MY SCHOOL DAY REDCLIFFE GARDENS

MY SCHOOL DAY

by Ben Dunhill, Head Of Redcliffe Gardens School

0700

Arrive at school, check emails, first meeting with Deputy Head. We both arrive early because it is quiet and we can plan ahead for the day. 0740

Chat with my PA who is also the school secretary. As a new head in this school I really rely on her and fortunately for us all, she is super-efficient, knowledgeable and practical. 0800

1245

Lunch - always a highlight at Redcliffe.

1330

On a Thursday I am off with the Plogging Club – (Picking up litter while jogging!) With gloves and grabbers our team of senior pupils usually manage quite a hoard of recyclable and non-recyclable items which are dealt with accordingly. 1400

BEN DUNHILL SPENT 10 YEARS IN SENIOR SCHOOLS AT BLUNDELL’S AND WORTH WHERE HE WAS A BOARDING HOUSEMASTER. PRIOR TO THIS HE TAUGHT ENGLISH IN FRANCE.

PREVIOUS HEADSHIPS INCLUDE PORT REGIS IN DORSET AND ABERCORN SCHOOL IN MARYLEBONE. HE JOINED REDCLIFFE GARDENS SCHOOL IN JANUARY 2021.

At the door to welcome pupils. I consider this a very important part of the day. The values you have in a community are shown in the welcome that you give to others. We also help the children develop their social skills in offering and responding to greetings. It is also a vital touchpoint with parents just to say ‘Hello’ or to pick up or share any relevant information regarding a pupil, or simply the logistics of the day ahead (altered collection time etc). Admissions and Marketing meeting 1500

Head’s lesson with Year 2. I often just read to them (with lots of voices for dramatic effect) or we talk about current affairs that may be accessible to them.

1600

0845

Assembly. This is vital time for any school. This is where values are reinforced and good or less good news is shared and explained. Assemblies give pupils the chance to stand up in front of their peers and help them hone their presentation skills. 0930

Parent tours Clubs begin and it is home-time for others. I love the various clubs we put on. I especially love the fact that these activities, unlike academic ones, are ‘un-measured’, ‘just for fun’! Relaxing, sociable and more often than not ‘creative’ and the best bit about being a teacher is... seeing pupils be creative! 1615

1130

Teach Year 6. At different times of the year we focus on interview preparation, current affairs, School Parliament matters or research charities to support through events. Zoom call with Dr Ramsey at Godolphin and Latymer with my Deputy Head. We have regular calls to share thoughts and deal with any matters arising. If there is nothing too meaty to discuss we can simply have a chat. 1700

Meetings. Could be with parents or the Godolphin and Latymer Foundation governors for me to provide an update on how things are going. 1800

I like to get in the car by 1800 in order to hear the news round-up of the day.

Personal tours and a meeting with Mr Dunhill can be booked via

redcliffeschool.com.

You can also find out more via their social media pages, @Redcliffeschool on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.