Farewell Mr 'Wonder' Wall

English teacher Mr Wall is retiring - and launching a new career.

Popular Mr Wall began at Priory in 1997 and has seen thousands of students come through his classroom.  He has introduced a number of initiatives into the English Department, including tweeting book reviews, literary quizzes, entering national competitions as well as planning PSHE days and organising annual residential trips as he moved with the changing times.

“Teaching has changed a lot over the years,” said Mr Wall. “When I began there was no national curriculum, no GCSEs, no Ofsted, hardly any teacher training and, to an extent, you made it up but in a good way.

“Priory is a brilliant school, the kids are brilliant and it has developed over the years – it has transformed in the 21 years I have been here.”

Mr Wall began teaching in Kent and has taught in Norfolk, Lytham and at Carr Hill before he settled at Penwortham.  “I have loved teaching but, including my days as a student, I have spent 53 years in school and now I guess I will see what the ‘real’ world has to offer. He has trained as a clinical hypnotherapist, gaining his NLP Master Practitioner certificate in Staffordshire.  “I will be based at home in Southport and it’s scary but exciting.”

Students will miss Mr Wall and he was recently voted by them as their most inspiring teacher and put forward for an Education Award.

Caitlin W said: “Mr Wall helps your self-confidence, he knows your flaws and helps you overcome them. He is funny, engaging and loves having a laugh with pupils and is supportive.”

Jacob D said: “He is very different and teaches us in his own unique way. He is motivational and inspiring.”

Adam M added: “I think that Mr Wall is the most inspirational teacher because he teaches the best way to get high grades. He has inspired me to become an English teacher, plus he has helped me overcome many challenges”.