Head's Blog: Happy New Year

Why don’t you become an English teacher?” my father-in-law proffered. “You could then use the long holidays for your expeditions and travel writing whilst carving out a second career.” I remember those words made over twenty years ago when I was leaving the army and about to get married. I think that my father-in-law was a little worried about my aspirations of being a travel writer…a precarious career to say the least! This term, I have agreed to teach English to some Year 8 pupils in preparation for their upcoming exams; it has been wonderful to step back into the classroom (my office) and engage with a subject that I love…so far so good! It is a reminder that teaching is at the heart of what we do at Handcross Park.

At our recent Inset day, Mr Clark (Director of Studies) organised a ‘TeachMeet’ session where 15 or so staff had to share an aspect of their teaching (in 5 minutes) to the benefit of their peers. It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved and it highlighted the many strengths in our staff body - professionalism, enthusiasm, intelligence and a willingness to learn and improve. I was so proud of them. I was also thinking how lucky I was to be Headmaster of a school that attracts such a high calibre of staff, who really care for your children. So back to some marking – ‘How does Wilfred Owen convey his feelings in the poem Dulce Et Decorum Est?’

Happy New Year!