We were equally sad to hear of the death of Janet Gordge after a long battle with cancer. An exceptionally gifted teacher at Shaldon Primary School, Janet gave so much to the young people she taught. Very conscious of the importance of the arts in children's education, Janet promoted and sustained a wide range of arts initiatives at Shaldon School, linking with The Helen Foundation and other charities, and inspired generations of young people to believe in themselves and their potential.
She was nationally known for her outstanding contributions to education and was one of the most creative teachers of her generation.In a wonderful tribute to just how much she meant to her pupils, Jack Rodwell (who won The Helen Foundation Award in 2017 at Shaldon School) wrote and accompanied a special song for Janet's funeral which was sung by former pupils in a recording played at Janet's funeral.
Her cortege passed over Shaldon Bridge at walking pace and hundreds of people, including pupils currently in Shaldon School, lined the road and clapped as the cortege passed by. She will be so much missed by so very many staff, pupils and parents who loved her dearly.