"An outstanding teacher universally acclaimed by colleagues, pupils past and present, and by parents"

A man was walking along the beach one day. Ahead he noticed another, older man picking up a starfish that had become stranded on the sand and throwing it back into the sea.

“Why do you bother?” the man asked him. “The beach goes on for miles and countless starfish get stranded every day. You can’t really make a difference.”

The old man looked at the starfish in his hand and then he threw it to safety among the waves. “I can make a difference to this one,” he replied.

Countless children feel stranded at school. For some Calder House can make a real difference.

Sunday, 20 June 2010 00:00

...that's how the judges of the Teacher of the Year award described Calder House's Head of Science, Mr Perks, at the competition's regional final last week in Bath.

In all over 9,200 teachers entered the competition which covers the whole of the South West Region. Mr Perks was nominated in the category for Primary School Teacher of the Year and made it all the way to the final where he was awarded a distinction, coming joint second.

"It's a incredible achievement and we're all very proud of everything Mr Perks has achieved," said Calder House's Principal, Sandra Agombar. "Mr Perks is an exceptionally gifted teacher and I'm thrilled his skill, hard work and commitment have been recognised in this way."

Mr Perks received a beautiful, engraved glass trophy. And everyone at Calder House would like to add their congratualtions. Well done Mr Perks - you did us proud!