 A message from the Deputy Headteacher...
Dear Parents/Carers
I hope you and your loved ones are well, and the return to school has been positive for the young people in your care.
My name is Angus Harrison, and I was appointed as the new Deputy Head at Ralph Allen this September. It has been a whirlwind first month, with lots of names to learn and procedures to understand, but already the school feels like home and now seems the most appropriate time to introduce myself.
My background is curricular: I trained to teach through the TeachFirst scheme, returning to work for the company as a teacher trainer in my summer holidays. I have worked predominantly in Teaching & Learning, and Curriculum: as Head of Science, Lead Teacher of Science, National Lead Practitioner, Assistant Head in charge of Professional Development, and most recently Deputy Head at Valentines High School, in East London. I actively sought to up skill myself and gained accreditation through a Masters in Educational Leadership and recognition as a Specialist Leader of Education in Science.
I come from Bristol, and the call to return had always been present, and in recent years it proved impossible to resist. I’m very much looking forward to continuing Mr Chantry’s work on our curriculum offer, listening to the students and finding ways to make sure we meet their needs, and of course working with you all to ensure students produce their personal best, and enjoy their time here at Ralph Allen.
The highlight of the last month has been the numerous individual conversations with students about themselves – their interests, their experiences, and their viewpoints on things. I’ve heard from students at Ralph Allen about computer games, guitars, skateboards, football teams, rugby teams, siblings, TV shows, favourite subjects, motorbikes, banger racing, photography, Bath traffic, and nails (of both the finger variety, and the construction variety) amongst others during break and lunchtimes.
Before I go, allow me to take the opportunity to make you aware that we are beginning to now set homework on Teams, as well as writing it in planners. This should mean it is easier for you to monitor what has, and hasn’t been set and that we are not overloading students with work but are appropriately maximising classroom learning.
Teachers should be setting homework at regular intervals following set curriculum material. An appropriate time should be given to complete the tasks and allow students to manage their workload. To support and review our homework, we are asking teachers to focus on the skills required and clear communication around the time required to complete. I will write to parents again at the start of term 2 to complete a survey on feedback to support our quest to provide a rich and meaningful work outside of the classroom.
Have a great Autumn, I will hope to meet many of you at the upcoming parents events and Sixth Form Open Evening.
Angus Harrison
Deputy Headteacher
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