VALETE Neil Walker Deputy Head
Neil Walker joined the school in 2014 and although he has been a constant presence at numerous concerts, Parents Evenings’ and PPTA meetings ever since, much of his work remains unseen - within the policies and documents related to compliance, within the reports to ISC, within school performance data or related to his work as designated safeguarding lead or in tackling Health and Safety concerns in school. To all of these he has brought his meticulous attention to detail and his sound common sense. In addition to his responsibilities as Deputy Head Neil has also taught both Science and Psychology in his time at Pipers as well as leading regular, thoughtful assemblies. He can be relied on at all times to give a sensible and considered opinion and he enjoys discussing both educational theory and its real implications for learning and young people. As often falls to the Deputy Head in any school, Neil has had to have difficult conversations, on occasions, with staff or parents and occasionally outside agencies, and yet whatever the situation, the complexities of the issue or the emotions of the moment, he can always be relied on to remain calm, reflective and eminently polite. These qualities will no doubt stand him in good stead as he moves to Newcastle to take on the Headship of Westfield School - an independent girls’ school for 350 students aged 3-18. We wish him well in his new role and in his move further north to be nearer family and we thank him for all he has done for Pipers over the last three years.
40 AQUILA 2016-17
Jeremy Carey Head of Design Technology
Jeremy Carey joined Pipers initially in 2010 in a temporary role before returning in September 2012 when he became our permanent Head of Design Technology, having impressed us so much previously. Jeremy immediately injected creativity and imagination into the Department, raising its profile considerably. All of a sudden the school was overflowing with innovative design projects completed by the girls, filling display cabinets and windowsills where ever one turned. Jeremy also pioneered the use of various new techniques in design, bringing in a 3-D printer and laser cutter to enhance the practical work of his students across all levels. Jeremy’s contribution to Pipers has not been limited to the classroom. He will also be remembered for his significant design skills, particularly shown through his work with the Performing Arts teams to design and make set and props for several of the recent school productions. His designs for many of the costumes and all of the set for “The Lion King” were particularly stunning and innovative - whilst also being highly practical and surviving several performances. Jeremy has tackled even the most impossible of challenges with his characteristic determination, enthusiasm and thorough approach to detail. Jeremy has also been the member of the teaching staff most likely to be found in school during holidays - either redesigning his studio, constructing a complex piece of scenery or possibly tinkering with his own projects, including his much loved boat. It was inevitable that we were going to lose him to somewhere closer to the sea and we wish him well with his new business venture in the South West.
