THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
VALETE
VALETE
ELLA DAVISON
Mary Jo Doherty
E lla arrived at the College as a trainee teacher and within hours was very much part of the Art team. An Art History graduate from the Courtauld, she is also a keen and very accomplished ‘maker’, and it was clear from the offset we would learn as much, if not more, from her than she ever would from us. A sense of calm industry, a quick wit, a sponge-like approach to learning and extremely well- considered ideas and methodology are just a few of Ella’s attributes. When you work with her for even a short while you realise that she is meticulously organised and on pointe with both the practice and theory of our multi-faceted and unpredictable vocation. We have learned every day from Ella, and are carried with her on her quest to be a great teacher who continues to develop a lifelong love of the arts. She is completely pupil-focused, and always puts herself in the learner’s shoes. She has high expectations, both of herself and of every child that comes into her care. She is a rock; a reliable team player who supports her colleagues, going above and beyond, and showing the willingness and capacity to initiate new programmes of study and free learning. History of Art has been reintroduced as an A level; however, Ella has already woven the critical and contextual approach throughout her teaching of all the year groups, ensuring it is relevant and interesting to many – not just the few. Ella does not shy away from challenges, whether it is developing a practical skill or making some rather ‘dry’ subject matter exciting. She is always creative, thorough and resilient in finding ways to bypass any potential obstacle. Not afraid to don an apron and get stuck in with all sorts of materials, she works under the umbrella motto of ‘There is always a way’. Ella also has the ability to soak up all the different approaches within the team, and is always humble when we follow her lead. She was a natural choice to guide and lead
our young art scholars: they have grown visibly in stature and skill under her guidance. After quickly establishing herself within the art studios and the (no longer) hidden library of the Art Department, Ella took on a Year 9 form with ease, which eventually led to a further visiting tutor responsibility at Orchard and Old Blew, a role she cared deeply about, recognising the value of working with our cherished boarders. Bringing more of her imitable style and professionalism to community service, Ella was a regular reader who led our pupil mentors at City Heights. The Alleynian , too, was graced with her sharp wit and great eye for detail. Dressed in her famous dungarees, Ella relished the College’s free learning opportunities, and her love of the Victorian era gave her the chance to introduce sewing tasks to a captive audience. Thanks to Ella, we now know boys can sew! Ella leaves London for a new life in York, and St Peter’s School are unbelievably lucky to have her. She lacks the ‘creative ego’ and was therefore needlessly wrought with nerves on her interview day. It is her kindness, grace and humility that underpin her true value as a person, a friend and a professional. We’ll miss her desperately and wish her the very best as new challenges and a new life open up for both her and her fiancé, Andrew, in York. Thank you, Ella.
RICHARD CLANCY
Joe Hallam
T here are many people around the world who have Dulwich College in their hearts, but you will be hard-pressed to find someone who bleeds black and blue as much as Richard. He joined the Economics Department in 2015 after a brief, four-year stint away from the College earning a degree in Economics from Warwick University and a PGCE from Cardiff University. He impressed colleagues and pupils alike with his hard- working, conscientious attitude to teaching, and quickly proved to be a valuable member of the Economics team. Students will remember Mr Clancy’s (copywritten) packs and his attention to detail in the classroom. He is an excellent Economics teacher, and his dedication to the subject and the pupils in his tutelage is unparalleled. In the department Richard was known for his infamous supporting of Manchester United, his keenness for a quiz (although only if the questions were factually correct), and his ever-growing collection of suits in the office!
Outside the department, Richard contributed widely to life at the College. He ran the enormously successful Young Enterprise programme, was a passionate and fantastic Upper School Housemaster for Marlowe, and headed up the squash programme in his final year. The enthusiasm he put into all aspects of his life at Dulwich will be sorely missed, and impossible to replace. While China is geographically distant from the College, Richard isn’t completely cutting ties with DC as he follows his sabbatical year at DC Suzhou by becoming their new Head of Economics. This promotion is thoroughly deserved and I am sure he will continue to succeed in the next stage of his career. Richard is already missed by the department and we wish him and Elizabeth all the very best on their continued adventure in China.
DRESSED IN HER FAMOUS DUNGAREES, ELLA RELISHED THE COLLEGE’S FREE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
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