Teacher John Penney has bid farewell to students and staff after almost 30 years at Salford City Academy.
John, who lives in Prestwich, began his career in East London in 1981, teaching at Forest Hill Boys School and later at schools in Bolton and Luton before settling up north at Eccles CE High School, which later became Canon Williamson and in 2005, Salford City Academy.
During his time at the Peel Green school, John has held various academic, pastoral and vocational roles, though always centred around his love of languages. Positions included teaching French and German, Head of Year from 1992 to 2005, Head of Communications and Subject Leader for Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) from 2005 to 2011.
For the 58 year-old, career highlights have included taking part in school productions (most notably Oliver and My Fair Lady) and foreign exchange trips, receiving the International Schools Award for the academy’s work in MFL from the British Council and ultimately, watching many of his students forge successful careers. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at Salford City Academy’s ‘Oscars’ in 2011.
Commenting on his career, John said:
“I’ve spent more than half my working life in this area and have loved making a positive contribution to the community. To meet former people you have taught – mums, dads and even some fellow academy staff – and see how well they have done is very rewarding. It’s certainly been a career well spent.”
Added Salford City Academy Executive Principal Helen Mackenzie OBE:
“John is our longest serving member of staff and throughout his time here has been a dedicated, hard working and invaluable member of the team. He sets himself the very highest of standards and expectations and has been a wonderful role model to everyone associated with the academy. We thank him for three decades of wonderful service and wish him a very happy and well deserved retirement.”
