TRIBUTE: PAULINE POPE

Pauline Pope, a well-loved maths teacher, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday 2 March 2021 at Wycombe Hospital. She had taught Mathematics for around 45 years across various schools in the country including John Colet School from 2003-2017. Towards the end she was doing supply and 1-2-1 tuition. She was also a valued private tutor outside of school.

Tributes from Facebook

• Pauline was a treasure, a real force of nature. Her friendship was greatly appreciated and her integrity, industry and loyalty were sources of strength for those that knew her and worked with her. I valued her counsel very much and her humour was never far away even when she herself was under pressure. Her passing will leave a big hole in a lot of lives. Steve Chappell • She helped me massively in school not only with maths work but massively with confidence too! What a lovely lady she was. Katie Jayne. • She was an amazing tutor, teacher and an inspiration. Jack Luckey. • She was an absolutely amazing teacher and definitely helped me a lot at Colet when I needed it. Liam Murray. • I’ll never forget mine and Mrs Pope's maths tuition sessions. She’s the reason I passed maths and I’m forever grateful that she didn’t give up on me like a lot of teachers did. Sophie Mitchell. • Totally loved this lady! Definitely going to be missed and such a huge personality. Kelly Louise.

Tributes from John Colet School

• Pauline was such a valued member of the John Colet Maths department over the 14 years that she worked here. She had a wonderful gift of being able to encourage and inspire all pupils no matter their age or ability through her passion for Mathematics. She was fantastic to work with as well: sharing her wealth of knowledge and experiences along with her brilliant sense of humour. She will be missed by all of the staff she worked with and all of the pupils she supported over the years. Amy Passaro, Head of Maths. • Mrs Pope was an inspirational, challenging maths teacher. She always made sure I did my best and got the highest grade possible. A proper traditional teacher. George Perry, former JCS pupil. • Before Mrs Pope taught me, I never demonstrated a particular affinity for mathematics. That all changed when she became my teacher. Her unique teaching style and patience improved my maths skills and confidence to the extent that I spent my GAP year at John Colet School as a Learning Assistant and Key Worker based in the maths department. This only happened because of Mrs Pope. Abbie Law, former JCS pupil. • I believe it was as a result of Mrs Pope's help, encouragement and patience that I passed my Maths GCSE, and many other students probably felt the same. Connor Byford, former JCS pupil.