STAFF ANNEXE
Alan has been a marvellous friend and colleague to an enormous number of people and , as he takes his final curtain call at Pocklington , we wish him well in his retirement . The many tributes we have received from pupils , OPs and audience members are a testament to the transformational impact he has had on both the school community and the surrounding locality . The York Evening Press couldn ’ t have got it more right : Alan is outstanding , intellectual , intelligent and always entertaining ! Very best wishes for a long and happy retirement !
ANGIE EDWARDS
recently , she has ensured that the Drop Everything and Read initiative has become an integral part of school life and has been a stalwart supporter of our evolving revision skills programme .
Over the years , Angie ’ s passion for the written word , as well as her kindness , sense of humour – and plain speaking ! – have not only helped to develop the library as a physical space , but also to nurture a committed team of assistant librarians and student assistants as well as the many generations of Pocklingtonians who have passed through the library ’ s doors .
For many Pocklingtonians , past and present , ‘ Mrs E ’ has become one of Pock ’ s ‘ living legends ’. Whether on the receiving end of the iron rod of her library rules ( there aren ’ t many ... but woe betide you if your mobile phone appears in the library !) or her words of wisdom and guidance , Angie ’ s support to the Pocklington community has extended far beyond the remit of any formal job description .
Another string to her bow is the careful curation and preservation of the school archives . Although Angie retires from leading the library team , she will continue to manage the school archives on a parttime basis . them a platform on which to perform . The annual joint Summer Concert has seen Cathie encourage nervous Prep School pupils to perform in their groups in front of both Prep School and Senior School parents – this was the first performance of the fledgling String Group !
Yet , Cathie has given so much more than amazing musical opportunity to the school . She has a great love for the outdoors and expeditions ; she has attended the Year 6 Bewerley Park trip , the French trip and the Year 4 Bewerley Park trip on more than one occasion .
Cathie has been a superb colleague and friend to many staff . Once the lockdown restrictions lift , she plans to use her time in retirement to travel and explore . All the best Cathie !
CATHERINE BAINES
Since joining the school in 2000 , Angie has made it her mission to put the library , and a love of reading , at the heart of Pocklington life .
This is quite literally the case – when Angie joined , the library was housed in what is now the chapel ! Under Angie ’ s oversight , the last 20 years have seen the library relocated , redesigned , and reimagined as a modern , welcoming facility that is one of the most distinctive spaces in the school community , playing host to a wide range of events and gatherings in addition to its role as a centre of learning .
Angie has also worked tirelessly to ensure that the library remains contemporary , relevant and progressive in its approach , curating an ever-widening range of electronic resources and championing the use of the library – physically and virtually – with staff , parents and pupils . Her efforts have extended to supporting the prep school with the development of their own library provision .
Angie always has one eye on the horizon , looking for future opportunities and developments that may help to support colleagues with their own teaching and learning as well as evolving the library ’ s own provision . She has been generous in her support of us all ... but is also not afraid to dole out a little ‘ tough love ’ when needed !
Angie is also passionate about study skills , and the process of learning . She was an inaugural member of the staff team who introduced the EPQ to Pocklington and has supervised many students to the successful realisation of their final projects , as well as guiding students with their research and sourcing materials for them via the British Library . More
CATHIE DANCE
Cathie joined the Prep School 14 years ago , when it was still known as Lyndhurst School , as Head of Music . Cathie is an outstanding music teacher knowing just how to draw the best out of every pupil , even the most reluctant musical performer . She quickly established the school choir as a strong performance group , regularly returning from Pontefract Music Festival with an array of trophies and it was evident to see her enthusiasm being passed on to the pupils . The choir has regularly attended other events at North Eastern Prep Schools , enjoying producing concerts that parents greatly appreciate their children having the opportunity to take part in .
Cathie has developed music at the school beyond the choir and pupils benefit from an array of musical ensembles and groups . She always has an eye out for up and coming musicians , keen to give
Catherine has been a huge asset to the Languages Department and her presence has been such a positive one . Catherine has cared so much about all her pupils and classes and has always gone the extra mile , especially for her GCSE and A Level classes and when it has come to preparation for the speaking exams .
She is a passionate and very knowledgeable linguist and has shared this passion and knowledge with her pupils with great enthusiasm and dedication throughout her time at Pocklington , inspiring so many to continue with their studies in French .
Catherine has a new nickname : Queen of Resources ! She has always been keen to research , find new material and share resources with others which is very much appreciated . The department is a better place for having had Catherine in it !
Catherine achieved so much in her role as Head of French , running many successful second year French trips , ( very calmly !) which hundreds of second years have loved and which have been such a valuable experience for so many over the years . She has been a supportive , reliable and lovely colleague and will be greatly missed . Enjoy retirement !
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