SCHOOL NEWS// STAFF LEAVERS
Ed Long and David Anderson. They
offered a welcome slice of home.
We all wish her well as she undertakes
an MSt with Oxford University in
Literature and the Arts. In January, she
will be heading off to Penang, Malaysia,
to work with an educational charity
ANNA HALLAM
Anna arrived at Pocklington from
Barnard Castle in September 2018,
taking over the running of Faircote from
Stella Beaumont. In a new school, with
a young family, she nevertheless quickly
mastered the intricacies of house life
and began to put her unique and much-
loved stamp on girls’ boarding.
Anna invested huge reserves of time,
energy and enthusiasm into Faircote.
She decorated, redesigned the interior,
purchased furniture and let the girls
take ownership of this new space. From
outings in ‘Shrek’ and fantastic film
nights to camping out and the classic
Burns night (catering for 50 in the senior
common room!), she built a vibrant
house life. In the words of an OP, ‘She
made the house a home.’
The girls were delighted to have
animals, too: kittens (Sugar and Spice)
and an adorable Labrador puppy,
Phoebe, and older dogs Scout and
Meg. Her husband Iain and daughters
Elizabeth, Emily and Mary contributed
so much to the family feeling which
Anna fostered during her three years as
Housemistress.
There were many new ventures: the
annual Faircote Dinner which proved
so popular (girls could dress formally
GARY AND JAN KILSBY
It is with regret that we say farewell to two
people who have given a huge amount to
the school. Gary’s contributions to CCF
and outdoor activities in particular have
helped maintain the highest quality of
attainment by all students. His tough,
disciplined approach to this aspect of
coaching teachers to work in struggling
schools. (In typical Louise fashion, she
is more excited by what she can learn
than what she can impart.)
After this horizon-expanding “adventure”,
Louise does intend to return to the
classroom, with some exam marking to
and bring a plus one); Book Club in the
common room and once, memorably,
in the Hallam family kitchen; Christmas
‘elves’ in the shape of house staff,
creeping around the corridors, dropping
chocolates into the girls’ waiting shoes.
Long, earnest discussions held on long
office evenings were always punctuated
by bursts of laughter.
At the same time, Anna taught English
to all years in school. An outstanding
practitioner, her passion for English
Language and Literature as a
synergised whole was responsible for
the introduction of English Language
A Level. She was an inspirational
colleague: new ideas and strategies were
always interesting to her and she strived
to reach every child through innovative
methods, whether by deploying
drawings, 3D aids, colour, media or
song. Supporting the brightness and
warmth of her classroom was a first-
rate analytical intelligence which shone
through in rigorous A Level lessons and
her interactions with the very brightest
pupils.
After leaving Faircote, Anna was soon
appointed as Middle School Gruggen
Housemistress, a role in which she
naturally excelled. She was a devoted
attendee of house events, memorably
cutting an enthusiastic figure at Sports’
Day and musical showcases. Her ‘office
under the stairs’ became a much-needed
school life was appreciated and admired
by all who came in contact with him
and his expertise helped shape CCF for
many years.
Jan, whose recent degree proved her
stamina and intellectual endeavour, was
the leading figure in trampolining where
she developed and refined the sport to
the level it currently enjoys. In previous
‘keep her hand in’. Whichever school
she reappears in, and whenever that is,
the biggest winners will be the same as
they have been here at Pocklington: the
students.
IHA
refuge for pupils seeking a quiet word of
support.
There are some whose interests extend
far beyond the classroom into territory
which makes them truly special. Anna’s
love of debate and public speaking led
her to introduce both activities, latterly
through the popular Sixth Form Lectern
Society. She also delivered a hugely
successful Senior School play, ‘Stepping
Out’, ran the EPQ programme and
organised the Fifth Year Supper at the
end of May.
Away from academic and pastoral
matters, Anna brought Lacrosse to
Pocklington – a game which has gone
from strength to strength since its
introduction all those years ago in
boarders’ evening activities. It is hugely
to her credit that she battled against the
prevailing wind and secured the space
for the girls to play. So many have
benefited from the opportunity and the
sport will deservedly endure.
A much-loved and highly respected
member of the staffroom, Anna is sorely
missed by many who worked with and
had the good fortune to be taught by
her. In nine years at Pocklington, she
brought commitment, deep emotional
intelligence and a warm sense of
humour to all that she did.
LAL
years she also oversaw two triumphant
Help For Heroes charity events at the
school, winning many fans as a result.
Their combined contributions to
boarding and day school life, to training,
sport, and many extra-curricular
activities will be missed. We all wish
them every success in the future.
THE POCKLINGTONIAN
13