Page 16 - link magazine

16 swindonlink.com • May 2008
Nurturing school Greendown’s loss, Commonweal’s gain

receives Ofsted praise A multi-talented teacher from Greendown School has moved on after 20
years, to become deputy head of Commonweal School in Old Town.
Ofsted inspectors have reported that Tregoze Primary has made exem- Bob Linnegar, who As well as meeting
plary provision for pupils with social and emotional problems. started at Greendown his wife Lindsey at the
Headteacher, Helen Swanson, The school was described as good as a Science Technician school, his job also af-
was delighted with the report fol- with some outstanding features. in 1988, before taking a fected Bob’s spiritual
lowing an inspection in February. “Pupils’ personal development teaching qualification life. “In 1996, I became a
“We came out as a good school and well-being and their spiritual, was one of the last origi- Christian because of the
with outstanding features. One of moral, social and cultural devel- nal members of staff. people in this school,”
the things the inspectors picked up opment are excellent,” wrote the As well as teaching he said. “I was keen on
was our nurture room and chill out inspectors. They commented that Science, a couple of becoming ordained, but
facilities which help children who children are aware of other cultures, years ago he took an God had other plans for
may otherwise have been excluded through their involvement with the NVQ in catering, and me and I remained in
from school.” Gambia Project and their work in started teaching a voca- education.”
literature and art. The inspectors tional cookery course in an unused Deputy headteacher John Young
found that caring and guidance kitchen at the school. regrets having to lose an exceptional
were outstanding. Over the last few years he took individual. “Bob has been a good
Mrs Swanson found the inspec- on the role as a professional tutor, friend to many of us and a reassur-
tion process a positive experience, working with some of the 30 trainee ing person when there are prob-
with open discussions between teachers working at Greendown lems. His presence will be missed
staff and inspectors. “It gave a true each year. by both staff and students.”
The Blackthorn School reflection of what is happening on
of Photography a day to day basis. There weren’t Day of tears for school favourite
Digital image-making many recommendations and those When Jill Morkot joined Shaw Ridge Primary School as admin of-
and black and white printing things mentioned had already ficer in 1986 she spent a lot of time counting out dinner money and
based at our specialist been addressed and measures put wiping noses.
teaching centre near Cricklade in place.” She retired as school burser at the Jill’s long service. Headteacher
Evening, day and weekend The whole staff celebrated their end of term, as a controller of a large Sally Cowell said, “Jill was a true
courses for beginners and excellent report over dinner at a budget and being responsible for professional colleague dedicated
advanced photographers local pub. “We are lucky we all get processing huge amounts of pupil to making the school a great place
www.photography-courses.com on and work well together and data. “The job changed out of all for the children. She is a friend to
Tel: 01454 416937 that is what has made the school recognition as more responsibili- absolutely everybody and will be
or 07920 116492 as successful as it is,” said Mrs ties was passed down to schools,” greatly missed.”
Swanson.
said Jill. Sad as she was to depart Jill said
Emotions ran high on her last it was the right time. “With the new
day with cards and gifts arriving school about to be built, I’m glad
from children, parents and staff, to be leaving the old Shaw Ridge
and an assembly dedicated to which I’ve known for 22 years.

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