Page 5 - Athelstan Argus - May 2022

After hearing about the impact Anne-Marie has had, we wanted
to find out a little more about her:

Has this been a tough time to join a leadership team? I arrived
thinking I could change the world and my job would be about being
strategic all the time but I quickly realised you have to be reactive. I
have learnt that SLT is not all about the thinking behind things, it is
about being in the building and once the students have gone, then
you can do your work. We have had to be more agile and stay
calm. The day is a rollercoaster but I have learnt to embrace
stressful situations as an opportunity to learn. You don’t have to be
perfect but you can always watch and learn.
What motivates you? A sense of social justice drives everything I
do and I want to make a difference by helping people. You might not
expect a lot of families in Malmesbury to be in a situation of disadvantage but they are here and
there is a risk that they can be invisible in a school like this.
How do you keep calm? Remember that when a student is being unpleasant, there is a story
behind the behaviour and the boundaries are being tested because it feels safe to do so.
What’s the most memorable thing students have taught you? There wasn’t much money
available when I was growing up and I was very lucky to pass the 11+ and go to a grammar
school which made me realise that doing well was important and that education (and good
outcomes) can really improve your life chances. At my last school there was a girl who lived on a
council estate with lots of siblings and parents who were hard to engage but she really pushed
herself and because of the school’s high expectations she is now studying to be an astronaut.
You are robbing children of a chance to excel if you don’t have high expectations and giving
students the best provision we can should be at the centre of every decision.
What lifts your mood? Musical theatre – I have been dancing and singing competitively since I
was 3 and I do 2 shows per year. I only take small parts as I don’t have time for anything bigger
but it is great to ‘be someone else’. In the school holidays, I go and see as much theatre as
possible – in the February half term I saw Moulin Rouge, Cinderella and Magic Goes Wrong all
within in 2 days. I have previously taught dance (modern and ballet) to small children and I live
out my dream of being a ballerina vicariously through my 4 year old daughter – there’s a lot of
dancing in the kitchen and bedtime delaying tactics.
Did you always want to be a teacher? I studied Philosophy and French at Uni thinking I would
teach later but during some time abroad during the degree, I volunteered at a primary school and
thought “why not teach straight away as it’s the best job in the world”. I did a PGCE and decided
to teach RS. I loved philosophy, debating and advocating for what you think and feel. I love the
moment when a student feels so strongly that they say something that stops you and makes you
think.
How has the pandemic changed you as a teacher? I am far more centred on student
wellbeing and the responsibility for attendance has made me more aware of what students are
going through. It has made me focus on how to make learning accessible for students who are
not in lessons. I still think outcomes are important but sometimes I am glad a student is here and
okay. The pandemic has taught us all to do what makes us happy.
Are you a keen cook? Cooking is not a priority so I use Hello Fresh and I love learning to make
their things. I am all for convenience and I love a late night potato waffle with beans and cheese.
However, I love hosting and dressing the table and putting together a spectacular cheese board. I
also love decorating the Christmas cake.
What skill have you most enjoyed learning? I have already mentioned that I have competed
nationally in singing and dancing but I have never been brave enough to take on a speaking
acting part before but I am going to do it this month. It is nerve wracking because it is raw and
people see more of you.
What makes Malmesbury School special? I feel very settled even after only being here 6
months. People pro-actively welcome newcomers and staff here are ‘up for things’ and willing to
improve and try things. They love talking about teaching and there is no resistance to ideas.
During my interview, I was shown around by a Y13 Senior Student who was the most well-
rounded, balanced individual and I thought if that’s what this school does for its youngsters, this
is where I want to be.
To find out more about filming teaching strategies, contact Anne-Marie:
awhaley@malmesbury.wilts.sch.uk