MICHAEL Totterdell is the new dean of initial teacher education at London University’s Institute of Education. He was previously assistant dean of initial teacher education and head of continuing professional development and in-service training. A former senior teacher and independent inspector, Mr Totterdell has worked at the institute since 1991 as a lecturer and course leader of the secondary PGCE. Active in consultancy work in Moscow and Indonesia and in the professional development of educators from Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, his research interests are in policy, curriculum and pedagogy. He has advised the Government on fast-track teacher training. He is a member of the General Teaching Council and vice-chair of the Universities Council for the Education of Teachers.
The independent Girls’ Day School Trust has announced the appointment of new heads at two of its 25 schools, both from other trust schools. Denise Lodge, now head of Sydenham high school in south-east London, will become head of Putney high school in south-west London in September, on the retirement of Eileen Merchant. Dr Lodge, who has a degree in botany and zoology and a doctorate in zoology, was head of chemistry and head of sixth form at Sir Roger Manwood’s school in Kent before moving to the private sector as deputy head of Sheffield high school. Susan Mitchell is to take over as head of Streatham and Clapham high school in south London in September on the retirement of Gill Ellis, head for the past 25 years. Mrs Mitchell is currently deputy head of Bromley high school in south-east London. An Oxford English graduate, she was previously head of sixth form at the independent Old Palace School in Croydon.
Winifred Tumim is to chair the Foyer Federation, the national charity that provides accommodation and support for homeless young people. Until recently chair of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Lady Tumim is a renowned campaigner for charitable causes.
The mother of two children who were born deaf, she is a former chair of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.
