Padworth Times - Padworth College

Padworth Times
Alumni Newsletter 2012
Issue 1
May 2012
Dear All
Our Past - and Our Future!
Welcome to our first edition of Padworth’s alumni newsletter. It has been
fascinating hearing of the experiences of our former students. One thing that
always strikes me when meeting our alumni is the warmth and affection so
many of you have for Padworth, whether you were with us for a short or a
longer time, whether you left 40 years ago or just last year. Education is for life
so it is also encouraging to learn of the many and varied experiences you have
had, both in your careers and personal lives. Wherever you are in the world
today, you are making a difference!
We are proud of our past as a small independent College founded by Peter Fison in 1963. He had
so loved his Oxford college that he wanted to recreate this for Sixth Form girls. At the time,
Padworth was highly unusual, with no uniform and, if you have ever seen the BBC documentary
made in 1968 where we make a 10 minute appearance, it was strange to see girls smoking during
formal dinners and, rumour has it, in class too!
In 2013, Padworth will be celebrating its 50th birthday - we will keep you
informed of celebrations and events. I hope very much that some of you will be
able to return to Padworth then – September 2013 is when it all starts. Fifty
years on, Padworth is a thriving, warm, supportive, co-educational community
and I certainly consider that our former students and staff are very much a part
of ‘the Padworth family.’ Please do keep in touch, visit our new website (where
we are developing an alumni section) and visit us if you can – we would love to
hear from you.
With warm regards
Linde Melhuish
Principal
GUY WILSON: EX PRINCIPAL AND FORMER CHAIRMAN OF TRUSTEES
For 37 years Padworth College played a major part in my life, first as Principal,
then as Trustee, finally as Chairman of the Board. Angela, too, was fully involved
throughout. Apart from writing, no job has absorbed me so completely. When
we were running the place , I’m sure we became Padworth bores to our friends,
for we could talk of nothing else. Internally, too, what was going on was always
a high percentage of our discourse.
Looking back, it does seem that since its foundation in 1963, Padworth has
played a part in the history of women in this period, in particular their desire for
greater independence and the ability to stand on their own feet. I wish well to
all who have sailed in her.
December 2011
Padworth still has that informal and highly personalised flavour but since 2005, has had the
addition of boys. Times and requirements have changed but, we are still forward-looking and are
confident in our future, promising a very fine education to all of our students, now aged 14-19. We
are so lucky to have such a stunning location and a beautiful, typically English country house in
which to live and work.
Our Trustees manage a rolling three-year strategic plan to work to ensure that every aspect of
our boarding and day facilities meet the genuine needs of our students and to serve a real market
demand. Read on for a flavour of some of the ways in which our College continues to move with
the times, serving both our international and UK boarders and day students.
We believe we provide the best academic preparation for University. Our academic programme
keeps pace with trends and gives our students the best possible preparation for the next stage of
their education, which is, typically, a British university. We ensure that all of our overseas
students whose first language is not English have all the support they need to develop their
English skills. We are proud that most of our students will gain their first choice of university. We
also aim to make pastoral care a top priority and it is wonderful to see our students make friends
from all over the world – I am sure those friendships survive well beyond their Padworth days.
New Boarding Accommodation!
We are about to start on an exciting new building project, with an attractive extension to The Ritz
to provide better and more boarding accommodation. Currently, boys board in the Main House or
parts of the Granary (completely separated, of course, from the girls!) and we want to move them
out of Main House to allow more space for teaching. We will also be renovating part of the Stables,
where there are classrooms, and plan to move Main House boys to new accommodation there.
IT News
We have moved with the times on the IT front too, with a dedicated IT teaching room made
possible by the generous donation of one of our parents in 2007. Students are taught a range of IT
skills that will really benefit them in their learning and throughout life. Our new website was
launched this academic year and we have included film clips, with more about to be added. Jane
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Joy will have a busy summer ahead of her in ensuring that all of our alumni details are transferred to
our new database and we will also be working towards developing the alumni area of the website – so
do keep in touch with your details and news!
Issue 1
College News
Boys
May 2012
Universities
In case you have heard rumours about Padworth now taking boys, yes, that
is correct. They started arriving in 2005 and, as we are sure you can
imagine, dynamics changed somewhat. However, Padworth remains
Padworth with its uniqueness that we hope you all remember!
Most of the ‘A’ level and Foundation students continue with their
studies at university, in subjects varying from media studies to actuarial
science.
Buildings
Peter Fison Award
For those of you who remember The Lodge, Great Auclum and Mortimer
Hall, they are no longer with us. Instead the main site was developed where
the teaching takes place in the teaching block (built in the 80s), the old
stables (yes, some of you used to sleep in there!) and part of the main house.
For the first time, we have the Peter Fison Award for the best student.
For many of you who will not know, Peter Fison was the founder of the
College and also Principal for the first few years of its existence. We owe
so much to him for his initiative in starting the College. The first winner
of this award is A2 student, James Horn. Our congratulations to him!
Purpose-built residential accommodation was built on to the stables in the
80s and then some more in the 90s. At the moment there is boarding
accommodation in the Main House but this is due to change as there will be
further accommodation being built in the not too distant future.
Leisure Facilities
There is now an outdoor swimming pool and the tennis courts have been
refurbished and cater for basketball and netball as well as tennis.
Subjects
Since the early days of Humanities and Arts based subjects, the bias has
changed to Mathematics and Sciences.
Leavers’ Prom
By popular choice, this was once more held at Aldermaston Manor on the
evening of 7th June – it was a most convivial event enjoyed by three Trustees
and their wives, staff and senior students alike.
50th Anniversary 2013
We will be celebrating this so do keep the weekend of Saturday, 28th
September 2013 free – we hope you will be able to join us. More
information will follow.
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Issue 1
May 2012
Student News
Jane Farrer 1968-1969
Annabel Cheadle (now Shaw) 1972-1974
I was at Padworth from 1968-1969. I have only kept in touch with one
person, Janet Hutchison, who was at my previous school as well. .
I arrived at Padworth in 1972. I was Annabel Cheadle then but my surname has since
changed thrice (I know, I know). I am now Annabel Shaw. I should have kept my maiden
name all along; it would have made keeping in contact a lot easier.
I studied A level Ancient and Modern History and British Constitution.
Although I went to teacher training college, I did not qualify as I realised
that I lacked sufficient patience to be a teacher. I have worked in marketing
and market research prior to having my son and until recently, was working
in the insurance business. I retired this summer.
I have been married for 37 years.. We have one son, who has just qualified
as a doctor.
I was taught Ancient History by Nick Montagu, who was then a lecturer at
Reading University, as well as teaching and living at Padworth. As you
probably know, he went on to do bigger and better things in the Civil
Service. Although I have not seen him in decades, we have mutual friends.
December 2011
Of all the friends I made then, I recall Suska Burianova, Vicky ? , Mandy McCormack and
Kate ? among many others. I also have very fond memories of the tutors at the time Peter Galpin (English) and Cyril Weir (History) and a very interesting man who taught
us Chaucer and an Art History tutor whose name I forget but whose teaching I never will.
I would love to hear from any that remember me and at the end of this, I'll include my
email address. Here's a brief summary of my life since we all last met.
I went from Padworth to Sussex University to study African history (Cyril’s influence.
Thanks Cyril, you were a brilliant inspiration). Following this, I married and had two
children. I returned to Sussex to do a degree in Psychology when the children were
young and went on to do further degrees in Psychology and to teach Psychology at
Sussex, as well as at the Open University.
I must have been in my early 40's when I decided to move from the mind to the body
because it was then when I returned to university and re-trained in Radiation Oncology
and worked as a Radiotherapist at the Sussex Cancer centre until recently.
I think I was there in 1971-72. I am still in touch with Michelle Han and
Merha (Cambata) Dalton and Fiona Carson, who now lives in DC.
I now have four children (including 2 step children) and all four are grown-up and left
home. I live in Brighton (5 months a year), Barcelona (5 months) and in France (2
months) following my husband’s work in International Relations.
December 2011
My best memories are of Douglas, Chaucer Don; Lady Jen and her crazy
parties, Janetta Taylor and a wild trip to Paris studying art – gosh, I'm
plumbing the depths!!
Barbara Marburger
February 2012
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May 2012
Dayo Okunoren 1982-83
Michelle Fussell 1984-1985
After Padworth (Mortimer Hall), I went on to study English at the University of
Lagos, Nigeria, after which I worked as a PA in an Architectural/Building firm, then
as an Administrative Manager in Property.
I am now a qualified accredited Counsellor and Play Therapist, helping young people
and children and adults on their journeys of healing too.
I returned to the UK and worked as a PA/Executive Assistant and Project Assistant in
various companies, including GE, Pearsons, Thames Magistrates Court and London
Probation.
Thereafter I worked as a Childminder having studied the Montessori methodology
and working in several nurseries.
I got married in 2000. I moved back to Nigeria in 2010.
Dayu Okunoren (Mrs Sarumi) 1982-83 [email protected]
"Hi my name is Sara Spencer (nee Ely). I was only at Padworth for a few months,
from January to July 1983. I lived at Great Auclum, which was one of the boarding
houses near the College, in Burghfield Common.
I left Padworth and then went to live in Singapore for a year and attended the
Singapore International School. In 1984, I returned to the UK and attended the
Oxford & County Secretarial College and then went on to work in London and the
City as a Secretary/Personal Assistant. In 1990, I started flying for Virgin Atlantic
Airways and in 1992, I married and had a son a year later. In 2000, I remarried and
in 2001, we moved to SW France where my husband and I have run a gite business
ever since - (www.stvictordufau.com). I have done the odd bit of secretarial
"temping" work back in the UK over the years but now spend a lot of time indulging
in my passion of acrylic art painting.
I would love to get back in touch with anyone who remembers me at Great Auclum.
I can be contacted on [email protected].
I was at Padworth in 1984-1985, at Mortimer Hall first, then transferred to the main
house after my first term!
I had a great English teacher, Lynne, at Mortimer (who allowed me to unravel the
beginning of my journey, but I don't think she realised at the time) and Ray Martin at
Padworth. Don McGovern was an excellent tutor and Robyn from Australia
(housemistress).
I am now an Accredited MBACP Counsellor and Accredited Play Therapist with my
own small business and working for the Catholic Children's society, as well as being a
single foster mum. I did work for the Church of England as a Youth Worker for 18
years and 3 years as a residential social worker in children's homes and schools. I
started my work at Aldermaston Rudolph Steiner school after my work experience
from Padworth.
My e-mail address is [email protected]
Regards
December 2011
Joanna Miller 1989-91
I studied Politics, Law and Geography A Level.
After I left, I went into Advertising and worked for Carlton Screen Advertising,
selling film sponsorship at cinemas across the UK.
I then worked in Sponsorship for Radio Advertising. I worked for GWR Radio Group
then Capital Radio Group selling sponsorship for radio properties, including events.
Since then, I have worked in Sponsorship for Zee TV, an Asian TV company.
I left Advertising a few years ago and just completed a Montessori Training Diploma
last year, so I will now be a Kintergarten Teacher.
I would love to get in contact with some ex-students such as Lucy and Emma Ellis
Jones.
February 2012
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May 2012
Diana Rawes 1990-92
Harriet Joy 2005-06
After a life long association with Padworth (mother teaches there), at the age of 16, I was
introduced to Padworth as a day student! I took on two new subjects (English Literature
and French) over a term late, and although I continued with Maths and Psychology, the
small classes and teachers who actually cared meant there was a lot of focus on me, so
there were no chances of drifting off for a little daydream mid-lesson that I was so used
to.
I came back to Portugal for the Summer of 1992 and at first thought that I might
stay here for University. but September came and off I went back to the UK. After
four years of finding myself between one year at University of Surrey reading
History and Business, going onto a BTEC Higher National Diploma at
Hammersmith & West London College in Business and Finance (from which I
graduated with 6 Distinctions and 2 Merits) I then did a one year top up at
University of Greenwich where I read Business Administration and graduated
with a BA Hons – not bad for that girl who had entered Padworth College with 2
GCSEs!
I then returned to Portugal in the Summer of 1996 and joined my Family
Company and developed the Cruise Sales Agency Department. I gained lots of
work skills and created a team of eight and represented over 10 cruise and ferry
companies in Portugal. I then left the family company in 2006 to start my own
tailor-made travel agency selling high end Safaris in Africa and Cultural life
changing experiences in Asia. After three years developing my business from
scratch, I joined American Express Travel representatives in Portugal where I
further developed their leisure departure to promote experiential travel
worldwide. And I now find myself back in the cruising industry as I accepted the
position of Marketing Manager for MSC Cruises in Portugal.
On a quick personal note, I married in 1999 and have a great 10 year old son
called João Maria. Meantime I got divorced, and live very happily near all my
family being the best Mother I know. I have a great relationship with my son and
don’t for one minute pretend to have been the best student, as we sit at his desk
every evening doing homework. But I do tell him that I was lucky to have had the
experience of Padworth College, which awakened my curiosity to my potential as
a working adult and gave me the tools to succeed. Thank you to all those great
teachers that helped me and I look forward to seeing lots of you next year at the
50th Anniversary.
March 2012
Amongst the stresses of my second year and the looming A-Level exams (which of course
at the time dictated my entire future), I witnessed the historic event of the introduction
of boys to the academic year. It was all very exciting for many of the girls, and it was
interesting to observe how the dynamics shifted! At the time, I was far too interested in
my life outside of Padworth and paid little attention to my studies, but a last minute push
resulted in okay grades and most importantly, gave me entry to my first choice
university - Brighton!
After three fun-filled years spent by the sea as a student of Applied Psychology and
Criminology, I returned to Berkshire to save money before travelling the world, and
guess where I ended up getting a job?! You've got it, Padworth - teaching English in
summer school.
I am now in my second year of travels in Australia, but I also spent a fun month in New
Zealand (just managing to leave Christchurch the day before the dreaded earthquake)
and another in Thailand.
January 2012
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May 2012
Angie Chotitawan 2007-11
Violet Hou 2009-2011
Life after college for me is much more intense and difficult than before. The
amount of work one has to do, the research, the book-reading, the
coursework, all them have been tough and pressurised. Studying at
university, you have to be independent and have more responsibilities, so
there will be moments when you do not know what to do with your
assignment, or when you just simply need somebody to talk to but can't
find anyone. In those times, one feeling I encounter the most is that l miss
Padworth College. It makes me think of how Padworth life was- because
there, people are like friends and teachers were always ready to support
you and be by your side, which makes the college feel like a second home,
especially because it is a small community and everybody knows each
other. Even though Padworth life isn't perfect, I would say I think it is the
best thing that ever happened to me because it’s the memory that I will
never forget and I think all of us ex-students will feel the same way.
March 2012
Padworth was the first place I went when I first came to the UK. It was so
good and was really like a big family, with really nice teachers and
schoolmates. All the events held during those two years were super nice
memories and a great experience for me. I am from a country where
students have to study under very high pressure. The two-year time at
Padworth was actually one of my best times. I was in a very pleasant
environment for learning. Even though I didn’t’ get as high grades as
my friends in uni, they were still good enough for me to get into a top uni.
The best thing is most of our teachers have a really good English accent
which most of my lecturers do not.
One more thing- I felt ok about the food, but when I came to uni, since I
don’t know how to cook, I miss the food at Padworth. At least I didn’t have
to worry about food after classes and didn’t need to wash dishes myself!
February 2012
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May 2012
A Message From The Boys
Aryan Asaadi 2006-09
Falcon Suen 2005-08
Padworth is a great place with lots of memories, especially as I had the pleasure of
being there during the first year of boys. I did enjoy the environment and atmosphere
at Padworth and it has a unique selling point of small teaching classes together with
excellent care from the teachers. Furthermore, as Padworth is an international school,
it is such a great chance to make friends from different countries and to appreciate
their cultures. For all students that are planning to study in overseas, Padworth would
be an ideal choice! Padworth we miss you!
April 2012
My experience at Padworth made a profound impact on my career ambitions and most
importantly, to me as an individual. I was given tremendous academic support
throughout my time there. The A-level subjects I studied such as Business Studies and
English Language & Literature really helped develop my analytical skills which I have
taken with me to University.
What makes Padworth stand out is the tight-knit international community that it
fosters. Being able to study and make friends with such a diverse and colourful host of
personalities is something that I will always value during my time there.
Thanks to Padworth, I developed a strong sense of cultural awareness. This has
enhanced my interpersonal and management skills to direct me to my desired career
path: that being shipbroking. Looking back I can safely say, there will never be a place
quite like Padworth!
April 2012
Iftikhar Shah – A Memory from the Head Boy 2012
Boys! Simple Things Please Simple Minds!
It was a cold, wet November day (surprise surprise!). We were walking behind the granary on our way to the woods (I cannot divulge why!). There is a slight obstacle of a narrow
slippery bridge to cross, with which I have no problems, my friend (a Homer Simpson equivalent), however, who always thinks himself so cool, attempted to cross it diagonally.
Need I say more! To my great amusement, there was now a whale beached in the stream crying for help. I was not in a fit state to help him initially as I was creased up with
laughter. But as a good friend to him I finally managed to assist in his unfortunate plight.
This happy memory will stay with me forever! Padworth we’ll miss you!
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STAFF NEWS
May 2012
If you wish to see which staff are still working at Padworth then please visit our website padworth.com
Jane Joy 1982+
Sally Lightowlers 2000+
I started working part-time at Mortimer Hall in 1982, teaching on what was then the BEC
General course. I remember there were no photocopiers or computers so work had to be
typed on special papers and then run off on a Gestetner machine. It was a real mess and
took ages and of course the quality was not professional. You lot don’t know you are born
nowadays!!
Well, I have worked at Padworth for almost 12 years now - a relative
newcomer compared to some of my colleagues, but then again, one of the
longest serving members of staff. I first started teaching when my twins
were still at primary school and now they are studying at University.
Padworth has evolved from an all girls’ establishment to a truly balanced
mixed College. I feel privileged to have taught people from all over the globe
who have come to the College for its caring, personalised learning
environment. I think most of the students I have taught have enjoyed my
subject and lessons so have gone on to do well in their further studies. It has
been a fulfilling time for me and I hope that you will have fond memories of
lessons in the Chemistry lab.
I can remember afternoon tea with homemade cakes and my particular favourite was
sticky buns. Yes, I still have a very sweet tooth but am only slightly heavier than I was
then. However, some of you may remember me in 1983 and again in 1988 as a rather
large pregnant lady.
In 1986 I became full-time and taught at both Mortimer and Padworth, the tooing and
froing between lessons was a bit tiresome so I was pleased when all the teaching moved
to Padworth. Since then I have taught Finance and Business Administration/IT on the
BTEC National Diploma and then when this was abolished I taught, and still do, ‘A’ level
Business Studies, and for the past few years I have had the pleasure of teaching ‘A’ level
Accounting. Not to forget my many years of teaching GCSE IT and Business Studies either.
May 2012
I have seen many changes since my debut at Padworth, but it is essentially still Padworth
with the relaxed, friendly environment and its certain uniqueness that it has always
possessed. Some of you may remember my 2 children, Simon now 29 and Harriet 24,
who both went to the Padworth Creche, those were the days! Sadly the Padworth Creche
ceases to exist due to a lack of Padworth babies and of course many changes in
Government legislation with regard to childcare.
I am sure that I could write a book about Padworth times but alas I must stop there. I
would like to take this opportunity to say “Hi” to all my old students and hope that we can
meet again one day.
April 2012
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May 2012
32 and counting!
Back in 1979 when I joined the EFL (now ISC) department at Padworth I
imagined that, as with my previous jobs, I would stay for a couple of years
and then move on. Well, not 2, but 32 years later, I ‘m still here and going
strong. People often ask how this could possibly be. After all people just
don’t stay in jobs that long!
Oh but they do, I say! I’m certainly not the first and will doubtless not be the
last to have been lured into prolonging a short stay into what became a
lifestyle choice. So what was and remains the secret of Padworth’s success
in tempting me and so many erstwhile and current colleagues to stay put?
Firstly, it has to be the opportunity there has been to enjoy working with
the truly amazing number of students from so many countries around the
globe, to learn and appreciate your diverse cultures and to witness the
beginning of so many long-standing friendships. It’s quite something to be
invited to an ex-student’s 40th birthday, the wedding of another and to catch
up with those who come to International Evening and tell us how much they
miss Padworth now they’ve gone!
I can recall with equal vividness, all of the six Principals who have ruled, each in
their inimitable way, the dozens of colleagues who I have taught alongside and
performed Christmas pantos with, the hundreds of students from all over the world
who have sat so patiently in my lessons, the first few boys to arrive so bravely on
the doorstep, the History/Politics teacher who became my husband (many of you I
am sure will remember Neal ) and the crèche where my two sons had such a
wonderful start …..and so much more.
Anyway, a big ‘hello’ to any of you who may remember me helping you prepare for
your FCE exams or the dreaded IELTS! Or maybe you remember some of our EFL
trips out - what about the bull in the field who chased us away and finished our
picnic while we watched from the other side of the gate!
Belinda
May 2012
The other thing I most love about Padworth is that nothing ever stands still.
Although It’s always good to look back and reminisce about the good old
days, it’s equally exciting to look forward and enjoy all that is new, whether
it’s new faces, new buildings, new courses, our first computers, the
swimming pool. Maybe the next thing will be a sports hall!!
I’m often asked what my favourite memories of Padworth are, but looking
back over so many years, it’s impossible to pick out the moments that mean
the most.
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May 2012
Russell Baylis 2001-2012
Jane has asked me to write a few words to you all. This is something of a "swansong" for me. That is a strange expression which originally referred to a swan
which proceeded to go off and die. Well I don't intend to move away and die just
yet, but I am due to retire from teaching this summer on reaching the ripe old age
of 65. They say you're as old as you feel and on some days I feel like a mere 45 and other days I don't feel a day older than 64.
I can look back on 11 fascinating years full of memories of teaching Maths and
Further Maths at Padworth, resuming a teaching career which had been
suspended for twenty years. I remember in my very first week being asked by
Mandy and Anushree, "Will you teach us Further Maths please?" Further Maths
was not available at that time at Padworth. Eventually, we received the go-ahead
from the Principal and planned the first lesson: Friday 4.30pm for over an hour,
along with Shan Shan and Kathy. That's not one's favourite slot in the weekly
timetable, but I had to admire their dedication - and not for the last time as the
years rolled by.
Of course there have been changes, huge changes at times. Perhaps the most
significant, which some of you may remember and others of you may now envy,
was to take in boys.
Some have asked me the obvious question- whether I have any plans for
retirement? The simple answer is "Very few", apart from the obvious ones of
reading more, tackling jobs waiting to be done around the house and, ah bliss,
taking holidays outside of the normal school holidays. I would like to learn a bit
about cooking, so that Brigitte can enjoy a bit of a break; Arthur is my role model
in this - did you know he is an excellent cook? Most of all, I look forward to plenty
of walks in the countryside and quality time with God.
May 2012
SAD NEWS
Many of you will remember the following members of staff, who sadly had
their lives cut short due to illness.
Peter Fison – Principal and founder of the College
Don McGovern – English Literature Teacher
Roger Munden – History Teacher and Director of Studies at Mortimer Hall
Sheila Villazon – Art History Teacher and ultimately Principal
David Byrne – Physics Teacher
Pam Weaver – Secretarial Teacher
Trevor Atkins – Gardener for many years
Lilia Knight – Spanish teacher
For those of you who remember Barbara Rose, she lived a good life and had
her 90th birthday in January this year, but sadly passed away in March. Also
Angela Wilson died in 2010, after a long illness.
HAPPY RETIREMENT
The following 2 members of staff were at the College for over 30 years so
most of you will remember them.
Janetta Taylor – Vice Principal and English Teacher – happily retired
enjoying grandchildren.
Marylyn Munden – Head of EFL before becoming Bursar – happily retired,
also enjoying grandchildren and travelling round the world.
Russell Baylis will be retiring this summer after 11 years teaching
Mathematics at the College.
If there is any member of staff who you wish to enquire about then please
do not hesitate to ask and I am sure that if we do not know the answer we
will be able to find out. Email [email protected]
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May 2012
Paintings
Our thanks go to the following staff and students who kindly
produced the works of art for the Newsletter,
Front cover – by Michael Laizans, Economics Teacher
Page 3 – by Hebe Yang, AS student
Back two pages – by Eva Lam, AS student
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May 2012
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this first edition. We intend to produce a
newsletter on an annual basis and would be very grateful for any of your news. If
you have any comments to make or questions to ask then please contact us [email protected]
We would like to say thank you to all staff and students, both past and present,
who have contributed articles to this Newsletter and look forward to receiving
more for next year’s.
Padworth College
Padworth
READING
Berkshire
RG7 4NR
www.padworth.com
+441189 832644
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