VALETE
Alex Matthews _»ã+ǪǟǝШË
A lex Matthews joined the Junior School in September 2013 from Summerlea Primary near Chichester, having studied Geography at Oxford. His knowledge of excellent practice, highly organised planning and gentle but professional demeanour was apparent to boys, staff and parents from his first terms. Throughout his time as a Year 5 teacher, he really got the boys to work for him, was attentive to their individual needs and set high expectations in terms of work, dress and behaviour. He extended the most able, but was equally at home with the bottom Maths set, giving them confidence and inspiring them L ucy Webber joined the Chemistry Department in September 2014, and from the moment she arrived, she fitted seamlessly into the team. With boundless enthusiasm for Chemistry and for teaching, she established an easy rapport with classes across the age and ability range. Her calm and confident manner enabled her to elicit the best from the boys in her care and her lessons were planned with meticulous care and attention to detail. She designed a wide range of imaginative resources (including a plethora of booklets and PowerPoint presentations), and I am grateful to her for sharing these so freely with the department. Besides her teaching, Lucy was a much-valued Middle School tutor.
about what they could achieve.
Alex’s talents for management and leadership have been recognised by St Paul’s Juniors (formerly Colet Court) and he leaves us to become their Deputy Head Pastoral. We will miss his calm and rational take on everything, his passion for helping all staff and boys and his keen sense of humour. I know, though, that his ability to tell a full- faced fib with a glint in his eye to some of our more gullible members of staff will not be missed. We wish this very talented and popular professional friend and colleague every piece of luck. I feel that another trip (or five) to the tailors for a new suit is required: he deserves it. Thomas the Apostle College (STAC), devising activities and arranging the rota for sessions. These proved to be extremely popular with the boys and girls who attended them. Outside of the classroom, Lucy’s most significant contribution to the co-curricular life of the College was through the Scouts. Her participation in the weekly meetings and activities was greatly appreciated. Highly ambitious, Lucy’s goal was to lead a department of her own, so when the position of Head of Chemistry at Sydenham High School came up, it proved too good an opportunity to miss. We sadly said goodbye to her in January 2017, but hope that she is greatly enjoying her new role and wish her all the very best for the future.
Over his four years at the College, Alex has always been able to take on more responsibilities. He started with the Excellence and Enrichment co-ordination – which has thrived under his leadership – and then, in 2015, he was rightly promoted to Deputy Head Co-curriculum to run all the clubs and co-curricular subjects. This has included setting up the afterschool care programme, running highly successful ski trips to Alpe D’Huez and Risoul, and co- ordinating the calendar. He has also been a very valuable member of SMT in meetings and around the school. Lucy Webber <ÓãV}¶ She always took great trouble to get to know the boys in her Form and offered tremendous pastoral and academic support to them. Within the department, she was always quick to volunteer her time. She helped to run ChemSoc with efficiency and enthusiasm and could be relied upon to staff numerous revision clinics whenever necessary. In addition, she helped to organise our annual Year 12 Undergraduate Taster Weekend, and accompanied the boys on a host of lecture days in London. Passionate about inspiring a love of Chemistry in all pupils, not just those at the College, she rapidly became immersed in our outreach programmes with Bonus Pastor and St
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