Meet The Head - Ellesmere College
Mr Jonathan Shaw, the newly appointed Headmaster at Ellesmere College
What inspired you to join Ellesmere College, and what sets it apart from other schools?
Early in my teaching career, I was advised by my Head at the time to always look for a ‘school with a soul’ when applying for a new role. It is hard to define exactly what that is, but you know it when you see it, and Ellesmere College certainly has a soul. The College is set in an idyllic part of the Shropshire countryside, with a rich history, great staff and fantastic pupils; it is this combination that drew me to Ellesmere.
In my interview and in my first few weeks here, I have found it to be an incredibly friendly and welcoming place. The pupils are very down to earth with a very healthy mix of local pupils and others from all over the globe. I have also found the parents to be incredibly supportive and enthusiastic about the school.
In terms of what sets it apart – the global outlook, with pupils having the opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate (or A Levels and BTECs) in the Sixth Form ensures we are very outward looking. There is also a real sense of space; we are not located on a crowded campus or town site, so pupils have access to fantastic grounds for sport and their free time, including an indoor tennis centre, acres of playing fields and a golf course.
How do you look to motivate pupils and the teaching staff?
The best motivation is encouragement and to notice the successes. I try to be out and about as much as possible, whether it is visiting lessons, watching sport and music or chatting with pupils in the lunch queue. We have some incredibly dedicated and professional staff and involving them in the decision-making of the school will be part of ensuring they are fully invested and wanting to give their best.
In the classroom, I am a firm advocate of the ideas of the American educator Rita Pearson who believed that “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” I very much believe in the value of human connection within the classroom, working with pupils to ensure they have high expectations of themselves and to give their very best.
How do you promote good communication with parents?
I write each Friday afternoon to parents to give a flavour of what has been happening in school. I also aim to be at as many events as possible and enjoy chatting to parents on touchlines, after concerts or at match tea. The recent parent survey has been a great way of understanding the things they love about Ellesmere and also how we can do things better.
In what ways do the older students at Ellesmere look after the younger ones?
Our senior pupils set a fine example with their friendliness and set the tone around the school. I have been particularly impressed with how older pupils help out in leadership of sport, the CCF and other activities such as the MUN. The prefects also visit the Lower School – it was lovely this week to see the purple gown of a prefect flapping in the wind as he kicked a ball around at break time with some of the youngest members of the school.
What plans do you have for Ellesmere to work with the local community and local organisations?
I think working with the local community is hugely important and I know it is something that my predecessor did extremely well. As a school, we have strong links with the community and it was lovely to attend the recent ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert in ‘Big School’, our main school hall, which was a joint event with local musicians. I am a strong advocate of supporting local charities and look forward to developing the many links that the College has with our neighbours.
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