Page 45 - St Andrews Prep Androvian 2019-20

CA Lots – the building of the Goodwin Sports Hall, the refurbishment of the Pavilion, the creation of an EYFS hub and changes to the curriculum such as the introduction of Thinking Skills, Mind Matters and Debating. We have also recently moved away from the Common Entrance Exam and created the Bridge Curriculum which will make a big difference to the teaching in years 7 and 8.
TB In physical terms I have seen the opening of the new Sports Hall, refurbishment of the Pavilion and Boarding House and upgrading to much of the kitchen equipment. Marketing and IT have both developed considerably too with the increasing move towards online and digital.
Match Teas are now held in
the Pavilion, which is not only a lovely space but also much more convenient for parents.The Pavilion has also provided a great area to host catering for events such as the Rugby Festival which was introduced three years ago and has gone from strength to strength providing a great opportunity for our children to mix with children from all over the county and enjoy playing club rugby against some of the best.This on-site facility has allowed us to really showcase our catering offering and has opened up the grounds to be used more fully whatever the weather!
What has been the most significant change in your time at the school?
MS The introduction of Forest School is a great addition to St Andrew’s Prep and has added a whole new area for teaching.
CA I think there has been a big shift towards a more forward-thinking and modern environment for the pupils.
TB The increase in allergies and food intolerances.
Has anything been constant throughout your time at the school?
MS St Andrew’s Day has always been
a fantastic day for both the staff
and the children. Although they no longer completely take-over the school and I am no longer put in the ‘stocks’ for the children to throw sponges at, the day is and has always been memorable and full of fun. This reminds me that up until a few years ago, I was always known as Mr Grumpy (I quite miss this title) and my drive-on mower was christened ‘the Grumpmobile’. I was even introduced to visiting parents as Mr Grumpy – I think this is why the children were all so keen to throw sponges at me on St Andrew’s Day!
CA The blazer! Also, the vast array of opportunities for the pupils has always been one of its strengths and that continues today.
TB MyTeam! I have a very loyal and committed team who all work together well and have been consistent throughout my 6 years.
What is your most treasured memory from working here?
MS Probably the occasion when Mark Tomsett had annoyed me so I took revenge by organising the Year 8 children to launch an attack with flour and water. He thought he had escaped, only to find a second flank waiting to attack him as he was running away.This all took place
on the parent’s cricket day and everyone found it very amusing. Even Mark Tomsett. I think!
CA You never really know what will happen on any given day which makes it a great place to work. There are lots of fantastic big-scale events which take place but some
of the most memorable are the slightly surreal, everyday occurrences which take place just outside the school office such as the Reception children showing us their funny
TB
shaped vegetables! Between small dogs and small children, we’re kept on our toes but it creates a lovely atmosphere.
There have been a few – The Opening of the Sports Hall with Tanni Grey-Thompson, Speech Days and the 140th celebrations – all of which have relied on the catering team working together in a whole team effort. Most special of all though is when a child tells me that today was ‘the best lunch ever’ or when a member of staff takes the time to thank us for a lovely meal.
INTERVIEW | 43
If you could change one thing, what would it be?
MS I miss the old gravel drive at the front of the school.
CA It would be wonderful to be able to develop the Durlacher gym
into a Performing Arts space that truly reflects the quality of this department.The space could also be used to host events such as Speech Day and provide an area big enough for the whole school to congregate.
TB I would love to see an integrated Dining Room with the servery and dining in one large space and perhaps a central area for a salad bar and display.
Can you sum up the school in one sentence?
MS For me, St Andrew’s has been the most fantastic place to work and I am very grateful that I found it 20 years ago. Of all my memories, it is the children that I have met over the years that have made this time so special.
CA More interesting than you would think!
TB Endearing and polite children!