Mr Dunsterville is Head of English at The Bay CE School. We were delighted to be informed that he was nominated and chosen to be honoured with an Oxford University Inspirational Teachers Award.
Oxford University runs an annual inspirational teacher award for their undergraduates which focuses on: Recognising the crucial role teachers play in encouraging talented students. Undergraduates were asked to nominate a teacher who inspired them to apply to Oxford, who fostered their passion for a particular subject.
Sam Lapham, from Oxford University wrote a submission about Mr Dunsterville. Below are some extracts.
“When we think of our favourite teachers, there is always something distinct about them: it might be a quirky fashion sense, a good rapport with the students, a unique sense of humour. Mr Dunsterville wasn’t distinct like that: he wasn’t the most outgoing teacher, he wasn’t boisterous or noticeably loud, but he had a manner about him which was at once sympathetic, wise, funny and inspiring, a combination I haven’t seen anywhere else, not even at Oxford. I only had Mr Dunsterville as my English teacher for year thirteen, and to look back on that is truly incomprehensible, because what I learned from him both academically and professionally will stay with me forever.
His sheer passion for English is rivalled only by his sincerity in wanting his students to do well, not for any form of public appraisal, but because he believes in them. Mr Dunsterville provided one of the best working environments, and gave me the opportunity to exercise that self-belief which he had given me over the course of my A-levels.”
Mr Dunsterville has been invited to attend the University of Oxford Inspirational Teachers Award Celebration Ceremony and Formal Dinner in May to formally thank him for all of his efforts and to celebrate the award.
