Shoreham College head Jim Stearns has a love of music and science and would like to have taught Jonny Wilkinson, if only for the Twickenham tickets!
If you hadn’t become a teacher, what do you think you would have done instead?
I had a great time working in a live music venue as a student, but long term career prospects there were not promising, unfortunately.
Who would you most like to have as a pupil, if you could pick anyone?
Jonny Wilkinson would have been a great example to his fellow students (and hopefully handy for Twickenham tickets!)
Was there any type of school dinner that you couldn’t stand when you were at school?
I actually liked school dinners even when they weren’t very good (ours are fantastic now), but I do tend to decline brussel sprouts these days, except for Christmas day of course.
What was your favourite lesson? Was there ever one you wish you could have missed?
My favourites were science and maths, particularly physics. I love finding out how stuff works. I was not always entirely keen on English but was fortunate to have a succession of inspiring teachers, which helped greatly when it came to doing my Masters degree.
So, your Desert Island disc… Which record would you want with you if you were marooned on a desert island?
Fool’s Gold by The Stone Roses - ideal on a Desert Island when no-one is around to see how badly I dance.
Do you have a favourite current artist or song?
I share a love of dance music with my daughter, so recently Deadmau5 has been playing constantly on the ipod. I am also looking forward to see if Noel Gallagher does any interesting solo work now he’s left Oasis.
If you were invited to go on the television show Room 101, what one thing would you want to see gone from this world?
Pointless over-legislation (we have plenty to go round).
Is there a television programme that you make sure you never miss?
I am a huge West Wing fan and still watch the DVDs when I can. Top Gear (for mindless escapism) and Mad Men (for drama) are the current favourites.
What is your favourite film of all time and why?
The Godfather part II. Obviously I don’t use quite the same management techniques as Don Corleone!
If you were to have a meal held in your honour and there was one space still available at the table. Who would you like to fill it, alive or dead?
Hearing Michael Caine on Desert Island Discs surpassed my high expectations – he’d have to have a place (and he can choose the music).
How do you relax away from work?
Being near the sea is fantastic all year round – blowing away the cobwebs while the dogs try and swim the Channel or cycling on the Downs, followed by hot chocolate or ice cream (depending on the weather).
If you were Prime Minister for one day, what’s the first thing you’d do?
See how much Health and Safety and Political Correctness can be disposed of in one day, though if I was made Prime Minister, emigrating would probably be a good plan.
What is special about your school?
Having boys and girls at the same school from three years up to GCSE at sixteen means that the younger ones have access to specialist staff and facilities that are not always available to that age range, while giving the older children an appreciation of others and a family feel to the school.
High expectations for all abilities in a supportive environment builds the confidence they need to tackle whatever the next stage of education holds for them.
