The Tribune welcomes Mike Sandeman as the new Head of AMVC. The college commands a great deal of affection and respect within the Benefice and Heads of College last a long time at Arthur Mellows, so there is always a great deal of interest when we see a change of leadership. Senior students, Daniel, Sarah, Alice and Tom interviewed Mr Sandeman on behalf of the Tribune.
Mike Sandeman
The first question from Daniel was about sport and whether Mr Sandeman had any plans to change:
“I enjoyed taking part in sport at my school and I’m committed to sport in schools and in competition.
“I was attracted to AMVC as a comprehensive school with a traditional view of sport. The College does well, not only in year groups but locally, countywide and nationally. I believe there should be participation for all, but also opportunities for developing elite athletes – those who excel in their chosen discipline. Our sports department provide this – enhanced by the new facilities for gym and dance. We have good staff and committed students, but some of the facilities are lacking, particularly in the Sports Hall. I want to create the feeling of it being special to participate in sport at AMVC, if we do that – success will follow. It won’t be easy, I want to improve the facilities, invest in the staff and find a way to run extra-curricular sporting activities for students who rely on buses.”
Sarah asked, given that AMVC is a popular school, how would he maintain it?
“I am careful about how I do anything. My job is to galvanise others. I believe the College must maintain and enhance an environment in which quality staff can teach committed students.
“The challenge is to go from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ so that the students and their success attract parents. We must hold on to our traditional values so that parents know that if they send their children to AMVC, they will have every chance of academic success. We know we must improve the physical environment (some of that is on the way) and introduce new technologies so we can challenge the newer schools in the area.”
Alice asked Mr Sandeman why he had applied for the post of Head of College at AMVC:
“While I was happy at my previous school (Sir Harry Smith – Whittlesey), I wanted a second headship in a good school that could become great. I have worked in a school as a Head where the foundations needed to be built; now I see myself in a school where the staff are putting the roof on. I don’t seek glory for myself but will enjoy reflected glory as I revel in the success of my students. When I see the smiles on student’s faces on exam results day, I allow myself a quiet moment of satisfaction. I also believes in the power of big school dynamics and I feel that AMVC displays this.”
Tom asked Mr Sandeman where he thought AMVC would be in five years time:
“AMVC is in an interim phase. Last year OfSTED said we were satisfactory. We need to be moving towards outstanding via good. The best schools are sending their best students to the best higher education establishments (universities etc.) AMVC should be at the forefront of this. At the same time I want every student to go from year 7 through to their personal high point of achievement, whatever future career path is chosen. The roots are here and the progression is clear; after five years, every student should be clear about their pathway to success.”
Daniel asked whether more vocational courses would be offered:
“In a word – yes! It is a time of opportunity and, because of our specialist technology status, we are hoping to offer manufacturing and control process. We are also looking at Media, Arts and Catering. We will provide students with the opportunity to study vocational courses at AMVC.”
Sarah asked about the community aspects of the College:
“Head teachers provide leadership not dictatorship. It is not the Head’s place to tell the community what to do. The community, staff, and students will all have different ideas. It is up to the College to connect these disparate groups. I believe this is an area where more work needs doing. I do accept that we need to correct the impression of the ‘teenage terror, with their hoodies and strange ways’. We know our students are not like that, and it is up to us to make sure the community know what we are about. One way of doing this is by having more students helping and working in the community.”
Finally Tom asked about league tables and whether Mr Sandeman felt that too much emphasis was placed on them?
“League tables are one tool for parents to be able to make a choice about a school for their children. We need to be careful about becoming insular, and so have to compare ourselves to similar schools. Tables and statistics have a place in education but we must recognise the pressure points. AMVC’s job is to maximise the potential without ignoring the pressure on the students to succeed. We must make sure that the hopes and aspirations of our students are fulfiled as far as possible. Results are important, but provided that the school and the students have done as much as possible to realise their potential, I will be happy. I support the measurement system, but recognise the pressure on students – and will utilise the College pastoral process to ease that pressure.”
Deputy Editor’s Comment
You get the feeling that the stated aims of the first Head Master, Mr PJ Harvey, MA are in safe hands. He said in 1949 that: “The college must act as a kind of a canopy, giving cover to all who wish to use it, and supplying all the cultural needs that are felt by the people in the area that it covers; it is not to be something apart from, but a part of the community; not just a building, but a living centre where its users can draw mental and physical refreshment.”
Our thanks to Mike Sandeman for agreeing to be interviewed, Chris Clayton and Al Kirkpatrick who made it happen, and of course Daniel, Sarah, Alice and Tom.
