Friday Feature – Mr Jon Hinds

I am the Director of Teaching and Learning and so responsible for anything academic within the school. On a teaching front, I am also a STEM teacher, specifically Maths and Engineering. I do love sport and am let out of my office and classroom for the Wednesday afternoon sports sessions!

I have only been here 1 year and at another Surrey Prep School for 9 years before that. The previous ten years of teaching was in New Zealand and then in Oxford before that. I do like to stay in schools for a good length of time and really get to know the community.

There are lots of plans, many of which are already underway. I wrote a short piece for last weeks’ Bulletin about STEM at Barrow Hills and this will be a real focus for many of the staff this year. Sustainability in schools is also a major focus with this appearing as lessons for many of the children. Another area for review is looking at the 11-13 curriculum within the school. I am a firm believer that the last 2 years at Prep School really are magical for the children in terms of their academic, social, sporting and leadership qualities. Both my children experienced this first hand and children come out the other end ready and very well prepared to face the next stages of their schooling journey.

Warm, Welcoming and Wonderful

When I can find time, I do enjoy walking and hiking with the family. I used to play a lot of Rugby, especially whilst living in New Zealand and  also used to be a competitive swimmer, training eight or nine times a week. I also love reading and read my favourite book, The Lord of the Rings every year and love the fact that my daughter enjoys reading it as well.

I initially wanted to be an Oceanographer or Vulcanologist. My mother was a Headmistress and so I spent a long time in and around schools, volunteering whilst at University and found that I actually enjoyed it! As my wife Nathalie tells me, I have never actually left Prep School!