Book of condolences - Adam Waller
The University understands how difficult it can be when we lose someone close to us. We have opened up this online book of condolence to bring together tributes.
If you would like to offer your condolences or pay tribute you are invited to leave a message on this page.
It is with real sadness that we heard of the death of Adam Waller. Adam was studying for a PGCE and QTS in Primary Education after completing an Open University degree.
He had an evident commitment to the teaching profession and clear potential to make a difference in the schools where he worked.
He was popular with his peers and well liked by colleagues in his placement school. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time.
From meeting Adam on the first day of the PGCE course, it was clear that he had made the right career choice. He was friendly and approachable, but more than that, he was curious about how children learn and his passion for teaching shone through. In what is an intensive course, he always had an air of calm and that, along with his previous experiences of working with children, meant that he was a pillar of support for his peers. I know that trainees and course tutors alike valued his contributions and that the children he taught were engaged by his lessons.
This is a sad loss and my thoughts go to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Posted by Clare Orridge (PGCE Placement Lead), 06 May 2021
Adam was a very engaging and proactive member of the PGCE cohort. He was excited about the prospect of becoming a primary school teacher and was committed to gaining as much from his course and the placement opportunities in school as possible. In discussions, Adam was thoughtful and always ready to contribute and share the benefit of his experiences. His extensive work in a nursery setting before coming onto the course allowed him to make connections about teaching and learning, both for himself and also for the benefit of others. Adam was a key member of his tutor group and his supportive nature was particularly apparent during the year, helping the group come to terms with the sudden and unexpected death of the Course Leader in January. Adam was pivotal in supporting both his peer group and the course tutor team during this difficult time and his presence and reassurance were particularly valued. As described by one of his peer group, Adam was an asset to the course and would have been an asset to the teaching profession had he been able to complete the course. He will certainly be missed.
Paul Waring-Thomas, Acting PGCE Course Leader.
Posted by Paul Waring-Thomas, 02 May 2021
Adam was always so kind and thoughtful whenever I saw him and spoke to him on campus. He had a clear passion for the teaching profession which shone through and was knowledgeable in so much. He was always so friendly and lovely to talk to.
My thoughts go out to his family at this awful time and he will be hugely missed.
Posted by Chloe Burch, 29 Apr 2021
Adam was a fantastic part of the PGCE 2020-2021 cohort. Being part of his group in the early years week was a great experience. He was very kind, caring and passionate about teaching. He would have been a fantastic teacher. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends, he will be greatly missed.
Posted by Georgina Wheeldon, 29 Apr 2021
Adam was always so kind and caring. It was a pleasure to work alongside him when we were on placement together. His extensive knowledge of technology and willingness to help always shone through. He was so highly thought of by all the staff and pupils and would have made a great addition to the teaching profession. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends, he will be greatly missed.
Posted by Amy Sills, 28 Apr 2021
Being able to work alongside someone as friendly and happy as Adam on a course that is very intense and stressful has been a privilege I will not forget. Adam was a huge part of our study group and his humour and general positivity and happiness which seemed to radiate from him is greatly missed. Our study group meets are not and never will be the same without his cheeriness, he was the true voice and motivator of our group. His passion for teaching and helping both young children and his peers was evident from the beginning. He certainly made my time on the course much easier.
My thoughts and heart go out to his family at this awful time.
Posted by Anne-Marie Mathers, 28 Apr 2021
In the university sessions in which I encountered Adam, he stood out as someone with a great deal of knowledge and insight into education, a curiosity about how children learn and a real drive to understand how the varying needs of children could be met. He had a gentleness and sincerity that made him approachable, he was reflective and thoughtful, and he spoke with a quiet authority which made people really listen to what he had to say.
Having read comments from the parents of the children at the nursery he worked at before starting the PGCE course, which speak of the positive impact he had on their children and how loved by those children he was, it's clear that Adam had so much to offer as a Primary teacher. It's tragic that his potential won't be realised, and that future children won't be able to benefit from his teaching.
My heart goes out to his family and friends who are missing him at this difficult time.
Posted by Nick Page, 28 Apr 2021
Adam was not only a fabulous member of my study group, but he was a wonderful friend too. We first bonded on the very first day of the PGCE after sitting together, and from then on continued our friendship and support throughout the course.
His love of teaching and determination to be the best support for his students was evident from the get go, and the profession will suffer all the more from not having him as a member.
Adam will be greatly missed by myself, our coursemates, his collegues and his past students.
Posted by Ellie Dobbs, 28 Apr 2021
When I started the course I was paired with Adam in science, and from then the rest of that initial time we were on campus we often sat together. I would breath a sigh of relief when I saw him as I knew that there was someone I could talk to who was kind and friendly. He had an enthusiasm for teaching, and for working with children and I enjoyed hearing him talk about it. I send my condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by Rebecca Wright, 28 Apr 2021
Adam is missed already by those who worked with him, and he will continue to be missed by the schools who were expecting him to gain employment within their organisations and by the profession in general, where he would have been a real asset. All aspects of his placement and dissertation were coming together nicely and this increases the sense of frustration that his full potential cannot now be realised. Sad times and many commiserations to his family and friends.
Posted by Steve Sharp, 28 Apr 2021
Adam was a kind and thoughtful young man. His dedication and commitment for his profession in teaching shone through. I am ever so grateful for having the opportunity to have met, and work alongside Adam. I know he will be greatly missed.
Posted by Cara Povey, 28 Apr 2021