Postcard Portraits

Interview with The Head Master

How long have you been at St Peter's?

I came here in September 1995 from The Edinburgh Academy, where I had Worked for five years as Deputy Rector, and where I spent one year as Acting Head of the Prep School.

I started my teaching career at Radley College in Oxfordshire. From there, I moved to Abingdon, also in Oxfordshire. Having been a student at Oxford, I found that I enjoyed teaching in the area.

Where are you going next?

My new post is Warden of St. Edward's School in Oxford - it is just on the outskirts of the city, much the same distance from the city centre as is St Peter's to the centre of York.

There are about 640 pupils at the School, and of these approximately 70% board, so it is a slightly different system to that of St

How do you feel about leaving St Peter's?

Of course, I feel very sorry to be moving on in that I have been very happy here. I was appointed on a ten-year contract, so the School has had the opportunity to prepare for a new Head Master. I am, however, very happy that I have had such a fun and rewarding experience as Head Master of St Peter's.

What would you like to carry forward from St Peter's ?

There is a very positive attitude here to work and commitment from staff and pupils. I am a strong believer in the culture of praise: if you praise a school for its achievements, then it will listen more keenly to criticism. I am also proud of the fact that St Peter's is not a specialist school, and many students reach very high standards of achievement because the educational experiences are not exclusive of other areas of recreation. It takes time and commitment to bring out the best in students, and St Peter's does this very well.

What is your best memory from the School?

I have many happy memories of my time here, but two in particular stand out. One is the rearrangement of the Commemoration and Prize-Giving, which now takes place entirely in the Minster. Before, we would have the Prize-Giving in the Sports-hall, and I remember that 5 years consecutively there were downpours as we made our way back to school from the Minster. We were all sodden and dripping by the time we got to the PrizeGiving! * i

e other occasion that I remember particularly was when we had the Millennium photograph taken of II 3 schools, together with all staff, both '•-ching and non-teaching and wernors. And, of course, there was the Golden Jubilee picnic lunch with Clifton Preparatory School, which we all enjoyed.

What changes have you en in your time as Head Master?

When I arrived here, the School had ly recently purchased Linton House. The House is now firmly established, as is the Music Annexe and Dame Judi Dench Theatre. I remember watching Dame Judi play Cleopatra at the opening ceremony, with Mr. Lowe in the role of the servant.

Since being appointed here, we have also acquired Clifton Prep School and integrated it into the School. The purchase of the Queen Anne School has also expanded the campus, with continuing prospects for the future: as the School is situated on a conservation site, we were unable to build unless it was to be in the "footprint" of an existing building. Therefore, with the acquisition of Queen Anne's, we have been able to expand the school in the best possible way. This has allowed for a lot more space, particularly in the Art, Politics, Biology, Geography, and Business Studies departments. It has also given space and facilities for St.Olave's.

What do you regard as your greatest achievement during your time as Head Master?

I think, again, the purchase and renovation of the Queen Anne's site. I worked with a fantastic team of expert advisors, Governors and colleagues. I think that this is the most significant move in the history of the School since the gain of the Clifton site for the School itself in the 1840s, and the purchase of St. Olave's School at the beginning of the last Century.

What were you like as a schoolboy?

Stretched! I was very keen on sport and music. I have memories of standing outside the staff-room door, arguing about whether I should be doing music or sport at a particular time. I have been anxious to make sure that students here do not suffer a similar predicament and give time for both.

Who is your role model?

Dennis Silk - a Warden at Radley College - is a perfect role model. He was the first Headmaster I worked for.

Kennedy must be another role model - but, having read Dallek's biography of him, I don't know if I should regard him so highly!

What is your most prized possession?

I have a wonderful silver-plated Yamaha flute, for which I saved and bought with my own money from Bill Lewington's Music Shop when I was fifteen in London. I still play it, but not often enough!

I also have a 1932 saxophone that I borrowed from my brother in law. Then there are the bagpipes that my previous school gave to me as a leaving present.

Are you having a portrait painted?

I think they're running out of space in the Stephenson Room!

Any advice to the new Head Master?

Enjoy the job! The School is a very happy, enthusiastic and busy place. I think, too, that if the balance is maintained between formality and tradition and the spirit of fun, you won't go far wrong. Working with adolescents is not always easy, but it's hugely enjoyable.

Do you have a parting message for the School?

All I would say is that I hope I enjoy my next job half as much as I have enjoyed my time here. I trust that all the leavers will remember the School as fondly as I will, and that they keep in touch. I hope, too, that they support the Foundation to enable those who would otherwise be unable to attend the School to do

Thank you Headmaster

Betony Lloyd and Penny Boxall LVI

Mr A.Murray

What is your least favourite book?

Sophie's Choice by William Styron. It's a love story set against the backdrop of the Nazi holocaust, and it's just a terrible book. The sex scenes are totally cliche"d, not that the Holocaust and 'visiting Nanny Robson' are even remotely related.

What is your favourite food?

I must admit I do love the Stilton and mango roll from Brill, just down the road. Relates to me being here I suppose!

What's in your fridge?

A variety of soft cheeses...you know there are boundaries between the personal and the private life.

How do you respond to the diminishing of your stud status at this school?

I don't know, I've searched, and I've tried to find out. 6 rolos last year, only 5 this. Eventually I'll end up like Mr. Gwilliam, you know...only one!

What would you have been if you didn't become an English teacher?

Hmm, a trapeze artist or definitely something under 'the big top'. Maybe a sword swallower, fire-eater, contortionist.

Which film have you most enjoyed?

'Cinema Paradise'. It is two and a half hours long, a most moving, involving experience.

Which TV programme do you enjoy watching?

I absolutely love to death ER. Dr. Susan Lewis has the face of an angel, and I'd have to say I care about Carter in the way only a

Do you have a favourite word?

Nevertheless. Mainly because I know it's one word, and not many other people do!

Do you have any phobias?

Sagittarians; I find them cruel. But actually, no, I don't believe in astrology, it's complete arse. Back to answering the question though, no, I can't think of any.

What will be your lasting memory of St.Peter's?

Hearing the Minster bells when out taking rugby on a September afternoon, and I know it's a cheesy cliche but, the pupils. The vast, vast majority are terrific; I've never had to be a conventional disciplinarian.

Do you have any parting advice for the Peter's pupils?

I would have to say, save string. If your belt breaks, you get stuck in a hole, an assailant attacks you, you can always garrotte them...it's so versatile!

Jenni Westmoreland LVl

Mr Peter. D. Northfield

Unfilled ambition:

To stand on the Arm's Park in Cardiff when Wales were at their best and the crowd were singing Land of my Fathers.

To prepare the perfect cricket pitch

Recently achieved ambition:

To score a century (it only took 40 years!)

Worst Fashion Mistake:

I am told it was my first suit.

Favourite book:

Not one in particular but one of my cook books- probably one of Delia Smith's

Worst pre-teaching job:

Working for the British Shoe Corporation in the largest warehouse in Europe.

Most Disastrous Experiment:

Either when I was preparing hydrogen and it blew up, thankfully upwards- there is still a mark on the ceiling in the Pasteur lab. Or in another school when I was oxisding an organic with copper oxide and I blew up covering me with the black oxide. I looked like a singer in the Black& White Minstrel show.

Most disastrous situation:

Working in a lab with several dried up bottles of Picric Acidanother school had to call in the ' bomb squad' when they found that they had some.

Favourite piece of music:

The Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni.

Interests/ Hobbies:

Tending my allotment, playing cricket, cricket administration for the York Vale League.

Which animal would you like to be?

A cheetah-1 could always run but never quite fast enough!

Own suggested epitaph:

This has come too soon!

Retire Plans:

There are so many parts of the world to see.

Other jobs after from teaching chemistry that you do:

'Shop steward' for the largest teaching union represented in school. Health & safety Representative for the staff. Chair of the AQA's Chemistry subject committee.