David Kiddell – a Great Loss for King Arthur’s School

On Tuesday 17th June the school was informed that David Kiddell, Head of Design Technology at King Arthur’s School since 1997 had died very suddenly in the early hours of the morning. Staff and students were overcome with a genuine sense of grief as they dealt with the loss of a very caring, hardworking teacher.

I had the privilege of observing one of David’s lessons with an OFSTED inspector earlier in the year. We saw very little teaching taking place; all of the students had their own record of what they needed to improve and without exception they knew how to improve their work. With little fuss, Mr Kiddell went around the room, speaking to individuals giving advice and demonstration as needed. The inspector and I agreed that this was outstanding and I knew that this was typical of Mr Kiddell as a teacher and a person; knowing exactly what he wanted and going about getting it in a very understated way (apart from his ties – they were never understated).

Mr Kiddell’s tutor group felt that using the Greenpower car as a memorial would be a fitting tribute and over the next three days comments, flowers and gifts poured in. At his funeral Year 9 students Samantha Wadlow, Katie Furlong and Alice Wakelam sang a song they had written as a tribute to Mr Kiddell which beautifully captured the essence of how Mr Kiddell had affected so many young people in his time as a teacher.

Alongside an oak tree donated by the Kierl family the school will establish a lasting memorial to David and the DT / Art exhibition on the 16th July will be a further occasion to celebrate the impact he had upon student achievement.

David Kiddell embodied the very best of teaching and will be greatly missed.

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