Pupils Put Their Questions to Our Incoming Headmaster
We welcomed our incoming Headmaster, Aaron J G King, to Stonar this week, ahead of him starting at the School this September.
A group of pupils from across the Prep and Senior School (Year 5 to UVI) were invited to meet with Mr King to ask their own questions about his experience, vision for the future, and priorities for the School when he starts.
Q: Can you tell us about yourself?
A: I've worked in education for over 25 years and have taught in and led schools in the UK and overseas. I was educated in Scotland before studying at Oxford and Cambridge, and have since worked in London, Leeds, China and, most recently, Slovakia.
I've worked in boarding schools, boys' schools, co-educational schools and all-through schools. My wife and I have three children, two of whom will be joining the Sixth Form and one who will be joining Year 9 in September.
Q: Why did you want to become a Headmaster?
A: Throughout my career I've worked with pupils of different ages and in a variety of schools, both in the UK and internationally. Over time I gained experience leading departments, supporting colleagues and working across whole-school communities. Eventually, I felt ready to take on the responsibility of leading a school. It's a challenging role, but it's also a hugely important one because it allows you to help shape the experience of every pupil and support the staff who work with them.
Q: What are your first impressions of Stonar?
A: One of the first things that struck me is the positivity and welcome of staff and pupils. Everyone I've met so far has spoken warmly about the School and there is clearly a strong sense of community here. It feels like a school with excellent foundations and a lot of potential for the future.
Q: If you had to rate Stonar out of ten, what would you give it?
A: That's a great question! I'd say nine out of ten. The pupils I've met seem happy and I've heard lots of great things about the School. However, no school is ever perfect and there is always room to improve. I've been very impressed by what I've seen so far, however, and want to find out what we need to do together to take it to the next level.
Q: What will your priorities be when you arrive in September?
A: My first priority will be listening. Before making decisions, I want to spend time speaking with pupils, staff and parents in order to understand everyone’s perspective about what the School does well and where improvements could be made.
It's important to have a clear long-term vision, but it's equally important to make sure everyone feels included as part of that journey.
Q: What is your vision for sport at Stonar?
A: Sport is very important to me. I think schools should encourage pupils to be active and healthy, while also providing opportunities for a wide variety of interests and abilities.
Not everyone enjoys the same sports. Some pupils love rugby and hockey, while others prefer tennis, swimming, volleyball, basketball, badminton or riding – and many more sports and active pursuits beyond. The most important thing is that pupils continue to enjoy exercise and good physical health throughout their school careers and beyond.
Q: You've spoken about your 25 years in education. How do you think your experience will help Stonar?
A: I've been fortunate to work in a wide variety of schools, both in the UK and internationally. I've worked in boarding schools, co-educational schools and all-through schools, and with pupils from the early years right through to Sixth Form.
Those experiences have taught me a great deal about different approaches to education and school life. Working overseas has also given me the opportunity to see different educational systems and cultures, and to bring ideas and experiences back with me.
I hope that my broad experience will help me support pupils and staff, while continuing to build on the many strengths that already exist at Stonar.
Q: Is there one area you would particularly like to develop at Stonar?
A: I'd like to build further connections with former pupils and build an alumni network. Schools play a hugely important role in people's lives, and I think alumni can provide inspiration, support and opportunities for current pupils.
Membership of a strong school community shouldn't end when pupils leave school. It should continue throughout their lives. We should consider what we have gained from our schooling and what we can give back to the next generation.
Q: What was your favourite subject at school?
A: History was probably my favourite subject, although I also enjoyed English Literature and Classical Civilisation. History helps us understand how societies develop and change, and I think there is a great deal we can learn from studying the past.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of school?
A: I enjoy history, current affairs, gardening and following sport. I also enjoy travelling and visiting places of historical interest. Most importantly, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family.
Q: Just one more question… do you like penguins?! (One of the many jokes in the Prep School Play on show this week!)
A: Yes, I do! I think it's also important that animals are kept in environments that are as close to their natural habitats as possible.
I recently read about the new environment plans for the gentoo penguins at London Aquarium because their existing space hasn’t been positive for their wellbeing.
I think we have a responsibility to look after animals properly and ensure they have suitable living conditions. We need to consider the specific environments which helps us to thrive too.