A North Shields school said “Auf Wiedersehen” to its award-winning modern language teacher when the school year ended.
Before retiring, foreign language teacher Meryl Wakeman was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award to conclude her 30-year teaching career.
Merrill Wakeman has taught German at Sir Thomas More Catholic High School in North Shields for almost 30 years and was nominated for a prestigious award by Lisa Fischer, Curriculum Leader in Contemporary Foreign Languages.“Merrill has been a long-time staff member of Sir Thomas More and has made significant contributions to the Modern Foreign Languages Department.
“Her dedication and inspiration to Thomas More’s students and staff deserve recognition. Throughout her teaching career Merrill has been the ultimate ambassador for the German language. ”
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Merrill was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by German Ambassador Miguel Berger and former British Museum Director Neil McGregor at the Ambassador’s Residence before the end of the academic year. Lisa Fisher says: “Her enthusiasm for the German language and German culture has been a constant inspiration for the students who have been at the heart of everything she does.
“She checked the daily German news, recommended great German books, hosted guests from German-speaking countries and traveled to Germany in a campervan. She also organizes regular Sixth Form trips to Berlin, with memorable activities such as a visit to the Goethe Institut concert featuring rapper Chefket and the creation of the Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte for the Great German Bake Off competition. Did.
“Across the school, from the bottom set of 8th grade to the top performers of the 6th form, Merrill has enabled her students to communicate effectively in German. She works tirelessly with students of all abilities. We work hard to ensure that our students reach their full potential.”
Merrill said: The challenge and reward of teaching with humor and positivity. ”
The German teacher is currently planning a trip to Europe with her husband. She adds: However, she hopes to keep in touch with her many colleagues in the future and many interesting and rewarding adventures await. ”
The Department of Contemporary Foreign Languages marked the retirement of a longtime colleague with a meal at Seaham Hall’s Twilight Spa and Newcastle, while Principal David Watson gave a presentation to Merrill after the end of year service at Sir Thomas More. , is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.
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