WILTSHIRE LIFE Awards 2018 11
Teacher/Coach of the Year
SPONSORED BY
(Joint) Winner Dr Tom Horler-Underwood
Tom is the head of Sixth Form at Warminster School and has an upbeat disposition. He’s a
steadying influence, offering great advice over a cup of coffee. He spends his day teaching
history, helping with university applications, dealing with academic and pastoral matters and
meeting prospective pupils. When former pupils return they make a beeline for Tom.
The nomination from Warminster School said: “We believe that Tom is the perfect head of
Sixth Form at Warminster. The pupils, parents and alumni continually tell us so. He is highly
regarded among the staff members too.”
Pupils showed great respect for their mentor when they made a film for a Sixth Form
information evening, which can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/237669564
(Joint) Winner Catherine Bernard
Catherine’s speciality is helping children with learning difficulties in English; she can also work
in French. Children can be reluctant to give up free time for extra lessons, but it doesn’t take
long for Catherine to break down the barriers. She tailors her teaching to each individual by
finding a hobby or passion to discuss, and using that as the basics for the lesson. Her pupils
always come out of lessons with a smile on their face.
Catherine taught Julian Sebag-Montefiore until the age of 13 (he is now 26). He recalls
how, at the age of eight, Catherine told him about her passion for miniature goats. She did this
knowing he loved animals. From that moment on, lessons seemed as much play as work, but
at the same time dramatic progress had been made in reading and writing skills.
Third place Liam Abram
Liam is the founder, choreographer and teacher at Showoff Dance in Tidworth. He was
dismayed by the lack of arts facilities in Tidworth when he moved there, so set up free dance
classes for friends. His venture grew and with a small grant from O2, he began teaching both
military and civilian residents of all ages and abilities, covering everything from contemporary,
street and lyrical jazz to tap dance. Liam’s much-needed service has successfully integrated
military and civilian families, and he has since won many awards and changed many lives.
As head of Sixth
Form at Warminster
School, Tom is a
steadying influence,
offering great advice
over a cup of coffee
Catherine tailors her
teaching to each child
by finding a passion to
discuss and using that
as the basics for
the lesson
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