TEACHER Robin Maslin is taking up a new post after 22 years at a Weymouth primary school.

He has stepped down as a class teacher at Wyke Regis Junior School to become a teacher and ICT co-ordinator for blind and visually impaired children in Dorset.

Mr Maslin, aged 52, who lives in Weymouth, said he was sad to leave Wyke but looking forward to the new job.

“I have been really happy at Wyke Regis Junior School.

“The children are fantastic and there is a really high level of camaraderie among the staff.

“I have left on a high.”

He added: “I will miss the staff room and the buzz of being a class teacher.”

Mr Maslin has become a popular teacher at the school and has also joined in such community events as the Birdman contest on Weymouth harbourside and has helped raise money for schools in Sri Lanka.

The school held a special assembly to mark Mr Maslin’s last day before he left to take up his position as ICT co-ordinator and advisory teacher for visually impaired children.

It included a performance by Mr Maslin on his guitar, singing a reworked version of Monty Python’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, called Always Look on the Wyke Side of Life.

It was his first live performance as he has been learning to play the guitar along with pupils.

Mr Maslin, who has two daughters, said that he came across an advert for his new job while leafing through the Dorset Echo. He applied and said that he didn’t expect to get the job but was delighted when he did.

Now he will be heading into different schools to help pupils and staff and will also complete a MA degree in teaching visually impaired children, including learning Braille so he can teach it to young children.

Mr Maslin will also advise on such matters as font sizes on screens and documents, providing laptops, reducing glare on whiteboards and making sure visually impaired children have work sheets and exam papers which they can read.

He said that it was going to be a challenge but added ‘all teachers want to make a difference and this job is a great way that I can make a difference’.

Mr Maslin said that highlights of his time at Wyke included taking children on residential courses to the Leeson House activities and environmental centre near Swanage and watching youngsters develop through the year.

He added: “Whenever anybody asks me what I do, I tell them that I am a teacher and that it is the best job in the world. The buzz of teaching is now as strong as it has ever been.”

Headteacher Carl Saunders paid tribute to Mr Maslin.

He said: “Robin has proved himself to be an outstanding teacher and colleague.

“Children who have had the opportunity to be in his classes have always had a wonderfully enjoyable experience and he is held in high regard by all who come into contact with him.”

Mr Saunders added: “Robin’s sense of fun and adventure, and his caring nature will be greatly missed.”