Design Teacher Roger Martin Retires

Design teacher Roger Martin retires after 37 years at Cirencester Deer Park School. Mr Martin will undoubtedly be greatly missed when he leaves the school for the last time as teacher on Friday 17 December 2010.

Head teacher, Chiquita Henson reflected, ‘We will be very sorry to lose Mr Martin from the team as he has become an integral part of the school. He is a popular member of staff and former pupils who visit the school frequently ask after him and reminisce about their times in his tutor group and the care, guidance and support he provided.’

Since taking up his post at Deer Park in 1973, Mr Martin has taught across three generations of Cirencester residents and his role as a tutor is fondly remembered by many.

Karen Grinnell, former tutee, shares her thoughts on Roger Martin affectionately known as Doc! ‘I have had the pleasure in knowing Roger Martin for the past 25 years, first as a tutor, then friend and now also work colleague. I first met Roger Martin as my tutor when assigned to Durham B in September 1984 as did my husband Paul. Mr Martin took all of Durham B from Year 7 to Year 11 and in that time mentored and supported so many of us through our teenage years. On the fun side he would think nothing of asking for a pupil to get him some “Tartan Paint” or “Nail Salt” one parent even asked for it at Tesco!!! Roger Martin touched the lives of so many pupils that he taught and mentored over the years, but I personally am very thankful to Mr Martin and wish him the happiness he deserves with his wife Carol and family in retirement.’
Roger Martin was appointed to the staff of Deer Park in 1973 after completing his first year of teaching at Alperton Comprehensive School in Wembley. Before taking up his first post, he completed a three year Advanced Handicraft Course at Shoreditch College of Education. He was born in Cheltenham and attended Charlton Kings Secondary Modern School.

In September 1973, Roger Martin took up his post as Assistant woodwork, metal work and technical drawing master in what was then known as the Craft Department at Deer Park. Since joining the school, Roger Martin has worked for 5 headteachers, 6 heads of department/faculty and has seen many changes within the curriculum.

Roger Martin is deeply committed to helping pupils achieve their best; ‘The experience, qualifications and memories that pupils leave their school with, are just so important. They really only get this one chance, I hope that I have helped many to make the most of their school days,’ he said.

Most recently he has contributed to the Deer Park’s work as a specialist school for technology by promoting and participating in activities organised by the Smallpeice Trust. Mr Martin has regularly accompanied groups of pupils on Marine Engineering courses at the Universities of Strathclyde and Southampton as a part of our annual Enrichment Week.

Michael Vaughan, parent of Matthew, a former pupil, wanted to reaffirm his gratitude to Mr Martin; ‘He was an inspiration and guiding light to my son during his time at Deer Park and must take some of the credit for any success he achieves in engineering.’

Similarly, Mr Martin has brought out the best in many pupils in his Design and Technology lessons, especially Control Technology in Key Stage 3 and Systems and Control in Key Stage 4. He has also coached pupils for the prestigious engineering Arkwright Scholarships.

Annemarie Evans, Head of Design said, ‘I count myself very privileged to have worked alongside Roger Martin. The rapport that he has with the pupils and their parents is amazing. He cares a great deal about the pupils and staff at Deer Park School and will willingly give up his time to help and support pupils. His enthusiasm and insight for the subject has never dwindled and as a Faculty and personally we will miss him. We wish him all the best in his retirement.’

Over the last few years Mr Martin has encouraged teams of pupils in Year 9 to take part in the Lego League at The University of Bath. Thomas Fearn, Year 9, explained, ‘The Lego League was an excellent opportunity to learn key life skills such as team work, problem solving and coping with pressure. I'm really glad Mr Martin asked me to be on the team!’

Chiquita Henson
Headteacher