Issue 252 - MEWAN

I n t o u c h w i t h y o u 2 0 1 2 / 2 0 1 3Headline School Council Events Training General CircularsSchool NewsThe End Of An Era As Newall Green High SchoolSays Goodbye To A Legend!It is always sad to see a member of staff leave, especiallywhen they have been a part of the school for so long.This summer, after 22 years Dave Braithwaite retires.Admired and respected by staff, students and parents/carers, many of whom Dave has taught. Year 13 Mediastudents caught up with Dave to find out about his timehere…Why have you stayed at Newall Green for such a longtime?Loyalty, I have only ever taught at three schools and alsocommitment. I was fortunate when I came here as Headof Humanities that I got a promotion very early on andafter that, I never looked anywhere else for a job.What made you want to work at Newall Green HighSchool?Initially it was a promotion opportunity. At that timein my life my wife had finished working, we had twoyoung children and it was initially a gateway for me toget promotion. I spoke to people about the school, hada good look around it and I then made a decision that Iwanted to work here.What have some of the highlights of the last 22 yearsbeen?Out of the classroom I’ve had a lot of success withfootball; seven Manchester Cup Finals, three CountyCup Finals, English Schools semi-finals. But myhighlight every single year is results day. I like to seethat in some way I have helped students to succeed.That’s the best part of teaching.What roles have you had during your time here?I came as Head of Humanities, after two years I becameAssistant Headteacher, in charge of transition for Years5, 6 and 7. I have also been Acting Deputy Head on twooccasions.What have been your most memorable moments?I’m a great believer that I am providing a service, Ibelieve that the students and the parents are thecustomer. My most memorable moment was when Iwas nominated for a teaching award by parents. I feltthen that I had achieved his or her respect, admirationand hopefully meant I was doing my job properly, whichat the end of the day was make sure that every studentachieved. If the customer felt I deserved an award, thenI was happy!Are there any particular year groups or students thatstick out?The students that stick out in my mind are those that goon to study A-Level History. The ones that I feel I havegiven a love of history.I love football, I’ve spent lots of time coaching here. Theones who have made it professionally stick out, peoplelike Michael Raynes, Georgie Clegg, the Logan brothers.I just hope that in some small way I have helped them toprogress in football.What will you miss?I won’t miss the alarm clock going of, the 60 mile roundtrip on the motorway. Seriously; the staff camaraderieat this school is unbelievable, I will miss that. But, atthe end of the day I came into this for one reason onlyand that was to help children succeed and achieve andcome September I won’t be doing that anymore andthat is the thing I’ll miss the most, helping students.What do you have planned for retirement?Lots of cruises, I’m going to take up golf seriously andstart playing bridge again. My wife and I both enjoygoing to the theatre. But, the main one is that I amhoping to see Spurs win a trophy in the next 25 years.That would be nice, unlikely, but nice.NowThenContact: Karen LavinTel: 0161 234 4455Email: k.lavin@newallgreenhigh.manchester.sch.uk10