Chemistry Staff

Gary arrived at Canford in September 2003 from QE Barnet, London. He was appointed Head of Department in Sept 2011. In addition to teaching Chemistry, he coaches golf and hockey and referees rugby and is also an officer in the Army CCF. He has been on many Canford Partnership visits to India and CCF ski trips to the Alps. His numerous interests include travelling, cooking, scuba-diving and golf.

Dave joined Canford in September 2008 after a teaching spell in Singapore. Aside from teaching Chemistry he is a tutor in School House and is also Director of the Community Service programme. He also has responsibility for PSHE. Other co-curricular involvements include rugby, badminton and cricket coaching.

Russ arrived at Canford in 2016, from Corfe Hills, previously having taught at Highcliffe School. As well as teaching Russ is involved in climbing and Cricket coaching and is involved in the school’s DofE Gold scheme. Outside of school he enjoys climbing, kayaking and snorkelling and is a keen cook.

Cathy works part time in the department delivering Chemistry up to GCSE. She is housemistress of Marriotts and also coaches hockey, netball and swimming.

Jo joined Canford in September 2015 from Bryanston, having previously taught at Bradfield College. She teaches Chemistry and PSME as well as being a tutor in Marriotts House. Jo is also an officer in the Combined Cadet Force army section, and takes a keen interest in outdoor pursuits including climbing and watersports. She also coaches netball and sprints and hurdles for athletics.

David is involved with U15A rugby, U14B netball and U14A cricket, and has been involved with the Canford Partnership visit to Tamil Nadu in India for many years. David is a former Head of Department and is currently the Deputy Head (Co-Curricular). A keen cook (especially of cakes and curries) he is also trying to improve his Real Tennis handicap.

Al joined the Chemistry Department in September 2008 having taught previously at The Cheltenham Ladies' College. He is also a member of the Religious Studies department, delivering an internal course where he specialises in Science and Religion, and Music in Religion. Al is a tutor in School House, coaches rugby and rowing. In his free time he enjoys walking, singing and DJing, and in the past few years he has twice rowed in charity indoor rowing marathons. He is also a former President of the Common Room.