Salvete - September 2013

James returns to St. Olave’s as 2nd in the Mathematics Faculty. Educated at Warden Park School, he graduated with a Degree in Mathematics from UWC Cardiff. James’ recent responsibilities at Combe Bank and other Schools have included VLE management, Duke of Edinburgh Award Leadership, Timetabling and SIMS expertise. A keen Chess player, James is also involved in Orienteering and Cross Country.

Miss Rachel Garswood is starting her teaching career at St. Olave’s as Teacher of Geography. Educated at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, she graduated from Exeter University with a B.Sc. Degree in Geography, before completing her PGCE at Exeter University with placements including Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. As well as having completed the Duke of Edinburgh Leader Training Course, Rachel is a qualified First Aider, a keen singer and choir member.

We are very pleased to have secured the services of Dr Stewart, who joins us as Head of Physics after 5 years in the same role at Langley Park. Educated at Hamilton Grammar School, he went on to read Physics at the University of Glasgow before gaining a PhD in Offshore Engineering at Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh. Dr Stewart has been involved with running lower school Science Clubs, organising revision trips, planning STEM activities with local Primary Schools and organising a school Football Club.

We are fortunate to have Mrs Sezgin Kemal joining us as a Teacher of English, after a decade as Head of English at Newstead Wood School. Mrs Kemal read English and American Literature at the University of Kent before doing her PGCE at Magdalen College, Oxford. We hope to benefit from her experience in organising national and international events, as well as from her Trusteeship of the Ripley Arts Society.

We are delighted that Miss Meera Lawrence has joined us as Teacher of Physics. After attending Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls, Miss Lawrence went on to Cambridge University where she graduated with a Degree in Engineering and then an MA from Newnham College. She has taught at Mascalls School where she was KS4 Co-ordinator, an Advisor for Years 7–11 and a Film Club Leader, as well as a Mentor for trainee teachers. Miss Lawrence has a keen interest in conversational French and enjoys costume-making.

William has been appointed as the new Teacher of Economics. Educated at Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire, he went on to the University of Manchester where he graduated with a Degree in Economics and an MSc in Development Economics and Policy. Mr Haines’ PGCE in Business Education concluded with a final placement at Manchester Grammar School. He is a keen sportsman with extensive Rugby coaching experience, currently working towards the RFU Level 3 Coaching qualification; he is also an accomplished Cricketer who represents the MCC.

Stephen Thompson

We are pleased to welcome Mr Stephen Thompson who joins us as a full time Biology teacher to cover the maternity leave of Mrs Upsdell. Mr Thompson was educated at Oakwood Park Grammar School before studying at Keele University. He taught Biology previously at St Simon Stock Catholic School where he was also Gifted/Talented and SEN Co-ordinator as well as Science Department Literacy Co-ordinator. Mr Thompson is currently continuing his studies through a distance learning M.Litt on ‘Creation, Origins and Science’ at the University of Durham.

Mr Robert Cliff also joins the Science Faculty as a parttime Teacher of Astronomy. Educated at Haberdasher’s Askes Hatcham, he went on to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, to graduate with an MA in Natural Sciences. In fact, 2 of his sons were, themselves, former students at St Olave’s. President of Blackheath and Bromley Harriers Athletics Club, Mr Cliff has been involved with middle distance athletics since school; he has also assisted with Duke of Edinburgh Training Expeditions to North Wales.

Jeremy Dodd

We are pleased to welcome back Mr Jeremy Dodd, who joins the Physics Department as a trainee teacher on the School Direct Programme. Educated here at St Olave’s Grammar School, Jeremy went on to Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he graduated with a Degree in Physics. He worked recently as a volunteer for City Year London as a Learning Mentor and also took part in the School Power programme to promote Science in Primary Schools. A Duke of Edinburgh Award holder himself, Mr Dodd is now involved with this programme at St Olave’s. He has a keen interest in Hockey and Rugby and, whilst at Oxford, rowed for his College and was elected Secretary of the Boat Club.

Dr Sidhu has been appointed on a School Direct Programme training place in the Biology Department. Dr Sidhu attended Blue Coats CE School before graduating with a Degree in Molecular Biology from University College, London. He continued his studies with an MSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Exeter and subsequently gained a PhD in Structural Biology from the University of Warwick. As a Senior Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Cancer Research UK, Dr Sidhu conducted some fascinating study into Fanconi Anemia. He speaks fluent Punjabi, some Hindi and is also a keen sportsman.