New Head of Classics at Lockers Park

Lockers Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Daniel Saunders as the school’s new Head of Classics, commencing this term. Mr Saunders joins Lockers Park having taught Classics at both York House (preparatory school) and The Hastings Academy (secondary school).

Mr Saunders is passionate about Classics and the benefits it brings to those who study it. Through years of study, Mr Saunders is not just fluent but also adept at teaching pupils how to get to grips with the language, whether they show initial flair or not. He enjoys bringing to life the culture, architecture, agriculture, sports, and government of societies from thousands of years ago, and argues that learning Latin reaps rewards in terms of improving the structure of stories and sentences in English as well as helping develop communication skills and independent thinking.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Lockers Park,” says Daniel. “My first impression of the school was of a welcoming, family-like community. I am looking forward to nurturing pupils’ intelligent and critical awareness of the Ancient World, helping further strengthen the school’s first-rate academic reputation.”

Originally hailing from Bushey, near Watford, Mr Saunders secured his BSc (Hons) in Classics at the University of Wales, and his PGCE at Sussex University. Mr Saunders enjoys playing golf and is quite the film buff – it may be no surprise that one of his favourite films is Gladiator, although he recognises it has historical inaccuracies.

Headmaster Mr Christopher Wilson observes: “Daniel works wonders at bringing the Ancient World back to life and he has some fantastic ideas about how to engage and inspire pupils during this initial period of Remote Learning. Our pupils are excited to be learning about Athens and Sparta, the Roman Empire, and to be delving into mythologies such as Homer’s Odyssey and Hercules’ Twelve Labours. I believe Daniel’s appointment will further reinforce our reputation as a school that delivers academic excellence while enabling pupils to explore their potential and develop into the best they can be.”

Lockers Park is a day and boarding school for boys aged 4 to 13, with 23 acres of leafy grounds situated in Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead. The school holds an excellent academic reputation, priding itself on preparing pupils for the country’s leading public and independent senior schools.