Mrs Julia Head

This year we say goodbye to Mrs Julia Head, History teacher and Head of Middle School.

She has been a source of inspiration to pupils and colleagues alike, guiding new Year 7 girls through their first years in Senior School and championing the student voice in the School Council.

What do you plan to do once you are retired?

No great plans. Walking! I have had so much exercise walking up and down the long corridors at school that I shall have to keep going, only outside on the moors above Bolton. My brother and his family live in the States and we have friends in Australia so that’s a couple of trips. I’m not greatest traveller. I like being at home. With two little granddaughters I’m sure there’ll be plenty to do here. What will you miss most about BSGD?

Working here is very busy and strangely enough I shall miss the pace and the variety. Most of all, the people. There aren’t many jobs where you get to work with such great people, that’s girls and staff. I will really miss them all. What will you definitely not miss!?

Cold mornings defrosting the car. What has been your most embarrassing moment?

Not sure. Smiling and waving at some older girls on the corridor then walking into the door. Not surprisingly they couldn’t stop laughing even though they were concerned I might have hurt myself. What has been the most unforgettable moment?

Actually getting the job in the first place. Why did you choose to become a teacher?

I never thought of anything else. As a little girl (ok I’m not very big now) I used to line up my dolls and teddies and take the register. How sad is that? If you weren’t a teacher, what would you have liked to be?

Possibly a journalist but I don’t think it would have suited me - too unstructured. Whoever heard of a journalist who wasn’t keen on travel? Do you have any memories of your first day teaching at school?

The staff room. Having been a girl here it was weird to be on the other side of the staff room door and to find in those days it was as scruffy and crowded as the 6th form common room. Good conversation though. How has the school changed while you have been teaching here?

Enormously... the buildings for one: the Arts Centre and swimming pool (we had an inaugural day when all the girls had a swim in the new pool) and the wonderful Riley Centre. The variety of extra-curricular activities and trips. Most of all the emphasis on teaching and learning. When I started you just taught a syllabus and girls did exams at the end. No revision sessions, clinics, mentors, learning support, personalised learning, target setting, tracking, personal statements. No ICT and certainly no iPads. Can you tell us about your time as a pupil at BSGD?

I loved it. I came at 11 years old from Church Rd County primary school. I had a satchel which smelt of leather (probably because it was leather) and a pile of crayons which I labelled individually because it said that everything had to be named . My games skirt was enormous. I was told I would grow into it. I never did. I had a great time at school here. I loved the drama and sport and going to London with the first Lacrosse team. What advice do you have for new teachers at BSGD?

Enjoy it. It’s hard work but there is nowhere better to teach. What advice do you have for students at BSGD?

The same. Enjoy it. It’s hard work but there is nowhere better to learn. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just to say that I consider myself immensely fortunate to have spent my working life doing my hobby - teaching History to people who enjoy it like I do. And latterly, to have the opportunity to be closely involved with parents and the daughters who are in those crucial middle school years. I shall miss you all.