Meet the Senior Staff at Bow

Mr R N Baird, BA (Hons), PGCE

Headmaster, History and Latin Co-ordinator, Cricket Coach

A former pupil of Fettes College in Edinburgh, Mr Baird graduated at Sunderland University and completed his PGCE at Newcastle University. He took up his first teaching post at Repton Preparatory School, teaching History, Latin and Games before moving to Gresham's Prep School as Head of History. Whilst at Gresham's, he was appointed Housemaster of the junior girls’ boarding house but still spent time on the sports field coaching a variety of sports and in particular the Under 11 cricket team. It was from here that he moved to his first Headship in 1994. He was appointed to his present post at Bow in September 2000, returning to his native North East. Mr Baird has been an ISI inspector for many years and amongst his interests lists all sports, music, history and travel.

Mr MJ Browbank, BEd (Dunelm)

Deputy Head

Michael Browbank has lived in Durham all his life and was educated at Durham Wearside Secondary School before gaining a BEd degree at Durham University in 1981. He was employed at Newlands Prep School, Gosforth, in the same year as a PE/Maths teacher and became Director of Sport at the school in 1989. He remained in this post until the merger of Newlands and Ascham House Prep Schools in 2005 to form Newcastle School for Boys where he became Head of Co-Curricular activities. Among his many hobbies is a passion for cricket that he is fortunate enough to continue to pursue in the North East Durham League. He is also involved with the North East Independent Schools Football Association and currently coaches the U13 age group.

Mrs S A Baird, BEd (Warwick)

i/c Girls' pastoral care, Geography, PSHE co-ordinator, IT, Art

Having graduated from Warwick University, Mrs Baird taught at Repton Preparatory School where she was a resident house tutor and taught Humanities. It was here that she met and married Mr Baird. They moved to Gresham's Preparatory School in Norfolk and, as well as being in charge of the junior forms within the Prep School, Mrs Baird was a housemistress alongside her husband. She has experience of teaching in a number of schools and also in Further Education. Mrs Baird is a Justice of the Peace and a member of the North Durham Bench. Mr and Mrs Baird have three children; a daughter, Hannah, who attended Durham School; Peter, who attended both Bow and Durham School; and Charlie, who also attended Bow and is now in the Upper Sixth at the Senior School.

Mrs A Champion

Head of the Badger Nursery, EYFS Co-ordinator

Mrs Champion’s career in Early Years Education started over 15 years ago, when she decided to have a career change from Retail Management and move into education. She trained as a nursery nurse at New College, Durham and gained experience in Early Years by working in several schools throughout the North East and indeed the world. She worked in a school in Central America for nearly 3 years. Realising that she had a passion for Early Years Education, she decided to further her knowledge in this area, and gained an HND in Early Childhood. She then studied for a Foundation Degree in Early Years Curriculum, followed by BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies at Sunderland University. Her studies are still ongoing, and she has just completed a course for the EYPS certificate (Early Years Professional Status). Her interests are walking and gardening, as well as aromatherapy and holistic therapies.

next event

National Schools' Biathlon semi-final
Sunday, 05 February 2012

Testimonials

"An excellent atmosphere between pupils and staff with a really good House system, great teaching and a fantastic pastoral side. I thoroughly enjoyed attending Durham School and am very sad to leave."
Graham Thorpe