year 9 and an excellent teacher of Geography and Infor- mation Technology. James has given many Saturdays to the games programme, with plentiful successes enjoyed on the rugby and football pitches. A passionate gardener, James has also brought seedlings and flowers into the Academic Office, which have been much appreciated, as has his positive and warm manner, noted by all those who have worked with him. We wish James all the very best for the next stage of his career. ◎
all pupils with kindness, care and rigour. Equally at home teaching fast track A-level students as he is with Lower School pupils, he has shown versatility, patience and a reflective approach. Jamie’s care, humour and excellent teaching have given his pupils a really strong experience of French and Spanish, and they have thrived in his lessons. Particular highlights have been the number of pupils who have chosen to continue with French from his beginners’ group, and the way in which he is able to use games whilst maintaining linguistic focus with all abilities. He has also made excellent contributions away from the classroom by leading Year 11 Spanish speaking support sessions, and has been a regular contributor to Modern Languages departmental INSET sessions. Away from the classroom, Jamie has made a real ef- fort to get involved in many aspects of the co-curricular provision related to Modern Languages. He very ably accompanied the Year 8 trip to Granada, ran a session of Hispanic football with Year 10, and helped with the Span- ish Year 9 enrichment week activities. As a keen sportsman, he has been an active member of the games panel, helping with Year 10 games. He also led the mighty U15D football team and accompanied pupils on tennis fixtures during the Summer term. Jamie has made a strong impression in a short period of time and we wish him all the best as he moves to the Brit- ish School in Boston – I am sure the Modern Languages Department there will benefit from his excellent approach as a teacher and as an all-round school master. He will be missed, and is always welcome back in SE21. ◎
enough to learn. I crave a creativity ‘workout’, and thrive when challenged. Looking back, I have rarely felt overwhelmed, and the reason is simple: people at the College put people first. I don’t take for granted how privileged we are to have access to a wide range of professionals willing to share their diverse and riveting life experiences. I refer not only to visiting professionals and guest speakers, but also to the hidden figures in our oper- ations teams, and to those in our wider plethora of partnerships. Purpose and passion are central to my philosophy for living and working. When I first arrived, I was at the beginning of two journeys, taking on, first and foremost, the role of Director of Art, but also a more behind-the-scenes role as a volunteer for the MyS- tart project in Kakuma refugee camp. My roles have grown, complementing and enriching each other. My practice has included deeper study into the history of art, in tandem with my practice of creative wellbeing, as well as my work with survivors of war. Stepping into the role of Director of Free Learning and Head of Inclusion has been a privilege, and I have aimed to ensure that my work has been purposeful and people-focused. As I depart, I say a final thank you, asante sana, ubuntu. Sue Mulholland
It’s easy to feel a bit spoiled by how much the school has to offer to a new staff member like me, whether it’s the fantastic gym right around the corner, a wide variety of societies to take part in, or the easily over- looked bonus of free school lunches. As a vegan, I’ve found the school catering to be fantastic, with almost every lunch having a plant-based main option – a big step up from when I was at school. In the years since graduating from university, I’ve sorely missed having access to a world-class library, so being able to find almost any book I can think of in the Wodehouse Library is such a privilege. Teaching at a school with a rich learning environ- ment like Dulwich has also helped me to pursue new hobbies. It’s always good to be reminded that, at whatever stage of life one has reached, one always benefits from structured learning – and we should al- ways be thinking about how more people can access a full life. A big shout-out to the percussion depart- ment, and the Music Department generally, for being so welcoming to a drumming beginner! Tom Saer
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THE ALLEYNIAN 711
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