Academy Pays Tribute to Jim Tolman

Mr Tolman had worked at Oasis Academy Brightstowe and its predecessor Portway School in Shirehampton for 36 years, most recently as Assistant Head.

He had seen the school through many ups and downs and was much loved by staff, students and people in the neighbourhood.

The school set aside its library as a room of reflection and it was filled with cards, signatures, messages, posters and poems paying tribute to a man who many saw as an inspiration.

Staff said they looked up to Mr Tolman as a father figure, while students said he was like a grandad to them.

Jack Hembrough, 15, wrote a touching tribute as part of his GCSE English coursework.

The piece, which told how Mr Tolman had "taught everyone's mums, dads, uncles, aunties and even grandmothers and grandfathers" and even described how "he used to be handsome back in the day", was read to the teacher at his birthday party earlier this month.

The school's head boy, Scott Jenkins, said: "Mr Tolman was pretty much the ultimate role model. I want to be a PE teacher. He has inspired me and I want to follow his example."

Jess Griffiths, 16, said news of her A* result in Btec PE had been relayed to Mr Tolman recently and all the students were determined to do well in their GCSEs for his sake.

"I think he was everyone's favourite teacher," she said.

Mr Tolman had played semi-pro rugby for Bristol and became president of Old Colstonians. He was also a keen cricketer and swimmer.

He became ill with cancer of the kidney two years ago then returned to the school before developing bone cancer eight months ago.

Mr Tolman, who lived in Downend, leaves a wife Jan, an English teacher who used to work at Portway School, son Joe and daughter Katie.

Academy Principal Julie Winterman said:

“Jim gave his whole life to this school, and that he made a significant difference to the lives of very many people is evident from the overwhelming amount of tributes we have received from the local community, of which he would be very proud.

 

“He was most certainly the essence of all that is good in our Academy and during the 36 years that he taught here he was the heart and soul of the school. He believed that every child matters, and would do anything to help the students achieve in their education.

 

“Jim Tolman was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed by all of us.”

Karl Robottom, head of PE, and his staff, Emma Stebbings, Claire Kerslake and Danny Haines, said they all owed Mr Tolman a great deal and they shared many memories of working with him.

Mr Robottom said:

 

 “It is difficult to express what a great influence Jim had on everyone who knew him.

 

“For years he was a driving force in the school and helped us to develop a strong and successful PE Department. The way he looked at things, there was no obstacle that couldn’t be overcome, and he encouraged everybody to adopt the same attitude.

 

“For the students, he was a constant presence during many turbulent times and they knew they could always rely on him if they had a problem or needed someone to talk to.

 

“He was also a very active man who enjoyed rugby and cricket, and was very good at passing this enthusiasm onto the students, especially those who struggled with sports.

 

“Jim was a great mentor and leader and we will always remember what he did for this school.”

 

PE Teacher Claire Kerslake said:

 

“For me and my colleague Emma, Jim was like an adopted father. He was the backbone of the PE department and leadership team for so long, and he was always there for us throughout everything as our friend and tutor.

 

“One of the many highlights of Jim’s career was in 2008 when our Year 10 netball team won the league and were rewarded by Oasis with a trip to Los Angeles to help teach sport to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. I know that the experience made a big impression on him and he worked hard to share what he had learnt with all of us.

 

“What I will remember most about him is that he was always ready to help a student or member of staff – he never turned anyone away, and we will all miss his guidance and friendship.”

 

PE Teacher Danny Haines said:

 

“Jim was an inspiration to me and all the PE team, and we will miss him greatly.

 

“Teaching with him was a real privilege, and in many ways he taught me everything I know. One of the things I admired most about him was that he never lost his temper and always kept his cool in difficult situations.

 

“He had a real way with the students too and could always convince a reluctant child to pick up a tennis racket or join in with an activity. They used to call him ‘David Hasselhof’ because of his love of swimming, and I know that they will miss him greatly.”

Maureen Mason, Academy Finance Manager and previously Secretary to Jim when he was the Head of the Lower School said:

 

“I had known Jim for 28 years and am very sad to see him go. He taught my daughter Sarah and son Adam, and was a good friend and colleague of mine.

 

“I was his Secretary back when he was Head of the Lower School, and he was a lovely man to work with, although he could talk for England! Life without him at Oasis Academy Brightstowe seems unthinkable at the moment.

 

“I remember one staff Christmas party when I was recovering from my cancer, I was still too weak to join everyone on the dance-floor, but he came over and picked me up and danced with me. That memory will always be with me.”

Hub Co-ordinator Julian Mines said:

 

“Having taught at the school since 1974 and organised many events with local primary schools and sports clubs, Jim was held in very high regard by the immediate community.

 

“He had taught many generations of local people, and was a poignant link with their pasts. He saw students grow up and start families of their own, and then taught their children in turn.

 

“He devoted himself to this community and stuck with them through difficult times and changing scenery. This courage and faithfulness is what made him so well-loved and are what he will most certainly be remembered for.”