Dulwich College staff in 2024–25 A celebration of
During this academic year 2024-25 Dulwich staff have been undertaking a wonderful array of different activities both at College and in their spare time. This booklet is a selection of what we’ve been up to at work and at play.
‘This has been a really fantastic year and I would like to congratulate all our amazing staff on their achievements, small and large!’ Fiona Angel, Acting Master
Toby Griffith s Head of Junior School
Sara Bedlow Catering Administrator Last year Sara and her sister started a new Beaver Scout troop in Forest Hill.
Catherine Holmes Junior School Secretary and Receptionist Catherine volunteers at a local assisted living unit every Saturday and loves working on her allotment.
Toby has completed over 280 Parkruns, and last year completed his 60th triathlon, including the second completion of the Alpes D’Huez triathlon.
Roz Bettridge PA to the Senior Deputy
Sophie Robinson Junior School Teacher This year has been a really busy year enjoying leading Year 6 and supporting the boys as they leave the Junior School for Year 7. In January, on a DC School ski trip, Sophie, fractured her femur, ruptured her ACL, and tore her MCL and double meniscus. Recovery has been hard but has provided a good life lesson to appreciate good health, fitness and mobility.
Drawing on her previous experience as a valuer and buyer, Roz is reigniting her passion for her previous career in jewellery by enrolling on a 12-week online course, The History of Jewellery, offered by the V&A. The Cartier exhibition currently on display is amazing and well worth a visit.
Stacey Keehn Catering Team Leader
Cara Norfolk Junior School Registrar
Cameron Pyke Deputy Master External
Rob Bastin Teacher of Physics, Director of SCITT
Sinead Paull Teacher of Maths
After 12 years of service at the College, Stacey is super keen and proud to have been recently promoted to Team Leader.
Cameron Pyke delivered a lecture to the University of Seoul on UK/Korea relations. He is writing a biography of Bishop Cecil Cooper in collaboration with Korean scholars and Sir Terry Waite. He also swam three miles (without a wetsuit) in the Thames at Henley to celebrate a colleague’s birthday, and walked up Mount Lushan in China in 38 degrees with suitcase (and blazer). He steps down as Vice-Chair of E-ACT after eight years before assuming the role of Acting Head of College at Dulwich College Beijing for the next academic year.
Cara is deeply involved in the Friends of Dulwich College and enjoys creating opportunities that bring the community together.
Rob Bastin has received Institute of Physics Teacher Educator accreditation and also achieved NPQ in Leading Teacher Development
“I did the Moon Walk on Saturday 17 May. It’s a 26-mile walk and the money raised is for breast cancer awareness.”
David Smith History Teacher
Jon Ratnasabapathy Deputy Director of Higher Education, Teacher of Mathematics, Teacher of Psychology
Anita Arthur International Partnerships Ofiicer
This year has been particularly challenging for David, having lost both of his parents, and now facing the additional hardship of his mother-in-law’s dementia and broken hip. Despite these struggles, David finds comfort and strength in the classroom, where teaching uplifts his wellbeing. He takes great pride in his students and has been deeply moved by the genuine kindness and support they’ve shown him throughout these difficult months.
The Chair of the Saturday School charity (Southwark Community Education Charity) wrote to Anita Arthur thus: Words are insufficient to convey my appreciation for the hard work and dedication you’ve shown to SCEC this year. Your commitment to the programmes has really helped keep the momentum going. As a result, we have made really good forward progress for which I am so very grateful. Alex Iltchev Teacher of Spanish and French “I beat my aim of holding a high plank for five minutes and regularly do it for five to six minutes now!”
Jon organised the first London hosting of the Naboj International Maths Tournament at Dulwich, hosting 28 teams across the Junior and Senior competitions. He also coordinated team and individual entries for three US-based Maths competitions: the TrinMac, the American Maths Challenge and the American Invitational Maths Examination. DC finished 6th in the Junior Naboj and 5th in the Senior, 7th in the TrinMac. Nine Dulwich students are ranked in the top 5% in the AMC and qualified to compete in the AIME, where Xueheng Yang finished in the top 500 and Jacky Liu in the top 50.
Cath Juyol Teacher of French
Cath Juyol has achieved NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. She has just been appointed NML SCITT Subject-Specific Programme Lead, which will see her working with the Course lead and hub leads across England developing the NML SCITT curriculum, supporting trainees from recruitment through to the ECT years, supporting mentors, and delivering training sessions.
Adam Riley Head of Player Development (Cricket) Adam is part of the coaching team for: • Kent County Cricket Club U16 • Kent County Cricket Club Senior Academy • ECB Bunbury London & East U15 And Adam’s daughter - Mavis Anne Riley - was born on Monday 21 April (6lb 11oz)
Chris Sewell Head of Academic PE Chris completed HYROX Doubles Men in London (1:03:58) Rob Craze Head of Cricket, PE Teacher Rob completed HYROX Doubles Men in Cardiff (1:09:22)
Tracy Palmer Head of Aquatics Tracey was invited by Lord Chamberlain as commanded by His Majesty to attend a garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate and recognise those working in Education and Skills Tom Whitehead Deputy Director of Sport (External), Head of Football, PE Teacher Tom is part of the coaching team for: • Independent Schools’ Football Association (ISFA) under-16 national team Tristan Mayglothling Head of Rowing Tristan is the Lead Coach for British Rowing at the 2024 Coupe de la Jeunesse. Rebecca Runge Donor Engagement Officer Rebecca has picked up the guitar and started lessons, achieving grade 1 in April.
Jimmy Davies Director of Sport
Rusan Urmanov Kitchen assistant
Jimmy completed two marathons: • Yorkshire Marathon (3:25:45) • Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (3:16:48) Matt Burdekin Deputy Director of Sport (Internal), PE Teacher Matt has worked for 15 years as the Team Manager for: • Southwark Cross Country and Athletics • London Cross Country and Athletics
Every Thursday Rusan and other operational staff get together to play table tennis and football.
Steve Carroll Computer Science
Steve Carroll runs the Coding Society and Problem-Solving Club and our students entered a few competitions – Perse Coding Challenge, British Informatics Olympiad and the UK Coding Challenge.
Mary Jo Doherty Director of Art
Any free time Mary Jo and her husband, Steve, have is devoted to supporting their son Conor’s athletic dreams. Conor Kelly is an exceptionally talented 400m runner with a bright future ahead. In 2024, he earned a bronze medal at the European U18 Championships. This year, he became the Irish National Indoor Champion, setting an Irish U20 record with an outstanding time of 46.54 seconds. Most recently, Conor represented Ireland in the mixed 400m relays at the 2025 World Athletics event in China. His team finished second in their heat, qualifying for the upcoming 2025 World Championships. Over the half term just broke the Irish under 20 outdoor record in Brussels at the IFAM Outdoor Meeting clocking 46.18! Conor’s dedication and talent have earned him a full athletic scholarship to the University of Texas, where he will continue his academic and athletic journey. Mary Jo and Steve’s unwavering support is clearly helping Conor thrive on the world stage, and we are proud to celebrate his success within our community.
Jenny Stanley Assistant Head External, Ivyholme, Boarding Housemaster and Teacher of Physics Jenny has represented England in the Women’s Masters Hockey Team, winning Gold in the Home Nations and Bronze in the World Cup in New Zealand. Last half term, Jenny travelled to Valencia, Spain to play in the European Championships. Jenny has also become a trustee of SCEC (the Saturday School charity).
Marcos Lopez Deputy Head of Learning Support Marcos’ work has been shortlisted for the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, a significant recognition of his talent. He recently travelled to Mexico with his entire family, cherishing time spent with his extended relatives who still live there. Back in the UK, Marcos, his husband Alistair, and their dog Lulu have just purchased their first home in Beckenham, which they’ve lovingly redecorated throughout.
Aadi Jai and Reeyen Patel (Year 7 pupils ) with Megan Armstrong and Brenda Middlemiss
Two incredible young entrepreneurs in Year 7, Aadi Jai and Reeyen Patel, are currently working with Megan Armstrong and Brenda Middlemiss to launch the first ever Dulwich Monopoly. The boys approached Fiona Angel and in an intense pitch won her over with their combination of comic genius and commercial acumen. Megan and Brenda met with Winning Moves who will now help to make this vision come to life, product should be with us around Christmas time and will be available exclusively at the Comm.
Luke George Sustainability Data Analyst Luke, (pictured left) with mum Cath and Brother Loz) ran the Belfast Marathon in early May. Following a comprehensive training programme since arriving at Dulwich in December, Luke finished in an impressive time of 3 hours and 21 minutes.
Rudy Robinet Head Chef
Rudy has recently moved to a new house and enjoys spending time any spare time with his children and wider family.
Katy Millis Head of Sustainability
Nina Firkin PA to the Deputy Master Pastoral and Co-curricular Nina has recently moved house and is loving her new rose garden. Her 7-year-old daughter is busy practicing for her ballet exams in July.
Meet the ‘girl crew’, from her newly constructed Lego Lodge in the garden! Katy has rescued, repurposed and sold over 30,000 Lego Minifigures though an online selling platform. With over 1,500 followers she is ranked as top-rated seller with 99.9% positive feedback!
Robert Mills Art Teacher “Reaching a milestone birthday and
dropping down to part-time teaching has brought many benefits, including spending more time using my Freedom Oyster Card visiting London's Art galleries and museums during the week. The extra headroom in my new schedule has so far permitted an inaugural trip to the 60th Venice Biennale with my oldest friend and a visit to Casa Morandi in Bologna where it was simply life-affirming to see Giorgio Morandi's preserved studio, with the very same still-life objects and set-ups I have used as the heart of my Year 7 scheme of work for as many years as I care to remember. I always promised myself I would organise an exhibition of some of the images I made during my Berlin sabbatical, and as a warm-up or dry-run submitted an image for 'Lions and Unicorns - 50 Years of Royal College of Art Alumni' a group show at a small independent gallery. The self-doubt created by the process was an unexpected role reversal to that of the classroom, although the opening night was a joyful reunion.”
Georgia Mackie Art Teacher
Carly Murdoch Deputy Lead Nurse
Georgia married in the summer of 2024 and has since purchased a new home with her husband. They’ve thoroughly enjoyed redecorating, adding personal touches to make the space their own.
This year has given Carly the motivation and space to prioritise her wellbeing. She’s also been redesigning her home to reflect her creative flair, making it a more inspiring and personal space.
Kemi Odutola Lower School Secretary This year, Kemi undertook a home
Vicky Adair Lead Nurse
Vicky has dedicated time to regenerating her lawn, scarifying, reseeding, and taking pleasure in watching the slow, rewarding process of new growth.
renovation and is thoroughly enjoying the process of turning her house into a true home. She also secured a permanent pitch at the Horniman Museum Market, where she sells her delicious cakes and sweet treats.
Q&A with our Long-serving colleagues We have 71 colleagues with more than 20 years DC experience, 28 of them with more than 25 years service! We invited Trevor, Dan, Tracey and Paul to reflect on their time at Dulwich with a Q&A.
What’s changed the most? Pastoral care was non-existent in 1972. The College is certainly a kinder gentler place today. Before the turn of the century sport was dominated by the big three; Rugby, Hockey and Cricket. Today Soccer could well claim to be the most successful sport at the College and the range of sports offered has grown considerably. The number of students has continued to grow; there were 1400 in 1972 today it is closer to 1700. The number of support staff has grown even more. The classrooms no longer have raised daises dominated by oak teaching desks and chalk roller boards were first superseded by overhead projectors which in turn were replaced by digital whiteboards. The days when Departments had to share the use of a television and video player have long gone. The videos were all stored centrally in the old Science Block. The Buttery (which sold snacks at first and lunch breaks) is now the staff common room. What’s not really changed at all? The Remembrance Service is still the powerful event that it has always been with the entire school from youngest to oldest standing in respectful silence. The House system (albeit with the addition of Jonson and Howard in the 1980’s) still lies at the heart of the College’s co-curricular programme. The boys are still (just) the right side of scruffy. The Clump! Do you have a fond or funny memory? Most pupils and members of staff had a nickname – a good friend in 2E (Year 8) was known as slimey Winter, I don’t recall us ever using his first name. The Science Block smelled either of formaldehyde (Biology) or Hydrochloric acid (Chemistry). Physics was mercifully odour free.
Trevor Llewelyn 37 years at Dulwich
What do you love about DC and what’s made you happy to stay so long? I have been associated with the College quite literally man and boy, having arrived here as a student in September 1972 and with a couple of sojourns to university and my first teaching post in North London I am still here over 50 years later. The reasons for my long association are many and varied. Dulwich as an institution has deep rooted traditions yet is liberal, tolerant and not afraid to embrace change. As both a student and an employer it encouraged me to play to my strengths and supported me to develop skills that it knew I would make use of later in life be it the confidence to speak in public or to take responsibility for ones actions. It trusted me to behave responsibly – in the late 1970’s when the PE Centre was closed at weekend and holidays I was given the key to the front door so I could continue to use the facilities to train for athletics; a sport I was showing some aptitude for. A love of a campus dominated by the magnificent Barry Buildings and surrounded by acres of green open space so close to the centre of London. The College is somewhere which has become my happy place, where I have made strong friendships some lasting from the first day I arrived here.
Paul Purnell 35 years at Dulwich
Dan Ludford-Thomas 26 years at Dulwich
What do you love about DC and what’s made you happy to stay so long? There is an exceptional welcoming and community impression when you first arrive at Dulwich that doesn’t change irrespective of your length of service. Stability and really enjoying my job has kept me here for so long. What’s changed the most? It’s difficult to point on the changes to note, but the leap in Bursary’s has enriched the College pupils for a Dulwich education. What’s not really changed at all? The College has always had active societies driven by passionate, committed teachers, where the pupils can engage and develop social and teamwork skills. The continuation with new clubs/ societies being formed is such a rewarding benefit to the pupils. Do you have a fond or funny memory? One of my fondest memories was around 1996 Michaelmas term when the invincible rugby team duped me into putting a sign in the away 1st XV changing room which read ‘If Rugby was a game made in heaven prepare to meet thy gods’. Dulwich went onto thrash Tonbridge 57–0 or similar score. An unbeaten team throughout their college years.
What do you love about DC and what’s made you happy to stay so long? I’ve always loved the buildings and grounds, the sense of tradition mixed in with it being slap bang in the middle of between Brixton, Peckham etc. I think this extends to the pupils and staff of DC who have a healthy mix of urban and tradition which makes for interesting humans! Also everything is celebrated - Academic study, Sport, Arts! What’s changed the most? Staff - so much more diverse than when I first started, there have always been characters, it’s just that there’s more variety of backgrounds, gender and colour. The staff are such a great bunch of people and lunchtime is always interesting as there’s always someone cool to talk to, who’ll be knowledgeable, thoughtful or just a good laugh. What’s not really changed at all? My teaching room - and that is a comfort. 27 years of teaching singing in that room has seen so many singers take flight! Do you have a fond or funny memory? I arrived aged 24 looking like a 6th former, and on one occasion came into school to get something on my day off dressed in home clothes, only to be challenged by an old guard teacher who told me off for being out of class… fast forward to the present day, as I was sitting having lunch and a junior school boy innocently came up to me asked me if I was Albert Einstein - words fail…
Tracey Greenwood, Assistant Kindergarten Manager 31 years at Dulwich
Do you have a fond or funny memory? Back before risk assessments were a thing, we often took the children on big adventures around the college campus. One memorable day, we took a group down to the lower field to watch a helicopter land. As it slowly descended, the wind blew the children backwards like skittles, quite the sight and not quite the plan! We also used to take all the children swimming and trampolining at the sports centre. I’m happy to report that every child returned safely, no doubt having gained some amazing resilience and life skills along the way. These days, of course, our adventures come with much more paperwork and planning, you could say risk assessments have become their own kind of adventure!
What do you love about DC and what’s made you happy to stay so long? I love the incredible sense of community here at DC and the opportunities it has provided me throughout my nearly 32 years working at DUCKS. Honestly, my original plan was to not stay this long but here I am! I’ve been fortunate to experience many roles within the school, working with children of all ages to now supporting the DUCKS leadership teams. It brings me great joy to bump into past children and families, hearing how life has unfolded for these once little ones after their time at DUCKS. What’s changed the most? Where do I even begin, when I first joined the Kindergarten in 1993, we operated as a pack-away setting in what was then called Eller Bank. We shared the building with the Dulwich Bowls Club, and the premises were also hired out as function rooms, often carrying a faint smell of beer. Our resources were mostly donated, and we made do with whatever we had. Since those humble beginnings, DUCKS has come such a long way, growing into the amazing school it is today. It’s been an incredible journey to witness. What’s not really changed at all? Our core values have remained constant. I have always felt incredibly lucky to work alongside people who share the same passion for nurturing our youngest DC children. From the very beginning, strong relationships with parents, carers, and children have been at the heart of what we do. Watching these children grow and develop to successfully navigate school life continues to be deeply rewarding.
We have been named as a Finalist in the categories Enveloping EDI in the Curriculum and Opportunities in Art and Music (throughout the school) by the magazine Education Choices
Ella Hughes Sports Club Receptionist Ella Hughes was chosen as Sports Club Colleague of the Month for May! Karl Hayes, Sports Club Manager, noted: ‘Ella has consistently gone above and beyond, stepping in whenever the club has needed support. Her willingness to help, strong team spirit, and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed. She leads by example, demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and excellent customer service in all that she does. Whether supporting colleagues during busy times or ensuring our members receive a warm and helpful experience, Ella continues to make a real difference every day.’
Sarah Taylor Sports Coach Congratulations to Sarah Taylor, who in June 2025 was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame! As Rob Craze, Head of Cricket, notes: ‘This is an incredible and rare achievement.’ Sarah’s ‘international career spanned just short of 13 years and the stylish wicket- keeper batter produced many records and milestones throughout her time in an England shirt as she amassed a total of 226 appearance and tallied a whopping 6533 international runs to sit high up the charts on the team’s all-time scoring list behind current national coach and long-time confidant Charlotte Edwards.’ (ICC website)
Harriet Brook Receptionist After her mornings in Reception, Harriet has a busy time coming up in the afternoons with her fashion business, preparing her clients for prestigious Royal Ascot and Wimbledon events with elegant fashion choices.
Laura Franco Early Years Practioner/Teaching Assistant, DUCKS Congratulations to Laura Franco and her husband Phil who welcomed baby Lorenzo on 2 June 2025. Mother and baby are doing well and are grateful for all the support shown towards Laura throughout her pregnancy.
Helen McErlain “In my free time I plan and execute trips out for my brother, who is an amputee. I am fast becoming the “ font of all knowledge” when it comes to the Elizabeth Line!”
Priti Chapman-Dawe Medical Centre Secretary
Priti finds great joy in her garden, which includes three honey bee hives and a dedicated ‘Grow to Give’ patch. She lovingly grows cut flowers to share with a local care home, bringing beauty and comfort to the residents. Many of the blooms are also used in the dementia clinic, where their scents help spark memories and conversations.
Jo Maudsley PA to the Head of Junior School and Junior School Secretary Jo is passionate about animal welfare. In March, she helped rescue an injured swan on Crystal Palace Park Road, staying with it for two hours until the bird rescue team arrived. The swan was safely taken in and later released back into the wild. Jo also has a natural gift for connecting with people and loves striking up conversations with strangers.
James Daly Junior Sch Teacher James runs ultra-marathons. “I’ve run several 50 mile races but the biggest 3 races I’ve completed are: • Centurian Thames Path 100 - 104 miles from Richmond to Oxford - May 2024, which took me 24 hours • Lakeland 100 - 106 miles around the Lakeland fells - July 2024, which took me 34 hours • Most recently UTMB Ultra-Trail Snowdonia - 100km around the mountains of Snowdonia, which took me 24 hours
Scotty Swalwell and the CCF This academic year awards include: • Elworthy trophy silver • National First Aid 2024 gold senior team • National First Aid 2024 gold junior ccf team • Regional Air Squadron Trophy 2nd • National Air Squadron Trophy 5th • Regional First Aid 2025 gold and silver for both junior teams • Regional First Aid 2025 gold senior team • Regional First Aid 2025 best first aider (Heidi Thwaites)
Rebekah Diamond Junior Sch Teacher
Brenda Middlemiss Sales Manager
Rebekah walked the entire South West Coast Path over 2 summers, a total of 630 miles. There is such a large expanse of ascent and descent that completing the path is equivalent to climbing Everest 4 times.
“This May, I took on the challenge to walk 60km to raise funds and awareness for The Eve Appeal, a charity that is making a real difference in the fight against gynaecological cancers. I actually walked 66.56km, clocking in 8 hours, 36 minutes, and 2 seconds—and that doesn’t even include the extra distance I walked before I started recording!”
Leo Sioufi Sales Assistant Well done, Leo! This email was sent to the Comm by a parent: ‘I just had to send an email (rang first) after the most smooth stress free uniform shop today with Leo . He was AMAZING in every way. He’s a credit to the College shop. I’m not the only parent to agree!’ Minha Son & Computer Science “We had our trip to San Francisco, which was our first ever Computer Science trip. 9.6 average rating out of 10 and it was a successful trip!”
• Cadet Cambrian Patrol 2025 gold + best international CCF + best patrol commander (Ollie Dodd)
Joseph Cartwright & Computer Science
Joseph Cartwright is on sabbatical and opening the Computer Science Museum in the corridor in the Lab was one of his planned projects. There are gaming consoles on loan from Oscar Fiddy (Y12), a framed iphone on loan from Ashley England and many other devices from JDC. He also ran a C64 Advanced Elective course, which he had to learn new skills and made lesson resources and syllabus. C64 is also on display in the museum!
Educational Operations (Simon Croucher) • College-wide rollout of Paxton ID cards. Introduced secure Paxton cards for all pupils and staff, improving campus safety, streamlining access, and preparing the groundwork for QR code integration. • Outdoor Centre restructure and rebrand. Strategic overhaul of the College’s Outdoor Centre, resulting in a clearer operational model, better community engagement, and stronger value-for- money for parents and governors. • Lunch Queue Transformation (Rapid Impact Project). Overhauled the Christison Hall lunch queue system using new one-way flows, queue barriers, and revised Sixth Form timings — delivering an immediate improvement in flow and experience following pupil feedback. Bag issue also resolved. • Accident Reporting System Update. Transitioned incident reporting to the Evolve platform, improving consistency, traceability, and accountability across operational and co-curricular activities. • Staff recognition – Shahara has stepped up to manage all in-house transport and trip logistics during a major systems transition to Vectare.
Rajiv Joshi Teacher of Physics
Frostbite Series—skippering Mimidae with a variety of crew including on several occasions with a blind person as helm. Aside from racing, much of my time afloat has involved volunteering, which has been immensely rewarding. Every other weekend, I skipper for the Andrew Cassell Foundation, with a crew of disabled sailors, often racing against able bodied teams. I also volunteer as Second Mate and Watch Leader with the Tall Ships Youth Trust, helping disadvantaged young people take part in offshore voyages. I was honoured to receive the Perry Plate this year in recognition of these contributions to inclusive sailing. Within the college, I took on the role of Head of Sailing this academic year. I’ve worked closely with a group of OAs to broaden opportunities for pupils and alumni to engage in sailing. We continue to run the Alleynian Sailing Society’s Boys’ Sail Training Week (this year from 6–11 July) and have also established offshore racing for OAs in the 2025 JOG series in partnership with Unity sailing. We’re especially excited about the new Shackleton Trophy—a race between OAs and current students—with the first edition scheduled for August 2025. I have also introduced dinghy sailing as an Upper School games option, with students travelling to Westminster Boating Base in Pimlico to sail on the Thames every Wednesday afternoon. In addition to this I also ran a watersports trip to Poole during Enrichment Week last year with Marcos Lopez, where an enthusiastic group of Year 10s earned their dinghy sailing qualifications.”
“We have a few more spaces for the Alleynian Sailing Society’s boys’ Sail Training Week in the first week of the summer holidays and the Alleynian Sailing Society events are open for staff to join, regardless of their prior experience. I only took up sailing recently — my first time on a sailboat was Easter 2023 — and I’ve had to dedicate a lot of time to catch up with my peers, most of whom grew up around boats. It’s become a bit of an obsession and I spent 126 days on the water over the past 12 months and many evenings after work learning the theory of sail trim, navigation and meteorology as well as training on small dinghies on the old docks in East London. Alongside self-study, I completed the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean theory course this year through weekly evening classes. This followed the Yachtmaster Offshore course as an evening course the previous year. I came second highest in my cohort in the exam and found it an interesting experience to be back in the classroom as a student. Having to learn new topics and submitting homework on time gave me real sympathy for my own students! I’m also grateful to the college for supporting me to complete the RYA First Aid course. I’ve also been learning more about boat ownership and maintenance. I’ve taken on the ongoing restoration and maintenance of my own boat, Mimidae, a 1973 classic long-keel yacht that routinely surprises me with the kinds of challenges that come with a mechanical object that has spent over 50 years sitting in salt water. I’ve learned a lot about diesel engine servicing, fibreglass repair, and how to bail out knee-deep freezing bilge water by head torch on a January Friday night after a full week of work! I’ve participated in several regattas and race series, including Cork Week, Cowes Week, the City Sailing Series, and the Little Ship Club
James Humphrey Head of Design & Technology
Florence Wickert Head of DUCKS Music Florence has completed her level 9 Trampolining Award and recently competed in the London Gymnastics Trampolining Competition.
“As some of you know, I’m heading off on a planned sabbatical this half term. Over 20 days, I’ll be cycling the length of the country from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, covering around 2,000km and raising money for the Heritage Crafts charity as I go. From scissors to signwriting, cartwheels to clogs, along the way I’ll be meeting about 20 people who specialise in heritage crafts and learning about the endangered skills they practise, and the challenges of keeping those traditions alive today. I’ll be recording interviews with the makers, with the aim of producing a podcast that shares what I see and hear: who these people are, what they create, and what it means to carry on working by hand in a technically fast-moving world. A few people have asked whether I’ll be sharing updates; I’ll be trying to post daily on Instagram, capturing the ride and the makers along the way. You can follow the journey at @crafty_cyclist. Thanks for all the support and encouragement – and fingers crossed for a tailwind.”
Jenny Reinoso Encalada DUCKS Jenny is an Early Years Practitioner in the Kindergarten and completed a degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Annette Dipré Assistant Head, DUCKS
Sherrie Dolmans Medical Centre Assistant Sherrie loves spending time with her granddaughters, often taking them on trips to the coast and creating lasting memories together. A particularly special joy for her is watching Leyla Olivia play for the U13 Beckenham Town Football Club.
In May this year Annette graduated from UCL with a MSc in Child Development from the Psychology department. Annette completed this over 3 years part time.
Lucy Grainger (née Bennison) Year 1 class teacher, DUCKS Lucy married Sam Grainger (OA) on 20.07.24 and they are expecting their first baby in July.
Hayley Gale DUCKS
Hayley started working for the College in 2016 in the catering department. Over the past year Hayley has comp- leted her Level 3 Award in Child Care & Education, achieving an A*. Hayley will start as a Teaching Assistant at DUCKS in September 2025.
Grounds The continual development of the wildflower walk has seen numerous additional plantings during the dormant season of planting with the introduction of 2000 new bulb species across main campus planted by Evan Silva and Emad Mussa of Camasia, Anemone and Allium’s a welcoming sight in springtime. The winter season 2024 the garden team planted 22 new standard and semi mature trees across the campus, consisting of Acer Fremannii, Elsrijk and Elegant. Additional Alnus Glutinosa and Incana introduced into the wetland area of the nature walk, beneficial for carbon capture and nitrogen fixing capabilities. During Easter break the outside teacher/ learning area adjacent to the BMI garden Michael Davidson constructed from reclaimed railway sleepers a sturdy bench offering an enhancement to outside classroom teaching and welcoming seating during break times.
Outdoor Centre in Wales The work of Ian and Stephen at the Outdoor Centre has seen a complete transformation over the last 12 months. • Refurbishment programme completed with accessible toilets and shower facilities. • 4 star visit Wales rating • Increase in commercial income – doubled • New website and brand • Improved visibility – 5 Star Google ratings • Improved health and safety • New 5-year plan completed – Year 1 actions being completed • Lots of positive feedback from teachers, parents, and students
Medical Centre As a team, the Medical Centre team are proud of evolving the processes and systems that effect all aspects, pupils, parents, staff and Health & Safety. They are loving the sanctuary of the garden that is carefully maintained by the lovely ground staff (Winnie and Louis), a tranquil space for everyone. Rikefe Ohwosi & Sophie Robinson Rikefe Ohwosi and Sophie Robinson intervened and stopped people choking at lunch (!) recently; they acted brilliantly and stepped in.
Visitors More than 6,000 visitors are welcomed to our main Reception in the Barry Buildings by Harriet Brook and Helen McErlain every year! They both say they are very proud to be part of this team, and Harriet added: ‘Once a visitor asked me how I would you describe my position here and I replied “It’s like the movie Forrest Gump! Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you are going to get.” He said wow that’s lovely way of describing your job.’ Art Department The Art department has been recognised by the Royal Academy of Art for the Printmaking teachers award.
Kathi Palitz Head of Philanthropy Earlier this year Kathi supported SE19DanceProject to set up as a CIC and joined the board as director. SE19DanceProject is dedicated to making the arts, especially dance, accessible to local residents in the Crystal Palace, Penge and surrounding areas, eliminating the need to travel into central London to experience high-quality cultural engagement. The project creates meaningful opportunities for our community to experience dance both as participants and as audiences, fostering connection, creativity, and belonging. https:// www.se19dance.co.uk/
Ned’s Rocket AKA The Snackleton Ned’s Rocket was used for the first time at a wedding.
Education Property Awards Last Tuesday at ‘a black-tie event ‘at the Leeds Marriott Hotel’ Education Property (‘a publication dedicated to the education property marketplace, published by Nexus Media Group.’) announced the winners of their Education Property Awards and the ‘Dulwich College Lower School Library Building’ won School Project of the Year.
Joanne Whaley Head of Engagement
New Parents New parents enjoying the campus
Alumni & Development Office The team delivered over 55 events globally, serving an engaged community of current parents and over 13,000 alumni around the world. And the annual Bursary appeal has raised over £140,000 so far, bringing us within reach of funding a full seven-year bursary, a life-changing opportunity made possible because of our supportive community of OAs, parents, staff and friends.
Joanne completed seven years as a Beaver Scout Leader and is now helping with the Dulwich Scouts.
Simon Dungate-Jones Acting Deputy Master (Academic)
Mark Wignall Drama
Mark became engaged to be married to his partner Harry. The wedding will take place next year.
Simon recently took shared parental leave to look after his daughter, Nora. The family had a great time in France and from where Olivia, Simon’s wife, was able to work remotely.
Ella Johnson Drama
Ella completed the Great North Run in September (her first ever half marathon) followed by the Madrid half marathon during the Easter break. She was raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity who offered amazing support of her friend when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour while finishing their degrees and who lives to tell the tale and raise money and awareness, and is the inspiration for Ella’s madness!
Kathryn Norton-Smith Drama
Kathryn is Founder and Artistic Director of Young Pleasance. In 2025, the company will be marking 30 years of productions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and at Pleasance London in Islington. Eddie Loodmer-Elliott Drama Eddie left us in January after a number of years as our Theatre Practitioner in residence to embark on a National tour of Ghost Stories in the lead role of Simon Armitage. The production transfers to the West End later this year.
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20-21 Page 22-23 Page 24-25 Page 26-27 Page 28-29 Page 30-31 Page 32-33 Page 34-35Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker