ST MARK’S West Essex Catholic School was pleased to welcome a visit from John and Rod O’Shea last week.

John and Rod were both children of the children of Anthony O’ Shea, the founding Headteacher, who came to St Mark’s, when the school opened in 1965.

Mr O’Shea had six children through the school in total.

The Sixth Form block was dedicated to the memory of Mr O’Shea and the great work he did at St Mark’s between 1965- 1982.

John and Rod O’Shea came into talk to our Sixth Form pupils about their life experiences after their education at St Mark’s.

They spoke passionately about their education and how it had shaped their future.

Rod who is now retired worked for Intel, spoke about aiming high and relishing any opportunities that come your way.

This was particularly relevant to Yr.13 pupils who are currently completing their UCAS applications.

John and Rod were extremely pleased to see the quality of teaching and the high level of pupil engagement in the classroom.

Afterwards Rod spoke to YH. Rod said: “My father would have been proud to see that his legacy has endured.

“I think he would have been particularly pleased to see the rich diversity of pupils at St Mark’s.

“I urged the pupils to take on every challenge and say yes to everything”.

The school is grateful to John and Rod for visiting and for being so generous with their time.