Academy principal pays tribute to Mrs. Audrey Reid 1964- 2012

Audrey Reid, a former pupil of Cambridge House Girls’ School, achieved her Bachelors and Masters degrees before qualifying as a teacher in 1988. Those who taught her recall Audrey Miller as an excellent pupil, an academic prize winner enthusiastically involved in the wider life of her school.

Exactly the same comments apply to Audrey’s excellence as a teacher, in terms of her subject expertise and unwavering commitment. She was a much-valued colleague, beginning with Methodist College, where she taught Physics and Technology. In 1996 she moved to Ballymena Academy and quickly became an important member of the highly successful Physics Department.

The passage of nearly 16 years confirmed the wisdom of that appointment and cemented the mutually beneficial relationship between Audrey and this school. It would take a very long article to catalogue the many tasks she carried out or the varied responsibilities she willingly assumed. Her perception of the teacher’s role was that of the developed professional: she saw the wider possibilities and acted to make them a reality; she strove to ensure that all those whom she taught felt valued as individuals and were helped to achieve their potential. She derived great joy from pupils’ achievements, and not just in terms of examination results. The 2010 Schools’ Cup triumph was certainly a highlight, not least because of the last-gasp victory over Methody in the semi-final.

One did not have to be long in Audrey’s company to sense the fulfilment she experienced as a teacher. If ever an individual found her vocation, that person was Audrey Reid. She was born to be teacher and she was a credit to her profession, to the values with which she was imbued and to which she held true throughout her life. That life, with all its potential has ended tragically early but she had already exercised a tremendously positive influence on thousands of young people. Physically small in stature she may have been, but personally and professionally Audrey Reid stood tall.

As a pastoral leader -Head of Year and Head of Sixth Form, for example- she was noted for her solicitude; pupils knew they were respected, even as she challenged them about behaviour, appearance, attendance, attainment or other aspects of their performance falling short of the very high standards on which she insisted. They accepted her discipline because they knew she was fair and consistent; she carried out her duties with a light touch, and habitual good humour, occasionally administering an appropriate amount of severity when that was required. Parents trusted her and appreciated her openness and disarming candour. An aerobics instructor, she also loved the outdoor life and her enthusiasm for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme was legendary. Audrey was always ready to help with preparing or training the young people and supervising them whilst they completed expeditions in the Mountains of Mourne, the Antrim Hills or the more formidable braes and glens on the Isle of Skye.

Audrey was an enthusiast long before STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering) became fashionable. She organised very popular science trips to England; her love of technology and innovation earned her a reputation as a gadget freak, always ready to try some new kit and endlessly patient as she explained it to technologically challenged colleagues. All this is evidenced in her career path in this school. Apart from her skills as a subject teacher, Audrey showed great promise as a Pastoral Adviser and became a Head of Year in 2000. Three years later she was appointed to the Senior Management Team, a role in which she excelled. Audrey carried her position lightly and never distanced herself from pupils or fellow teachers. She had a broad and infectious smile, and her impish sense of humour remained to her very last days. Over the years she compiled a number of photograph albums for retiring colleagues.

As a member of the senior team, whilst never one to duck difficult decisions or to avoid awkward interviews, she was also supportive and encouraging, giving leadership and direction in a large and busy school. She pioneered the complexities of statistical analysis of examination results, clarifying the intricacies extending the vocabulary of teachers and senior pupils alike; making terms such as ‘ALIS’, ‘Minimum Acceptable Grades’ or ‘Value Added’ commonplace, providing a platform for year-on-year improvement.

In 2009, when she assumed the responsibilities of the Head of Sixth Form, it was clear the senior school was in good hands. Sadly, illness and treatment for breast cancer led to prolonged absence in the 2010-11 school year. Such unwelcome inactivity was alien to Audrey’s nature; she was delighted to return to school, her natural working environment. She resumed her duties at the outset of this academic year with customary and unflagging enthusiasm; she enjoyed taking a full part once again. It is entirely typical of Audrey that, in what was to prove to be one of our last conversations, she referred to this summer’s planned expedition to the Isle of Skye. Then, just over a month ago she learned that the cancer had returned. Our hope was that Audrey could recover once again. She was as cheerful and plucky as ever, but her condition deteriorated much more quickly than anyone could have imagined possible.

The entire community of Ballymena Academy is deeply shocked to hear of Audrey’s death. We are grateful to have known her and to have been inspired by her, whether as a colleague or as a teacher. We give thanks for her life, for in Audrey we had a wonderful example of how to live the Christian values which meant so much to her. Now she has another vocation; she has answered another call and is beyond the reach of the illness which she faced with unassuming courage. We mourn her passing and extend our deepest sympathies to her husband Kelvin, to Austin, her twin brother, to the wider family circle and to the friends to whom she meant so much.