Staff Testimonials
Edel-Anne Byrne MA(Cantab) QTS, Teacher of English Literature & Language
Life before New Hall
Before coming to New Hall, I read the English Tripos at Cambridge University. My particular passion has always been the Victorian novel and the study of writers such as Elizabeth Gaskell and George Eliot. However, during my time at Cambridge, when not immersed in a Shakespeare play or three volume novel, I managed to partake in a diverse range of activities. These included being involved in several dramatic productions, one of which toured Vancouver, Canada. I also indulged my passion for writing in both creative and critical spheres. I have had two poems published in separate anthologies to date.
I came to New Hall after I attended a talk, given by Mrs Jeffrey at the University Chaplaincy, about teaching in Catholic schools. When I visited New Hall I was deeply impressed by all that the school had to offer; it helped me to make a definite decision about entering the teaching profession. In September 2006 I commenced the Graduate Training Programme at New Hall.
What do you enjoy most about working at New Hall?
I am fortunate to work with teachers of real integrity, who possess a passion for great literature. The thing I enjoy most about working at New Hall is being able to come to work every day and enter an environment where the study of literature is alive and thriving. English Literature never becomes stale because we are always excited about introducing new texts and ideas to our students; that excitement sustains us.
What do you enjoy most about your subject?
Like most English specialists, I enjoy the fact literature is not finite. It is remarkable to look at how the same techniques and forms have been continually adapted and changed to express the character of particular cultures and civilisations. Literature is an expression, not only of the changes which have occurred in the course of human history, but a statement about the inherent qualities we all possesses, no matter the era in which we live. The changing nature of language means literature remains filled with possibility and we can shape the literature of our own time; how we are read and remembered by future generations.
What makes New Hall so special?
New Hall is a vibrant environment in which to learn and it is bold in its decisions to embrace change. However, at the heart of the school, the ethos remains the same as it has always been. The values of the school are rooted in beliefs which are personally significant to me and these values in practice mean that every person is truly valued as a member of the community.
Hobbies & Interests
As already intimated my interests are rooted in literature and writing, this extends to theatre and dramatic productions. I also really enjoy travel and have spent time in America, Africa and Europe. This has often enabled me to visit schools in these parts of the world, and has enriched my life as a teacher. I am a keen singer and also enjoy volunteering for a number of charity projects.
Christina Bader BA(Hons)(Nottingham), Teacher of Latin & Classics
Life before New Hall
As a former student of New Hall, a.k.a. ‘old fish;’ I can’t really remember a life when New Hall wasn’t somehow involved! However, I did manage to leave eventually to go to university, followed by two years spent in Rome working as an English teacher and a tourist guide.
What do you enjoy most about working at New Hall?
My colleagues, the beautiful surroundings and the lively environment.
What do you enjoy most about your subject?
I love the breadth of Classics: whether you are a linguist, a historian, a philosopher or a musician, you can research the topics that you consider to be most important.
What makes New Hall so special?
The sense of community is striking. New Hall is a home to many students who are boarding, as well as to some members of staff. As a former day student myself, I always felt and still do feel privileged to be a part of that community, even if only during the day time!
Hobbies & Interests
I love music. I have been playing the ‘cello since I was six and have played in various orchestras and bands in England, Rome and even appeared on ‘Blue Peter’. I also love to sing and my highlight so far was to participate in a jazz festival in Certaldo, Tuscany. As well as musical interests, I am also a keen snowboarder and very much looking forward to the upcoming season.
Philippa Munro, Teacher of Cookery
Life before New Hall
I always really enjoyed cookery at school and, after working for a few years organising international trade exhibitions, I decided to make a career change and trained at Leith’s School of Food and Wine. After qualifying, I taught at the school and cooked in Directors’ Dining Rooms. During my 15 years as a caterer, I worked for banks, stockbrokers, film stars and royalty. I was the Director’s chef at the Guardian and Observer Newspapers, which was a wonderful job where I met politicians and film stars. I continued to teach cookery to adults, both privately and for Mid Essex Education Authority. In 2007, I was offered the opportunity to come to New Hall to teach in the newly opened Cookery Department.
What do you enjoy most about my subject?
Cookery is an art, a science, a life skill and really just a lot of fun! If I have a busy day, cooking dinner makes me relax. If I am anxious about anything, cooking makes me stop, think and relax. Passing on skills like these to young people is the most rewarding job I have ever done. Cookery is the perfect job for instant feedback – seeing a student try a new food or cook a new dish and enjoying themselves is wonderful.
What makes new Hall so special?
New Hall values each student for themselves, whatever their abilities. They have the chance to find out what they are good at and to use that discovered talent within the school community. There is a real sense of family here and I enjoy being part of that family.
Hobbies & Interests
Cookery (obviously), gardening (growing things to cook), walking my dog (to try and walk off all the food), knitting, sewing and reading (not just cookery books!)
Tom Owens BA(Dunelm) PGCE(Dunelm), Head of Politics and Teacher of History
Life before New Hall
History Degree from Durham, followed by a year of work experience at St Edward’s School, Oxford. Returned to Durham for PGCE, and then spent 8 years at Prior Park College, Bath. Various titles including Assistant Housemaster, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, and 1st XI Cricket Master.
What do you enjoy most about working at New Hall?
Working with and for my wife, with our twin boys in New Hall Preparatory School. Living on site and all the space and facilities at our disposal.
What do you enjoy most about your subject?
Debate and discourse – Politics and History inspire argument, and there is nothing better than encouraging students to express their views with conviction, and to justify their point with well selected evidence.
What makes New Hall so special?
Everything is constantly changing, and this means that you are always developing as a teacher. The students are honest and opinionated which makes for rewarding lessons.
Hobbies & Interests
Sport (Hockey, Cricket, Rugby); my sons; world crime fiction (Scandinavian preferably)
Gareth James BSc(Hons) PGCE, Head of Cricket and Teacher of PE & Games
Life before New Hall
Since I started at university, I was very fortunate enough to spend each summer representing Cambridge UCCE and Essex CCC, where I played 17 first class matches and spent 5 years opening the batting for Essex CCC 2nd X1. Cricket has taken me all over the world and I was lucky enough spend a gap year living in Sri Lanka playing first class cricket for Tamil Union ACC.
My first teaching post was at Ilford County High, an all-boys grammar school in London. I moved to New Hall in September 2009 and have not looked back!
What do you enjoy most about working at New Hall?
There is a fantastic family atmosphere here at New Hall, and living on site really emphasizes that. The staff are fantastic to work with and the students a pleasure to teach. I can only see the school growing more and more successful each year.
What do you enjoy most about your subject?
I love the flexibility and range of activities with my subject, and the opportunities it provides students with. Students cover everything from new technical skills, to being part of a team and working with others. You see the best of the students’ characters as they help and guide their peers through different situations and events.
With regards to cricket, I think everyone will agree there is nothing better than watching cricket on a sunny day, in such an amazing setting as we are all blessed with here at New Hall.
What makes New Hall so special?
The setting here is just breathtaking. Even now, coming up New Hall’s impressive drive way, I have to pinch myself that I am so fortunate enough to be part of such a forward thinking and progressive school.
The grounds here provide a fun and very efficient learning environment and way of life.
Hobbies & Interests
Cricket; world travel; and an occasional social drink!
