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John Simons
 
Photo by Andrea Wall

John Simons

Ron Harwood —

John Simons started work at Branston Intermediate in 1993 to fill the vacant metal work position. He had previously been teaching at Casebrook Intermediate so had a good understanding of Year 7 and 8 students and how intermediate schools operated.

The delivery of technology education was changing and John was quick to change the name of his department from Metal Work to Design Technology and as computers became the norm in schools, John set up a bank of computers in his room to compliment his programme.

As time went on the operations of the technology department changed and John became the lead teacher and the H.O.D. A position that he has held until the end of this year.

John was a great one to share his knowledge and understanding with colleagues and keep everyone up to date on curriculum changes and all matters that affected the daily running of the technology department.

Branston Intermediate had over the years become the hub for technology education for year 7 and 8 schools in the wider Hornby area and John liaised with Principals and bus companies to make sure it all came together and ran smoothly.

With the closing of Branston Intermediate in 2013 and the merge with Hornby High School, this roll did not change and it is a major reason it has worked so well.

Outside of work, John has a passion for riding his motor bikes in time trials in and around the Canterbury area. John was a busy club member and spent a number of years setting up the courses, often in river beds and on farm land.

This year has been a special one for John and his family as they are now blessed with their first grandchild.

John has made a great contribution to education and the lives of over six thousand students.

Happy retirement, John.  From those of us who have worked with you over the last 25 years, we wish you the very best. 

Ron Harwood