Dawlish Discussion

Dear Parents and Carers

English, Mathematics and Science Department Staffing

As you may be aware the college has faced some significant staffing issues in the core subjects. These have been unavoidable and I have tried to minimise the disruption to students learning. Some supply agency staff have had to be used but there has also been cover from our own staff which I appreciate.

In English Ms Quigley has been off since half term and will not return until March at the earliest. Her Key Stage 3 and 4 lessons, in particular Year 11 Set 1, are being covered by Mrs Buchanan-Brown who is a very experienced English teacher. Ms Quigley’s remaining lessons, such as PSHE, will be covered by a long term supply teacher, Ms Daunt who is well known in the college and an experienced practitioner.

In Maths both Mr Hedden (Faculty Team Leader for Maths) and Mr Blackwell are currently not in college but will return mid-way through the Spring Term. I am pleased to say that I have secured the services of Mrs Adams to cover Mr Blackwell’s timetable and Mr Hedden’s Year 11 Set 2 class. Mrs Adams is a very experienced Maths teacher who previously worked at the college for many years and is also an examiner. I know she will support her classes well in the lead up to exams and mocks. For Mr Hedden’s remaining classes we have secured Mr Doidge, who again is an experienced teacher and has been with us since half term. Ms Blackwell, currently second in Maths, will take on the role as Head of Maths until Mr Hedden returns to the college. I want to express my thanks for her leadership, support and hard work in leading the Maths department in Mr Hedden’s absence. Any Year 11 parents who wish to discuss their child’s progress in Maths at the Year 11 Parents’ Evening on 9th January will need to see Mr Simon, Ms Caunter or Mr Woodhead. Please contact the college to make these appointments.

In Science, after a period of absence, Mr Nicholson is now back in college and will take up his role as Head of Science again in the New Year. Mrs Freeman will revert back to her second in department role and I thank her for role as acting Head of Science over this term.

Please be assured that the college is managing these absences to ensure that your son/daughter’s education does not suffer and I am very confident that the staff we have in place to cover the absent colleagues will be doing their upmost to ensure that they deliver the very best lessons, particularly for Year 11 students in the run up to the exam period.

If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me directly at the college.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

J Simon
Principal