New Douglas Academy head vows to put parents and pupils first
MAKING sure that the views of pupils and parents are reflected in the school is a top priority for the new headteacher at Douglas Academy, Milngavie.
Seamus Black (49) took up the post at the school in August last year and prior to that he was assistant headteacher and then depute headteacher at Shawlands Academy in Glasgow.
He graduated in 1982 with an MA Honours in Italian, he also studied French to MA level and taught both of these languages during at St Modan's High School in Stirling.
Mr Black said: "My philosophy has always been one of inclusion, openness and transparency. It's very important that parents feel they have a voice in the school and young people as well.
"Inclusion is something that I strongly believe in. One of the first changes I made at the school was to make a rota for pupils to take turns being first in the lunch queue.
"Traditionally sixth year pupils were always first to be served and to me that didn't seem desirable. The message is about equity, all the pupils are important to us and of equal value."
Another change that he has made is that the pupil council is now allowed to meet during the school day instead of at lunchtimes.
Mr Black said: "That shows that the pupils' voice is as important as learning and teaching in the school.
"They are able to meet regularly now to spend quality time discussing important issues within the school that matter to them. A school is here to serve its young people so it's fundamental to listen to their views about the way it is run."
Mr Black joins the school at a crucial time, when pupils and staff are looking forward to moving into the new building in the summer.
The new building, he says, will be a real morale booster for everyone: "It's a great opportunity, we will be in a building that's been designed for the 21st century.
"It will be a wonderful, enriching environment with colourful bright classrooms so that pupils get the chance to blossom and be inspired to learn. Above all it will make everyone feel valued."
Mr Black feels privileged to be at the helm of the school when the future looks so bright.
He said: "I really enjoy my job — being able to make a difference in the lives of young people is very rewarding.
"You take a young person in first year and accompany them through the years until they become young adults equipped to take a place in society. Young people need to be able to adapt to a constantly changing world so we need to ensure that they leave school with the skills and qualifications they will need."
One way the school aims to do this is by working to the new 'curriculum for excellence' for three to 18 year olds in Scottish education — this aims to deliver joined up learning and teaching in schools to provide continuity in education.
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Weather for Milngavie
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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