School
Staff and Who’s Who?
Private school teachers are obliged to have formal teaching
qualifications a minimum of NCE, but in practice most private
schools insist on B.Ed and are successful in attracting staff
of a very quality who bring with them an interest in all aspects
of school life and have hobbies or expertise which form the
basis of clubs and activities such as scouting, singing or IT.
Governors
The planning and policy-making body which control the administration
and finance of the school. Some may also be parents of children
at the school. They are responsible for the appointment of the
Head and for all major decisions affecting the school. Governors
give their time voluntarily. Many are individuals with expertise
in their professional lives, for example in law or accountancy,
who can contribute their knowledge for the benefits of the school.
Head
Accountable to the Governors for the safety and welfare of pupils
and the competence of staff, the head is responsible for all
expects of the day-to0day management of the school, including
appointment of staff, pupil selection and recruitment, staffing
and administrative structure, curriculum content and management.
As figurehead for their schools many Head also regard the marketing
of their school as key part of their role, although some schools
now recruit staff specifically for the purpose. Most Heads also
include several hours, teaching in the week, which helps them
to keep in touch and get to know pupils individuals.
Bursar
The Bursar, in conjunction with the Governors, is responsible
for financial matters within the school and is an important
part of the management team. The bursar also takes charge of
maintenance of the grounds premises, buildings, catering and
so on.
Director
of Studies
Management of the curriculum is becoming an increasingly complex
issue. Yet the demands on the Head continually called upon to
attract pupils to the school in a competitive market place,
it means that some of the more traditional aspects of the role
are being delegated. Many schools now have a Director of Studies
who is responsible for day-to day curriculum matters and timetabling
and ensuring that staffs are kept informed of new developments.
Registrar
/ Admission Secretary
The Registrar is responsible for the admission of pupils, making
arrangement for parents to visit the school and meet the head.
The Registrar also takes care of the practical aspects of registration
and joining.
Housemaster
/ Housemistress
The Housemaster or Housemistress takes care of the welfare and
overall progress of children in the House and is normally the
first point of contact for parents. They keep the head informed
of each child’s progress and may often be the first to
hear of any problem. Serious issues are always referred to the
Head.
Subject
teachers
Subject teachers are responsible for the academic progress of
pupils and will produce a termly report for those taking their
subject. Open day offers parents the opportunity to discuss
any matters of concern with subject teachers.
Chaplain
The Chaplain has a role within school. Independent of academic
or disciplinary considerations, he is responsible for the spiritual
development of pupils and can be often provide a sympathetic
ear to children who seek guidance on issue of concern.
Matron
The matron looks after the practical aspects of boarding life,
supervising and arranging laundry. Separate Houses normally
have their own Matron. She often knows children well individually
and can provide sympathetic and homely support for those, particularly
young children, who are homesick or temporarily unhappy.
Sister
The sister is a qualified nurse responsible for medical arrangements.
She looks after pupils who may be admitted into the sick bay
with minor ailments and may require a few days in bed. Within
a boarding school, serious medical matters are always referred
to the school doctor and where necessary children will be taken
to hospital.
Student
Positions
Private
schools encourage their pupils to take on positions of responsibility
as part of school life. Senior pupils who show good sense and
have contributed to the school by their achievement in academic
work, musical or sporting activities for example, may be granted
suitable senior positions in recognition of their efforts. Hence
an excellent sportsman may be made Games Captain or an outstanding
chorister Head of Choir. Pupils with an excellent academic record
or who deserve merit for other contributions may be given the
post of Head boy or Girl. Prefects have responsibility for some
of the daily routines in school and are encouraged to set a
good examples to younger pupils.
