Every year we bid farewell to a small number of staff. This year we say goodbye to: Dr Al-Murani (2 years), Miss Black (2 years), Mr Edwards (9 years), Mrs Hall (3 years), Miss Love (18 months), Mrs Otero-Salgado (9 years) and Mrs Warwick (8 years).
Dr Al-Murani, Teacher of Mathematics
In his two years at Adams, alongside teaching maths and instigating departmental board games, Dr Al-Murani has spear headed a revival in Chess at Adams. He introduced an annual Adams’ Open Chess tournament which proved very popular. From this initiative, Dr Al-Murani built up a Chess Team that practices every Wednesday and has been extremely successful reaching the ECF National Schools Finals this year in all three formats.
Dr Al-Murani is staying local and moving to Burton Burough School. He will no doubt set up a chess team, so we look forward to some local derby matches in due course! With a reconstructed knee, he may be back on the football pitch…
Miss Black, Teacher of Mathematics
Joining two years ago, Miss Black has taught maths across all year groups and been a Sa’adu House Tutor. During her time at Adams, she has supported the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze programme, set up a lunchtime Lego club and enjoyed accompanying students on the German trip to Cologne. Miss Black moves on to Thomas Telford School as a Teacher of mathematics.
Mr Edwards, Head of Computer Science
Joining in 2017, Mr Edwards leaves a thriving Computer Science department that is set to grow with its introduction to Key Stage 3. “I'm so proud that Computer Science has become a really popular subject at GCSE and A-Level!”
Every house team event has been a highlight. “It's so great to get behind your house and you can't fail to be impressed by the level of skill and determination of the students. I know everyone says this when they leave, but Adams has truly been the most amazing school I have ever worked in. There is so much I am going to miss!”
The plan is to keep a hand in education, with some computer science tutoring. However, caring for wildlife has been Mr Edwards’ passion for many years so the main goal is to volunteer for a wildlife rescue centre. Last year Mr Edwards spent 3 months rehabilitating a baby squirrel that came into his garden – “the squirrel was clearly abandoned and very cold. He shot straight up my leg and into my arms. I kept him warm and he slept in my arms. Over the next 3 months he came to me every day, often sitting with me (or on me...), asking for food and scratches! He got healthy and strong and came less often. Eventually he stopped coming but it was magical!”
Ms Hall, Teacher of Biology
Coming in to cover for a term, Ms Hall stayed for three years and has taught both Biology and Chemistry during her time at Adams. She has also been a Lower Sixth Tutor for a different House each year – Darwin, Sa’adu and lastly Webb!
In her short tenure, Ms Hall has experienced three houses, two heads and the move to co-ed. However, there is one constant: “The fact that the whole school manages to meet for a weekly assembly is such a good thing to see; and the range of opportunities presented to students is quite something.”
Ms Hall is taking up a role at the University of Chester as Senior Lecturer for their PGCE in Secondary Science whilst continuing with similar work for Sheffield Hallam University. “The single biggest influence on student outcomes is the quality of teaching they receive and I’m excited about developing the next generation of teachers”
Miss Love, Librarian, Archivist & Boarding Tutor
As a graduate of Korean, TESOL and English Linguistics it was only a matter of time before Miss Love would be drawn back to Asia. She heads off to Singapore next week for a 6-month work placement and we wish her well on her travels.
Mrs Otero-Salgado, Teacher of Chemistry
Joining as a part-time teacher of Chemistry Mrs Otero-Salgado gradually increased her hours becoming a stalwart of the Science department and Talbot House.
She doubled up as a mother of three ONs Amara (2021), Rhianna (2023) and Georgina (2025). “It has been incredibly special to have all three of my daughters attend Adams in Sixth Form and to watch them leave home and pursue their own dreams: Amara as General Secretary of LSE next year, Rihanna entering her final year at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and Georgina as a police degree apprentice.” With her girls forging exciting new paths, it feels like the right time for a change. Mrs Otero-Salgado is moving to Birmingham and looking forward to city life - restaurants, pubs, clubs and gigs! – and a new role as Lead Practitioner for Science, with a Chemistry specialism, at Park Hall Academy.
“There have been many highlights, but one of the most memorable was when Mr Hickey gave his blessing for me to spend a year making random cameo appearances in school dressed as a giant eight-foot inflatable unicorn (London Marathon madness)! I will miss Adams enormously, particularly the very special students I have had the privilege of teaching, and I will carry so many happy memories of them with me.”
Mrs Warwick, Head of Design & Technology and Head of Sa’adu House
After a fulfilling and varied career in industry and education, Mrs Warwick is retiring from teaching. Part of the Adams’ family since 2018, “it has been a privilege to support young people as they grow, learn and discover their potential.”
Throughout her career, Mrs Warwick has believed that education is about much more than examination results. The relationships built along the way, the encouragement offered at the right moment, and the confidence inspired in young people can have a lasting impact. “I hope that the countless conversations, both inside and outside the classroom, have helped pupils to embrace new opportunities and believe in themselves.”
One of the highlights was helping to establish Sa’adu House in 2021. She is immensely proud of everything the House has achieved and grateful to the House Captains, Front Teams and pupils whose enthusiasm and determination helped shape its success. She leaves Sa’adu House confident that it will continue to flourish under the guidance of Mr Nelms and the House Tutor team. Look carefully, and you may well spot her still wearing purple in the audience at Dixon Cup and House Music!
Mrs Warwick is looking forward to embracing new interests and enjoying more time for personal projects and adventures. Although retiring from the classroom, she will be pursuing a new venture as a driving instructor (with Learn To Go Driver Training)!
Mrs Warwick leaves with many happy memories and a deep affection for the Adams community. “The school has been a significant part of my life, and I will always cherish the friendships, achievements and experiences I have shared here.”
We thank Dr Al-Murani, Miss Black, Mr Edwards, Mrs Hall, Miss Love, Mrs Otero-Salgado and Mrs Warwick for their contribution to Adams, and we wish them every happiness and success in their new adventures.
