SONG: Miss Pickering was treated to a special tune from Rose Court’s choir earlier this month
SONG: Miss Pickering was treated to a special tune from Rose Court’s choir earlier this month

Pupils bid farewell to outgoing head with unique CD

The retiring head of a nursery and pre-prep school in Leeds will always have the music of her students to remember her teaching days by, thanks to a special gift she received last week.

Children and staff at Rose Court teamed up and recorded a CD as a tribute to Anne Pickering, whose love of music has been an inspiration to creative life at the nursery throughout her 25 years leading the school.

In a day long recording session all the children, aged from three to seven, took their turn singing their hearts out in year groups or altogether, performing songs directed from the piano by music teacher Chris Turner.

Mr Turner explained: “The CD will be dedicated to Anne Pickering, as a tribute from everyone at Rose Court on her retirement.

“I chose the title ‘Time for a Song’ because Anne has always been so incredibly supportive of music and in Rose Court there has always been ‘time for a song’.”

The CD was professionally recorded by School Recording Stars and the sleeve will feature the artwork of Year Two pupil Dimitra Pountou, who won a competition to design the cover.

Miss Pickering added: “It’s a great honour and there’s nothing I would rather be associated with more than music. Music teaches so many other skills – listening, cooperation, teamwork, self-confidence and self-esteem.

“A musical school is a good school; children can develop a love of music that stays with them for life.”

Rose Court is the nursery and pre-prep of The Grammar School at Leeds.

Mike Gibbons, GSAL’s principal and chief executive, said Miss Pickering will be missed and hopes the gift would be a fitting tribute to his long time colleague.

“Anne has been an outstanding head teacher, who is very loved and respected by pupils, parents and staff,” he said. “Many of our senior pupils started their school career with Anne at Rose Court and think of her with great affection.

“We are sorry to see her go and are full of gratitude, and wish her a long and happy retirement.”

Anne Pickering’s successor as head of Rose Court will be current deputy head Mrs Jo Hall.