AS we were approaching the end of Mr North’s first year as headteacher of our school, Charlotte Priest and Lewis Reynolds were “volunteered” to interview him.

In preparation for the interview, they asked every member of our class, plus some sixth formers, to write down one question he or she would like to put to the head and promised to put the best to him. Here goes...

Q: Did you always want to be a teacher?

A: I never really planned to be a teacher – it just sort of happened. I particularly enjoyed chemistry at school so studied it at university. Having obtained my degree I wasn’t sure what to do. I’d always admired the teachers who’d inspired me at school, and decided to see if I’d be any good at it.

I found I enjoyed teaching and seemed to be quite good at it – and here I am today.

Q: What differences have becoming a Church of England school made to our school?

A: Well, we are able to be clearer when explaining our ethos – just the fact that we are a C of E school makes people aware that we try to teach – and follow – the ethos of Christianity. In my opinion, these can be distilled into one guiding principle: treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. It’s not about converting people to Christianity, or about preaching that one religion is better than another; it’s about teaching and trying to live by the morals that religious people hold. To this end, we have a lot more displays around the school to remind us – students, staff and visitors – of how we are striving to live our lives.

We also hold weekly collective worship sessions where we discuss concepts such as friendship, kindness, the true meaning of Christian celebrations – everything, really, that impinges on our day to day lives. We are the newest C of E secondary school in over 20 years so it is quite an exciting experience and one which, I sincerely feel, is a good one for our school.

Q: We know that the local schools all compete to attract students to their Sixth Form. How do you encourage pupils to attend Wolverley Sixth Form?

A: Our school fosters a great sense of belonging which students value and this is enhanced in Sixth Form. We also spend a great deal of time and effort in ensuring we offer a wide variety of courses to suit all academic needs and preferences. Our Sixth Form students all comment on the great relationship they have with teaching staff, and the support they are given – something we’re very proud of and actively encourage.

Q: Smoking seems to be on the increase among young people generally. What is Wolverley’s stance on this?

A: Smoking is an issue throughout society and it’s very sad to see young people damaging their health and jeopardising their future. At Wolverley we take the problem very seriously; we have anti-smoking counselling, we get parents involved and, because selling cigarettes to minors is a criminal offence, we do get the police involved when necessary.

Q: Describe your usual day.

A: There’s no such thing as a “usual” day for me! Every day seems to bring some new problem to be solved or issue to be addressed.

My most pressing concern at the moment – and the one which is taking up the majority of my time – is the design of the new school which currently takes up at least two days every week.

On other days I have a very busy schedule – I usually get into school about 7.30am and rarely get home until after 7pm.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: Well, I enjoy gardening and going for long walks – I find both these activities gives me time to mull over things in peace, without the distractions of the telephone and people wanting to see me. I also enjoy spending time with my family, of course – although I don’t seem to get much at the moment!

Q: Do you enjoy your job?

A: Without a doubt! It’s very exciting – especially at the moment with lots of changes taking place in education. Plus, of course, being involved with the design of our new school is a tremendous challenge but also a great opportunity to enhance the teaching and learning opportunities and environment which will benefit staff and students.

Q: Do you feel you have been accepted by the school?

A: Absolutely. I’ve found the whole school community to be extremely warm and friendly and there’s a definite sense of us all – staff and students – being part of a team, all pulling together. And that’s what makes Wolverley a very special school.

The bell rang then, signalling the end of our lunchtime and the end of our interview. As we left his office, Mr. North was already on the telephone arranging a meeting with the architects – but he was smiling so it looks as though he enjoys the frantic pace.