Modern Languages
The aims of the Modern Languages department are broadly:
1) To stimulate pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in foreign languages.
2) To enable each pupil to reach his/her potential.
3) To develop the ability to use the foreign language to communicate effectively.
4) To encourage positive attitudes to other languages and cultures.
5) To encourage pupils to work independently and as part of a team.
Biographies
This Department consists of several experienced graduates, who all teach more than one language.
Simon Bird MA - Head of Modern Foreign Languages Head of German
A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Simon started at Caterham in September 2009 as Head of the Modern Foreign Languages Faculty and teaches both Junior and Senior School French and German. He was previously Head of German at Canford School and was at Trinity School, Croydon before that. Simon is responsible for the running of the evening classes in several languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Russian. He also runs the MFL website society and the U13B rugby team.
Nicole McVitty DEUG, Licence d'Anglais, Head of French
After graduating from the Université de Provence (France) in Modern Languages, Nicole gained her PGCE at Saint Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham. She has taught French, Latin, German and Spanish at her previous schools and teaches French to A2 level and Spanish to KS3. Within the department, she runs the French Sixth Form Social club and organises the Third and Fourth Year trip to the South of France. Outside the department, Nicole is Assistant Head of Sixth Form. When she is not at school, she enjoys travelling and skiing as well as spending time with her family.
Catherine Clifton BA (Hons)
Catherine is a BA Hons graduate in French and German (University of London). She has been on the Caterham staff for a number of years, having previously taught in two other independent schools. Currently she is teaching French and German to A2 level and Spanish to First and Second Years (Years 7 and 8). She is particularly interested in contemporary and late 20th century French and German literature and cinema, and enjoys taking pupils abroad on study visits and homestays. She runs a thriving junior French club one lunchtime a week and is a middle school tutor - "a role I very much enjoy."
Kim Wells, Director of Learning and Teaching
Kim graduated from Cambridge University with an MA in French and German but joined a bank and then a management consultancy before settling upon a career in teaching. He joined Caterham in September 2004 having taught previously at Kingston Grammar and Sutton High School. When he is not teaching French to A level or German to GCSE Kim is the Director of Learning and Teaching here at Caterham. He lists his hobbies as golf, hockey, travel, and following the misfortunes of Tottenham Hotspur.
Neil Parker MSc Head of Spanish
Neil studied Spanish at Durham University and completed a MSc (ECON) in European Politics at Cardiff University. He started his teaching career at Christ College, Brecon before moving onto become Head of Spanish at Monmouth School. He then took some time out of teaching, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with the National Audit Office, in their international section. This job took him all over South and Central America, using his Spanish to carry out financial and operational audit work for the Pan American Health Organisation. Following the NAO he spent time working in risk management and business assurance role for BAA, the Natural History Museum and then the NHS - before realising that teaching was after all what he really wanted to do and being lucky enough to end up at Caterham School.
Neil's claim to fame is that he stood for parliament in the general election of 2001.
He didn't win.
Sophie Carpenter BA (Oxon)
Grew up on the Sussex coast in Littlehampton and attended Christ's Hospital School in Horsham. Studied Classics and Modern Languages at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, graduating in 2004. Spent a year living in Salzburg, Austria, working as an English assistant in two schools. Moved to Bristol to undertake a PGCE at Bath University. A keen netball player and umpire and who enjoys playing badminton.
Carlos Garcia BA (Hons) Teacher of Spanish
Carlos graduated from the University of A Coruña as a Primary School Teacher. After setting in England he worked as a Spanish Assistant in Croydon High School for two years while studying for an English and Spanish degree with the Open University. He undertook his PGCE at Kingston University and currently teaches Spanish to A Level and French to KS3. His interests include travelling, politics and gastronomy.
Elizabeth Harris BMus
After graduating from Birmingham University with a BMus (with Subsidiary French), Lizzie went on to pursue her French more authentically, spending three years teaching in the French overseas Departments of La Reunion and Guadeloupe. After completing a GTP in Music and French at Bath University, she taught French at Colfe's School in Greenwich before taking up her post at Caterham. Lizzie will be teaching French to all years up to A level and will be involved in running Lower Sixth netball. Her interests include Folk and Blues, travelling and surfing.
Catherine Jackson BA (Hons)
Catherine studied Spanish and French at Pembroke College, Oxford and graduated in 2006. She worked for a financial spread-betting company in London for three years dealing with Spanish and French clients before completing her PGCE at King's College London in 2010. Catherine teaches Spanish up to A-Level and lower school French. As a qualified gymnastics coach, she will also be running the junior gymnastics club.
Mrs Julia Laverick BEd (Hons) (Cantab) – Teacher of French and German
A Cambridge University graduate with a BEd (Hons) degree who teaches French to A level and junior German. She takes regular trips abroad with all age groups. Her specialist interests are foreign travel, French cinema and 17th century French literature.