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27 April 2022
Dr Andrew Passmore
Dr Passmore has had an outstanding academic and teaching career to date. Following a 1st class degree in Music at the University of York, Dr Passmore then completed a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Music at York.
Currently teaching Music and chorus at Stonar School, Dr Passmore has been Assistant Director of Music at Queen Anne’s School, Caversham and Director of Music at St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury, as well as having previous experience in both prep and senior schools in Yorkshire.
His performance specialism and passion is historical performance on keyboard instruments featuring organ, harpsichord, and piano. He has performed as an accompanist and soloist with professional ensembles such as the Royal Northern Sinfonia, London Concertante and the Gabrieli Consort.
Dr Passmore has also overhauled the Prep and Key Stage 3 Music curriculum in his previous schools to encompass technology as a specific tool to engage pupils of all musical abilities and he has a track record of strong GCSE and A Level uptake as a direct result.
“I am excited to be joining The Mount School as Director of Music in September,” said Dr Passmore. “I am looking forward to getting to know all of the pupils, staff, and the wider Mount community. Together, we will embark upon an active and fulfilling programme of concerts, lessons, and performances, celebrating the musical traditions of The Mount, whilst also encouraging and embracing new paths in Music education.”
Commenting on the appointments, Principal David Griffiths said, “We had a strong field of applicants for the Director of Music role, Dr Andrew Passmore demonstrated a clear vision for Music and Performing Arts and his appointment signals the start of exciting times for the Performing Arts at The Mount. In addition to bringing his impressive experience into Music lessons throughout the whole school, we are looking forward to his collaboration with our Drama department for our musical productions.”
James Waddington
James, a Geography specialist, is a University of St Andrew’s graduate. Currently, he is the Head of Sixth Form at Wycombe Abbey School in Changzhou in China, having been at Wycombe Abbey since 2017.
His current role involves the management and leadership of the university application process for all pupils and the oversight and responsibility for the progress of Sixth Form pupils. In addition he has a wide range of experience in supporting pupils into world-class universities globally, as well as into specialist courses at Music Conservatoires and Arts-based Universities and courses.
At The Mount School, he will lead and develop the Careers programme within the school, supporting pupils in achieving the very best outcomes and providing the guidance to ensure they thrive at university and beyond. He will also act as EPQ Supervisor, overseeing the programme’s successful running, which brings such huge benefits for pupils when they are applying for universities, especially the ultra-competitive institutions and courses.
He will also have significant input as a Higher Education Advisor, guiding pupils through the university application process and providing the necessary support and help to allow them to enter their chosen university and be hugely successful.
David Griffiths, Principal of The Mount School York, who took up post in January, commented, “This is a very exciting appointment for the Mount as we strive to strengthen and further develop our Sixth Form provision. James possesses a wealth of experience and skills in this area and his presence will allow us to not only, refocus and expand our curricular and super-curricular emphasis in the vital A-Level years, but to ensure that each and every pupil who leaves the Mount is guided and supported towards entry into the best Universities and courses and towards the ones best suited to them”.
