An Interview with the Headmaster

Mr Burrough, the Headmaster

Questions asked by Sixth Form students.

1. You look like a worldly man, what did you do before you came to Sunny Hill?

Worldly? Is that a compliment? I was always pretty convinced I wanted to teach, and began my career direct from York University at Frome College. Next I went to Welshpool in mid-Wales, before returning to my roots as Head of Maths at Foster’s School in Sherborne and then Head of Sixth Form at The Gryphon. Then I first saw the Gleam.

2. What do you think you would have been if you hadn't become a teacher?

Who knows? Given that I never possessed the skills to be a Somerset spin bowler or a successful actor, perhaps an accountant, lawyer, railway engineer or a politician.

3. When playing “pretend” as a child, what would your empty cardboard box become?

To this day I have a compulsion to tap out a rhythm which the box will amplify. Keep your eyes and ears open around school and you may witness this harmless fun.

4. It’s clear from your varied assemblies that you have a wide range of interests, where would you say your ideas come from?

I am fascinated by “facts”, opinions and beliefs and have always possessed what I now believe to be called intellectual curiosity. I hope I can encourage everyone in the room (a few at a time, week by week) to take an interest in the world, in humanity and in ideas, to find out more and endeavour to understand it. As you know, I am a passionate believer in education. The ideas come from newspapers (obituaries – well, the lives they record – can be truly inspirational), the radio and television, my own subconscious and, occasionally, “Ideas for School Assemblies” books and websites.

5. How, if at all, do you think the school has changed since you arrived?

Personnel changes year on year of course and different leadership brings different emphases but the essence of this fantastic school remains in the high quality of relationships, commitment, involvement, teaching and learning.

6. Are there any elements of Sunny Hill that you think will never change (not including the Art block loos)?

I fervently hope that the sheer good nature of Bruton girls will endure: self-confident, able to stand up for themselves, but mindful of others and never arrogant. We shall always be a girls’ school.

7. If you were a Sunny Hill school girl, how would you escape cross-country? Please use space provided for diagrams if necessary.

I cannot possibly comment.