b'THE ELLESMERIAN The Common Room Arrivals15Neil ArmstrongNeil joined the College in September 2021, being new to Shropshire having moved from Surrey, where he was teaching BTEC Creative Media.Prior to teaching Neil, spent over 30 years working in Media, starting his career with BBC TV as a Film Assistant and working his way up to Director and Series Producer as he moved between broadcasters and production companies. He also produced and directed corporate films, a few commercials, and music videos. His academic background is a combined BA Honours Degree in Visual Studies and Modern History in the distant mists of time at Oxford Polytechnic, and a PGCE from Greenwich University in 2019.Neil is passionate about filmmaking, theatre, travel, fast cars, motorbikes and Arsenal FC. He has embraced life at Ellesmere with enthusiasm and, admirably, maintains his optimistic approach to all that he does, including urging pupils on as they tackled a High Ropes course in Snowdonia, his first encounter of the Ellesmere expedition week. Clare PearceTeacher of Key Stage 2Clare joined Ellesmere College as Teacher of Key Stage 2 in October 2021. Clare attended Ysgol Dinas Brn, Llangollen, where she loved all academic subjects, music and sport. Clare played the flute in both school and county band and was a member of the school choir. Having a love of sport, swimming became her specialism and she competed in regional and national competitions. Clares love of swimming continues and she is currently a member of Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club, competing in Regional, National and International events. Clare qualified to represent Great Britain at the European Masters Swimming Championships in 2020, which was sadly cancelled due to Covid.Clare studied BSc (hons) Sport & Exercise Science at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, followed by Postgraduate Certificate in Exercise & Nutrition Science at Chester University, and then PGCE Secondary PE at Bangor University. Clares first teaching role was at Ysgol Castell Alun, teaching Welsh and PE for 6 years. Following a transition to Primary teaching, Clare worked in a number of local primary schools before joining Shrewsbury High Prep, as Key Stage 2 Teacher, Teacher of KS1 & 2 PE and Games, and Head of Drama. During this time, Clare had the opportunity to help deliver the prep school sporting programme and was the school swim coach. Clare also directed and choreographed a number of successful drama productions and played in the school orchestra.Clare is excited to be part of Lower School at Ellesmere College and enjoys being able to mix classroom teaching with sports teaching, coaching and umpiring. Outside of school, Clare enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and travelling.'