School stunned by death of teacher
TRIBUTES have been paid to an “irreplaceable and inspirational” teacher who died after getting into difficulty while swimming.
Emma Bennett, a science teacher at The Polesworth School in Tamworth, encountered difficulties while doing open water swimming at West Midlands Water Ski Centre in Cliff Lakes, Tamworth on August 12.
She was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham but did not regain consciousness and her life support was switched off on August 20.
Ms Bennett, from Lichfield, joined the school as a newly qualified teacher (NQT) in 1993.
Head teacher Maura Favell said: “The Polesworth School is mourning the tragic loss of Emma Bennett, a much-loved, trusted and respected friend, colleague and teacher.
“During her 26 years at our school, Emma earned the welldeserved reputation as an inspirational teacher who was always seeking ways to support each and every student so that they were able to fulfil their potential.
“Emma was a force of nature and a force for good. Her personality was infectious. She was joyful, mischievous and an extrovert.
“Emma enjoyed nothing more than playing practical jokes on her colleagues and friends and her nature was such that she loved it when they played pranks on her. She simply loved life.
“Polesworth students absolutely loved being taught by her. She engendered a true love of her subject through her innovative ways of teaching and her high standards and expectations.”
Ms Bennett held many positions of responsibility at the school.
She mentored other NQTs, led the post-16 science curriculum offer, researched potential new courses and was an examiner. However, her primary responsibility was to the students and staff she cared so much for.
Mrs Favell added: “As a school and a community, we are grieving our loss.
“We will support and guide each other and we will ensure that Emma Bennett’s name continues.”
She said the school would close on the day of her funeral, September 13, so that staff, students and parents could pay their respects.
Mrs Favell added: “Emma is irreplaceable and Polesworth will never forget her or her joie de vivre.
“Rest in peace, Emma, you are greatly missed.”