Merlins
Our Teacher - Mr Whittaker
I joined the Batt School in January 2022 and have quickly gained experience teaching classes in Years 3, 4 and 5. Primary teaching is a new and exciting challenge for me, having spent most of my career working in secondary and adult education. However, at the start of 2023, I was delighted to be asked to take on a full-time teaching role in 5 Merlins, where we focus on creating a calm and purposeful classroom environment.
After gaining my BA Hons in English Language and Literature from Lincoln College, Oxford, I went on to complete my PGCE at Nottingham University in 2003. In the years since, I have taught both English Language and Literature, at GCSE and A-Level, in a wide range of settings. I have now decided to follow my interest in primary education and am very proud to be working at the Batt School, where both of my eldest children had such a fantastic experience.
As the lead teacher for English, I am passionate about developing children's literacy skills and building on our school's long tradition of promoting reading for pleasure. I also love to help give children opportunities to experience a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Alongside school, and a busy family life, I can usually be found swimming up and down the pools, rivers and lakes of Oxfordshire, training for long distance open water swims.
Our Learning
Click here to view our Year 5 Curriculum Overview
