staffnews
Mr Matthew Rushton (Second in English) Mrs Kate Duke Who has not been charmed by Matt Rushton?! In his two years at Bablake, he has cast a spell on staff and pupils alike with his enthusiasm, energy and sense of fun. Always versatile, he has appeared as PC Plod in his Literary Treasure Hunt, hosted his own game shows in lessons such as ‘The Great British Quote Off’, compèred a spelling bee, led Power Readers ceremonies, coached hockey, made a chicken out of a tea towel — but do not ask him to repeat this as it is not as impressive as it sounds — and even performed as a Gallagher brother and member of Green Day, at our Bablake Staff’s Got Talent, though it would be best not to mention he was not placed in the Top 3. There is, however, no doubt that his talent lies in the classroom. Pupils — or Rushtonites or Team Rushton as he insists they chant — have been won over by his passion and love of puns. His lessons are meticulously planned and full of innovative ways to engage his pupils. His rapport with pupils is obvious and his approach to parents friendly and professional, as is his relationship with colleagues, although he does enjoy teasing History’s Mr Jeff Grantham about his love of Aston Villa. Matt’s only interest in a season ticket would of course be restricted to a Potter World one — he has visited three times, and once he even took his child. Matt has been an inspirational Second in Department. He brought his magic to Key Stage 3, conjuring up new digital initiatives and successfully introducing the new IGCSE. From creating electronic markbooks to sharing his imaginative resources, Matt has indeed been a wizard. He leaves us to lead his own team. They are lucky to have such a kind, warm and talented man. With his zest for life, fervent love of teaching and thoughtful support of colleagues, who wouldn’t want to be part of team Rushton! Mrs Duke continued a recent trend for teacher poetry at our Staff Common Room’s End of Term Valete:
Thank you also to ... Mlle Lamia Loukil (French Assistant) and Herr Hakan Cetin (German Assistant) for their enthusiastic preparation of our linguists, and being excellent colleagues. Miss Grace Denny (Mathematics PGCE) who spent two terms at Bablake, making an excellent impact in the classroom and proving an exceptional colleague on school visits, including the Second Year Visit to Yorkshire. We wish Miss Denny the very best for her post teaching Mathematics in the Doha British School, Qatar. We are delighted to report that Mrs Kayleigh Lacey (Alumni Database Clerk), who left at the end of her initial contract in March 2016, returns for another year.
IN MEMORIAM
Mrs Sharon O’Meara (Treasurer) Mr John Watson Sharon was our Treasurer from September 2011 and fought a long, courageous battle with cancer, always thinking above all else of her family and strong in her faith until the end of her life. My first memory of Sharon is from her interview. She greeted me in a warm and friendly way, by name, before I had even introduced myself. This personal touch and conspicuous interest in people remained a hallmark of her time throughout Bablake. She was a most conscientious, dedicated colleague, with a ‘can-do’ attitude and a highly imaginative, positive approach to all her endeavours. She was an outstanding servant of our community, above all eager that what she did would have an impact on our pupils’ education. She was a great friend and colleague to many and we miss her hugely. But we cherish the memory of the very positive and beautiful person that she was. The Bablake community will also be saddened to hear of the death in January of retired French teacher Mrs Pamela Lloyd who suffered latterly from Alzheimer’s. Former Deputy Head Mrs Gill Thomas wrote: “Pam was an excellent linguist and highly respected colleague, who became a good friend to many of us. Pam was in charge of Fousseau and was such a kind, gentle lady. She set her pupils high standards and was determined they should reach their potential.”
Mr Rushton the teacher: energetic and playful his humour abounds His punning is legendary met by occasional groaning sounds Popular, personable, professional and Potter mad In the words of his pupils, “We’re really sad To say goodbye to a teacher who has inspired us and been totally funny.” His youthful exuberance and personality so sunny. Indeed, he’s a breath of fresh air breathing life into texts and Creating magic with flair. From King Lear to Treasure Island, Yeats and Of Mice and Men. Here’s to your sparkling future, Matt: a super colleague, an entertainer, our friend. Colleagues and friends supported ‘Glow in the City’ in Sharon’s memory. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool
23