After an outstanding 28 years at William Howard School, we bid farewell to Sarah Ledger as she embraces retirement this summer.
During her time here, Ms Ledger has changed countless lives through her work as an English Teacher, Director of Learning, and as a valued colleague.
Ms Ledger joined William Howard in 1998 as a part time English Teacher. As well as teaching English at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 throughout her career, she taught BTEC and A Level Media between 2000 and 2016. She admits that some of her happiest memories of working at WHS are of the creative ventures and award-winning film making with students.
In 2008, she took on the responsibility of Head of Standards for Years 10 and 11, and ever since has had a Year Group leading role (now known as Director of Learning).
On being a Director of Learning, Ms Ledger reflected: “The role has brought me into close contact with students, families and the wider community. A great source of pride is seeing how brilliantly our students achieve out there in the wide world. Often, it’s the ones I know have faced the toughest times through their teenage years that confirm to me the importance of positive educational experiences and consistent pastoral support.”
Today, she called her last register, completed her last piece of marking and shared her favourite poem for the last time.
She recalls: “I taught my first lesson in September 1986 in Manchester to a Year 8 class. Nearly 40 years and 121 680 lessons later, I taught my final lesson P4 on Wednesday to 8Y/En1. I chose one of my favourite poems ‘Young Lochinvar’. An early 19th century ballad set in Border Riever country outside Longtown, it’s the tale of a bold knight who risks all for love. It’s an excellent example of how poetry combines form structure and language to elevate a story – and what could be better than a poem by local lad Walter Scott.”
Her Year 8s had the challenge of rewriting 19th century poetic language into more accessible modern English. They were on a tight schedule, leaving time for a small celebration with cake at the end of the lesson.
Sarah has brought boundless humour and joy to the school through the multitude of extracurricular events she has initiated or gleefully participated in – be that panto, Staff Karaoke, WHS Strictly Come Dancing, Half & Half Quiz Show and the hilarious Year 11 Leavers videos.
Headteacher, Kath Pigdon remarked: “It is often said that some people leave footprints wherever they go, but only a special few leave a lasting legacy. Throughout her many years of dedicated service to teaching and to WHS, Sarah has been one of those exceptional people. Her warmth, compassion, and unbelievable commitment have made a positive difference to countless lives. She has a real gift for lifting a room simply by being in it, bringing positivity, laughter, and encouragement to those around her. Sarah’s impact will be felt for many years to come, and while she may be leaving her role, the difference she has made to our school community will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing and working with her.”
As she dives into retirement (quite literally, being a very keen swimmer) we wish her the very best for her next chapter.
