Page 61 - Bloxhamist 2017-2018

NEWS

staff Leavers

Toby Cowley devotion to the pupils has endeared him Department, and should be justly proud of
to staff and students alike. His depth
what he has achieved.
of experience – he started his career
forty years ago at Stoneham School in However, his work in languages has been
Reading – has meant that many a younger only one part of his far bigger role. He has,
colleague has sought out his advice: with Vanessa’s constant support, devoted
always freely given and wise. Indeed, his himself to Crake House and the boys
role as housemaster in a previous school who have been through it over the past
meant he was the obvious choice when eight years. As the Headmaster wrote
looking for an experienced pair of hands to parents recently, Richard’s “warmth
to tutor in Crake, after his first year spent and gentle approach to every individual,
in Seymour; the highlight of which must combined with a strong adherence to
be the walking tour he organised around the house motto that he established -
his beloved Oxford for the house day two “Trust, Honesty, Respect” – has developed
years ago. But it is as a sportsman and in Crake a forward-looking, caring
sports teacher that David will perhaps community that he and all the boys can be
be best and most fondly remembered. A rightly proud of.”
hugely talented player of so many sports,
including hockey, tennis, football and Richard has always been happy to
Toby arrived at Bloxham as a rugby table tennis, David’s ability has been turn his hand to many different tasks,
coach, initially for one term. Three years matched only by the patient and skilful
later, he has been heavily involved in way in which he shared his expertise from leading his highly popular trip to
coaching netball and hockey, and led with the pupils. This ability as a sports Madrid most summers, to being Head of
Swimming, and the constant supplier of
the Yearlings rugby team to successive coach was shown early in his career at opportunities for full boarders to be out
county cup victories. He has also lead the Bloxham when the hockey teams enjoyed on the basketball courts.
school cricket programme during a time consistent successes under his guidance.
of transition and I would like to thank David took this expertise to become DofE
him for his work with this sport. Indeed, manager in his last two years at Bloxham, Vanessa has been a crucial figure in her
Toby’s love for cricket sees him leave to culminating with a successful Gold own right. Whilst her support for Richard
develop his career in cricket at county expedition in the Brecon Beacons. We and Crake have been immense, there has
and academy level. He has blossomed as wish him a long and happy retirement, been so much more besides. As our EAL
a coach, and has really made an impact but not before some success in his new teacher she has coached many students
within the school community. Being an venture - visiting schools to advise and through English qualifications. Just as
Egerton House tutor, he has provided treat staff and students on techniques to importantly, she has been a figure of
invaluable support and guidance for the manage stress. DFM friendship, kindness and reassurance
boys. Toby will be missed, not just as a to many overseas students upon their
coach, but as a role model, colleague and arrival, and throughout their time at
friend. We wish him the best of luck in richard and vanessa Bloxham.
his coaching future and hope to see him
on the next black caps tour! rMO Devesa Together, Richard and Vanessa have been
very popular, committed and hard-
working figures at the heart of Bloxham
David Dales School. They, like the Tuthills, leave us for
an exciting adventure, teaching and living
in Thailand. We have been fortunate to
have had them with us and although we
are sad to see them go, we wish them,
and their children Ana and Sammy, every
blessing and good fortune in the next and
exciting chapter in their lives. MGP

Richard and Vanessa arrived in Bloxham
in September 2010, when Richard took up
post as Head of Spanish. He has continued
to teach Spanish very successfully
David joined Bloxham in 2009 as Head throughout his time here, overseeing
of Academic PE and Hockey. In the a great growth in the popularity of the
nine years he has been here David’s subject, especially at GCSE. He has been
no-nonsense Oxfordshire warmth and a crucial member of the Languages
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