60
L A ST WOR D
seconds with
Sarah Gillam
The Head of Hawkesdown House School in Kensington talks about her background and educational philosophy
What is Hawkesdown House School's approach and what sets it apart? Each staff member here at the school knows every child and we provide personal targets for them to aspire to so that they can achieve personal success and grow in confidence and academic strength.
What is your background? I am an experienced Head and have spent the last nine years at a co-educational prep school in London. This background has given me experience of the transfer process at 7+ and 8+. I also have an excellent knowledge of the independent schools within London and beyond. What excites you most about your new role at Hawkesdown House School? Hawkesdown House is an exciting school. In fact, it is a hidden gem, and I am thrilled to be part of its development and continue its success as a non-selective co-educational school, I would like Hawkesdown House to become the natural choice in this area of Kensington as it thoroughly prepares children for successful transfer into their next school. This is also a family school, with an open door to parents. We work as a team to ensure that all our pupils reach their full potential as learners while they are with us, and also achieve personal success in a kind and nurturing environment. All these elements are keystones of our approach and also instrumental to ensuring happy children who enjoy learning. What is your academic philosophy? As both a teacher and school leader, I have witnessed that children achieve personal success when they are within a nurturing, caring community that offers a range of different opportunities. Our approach is that each child should leave Hawkesdown House confident in his or her abilities; it might be academic success or success in music, drama or sport. These achievements, alongside the development of the whole child as a kind, caring and empathetic person, are very important. We have high expectations in every lesson and then support and scaffold as necessary to ensure personalised teaching for every one of the children.
A B OV E Sarah Gillam
Can you tell us about one pivotal moment in your career? There have been many pivotal moments in my career, but I never cease to be thrilled when a child has that ‘eureka’ moment. When they finally understand something – perhaps a tricky maths problem – and, using concrete material and judicious questioning, they solve it. Then you can see their eyes lighting up with understanding. That is always a magical moment.
What makes a great student? A great student is a child who is inquisitive and keen to ask questions about themselves and the world around them, whilst being sensitive and aware of others. From your experience, what makes a great school environment? It is a place where there is laughter and fun, and these are balanced alongside learning in a setting where children know they are valued and supported. Children feel comfortable to share and learn without fear of failure. A great environment also comes down to culture and ethos, involving inspirational work by a team who share the same values and vision and work together to ensure success.
“Children achieve success when they are within a nurturing, caring community that offers different opportunities – each child should leave confident in his or her abilities”
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