TRIBUTES have poured in for a “fun-loving” and “inspirational” former teacher who has died.

Shirley Rawlings, a long-serving teacher of German and French at Westcliff High School for Girls, has died aged 77.

Former pupils and colleagues have shared their memories of the respected teacher, whose time at the school spanned several decades.

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Marrianne Spring, a pupil from 1997 to 2004, recalled: “She was such an inspirational teacher and a wonderful woman.

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“Mrs Rawlings was always such a passionate teacher who clearly loved her job.

“She will be greatly missed. My love and best wishes go out to her family.”

Louise Scogings, who attended the school from 1988 to 1991, said: “Mrs Rawlings was such a kind and patient lady.

“I joined Westcliff High School for Girls in the third year, what is now year 9, and she gave up her lunch breaks to help me learn the basics in German as I was a year behind everyone else and had never learnt any German before.

“My condolences to her family.”

Mrs Rawlings was heavily involved in organising extracurricular trips for pupils, including exchange trips to Cologne and skiing holidays.

Leia Bunker, who was a pupil from 1991 - 1998, said: "I have very fond memories of Mrs Rawlings.

"Not least her having to pause the tape during my oral German mock exam when I announced very confidently ‘Mein Kopf fehlt’ instead of ‘Mein knopf fehlt’ meaning ‘my head fell off’ rather than ‘my button fell off’ and we couldn’t stop giggling."

Kate Soren, who attended the school between 1994 and 1998, said: “She was one of the best teachers I ever had.

“She was so passionate about teaching German, and although I have forgotten almost as much of the language as I learned at school in the many years that have passed since leaving, I haven’t forgotten Frau Rawlings and her incredible classes.”

A school spokesman said: “Her varied talents and vibrant, fun-loving personality meant that she was often in demand for extra-curricular activities; she sang with the Westcliff Singers, helped on school ski trips and for many years willingly undertook the heavy workload involved in taking complete responsibility for the organisation of exchange visits between WHSG and their partner school in Cologne.

“Students who participated really enjoyed their exchanges and ski holidays, and will remember with gratitude the work Mrs Rawlings did beyond her teaching of foreign languages.

“Her colleagues found Mrs Rawlings an uplifting and positive companion with a great sense of humour.

“We send our condolences to her husband and family.”