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Trio retires after clocking up more than 75 years of teaching




Long-serving staff 'contributed so much, in so many different ways' says head

MORE than 75 years teaching has been clocked up by three long-serving members of staff at St Bartholomew’s School who retired at the end of the summer term.

The school said a fond farewell to Clive Grant, Val Pollitt and Cheryl Nichol at an end of term tea party held on Monday.

Mrs Pollitt has been associated with the Newbury school for 54 years, joining Newbury CountyGirls’ Grammar School as a pupil from 1961 to 1968, before returning to teach history in 1972 for three years, and again in 1991.

She said: “I have loved teaching at St Bart’s, working with wonderful colleagues and enthusiastic students. I have enjoyed seeing the second generation in families coming to my classes.

“I have a particular interest in the history of the school and it has been a privilege to write two books commemorating key events at St Bart’s.”

Mr Grant joined the school in 1980 as a music teacher and was promoted to head of expressive arts in 2006.

He said: “Teaching music really does equip students in so many different ways to lead a fulfilled and enjoyable future.

“Every year students at St Bart’s have so many opportunities to get involved in concerts, house music competitions and performances.

“I will miss the real buzz of making high-quality music with students who have worked tirelessly to achieve their success. I plan to continue to be involved in music education by taking up a part-time lectureship in secondary music education at the University of Reading.

“Getting more exercise by walking the dogs and visiting France more often are also on the agenda.”

Mrs Nichol is the head of the English faculty and is retiring after 14 years, which started memorably, coinciding with an Ofsted inspection in her very first weeks.

Talking about her career highlights she said: “I have worked with fantastic colleagues and students and seen the faculty develop and grow in both size and success.

“Exam results have improved year on year while new subjects in media and film studies have been introduced and become extremely popular. Working with young people has been stimulating and energising and this was particularly evident when we took a group of media students to LA.

“My plans now are to indulge in my hobby of sewing, patchwork and quilting, and I also intend to travel.”

Headteacher Julia Mortimore said of the trio: “Clive, Val and Cheryl have all contributed so much to St Bart’s, in so many different ways.

“We will miss their expertise and wish them well for the future.”



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