SCHOOL NEWS // STAFF LEAVERS
bullying to wholly compassionate , and seen the school improve to the extent that it is unrecognisable from the stark , rugbyobsessed school it was in 1985 . Despite arriving as a sportsman , I am proud to say that other than a stint running Badminton ( when I encouraged all nonsporting people to come along and had a class of 65 + until removed from the post ) my bemusement over enthusiasm for team sports and resistance to their continuing dominance has been reflected in a successful avoidance of them .
My thanks to all staff and students over the years for making this life journey unforgettable . In particular , to my old friend Mark Rowe who transformed the English Dept .; my ex-House Master during my residency at Dolman , Christopher Solomon ; my co-creators of the School ’ s unique group of touring dancers called Solstice ( 1990-2000 ) John Peel , John Williamson and Tom Taylor ; those other amazing people who so willingly also gave so much to so many bizarre Drama productions , including Peter Edwards , Anna Hallam , Bryony Marshall , Allison Bond , Richard Bond , Adam Hall , our visiting actor Jules Finnigan , Ellie Girling , Helen Alexander , Martin Kettlewell , Ian Sheppard , Jo Metcalfe and Steve Ellis ; to Rachel Farrar and Alan Dennis for coffee and chat ; and to my current boss Clare Bracken who , for me , has exemplified compassionate professionalism .
Also , my thanks to the current staff and especially to the wonderful pupils present and past from whom I have learnt how to be a better person , and whose creativity , courage and imagination leave mine far behind . It has been a joy to work with you all .
The Drama Dept . I shall miss enormously . Steff Ryan , whose talents are endless and set design skills second to none ; Cheryl White , whose dedication , energy and unstoppable zest for life have been a delight to work with ; Gemma Hudson , whose ideas are unending and who cares so much for her pupils ; and most of all my long-time partner Emma Cunningham , whose creativity , matched with lazer-like organisational precision , has enabled Drama to grow and flourish and whose company has made our time together in the department a place of laughter and light .
It has been a privilege . Alan Heaven
“ Would you like to play God ?” That is how Alan Heaven started a conversation with me once , and it led me to one of the most enjoyable acting experiences and most talented company of players that I have ever had the privilege of working with ( It was the York Mystery plays , not a megalomaniacal night out ). I am one of the staff members who had the chance to work with Alan as actor on a number of occasions , and it was an opportunity that gave me some of my most enjoyable and most memorable experiences on the stage . Unfailingly , I found him to be a gentlemen , a mentor , and one of the most talented directors I have ever worked with . His ability to hold every aspect of a production in his head , to create his vision and that make it happen , and to produce magic and drive and energy when he needs to has inspired generations of young actors . In all this , he carries himself with modesty and a quiet charm that seems quite at odds with the genius that he is ( and I do not use that word lightly ). I offer my thanks and good wishes , on behalf of all those actors who were caught up in the fun and the madness that was working with Alan .
Adam Hall
CATHERINE BAINES
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 of 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 such enthusiasm and dedication throughout her time at Pocklington and inspiring so many to continue with their studies in French .
We have all looked up to Catherine and she has kindly helped newer members of the department along the way , admiring our ( sometimes somewhat naf !) displays and indulging us in our more crazy ideas like running a Great European Bake Off ...
We have decided to give Catherine a new nickname : the Queen of Resources ! She has always been keen to research , find new material and share resources with others and for this we are thankful . 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 2nd year French trips , ( very calmly !) which hundreds of 2nd years have loved and which have been such a valuable experience for so many over the years . We have all loved working alongside Catherine ; she has been supportive , reliable and such a lovely colleague - we will miss her hugely . I am sure she will be taking many fond memories away with her into retirement . We wish her all the very best and please , stay in touch and come back and see us when you can ! On ne te dira pas “ au revoir ”, mais à bientôt ....”
N Scott-Somers
6 THE POCKLINGTONIAN