Invicta Vlogs
The job of a Headteacher
Thinking about the fact we have completed yet another Half Term, and that we are drawing very quickly to the end of the academic year, we all begin to think about achievements. Over the last weekend, I have had time to reflect on one of my recent ‘drop ins’ with a Year 7 Tutor Group, where I was asked, ‘What exactly do you do every day?’
There is no doubt that every day, I work my way through a long ‘to do’ list – meeting with a wide variety of stakeholders – staff, students and parents - both for Invicta and the Valley Invicta Academies Trust. Although I spend a good deal of my time on both operational and strategic aspects of education, it is true that my diary may look like a piece of cake some days and a merciless assault course other days. Despite the careful planning, if I am not careful I could easily spend too much time in my office and not enough time out and about, which is what I really enjoy! There are times when I struggle to escape endless meetings, but I do try hard to not be stuck behind my desk! It is important to me that students, staff and parents see me as a visible headteacher – one who has a door that is always open too!
However, one thing for sure is that the job of a Headteacher is not a job at all – It is a vocation. The thing that drives me, and I believe all my colleagues in all schools of different shapes and sizes, is the physical and mental wellbeing and intellectual and spiritual growth of all the students in our care. It is what gets us out of bed every morning. There is a joy and energy, which in all honesty, can only be gained from spending time in the company of talented and interesting students and staff. It cannot be found from behind a desk. In fact, it is hard to imagine it can be found in many other walks of life.
I believe my job is to create the right environment. One in which our students and staff can thrive and enjoy teaching and learning; that is my aim! Sometimes that seems a ridiculously ambitious aim. Other times, I know that it has undoubtedly been achieved. The real reward, of course, is in seeing our girls walk in and out of school with confidence and smiles! That is when I really know I have done my job as a Headteacher. And that, I hope, at long last, goes at least some way to answering my Year 7’s question!
So, as we embark upon the last week of this Half Term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our stakeholders – students, staff and parents for helping make my job such a joy. We have so much to be proud of too – last Friday’s Power Day was just one fabulous example. It was fantastic to see so many visitors talk about our students’ respect and appreciation of their workshops. The buzz throughout our school was incredible. I am so fortunate to have such a great school!
