STAFF LEAVERS THERESE HARVEYVOYCE 2000

Therese joined us as a teacher of English in 2000 and her impact on both students and colleagues alike was certainly not apropos of nothing; but can be explained by her personality, hard work and humour.

Throughout her time at the school Therese got involved in a number of different areas, most notably as Head of PSHE, Deputy Head of Sixth Form and in her masterful direction of a number of school productions. For a school that had no Drama on the curriculum, Therese ensured that we punched above our weight in terms of whole school productions. Most notably: Romeo and Juliet (with that wonderful spiral staircase), History Boys, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Guys and Dolls, Keep the Home Fires Burning and the Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew.

As an English teacher, Therese was a charismatic and inspirational communicator, often leading students to confer “legend” status on her and her lessons. Her quick wit, florid turn of phrase, and no-nonsense classroom management ensured that her students understood that the priority in Mrs Harvey-Voyce’s lessons was to be engaged, articulate and passionate. Many generations of A-level Literature students will remember performing plays in class, participating in heated academic debate, and Therese’s knack for finding creative ways into texts, memorably a lesson dedicated to comparing scents and after-shaves, in relation to Patrick Suskind’s gothic novel, ‘Perfume’. Therese will be missed by her colleagues in English for her experience, support and her uncanny facility for finding the ‘most just’.

For the past ten years Therese has been particularly focused on supporting students in the Sixth form. Firstly, in her role as Head of Year 12 and then as Deputy Head of Sixth Form. It was a brave student who walked into the lair of Ms HarveyVoyce and Ms Barrett if they were in trouble, but if they needed support and guidance they would find a warm and helpful welcome.

Therese has now taken up a new part-time career, where she puts the authority and acting skills developed over decades as a teacher to great effect as a wedding officiant. I wonder which fortunate alumni will walk down the aisle to see an aforeseen stern faced Ms Harvey-Voyce smiling back at them.

T Murray