New Faces at King’s Worcester 24/25

Abbey Cox has worked for the last 18 months as a Teacher of PE and Health & Social Care at Smestow Academy. Prior to this she was Teacher of PE and Wellbeing (PSHE) at Wolverhampton Grammar School.  Abbey has also spent more than 10 years coaching netball to a wide range of athletes from beginners to performance level, and all ages. She is currently assistant coach of the English Universities National Squad, which includes players who are part of the superleague, national performance league and international pathways, competing against teams such as Welsh Feathers and England U21s. Abbey is also a Severn Stars Performance Coach, currently Head Coach of the new U14s Future Stars Programme at Aldersley High School and Severn Stars U17s National Performance League Assistant Coach. This follows a season as U21s NPL Assistant Coach and part season as RGSW Nova Head Coach. Previously, Abbey coached grassroots at club level and was a BUCS Coach at University of Worcester. Abbey has a range of netball development experience through previous roles including Severn Stars U21s NPL Team Manager, Club Development Officer, University of Worcester Netball Development Officer and Inclusivity Representative.

“It is a huge privilege to make a difference to young people’s lives through sport at King’s and I am really excited to join a school where there are so many opportunities for each student to reach their potential, no matter their ability. I instantly felt the welcoming nature and sense of community that is built at King’s, and I am looking forward to being able to work alongside knowledgeable, committed and passionate staff to inspire students in a safe, positive environment. As Director of Netball and Teacher of PE, I aspire to provide opportunities for all members of the school community regardless of protected characteristics, personal barriers or previous experience. I aspire for excellence by reducing the gap between potential and performance.

Anita Pardoe has been teaching overseas for many years and joins King’s from Rugby School Thailand as Head of Department. Returning to Worcestershire, where she grew up as a teenager, Anita is looking forward to the homely comforts of the UK. As an art teacher, she specializes in ceramics but enjoys teaching all disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, and digital art. Anita is also eager to explore local arts events and enjoy walks in the area to stay fit

Katie is a passionate PE teacher dedicated to instilling a love for sport in every individual she teaches. Having played a wide range of sports, including cricket, hockey, and more, Katie considers herself a versatile athlete. Currently, she plays netball and tennis and has a strong enthusiasm for CrossFit. She has always found the most joy in being active and is eager to share this enthusiasm with the children she teaches. Katie firmly believes there is an activity for everyone, and as a PE teacher at King’s, she is committed to helping pupils find their sport.

Mark Walton has been teaching English in high schools for over twenty years now and has thoroughly enjoyed his experiences teaching many wonderful students. Although, most of his career has been here in the UK, he has taught more recently in private schools in the UAE and Cuba further developing his skills and experiences as a teacher.

Mark is looking forward to his new post here as an English teacher and is greatly looking forward to working alongside new colleagues for this term helping support the fantastic students at this school.

William is very pleased to be teaching Psychology at King’s School Worcester. Although he will only be working at King’s for a relatively short period of time as maternity cover, he is looking forward to learning more about this wonderful school. William has been teaching Psychology since 1992 and has worked in schools in Sutton Coldfield and Warwickshire. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the garden or walking in the countryside with his Labrador.