My ‘secret’ can now be revealed and although it's a long story I’ll give you the abridged version!
In October my colleague Liz resigned as she was moving with her family to live in Clermont Ferrand. As Liz worked part time, this provided me with an opportunity to ‘step down’ from my responsibilities as head of learning, and directing our specialist status for Science. This would also allow me to work fewer days each week. Not quite retirement, but another step along the way! Suffice to say my request was accepted by the school Governors and this week we appointed my successor to start in September. The decision was a difficult one as there was an excellent field of candidates.
The time is right and I am looking forward to having more time and energy to enjoy life!
The time is also right as I read in yesterday’s Times Educational that the Government plan to reduce the amount of practical work in Science … because it is expensive!
Can you credit it? My whole philosophy is that our scientists, doctors and engineers of the future will come from kids who enjoy science. Reducing the amount of practical work will only serve to turn these kids off.
Yet another own goal for Mr. Gove and his merry band at the Department for Education (or whatever they are calling themselves today).
Yes, the time is right, and I am relieved and content …
