English
The main focus of the English department is the study of English Literature. We believe in books and all they have to offer – ideas, pleasure, excitement, emotion. The first three years at Caterham School are the fun years. After that it is time for GCSEs and no-one would dare claim that examination-orientated years are the best ones of a pupil's life. Our GCSE candidates are very successful and have a thorough knowledge of what the OCR syllabus requires, but Years 7 to 9 are the most exhilarating. We attend a workshop at The Globe Theatre, we invite authors to the school to talk to pupils and once a week the junior classes make themselves comfortable on bean bags in the Junior Library to enjoy a good read.
There are all kinds of rewards too for junior readers and writers from any year have a chance of seeing their work published in 'Mind's Eye', the full colour creative magazine produced jointly by the English and Art departments.
We also teach full stops and spelling rules, however, because no teacher in his or her right mind should ever suggest that these things take care of themselves.
Biographies
Gerald Killingworth M.A (London), P.G.C.E. (Cantab), Head of English
Gerald Killingworth has been Head of English at Caterham for 15 years. He makes a point of taking a First Year (Year 7) class each year, partly because he thinks it important to teach the whole age range at the school, but also because he can indulge his interest in children's fantasy literature. He is very keen on any initiative which encourages an enthusiasm for reading, particularly amongst the more reluctant students. Gerald also believes in the teaching of grammar which, possibly, isn't quite so much fun. He has directed 'Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay' and 'The Insect Play' in his time at the school.
Angela Cox BA
Angela brought with her not just an enthusiasm for her subject, but a love of equestrian sports as well, which she has promoted very successfully within school. With a BA and PGCE from the University of Sussex, Angela teaches across the age range within the school and, along with other members of the department, has a strong belief in the promotion of learning beyond the classroom, whether through reading initiatives or co-curricular theatre trips.
Andion Van Niekerk BA - Head of Townsend House
Andion holds a BA from the University of Pretoria (SA) and has previously taught in South Africa and Switzerland. A popular member of the department, his pupils enjoy his creative approach to the subject. Outside the classroom he may be found in the Gym, running the school circus club or helping in the boarding house.
Marc Broughton BA (Hons) – Head of Fifth Year
A graduate of the University of Worcester Previously taught English at Liverpool College. He is a keen sportsman who currently coaches Rugby and Cricket and has the British Alpine Association Ski Leader award and Basic Ski Instruction
Alice O'Donnell MA
A graduate of St Andrews who previously taught at The Downs School, Compton, Berkshire. Alice edits Mind's Eye magazine.
Lydia Tapley BA, DipSpLD, AMBDA Head of Lower School, Head of First Year, SENCo, Teacher of English
A graduate of the Chatham University, Pittsburgh, USA with a PGCE from the University of London, Lydia is heavily involved in the teaching and pastoral care of the younger pupils within the school. She completed the OCR Diploma in teaching pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties and took on the role of SENCo in September 2005.
Alexandra Yankova BA (Hons) - Assistant Head of Fifth Year
A graduate of the University of Bristol with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the University of Cardiff and a PGCE from Roehampton, Alex has previously taught English and Drama at Hinchley Wood School, Esher, The British International School in Cairo and St John's School, Leatherhead. She has a passion for both subjects and all elements of performance and has been heavily involved in school productions since she arrived at Caterham in 2008 including 'Toad of Toad Hall', 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'A Christmas Carol.' Alex also runs the LAMDA Drama examinations which have proved very popular and successful.
Miss Holly Killick BA (Hons)
Holly is a graduate of the University of Birmingham where she also obtained a PGCE. She taught English and Drama at Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls for three years before taking a late gap year to explore Australia. Holly joined Caterham in January 2011 and is a firm believer in motivating students through creative and challenging lessons. She also organises the school Running Club and enjoys training the middle distance runners at Athletics Club.
Miss Sarah Ramsdale BA
Jack Birtwhistle BA (Hons) – (maternity cover)
Jack graduated with an English degree from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2007 and has completed his PGCE at the University of Bristol. He loves unlocking the hidden secrets within texts and hopes to provide his students with the keys to do the same. With a wide range of interests from sports to the arts, he involves himself in Caterham's co-curricular activities.