b'THE YEAR OF THREE HEADTEACHERSSUMMER TERMTO NURTURETHE POTENTIAL OFEVERY INDIVIDUALNew headteacher, Mr Tim Johnson, describes the road that has brought him to Handsworth, and explains who has inspired him along the wayI am very proud to have been appointedthe diverse and significant histories ofmany times that a student has impressed as Headteacher. As I reflect on the paththe city. I loved my three years studyingme with their creativity, resilience or that has led me here, I am reminded of thehistory at the University of Birminghamkindness. countless individuals who have shaped myand, after taking a year out to workOutside of the classroom, I am a husband education and career. in retail, I returned to the university toand a father. I met my wife while working I grew up in the town of Rugby incomplete my PGCE and become a at Arthur Terry and we have two children, Warwickshire. I was very fortunate thathistory teacher.Amelia who is nine years old and Thomas my parents valued education. TheirDuring my teaching career Ive beenwho is six years old. I simply could not do unwavering support, coupled withfortunate to work at some high-performingmy job without their support. the opportunities afforded by Rugbysschools. My first post was at a KingSo, when I think about my education and grammar school system, set me on aEdward VI School in Lichfield where Icareer prior to becoming headteacher trajectory that would shape my future in ahoned my craft as a teacher. From there Iat HGS, I cant help but think about the positive way.then went into my first leadership positionpeople who have helped me along the Looking back on my education, passingat the Arthur Terry School in Suttonway. My parents who valued education the 12+ and going to grammar schoolColdfield as subject leader for history. Iand instilled in me the belief that a was a huge moment. I went to Lawrencethen gained a promotion to Tudor Grangegood education opens doors and that Sheriff School. I remember my time atin Solihull as Head of Humanities and lateropportunities should be taken. My grammar school with extreme fondness.Assistant Headteacher. Then, in 2014, Iteachers who instilled in me a love of I had inspirational teachers who madewas appointed as Deputy Headteacher atlearning and provided such valuable me love learning and I had so manyFairfax in Sutton Coldfield. In each schoolextracurricular opportunities and trips.opportunities. I got to play in the schoolIve had the opportunity to work withMy lecturers at university and the amazing rugby team and go on a rugby tourmany great teachers and great leaderscolleagues that I have worked with and of Ireland. I got to play in the schooland know that I have learnt a lot frombeen inspired by so far in my career. orchestra and go on tour with themworking with them. Ive also in Germany; and I got to perform in alearnt a lot from the talentedIn my time as headteacher of number of school productions including astudents Ive taught overHGS I hope that I can have a musical which ended up being performedthe years. There are sosimilar impact on the pupils at the in the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.school. I want them to enjoy their education like I did, develop a During my time at the school, thelove of learning and experience headteacher was Dr Rex Pogson, whoa breadth of opportunities. sadly passed away a few months ago. DrI am looking forward Pogsons commitment to each studentsto working with the well-being and holistic development leftwhole school an indelible mark on me, instilling in me acommunity to deep sense of responsibility to nurture theachieve this.potential of every individual. Thanks to the teaching I received and the opportunities I had at Lawrence Sheriff School, I was able to secure a place at the University of Birmingham studying history. From insightful lectures to engaging discussions, each experience deepened my appreciation for the power of education to broaden horizons and ignite curiosity. I remember one of the first experiences on the course was a tour of Birmingham by Carl Chinn to learn about 7'