Introducing the first Head in our Meet the Head series, from Kingshott School, Mr David Weston!
As we wish David the best of luck for the London Marathon this weekend, take a look at his Q&A where he shares his insights, challenges, and the moments that shaped his journey in education.
What inspired you to become a headteacher, and what do you find most fulfilling about the role?
Being a headteacher allows you the opportunity to shape an entire school's culture and ambition for its pupils. Ensuring all pupils are happy, safe, secure and ambitious for themselves and others is vital to their development. Being a headteacher allows you to step out of the class and genuinely ask yourself - what is the most important thing we can do here for our pupils and how do we implement this? When this opportunity presented itself, it was clear that Headship was the right step for me.
What was your first year of teaching like, and what was one of the biggest lessons you learned from that experience?
I worked in an open plan classroom with 62 pupils, a part-time Teaching Assistant and one other teacher. I soon learnt that a one-year post-graduate course does not fully prepare you for life in the classroom! I will always be grateful to my class teaching colleague Zoe for taking me under her wing and giving me that additional support in my first year as a teacher. We are still in touch!
How do you ensure the School’s values and vision are reflected in daily activities and interactions?
By embodying them myself. Being visible and knowing all the pupils in the school by name. This is not always the easiest task (416 pupils and counting!) but I always endeavour to address the pupils by name and know something personal about them away from the classroom environment. For the pupils to be seen and for the community to know that I know their child, or the pupil in their class, sets the tone for all.
What is a lesson you have learned as a leader that has shaped your approach to education?
As the cliché goes - two eyes, two ears, one mouth. Look, listen and do not judge. I look to the see the positive in all, regardless of the situation we find ourselves in and always seek to ensure that we recognise we are all human. This allows for honest conversations, greater collaboration and empowerment for staff and pupils. We don't always get it right - but we always try to get it right!
What are the key priorities for the school over the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Our transition to an all-through school from age 3-16 remains the priority for our school. Bringing all stakeholders with us on this journey is key and always remaining open to the voices of others. Our transparency in decision making and commitment to communication helps enable this. Throughout this, we continue to ensure we offer a place of stability, security and ambition for our pupils as we help them navigate our complex world.
What was your favourite subject when you were in school?
English Literature - I love reading. At school, I became such a voracious reader that a new hierarchy of book loans was established. The school librarian would often lend me an award-winning book to read before any of my English teachers. This meant I was routinely harassed in the corridors by the subject leads asking when was I going to ‘finish that book’ so they could have a read!
Do you have any personal hobbies or activities that you enjoy after a busy school day?
Running is a hobby that has slowly become a burden! I am running both London and Berlin Marathons this year. I think I may need to find a new hobby after that.
