Focus on Education January 2022 No. 3
One of the great strengths of this school is that we are a very friendly community, and we always give a warm welcome to visitors and guests to the school. People often remark on this when they visit the school for the first time; we are not pretentious or grandiose and this is something that we are rightly proud of.
We always make a real effort to welcome the young trainee teachers who come to HGS on placement as part of their teacher training. It can be quite daunting for young trainees who are beginning the first steps in their teaching careers to start a placement, and we try to make it as easy as possible for them to settle into the school community and to make progress throughout their placements. Those of us who are experienced teachers can all remember what it was like right at the start of our careers, and how important it is to get off to a good start on placement
We have excellent relationships with some of the local initial teacher training providers and regularly host trainee teachers from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Newman University, Coventry University and the King Edward VI Consortium. They all value the work which we do as a school, and the respect which our students have for any trainee teacher in the school.
Without fail, our trainees always comment on the welcome which they receive and the support which comes from their subject mentors and departments, to help them to learn to be effective teachers in the early stages of their careers.
One of the things which we stress to our trainee teachers, is that teachers are in a privileged position. We are in a position of great influence over the lives of young people whom we teach and help each day. We can all remember teachers from our own school days who made an impact on us, either a positive one or perhaps a less positive one. Even though it may be many years since we attended school, a good teacher is always remembered with fondness, affection and respect. Sometimes, our teachers can provide guidance, advice or just pure enthusiasm for their subject, which inspires the students in their charge to want to study and to do well.
As teachers we can often spend more time with our students than possibly their parents do during term time, and it is a genuine privilege to see them grow and develop into fine young people with ambition and energy, and to move to university or employment and enjoy successful careers.
One of the great joys of being a teacher is to meet ex pupils sometimes years after they have left school, and to be reminded of something which we did to help that young person. Perhaps it was to inspire them, or perhaps it was just to be a supportive figure when that young student was having a difficult time at school.
It is wonderful to occasionally receive emails or letters from the parents of our students, commenting on the support which their child has had from our staff. We always share these comments with the staff involved so that they are aware that their efforts are acknowledged by parents. Teachers don’t help students because they are looking for compliments, but it is very affirming when it does happen and makes everyone feel appreciated and valued.
We won’t forget the important influence which we can have over our students, and the trust which parents have in us to do our best for their children. It is the reason we get out of bed every morning to work as teachers and to try and do our very best for the student in this school.
We know we play a small part in the overall development of the students in our care but I am reminded of what Desmond Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” We hope that in some small way we are contributing to your children doing their bit in the world as a Force for Good.
Stay well and safe.
Be kind to yourself and others.
Best wishes,
Dr Bird and Mr Conway
