It will be the end of an era when the school bells sounds for half term on Friday October 27, as a much-loved teacher retires.

Karen Williams (Miss Williams) 54, has worked at Oswestry’s Woodside School for 27 years. She was appointed in 1996 to teach in Year 6, initially on a one-term contract.

Miss Williams completed her PGCE in Aberystwyth in 1995, after a degree in psychology in Newcastle Upon Tyne. 

Karen said: “Teaching was always something I had an interest in, but I imagined myself working with older students, even adult learners! It was only after working with young children during my degree that I knew my passion would be primary teaching.”

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Karen has seen plenty of changes during her career and said there are increasing pressures on schools in all sorts of ways that makes the job challenging. Paying tribute to her colleague she said school staff are so dedicated, hard-working and committed to doing the best for our children and young people. 

Karen said: “I couldn’t have wished to work with a more inspirational profession.”

She said in the classroom, the increase and advancement of technology has changed the way teachers teach and children learn. Karen said the resources they now have are incredible and unimaginable 20 years ago.

Border Counties Advertizer: Karen Williams with her first class in 1996 at Woodside.Karen Williams with her first class in 1996 at Woodside. (Image: Karen Williams.)

She said: “When I started teaching, we were lucky if we had one computer for the class; now we have sets of iPads, interactive white boards and 3D printers! Mind-blowing!

“My time at Woodside has been incredible!  I have taught many hundreds if not thousands of children – I’ve even taught many of our current parents! Some of the most memorable moments (and there are many!) include our trip to the Houses of Parliament in London, canoeing down the Montgomery canal (with children and with staff on a PD Day!), weeks by the seaside in Scarborough, the many visitors we’ve had in school such as Michael Morpurgo, Tony Robinson, Black Umfolosi, Fairport Convention and Dick and Dom, and of course, our fantastic sporting achievements, especially during the past year! 

“There have also been some very memorable Christmas plays and other productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ice Palace, Scrooge and The Polar Express.”

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Karen said she is now looking forward to spending more time with family and friends, and taking a few nice holidays. Some of the children have been giving her suggestions about how she could spend her time, such as going to Legoland, learning to juggle, ride an elephant or get a crested gecko as a pet!

She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 27 years. I have worked with some incredible staff, children and families and I would like to thank them all. I am going to miss everyone at Woodside, especially the children, but I will be visiting regularly to support with trips, celebrating Christmas and FOWS events. 

“Woodside will always be a part of me, and I hope I will always be a part of Woodside.”