Page 12 - link magazine

12 swindonlink.com • June 2012
Red Oaks role beckons West head

Inspirational Toothill Primary headteacher of six years Martyn Cow-
ell is set to make a return to the classroom from September, when he
moves to Red Oaks Primary, to get back to doing the job he loves in
teaching children.
Leaving Toothill after 21 years bringing the curriculum alive.”
working his way up from teacher to Year 5 pupil Jasleen Bharj said she
head is likely to be hard, but Martyn will be sad to see him leave. “Mr
has some cherished memories. He Cowell is very kind. If anyone gets
said: “I’ve had a fantastic time at hurt he leaves everything and rushes
Toothill watching two generations over to help. He’s always funny and
of pupils come through the school; he tells you off in a nice way.”
I’ve learned an awful lot. Keiran Coombs added: “He’s the
“Having Kevin McCloud come best headteacher in the world and
to open the new school building in my favourite football coach.”
2008 was a real personal highlight, Jack Tilling also from year 5 said:
because all the staff and pupils had “Mr Cowell has taught me about
a big input into the design and we determination and courage and
created a school to be proud of. now I’m determined to do my best
“But there’s so much going on in school.”
in education, and I’m keen to get School administrator Helen Huby
back to doing what I’ve always been thinks Martyn’s return to teaching
passionate about.” is a fantastic move, but said she’ll
Famed for dressing up as char- be sorry to see him go: “All the staff
acters as widely different as Henry will miss his exuberance, leadership
VIII and Inspector Clouseau, with and compassion, and we wish him
the odd Greek warrior and bucca- all the best in his new role.”
neer thrown in for good measure, At Red Oaks Martyn will also be
Martyn reflected on the legacy he responsible for information technol-
leaves behind at Toothill: “It’s all ogy, PE and setting up Red Oaks
about making learning fun and radio station.
Martyn Cowell with Toothill children in front of their
brand new school in September 2008

Space ideas win prizes

Haydon Wick Primary School’s fascination with outer space was on
show when staff from the UK Space Agency visited to show children
samples of meteorites, moon rock and talk about the solar system.
The visit was a prize won
by 9 year old Angel-Lee Rich-
ardson who won a Wiltshire-
wide schools’ competition to
design a holiday card that the
Space Agency could use on
its web site.
Angel-Lee said: “On my
picture I put in the earth and
planets, asteroids, satellites, a
rocket and an alien.”
UK Space Agency direc-
tor of policy and operations
Emma Lord said: “Angel-
Lee’s entry stood out for her
variety of ideas and colours,
Contact Basepoint Business Centre, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon and the small design details
t: 01793 608800 she included. It must have
www.basepoint.co.uk Follow us @Basepoint_Swnd taken her hours to work out Angel-Lee with her entry and Emma Lord
and colour in.” holding a piece of meteorite

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