The school was very saddened to hear of the sudden death last week of a former Deputy Headteacher – Mervyn Brooker.
Mervyn was appointed as a Deputy Headteacher in September 1988, at a very difficult time for Highfields, and he played an important role in the Senior Leadership Team as it sought to help the school move forward. His calm presence, good humour and professional integrity were much valued.
He had a very strong belief that everyone deserved the best education possible, both in and out of the classroom, and did his best to ensure that was the case for Highfields’ students. Mervyn was a passionate and excellent teacher of Geography and always sought to instil his love of the subject in his students. He was a very active supporter and participant of the Geography Department’s fieldwork activities, wherever they were and whatever the weather!
In his leadership role, Mervyn also worked tirelessly to support his colleagues’ professional development with generous encouragement, valuable advice, wisdom and good humour.
Whilst at Highfields, Mervyn helped to run several school sports teams, including soccer and cricket. He was a notably able cricketer, having previously played for Cambridgeshire and Staffordshire at county level, but Mervyn also had the ability to coach and encourage budding young Highfields players, many of whom are still playing at local clubs.
Mervyn went on to become the Headteacher of King Edwards Camp Hill and then Bolton School where his contributions to education continued to be of the highest standard. On his retirement, Mervyn returned to Wolverhampton, renewing his acquaintances with former colleagues and students, particularly when watching Wolverhampton Wanderers! He also expanded his fieldwork activities by undertaking numerous long distance walks in this country as well as climbing in Nepal.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and we send the condolences of the Highfields community to his wife, daughters and their families.
