Simon Robinson Simon Robinson joined the school in January 2005 on a maternity cover post in the Biology department for two terms. He actually stayed until July 2017 and undertook a wide range of roles within the School during that time. Simon excelled in both the academic and pastoral sides of the School. He was an exceptional Biology teacher and was eventually appointed Head of Science and oversaw the introduction of iGCSE to the KS4 curriculum. Simon later moved to be Head of IT and worked to improve the computer facilities and to expand the IT curriculum for KS3. Simon was Head of Old Stede House from 2005 to 2010 and the girls always appreciated his advice, enthusiasm and sense of fun. He was also an excellent Tutor in the Sixth Form and then returned to the pastoral team at Kings as a Tutor in New Stede from 2013. Simon also played a major role in the School’s extra-curricular life. He was a stalwart member of the Big Band for many years, playing the saxophone. He also organised two successful Big Band tours to Belgium and Lake Maggiore. We all wish Simon the very best in the future and the school will miss him. Rachel Bradley (Head of St John’s Boarding & Classics Teacher)
Matthew Shepherd Matthew Shepherd is one of the finest people you could ever hope to meet. He always goes out of his way to help anyone in need. He is reliable, trustworthy and dependable. The School was lucky enough to have him join the staff back in 2002 when he became a teacher in Year 5. He cared deeply about the children he taught, and he quickly established a respectful rapport with his pupils. Matthew has the uncanny knack of quickly getting to know people – if you ever wanted to know someone’s name or what their role was, Matthew would be the one to ask. 98 | The Old Berkhamstedian 2018
As a colleague, Matthew always had the ability to de-stress situations with his humour and good nature. He was fantastic to work with because he was such a positive team player. Nothing ever seemed to faze him; faced with an unexpected situation, such as being stuck in London on a coach full of excited children, or having to teach an entire year group of pupils, Matthew coped without batting an eyelid. He always believed that lessons and learning should be fun, and his pupils responded with enthusiasm. Matthew has a passion for sport and is able to bring out the best in the teams and individuals he coaches. He could quickly assess a player and give them tips that would enhance their skills. His positivity and warmth shone through – though there is an irony to the fact that he is now refereeing rugby to a high level; as a player, he seemed to spend a fair bit of time being ‘spoken to’ by referees. After making his mark in both Year 5 and Year 2, he moved with the merger, in 2011, to the Pre-Prep site. He oversaw the running of the ICT suite and was always called upon, in the first instance, to help rectify any problems. Matthew is a selfless person and was always ready and willing to help in any way he could. When Matthew arrived at Berkhamsted he was young, single and fresh-faced. Like a fine wine, he has matured gracefully. It has been a pleasure to see his happiness and family grow, first with his marriage to the lovely Jo, and then with the arrival of his daughters, Bethan and Lily. Although Matthew will be greatly missed by all at both the Prep and Pre-Prep, it is good to know that we will still see him on the sports fields every now and then. We wish him every future success at Milton Keynes Prep. He deserves it! Liz Mitchell and Dave Hargreaves (Staff)