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we do and we aim to equip the them with a strong moral code through Growth Mindset principles and our Learning Powers.The children develop confidence so that if they try hard and ‘give it a go’ they can achieve; and that there is always something that they are good at. We value each and every child and help them to discover what they are good at and what they enjoy as well as promoting a culture of kindness. There have also been huge improvements to the physical
space with the development of the sports hall and pavilion as well as the recent refurbishment of the Boarding House and creation of the Snug - our new wellbeing hub, which are both warm, homely and friendly. It is lovely to see the boarders taking real care of their space and enjoying their surroundings.
RB: The advancement of remote learning has to be the most obvious and biggest development that I have seen while at St Andrew’s. Lead by Paul Shouksmith the staff made a massive effort to ensure that they were all able to respond to the challenge and I was really impressed with the way everyone worked as a team, helping and supporting each other along the way. We had children working and engaging in lessons from homes all over the world and they all coped and adapted admirably.
LS: In the last few years there has been a massive improvement to all aspects of security which has resulted in a much safer environment for the children.
KM: I believe that the sports offering has really improved.This is in part due to the building of the Goodwin Sports Hall which includes a large, purpose built area for all sports as well as a dedicated dance studio. The introduction of the SAPCA (St Andrew’s Community Award) has also been a welcome addition to the school’s offering.
What has been the most significant change in your time at the school?
TT: This would have to be the development of on-line learning.
I started the first lock-down with pre-recorded lessons with back up live support and have developed
to the stage of being able to teach live lessons in the classroom whilst also talking to the pupils who are home learning and receiving the live-streamed version. Although
at times this was a steep learning curve for staff and pupils alike I truly believe that by keeping this constant connection with the children, anxiety was kept to a minimum and the children have returned to school happy and contented and we have had no issues with re-integration.
RB: The pandemic has taught us all to embrace change and adapt to an evolving landscape.This year I was tasked with organising theYear 8 residential trip only to discover at very short notice, that we were unable to travel.The Senior staff all pulled together to plan a series of five separate day-long events instead. Each trip was successful and I believe the children really enjoyed their week.
LS: Again security, the building of the Goodwin Sports Hall, refurbishment of the Pavilion and Boarding House, the introduction of The Snug and also the construction of a new play area for Pre-Prep.
KM: The school feels more inclusive and cohesive.The introduction of the EYEE Hub exemplifies the way that year groups are more integrated but it also feels more culturally inclusive.
Has anything been constant throughout your time at the school?
TT: The family feel....I have always felt part of the larger St Andrew’s family and I hope that our parents and children feel the same. Over the years I have got to know not just the individual children but whole families
STAFF SPOTLIGHT | 37 having often taught two, three or
four children from the same family.
RB: There is always a huge amount going on at St Andrew’s. Staff are happy
to take on extra activities and the children are constantly busy enjoying the varied opportunities on offer including music, sport, drama, and art as well as all the clubs.There really is something for everyone and I would say that this is a theme that has run through my time here at St Andrew’s.
KM and LS:
Us! Having worked as a team of two within the larger HMO for so long we have grown to rely on each other. We work well together and have
a similar sense of humour, which is essential! And we definitely agree that the great food has always been a constant feature of the school!
LS: Although not really a ‘treasured’ memory, one that really stands out is when I put salt in the Headmasters coffee! I was hoping to make a good impression hmmmm.
KM: Last term I volunteered to help out with the boarders for the day. We had a fabulous time – I gave them a tennis lesson, we walked to Birling Gap and enjoyed a fish and chips supper on the beach there.The next day the children presented me with a beautiful photograph of us all with lots of lovely, thoughtful messages which I have now framed and treasure as a really special memory.
Can you sum up the school in one sentence?
TT: Warm, inviting, family atmosphere. RB: Joyful and busy; the opposite to
lock-down.
LS: Warm, welcoming, happy and a little bit bonkers!
KM: Opportunities galore where we really do look after the children in our care.