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 Trips 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.
Gareth James BSc(Hons) PGCE, Head of Cricket and Teacher of PE & Games
Life before New Hall
Since I started at university, I was 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.
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 emphasises 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, 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 efficient learning environment and way of life.
Hobbies & Interests
Cricket; world travel.
Life before New Hall
Before coming to New Hall, I read the English Trips 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.
Gareth James BSc(Hons) PGCE, Head of Cricket and Teacher of PE & Games
Life before New Hall
Since I started at university, I was 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.
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 emphasises 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, 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 efficient learning environment and way of life.
Hobbies & Interests
Cricket; world travel.
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