Wealden Times | WT233 | October 2021 | Kitchen & Bathroom supplement inside

Meet the Head
Headmaster of Vinehall School, Joff Powis,
shares what he’s looking forward to this school
year and explains why engaging with the
environment outside is invaluable for pupils
What inspired you to become a
headteacher? I have been hugely
fortunate to have worked for some
of the very best prep school leaders.
Alongside my deep love for learning,
they instilled in me the moral courage
to ensure that the child is at the centre
of all that we do at Vinehall and that
childhood should be celebrated.
What have you seen change in
education during your years at Vinehall
and as a headteacher? The necessity
to create and to adapt a progressive
education for our forward-looking
children in an ever-changing world.
Embedded across our skills-based
curriculum are the five dispositions
– courageous, collaborative, curious,
resilient and reflective. Our children
are enabled to become creative and
critical thinkers, able to flourish and
excel as modern global citizens.
Tell us about Vinehall’s ethos and
motto... Pro Aliis Optimum Agere
has been the school motto since
its inception over 80 years ago,
inspiring generations of children to
put others before themselves. We are
a warm, caring, family school, and
promoting positive mental and physical
wellbeing is at the heart of everything
we do. Our children are kind.
How has Vinehall supported pupils’
wellbeing during these uncertain
times? Our small size gave Vinehall the
advantage of being more than able to
support our children and their families
through the remote learning period.
Once back at school, the spacious
facilities and grounds here allowed a
near normal school experience. There
is little evidence of any ‘lost learning’
and our children’s resilience and
positive attitude has been remarkable.
What are you most looking forward
to in the coming school year? Seeing
the children take the lead in our
sustainability vision. Projects to
reduce energy consumption, to
establish gardening and to grow
wild-flower meadows and an orchard
near our bees are already wellestablished.
Sustainability is being
woven into all areas of school life.
This is where education now needs
to go and where Vinehall can lead.
What are you most proud of at
Vinehall? The atmosphere created
by our happy, confident, engaging
children. They are not only aware of
their place in the world but equipped
with the knowledge, skills and the
moral fortitude to have a positive
impact on the lives of others.
What was your own favourite subject
at school? Many favourites, but
Geography always came first. When
I would lose focus as a prep-school
boy, Mr Mole would shout, ‘Around
the lake!’ Off I’d set around the
beautiful school grounds and lake,
returning invigorated and open to
learning once more. It is all about
the teachers… and he was the best.
Tell us about a favourite school
memory... Break times as a boy were
filled with outdoor exploration,
den-making and running wild
with friends. Recreating this
freedom at Vinehall is central
to our children’s courage, wellbeing
and sense of adventure.
vinehallschool.com
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