EDUCATION
MEET THE HEAD
Q & A WITH JOHN GREEN, SEAFORD COLLEGE
JOHN GREEN IS HEADMASTER OF SEAFORD COLLEGE IN PETWORTH. He has a real determination to lead the further development of this thriving school and brings a wealth of experience, innovation and energy. In the last three years since taking up the position he has really made his mark with an unprecedented 25 per cent rise in pupil numbers. He believes that every child can reach their academic personal bests. Here he tells us more in a quick-fire question and answer interview.
MATHS OR ENGLISH?
English. I really enjoy literature and am naturally more drawn to the subject.
SCHOOL DINNERS OR PACKED LUNCH?
Both. I’ m always hungry, and although I avoid sweet things for health reasons, I do occasionally indulge – everything in moderation! Having a background in professional rugby really gives me an understanding of the right foods I should be eating.
NEWSLETTER OR TWITTER?
Newsletter … but slowly joining the Twitter bandwagon. At Seaford, we find Facebook is a great place for our parents to have a dialogue and communicate, and we have an extensive following from alumni. It’ s great to communicate with people who choose to follow you, and reaching a wider audience is a definite advantage of social media.
IF YOU HADN’ T BECOME A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE INSTEAD?
I would have most likely become a police officer or even an orthopaedic surgeon. I have always had an interest in sports injuries due to two knee reconstructions.
WHAT WERE YOUR FAVOURITE LESSONS AT SCHOOL?
Economics and sport.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM?
Recently, my favourite film has become Les Miserables. It’ s a true epic and thoroughly entertaining. I watched The Jungle Book over the Christmas holiday with my children; it’ s a great family film.
YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISC( S)?
‘ Green, Green Grass of Home’ because it would remind me my home environment, my family and my friends. I sang it at‘ Seafordstock’, Seaford’ s own rock and pop concert, this year in order to raise funds for the choir tour to Paris. Also,‘ American Pie,’ because it’ s a great tune with lyrics you can really sing along to.
HOW DO YOU RELAX?
I relax by reading when I can, by spending time with my family, or by regularly looking for my golf balls in the rough when out playing golf! Seaford has a fantastic ninehole golf course, where students can learn the game, and parents also really enjoy using it. It’ s great to have a golf course on your doorstep.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT MAKES YOU MOST PROUD OF WHERE YOU WORK?
The Seaford ethos, which is all around, inclusive and most definitely non-elitist. Seaford College is a warm, friendly community where pupils feel confident to attain personal bests both inside and outside of the classroom.
IF YOU COULD BE THE PRIME MINISTER FOR A DAY, WHAT’ S THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD DO?
I would review the educational strategic plan and examination system. I would like to review the purpose and transparency of league tables.
If you would like to visit Seaford College, their next open mornings are Saturday March 11th and Saturday May 6th from 9am-11am. Come along and meet the headmaster, John Green, and his management team. To register, email jmackay @ seaford. org, or call 01798 867392.
Seaford College Lavington Park Petworth West Sussex GU28 0NB
www. seaford. org
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