English - Staff Details
Dr Jim D Salisbury, MA, PGCE, PhD (Head of Department)
Dr Salisbury was appointed the head of English in 1997, following a career as a Head of House and teacher of English in Perth Grammar School. Since his arrival at Strathallan, he has completed a PhD on 'Satire in the Post-War British Novel, tutored at Dundee University, coached rugby, cricket and hockey in turn, and directed many musicals - his favourites being 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'Godspel' and 'Les Miserables' - which was a National School first. He now finds new challenges in working behind the scenes managing the scene crew. In the classroom, he is equally at home with Chaucer as Martin Amis and strives to inspire students of all ages. At home, he finds solace and excitement in his two beautiful labradors and his Retro Bonneville.
Mrs Catherine G Howett, BA, Dip Ed
Mrs Howett joined Strathallan after working at English Heritage. Her enthusiasm for reading is infectious with her classes. Gothic prose, Feminist Literature and the metaphysical poets are her interests. She is looking forward to directing 'Guys and Dolls' with colleagues this session. Out of School she pursues her interest in reading by attending a local book group.
Mrs Mary Robertson-Barnett, MA, PGCE
Mrs Robertson-Barnett joined Strathallan after lecturing in a Chinese University. She is currently studying for a PhD in Contemporary American Literature at Dundee University. Her enthusiasm for her core novelist, Anne Proulx, has benefited countless of her A Level students. She has an additional responsibility for Expressive Arts throughout the School, which gives her the opportunity to promote her love of Drama. This session, with colleagues from across the School, she is directing 'Guys and Dolls' for the Senior Pupils.
Mr Peter J S Keir, Bed (Hons) St Paul's and St Mary, Cert SpLD
Mr Keir joined Strathallan after teaching at Clifton Hall, Edinburgh. His teaching commitment in the English Department covers classes from Form I - V. As Deputy Head/Senior Tutor of Riley House he is particularly valued as a very encouraging teacher who brings his professional expertise to supporting pupils with learning difficulties. He coaches rugby and when time permits can be seen striding across the quarry with his German short haired pointer, Coco.
Mrs Salisbury, BA (Hons) Dip Ed ALCM
Mrs Salisbury joined Strathallan after relinquishing her responsibilities as Principal Teacher of English and year head at Breadalbane Academy, Aberfeldy. Subsequently freed from her commitment as Drama tutor at the Stage School and Director on the Board of Perth Concert Hall and Theatre, she is happy to devote her time to teaching English and supporting her colleagues in their various departmental and extra curricular pursuits from creative writing groups to whole school theatre productions. Her first love is contemporary feminist literature but with only a part-time commitment to School she is free to enjoy the other male in her life - a Highland XT pony called 'Mickey'.
Mr David Billing, MA, PGCE
Mr Billing joined Strathallan as Housemaster of Nicol House. David was an acting Housemaster for a short time at Ampleforth where he was also Resident Tutor. He has also been and Assistant Housemaster at Uppingham School where he was Director of Sport and a Teacher of English. David is a graduate of Loughborough University (English).