Whittaker
has
described
it
to be
Mark Robinson
"welcoming, dynamic
Mark was brought up in the town of Kenilworth, famed for its
and lively". Outside of
castle and Abbey ruins, in the historic county of Warwickshire and
school, she enjoys the
was educated at the local Grammar School. From there Mark went
theatre
(obviously!),
as an under-graduate to Bath University to study Physics and
forest walks and "too-
having gained his degree he moved to York University to engage in
strong
coffee".
Whittaker
Dr.
research.This was Mark's first taste of our city and he clearly liked
is also a
what he saw. Mark's first employment experience was in IT
supporter of Amnesty
working for York based
International and says
General
she is an avid reader of
which, as those of us
classic novels. In three
old
words, Dr Whittaker
remember, was the
says she is a Victoria
Accident
enough
will
forerunner
of Aviva
sponge addict, which we wholeheartedly support. Finally, we asked
Insurance.
Having
if she might have any words of wisdom for us. Dr Whittaker
spent sixteen years
quoted Dickens, namely David Copperfield's aunt; "Never be mean
with General Accident
in anything; never be false; never be cruel", stating that this is
Mark decided to take
simple, eminently wise advice. On that note, we thank Dr
voluntary redundancy
Whittaker for talking to us and welcome her to the School,
but at this time he was
wishing her the best of luck for her time here. Felicity Halstead and Alison Thornton LVI
unsure as to what his be. After some deliberation
Keith Wright Mr Wright joined the school this year as deputy head of the
..,-.!
future direction would Mark decided
that the call of his first love i.e. science was too loud to ignore and he went to college again; this time to train as a teacher. Once qualified Mark took a position teaching science at Boroughbridge
music department. Previously, Mr Wright had worked for 19 years
High School where he stayed for a year. Mark has a love of science
in Durham, playing the organ in the city's cathedral and often
in general but he considers Physics to be the cream of the crop and
teaching at the university. Indeed, Mr Wright started from an early
when the job of Technician in St Peter's Physics Department
age musically, with his grandfather being a musician, and his
became vacant Mark applied for it and of course was successful in
house containing a
securing the position which he says he thoroughly enjoys and
piano. However, he
relishes the fact that "every day is different."
described his job at Durham Cathedral as being too full on, whilst the need for a change
of
routine,
away from the even longer days and terms drew school,
him
to
the
which
he
admires greatly for being a great
all-
Apart from all things scientific Mark has a strong interest in both cycling and rugby in which he turned out for his school and university sides until an injury forced him to call time. Mark keeps in touch with the game by watching Leeds Carnegie whenever possible. He would like to thank everyone at the school, but especially his colleagues in the Science Faculty for making him feel very welcome. On behalf of the school I hope that Mark will continue to enjoy life at St Peter's and that his stay will be long and fruitful.
round school, with a busy
and
bustling
community with plenty of different activities and things to be doing when not working. Here at the school Mr Wright states that he particularly enjoys teaching the Sixth form: giving him the chance to see the transition between GCSE and A-Level. When asked who his favourite musician was, Mr Wright answered immediately with Bach, a musician who he describes as being perhaps the greatest ever. In addition to his music-filled life, he also enjoys watching sports such as cricket and cycling in his free time. We hope that Mr Wright continues to enjoy his time here at the school. J. Himsworth LVI
The Peterite 2011-2012
John Darmody
