Teaching Assistant retires after 18 years at Wisbech school

The end of term also marks the end of an era for a teaching assistant who retires after 18 years at a Wisbech school.

Sue Broddle joined the Thomas Clarkson Academy 18 years ago, when it was known by a former name, and has seen a generation of students come and go during her career.

“The biggest change I have seen at the school is the new-build and becoming an academy. The students have become more confident and self-assured and seem to grow up more quickly,” she said.

Formerly known as the Queen’s School, the academy was re-named and joined the Brooke Weston Trust. New buildings helped complete the transformation.

High on Sue’s list of things to do in retirement is a trip to America to see her son Lincoln and daughter-in-law Marylle who live in Pennsylvania.

“I will be able to go outside of school holiday times and get cheaper flights!” she said.

Sue, who lives in Upwell, enjoys boating holidays with her husband Pete and Piper, their dog and said she is looking forward to being able to spend more time in her garden.

The school’s Executive Principal Richard Scott said Sue would be missed by everyone who knew her.

“She has been with us for a very long time and it will be strange to come back in September and for Sue not to be returning. Teaching assistants are a vital cog in the education of our students and the importance of the role cannot be under-estimated.

“We all wish Sue a long and happy retirement, and many more trips to America to see her family,” he said.

Sue said she would miss the structured environment and the friends she has worked with over her years at the school. Prior to joining, Sue worked in a nursery with pre-school children and said it was natural progression to work with older children.

“The role of a TA is to nurture, support, encourage and prompt children to be able to access the curriculum and become independent learners. It has changed immensely over the years and completing the admin to a deadline can be challenging,” she said.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working over the years as a teaching assistant, first in what was the Queen’s School, then the Thomas Clarkson Community College and now the Thomas Clarkson Academy with Brook Weston. I would not change my time at all and will look forward to hearing all about the school in the future and its achievements.”