Teacher shares what makes Stromness Academy special in search for new head

There can surely be no higher endorsement than when an educator returns to his secondary school to take up a teaching appointment.

Hamish Flett is a proud West Mainlander who was educated at Evie Primary before moving to Stromness Academy and it was during his time at the secondary school that he was inspired to follow a career in teaching.

“I had a really enjoyable school life and loved my time at the Academy – partly due to the nature of the school itself being smaller and allowing good relationships to be built up with fellow pupils and teachers, but also thanks the extra-curricular activities available and the community spirit which undoubtedly surrounds the school.

“I loved PE and had some amazing teachers encourage me and it’s really down to them that I ended up on the path I am now and a Principal Teacher of PE at the school.”

Hamish achieved a BEd in Physical Education following four years at Edinburgh University, which included placements. A probationary year followed at a large high school in East Lothian within a fairly deprived catchment area, followed by another spell in similar circumstances in a school south of Edinburgh.

“The experiences I gained within these large schools gave me a solid foundation and undoubtedly shaped me into the teacher I am now. I want and hope I do make a difference to the lives of young people no matter their background and circumstances through physical education and school sport.

“I want to now be that teacher who inspires others to be more active, healthy and ultimately happy.”

Hamish married a fellow Orcadian in 2019 and together they decided the time was right to move back to Orkney – as luck would have it a Principal Teacher’s job was advertised at Stromness Academy within the PE Department and Hamish was successful, beginning in February 2020.

“I had just got my feet under the table and everything locked down. Of course, there were challenges in terms of online learning, but we quickly learned to adapt and become creative. The pupils were and are amazing.

“I have witnessed the harsh reality of life for some in the more deprived larger schools and, yes, there are still great pupils, but my experiences with the young students here in Stromness has been fantastic. They are so polite and on leaving most classes thank you for the lesson. What I have found is that they work with you, not against you.

“They are willing and it’s very easy to strike up positive relationships which, in turn, means that less time needs to be spent on behaviour management allowing us to get through more content and be a bit more experimental.”

Stromness Academy is special for many reasons, Hamish believes, a strong community being one of them, but also the level of additional events, such as sports day, band competition, residential outdoor trips and a high level of interest in drama and music.

“It’s not just the pupils and community that make the school special, there’s also the staff. Because it’s a smaller school there a real team feeling. Teaching can be hard work, but you get out what you put in and I come away with a high level of job satisfaction.”

Like all schools, a strong leader is essential, Hamish feels.

“We need someone who is willing to understand the pupils and the communities they come from, to be aware of the challenges to ensure equal opportunities for all and to strike up positive relationships from the off.

“Stromness Academy is a fantastic school with pupils who are respectful not just within school but also if you happen to bump into them within the community. I think that speaks volumes about the kind of kids we are nurturing.”

Find out more about Stromness here https://www.orkney.com/explore/stromness

Further information about the school and our activities can be found at https://www.facebook.com/stromnessacademy/ or on www.stromnessacademy.org.uk

The job advert can be viewed here: https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/orkney-islands-council/jobs/head-teacher-stromness-academy-283860

For a discussion about the post, or for further information about living and working in Orkney, please contact Jane Partridge, Head Teacher/Service Manager on jane.partridge@glow.orkneyschools.org.uk

The closing date for applications is 25 October 2022.