Paul Newbury

• IT was devastating to read of the downfall of Paul Newbury, who taught my son at La Swap, (Acland Burghley School associate headteacher used class A drugs while watching online child sex abuse, News online, March 19).

Paul was an inspirational teacher, who drew out the musical talent and capacities of his pupils. In addition to successful exam teaching he used innovative classroom strategies, engaging his pupils in discussion and promoting rhythmic, harmonic and melodic comprehension.

He encouraged improvisation and composition, and students played each others compositions in groups and concerts. He organised for students to enjoy a range of free Barbican concerts and opera at the Coliseum.

He changed his students’ lives, as musical performers, composers and listeners. He is remembered as a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspiring teacher. We are saddened by his personal decline.

SHIRLEY FRANKLIN
N19