David Atkinson

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DAVID ATKINSON

Following a Geography degree at Oxford I started my teaching career in 1996, at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School. In the intervening years I have filled several different roles at the school, and took over as Head in 2016. We strive for academic excellence across our curriculum though first rate learning and teaching, and a staff professional development programme that supports that. Just as importantly, we support our students to develop their character so that they leave school able to thrive personally. We want our students to use their education to make a positive contribution to society, and encourage them to recognise that.Personally, I have spent a good deal of time developing our strategy for the delivery of this blend of academic and character education, confident that the moral purpose of doing this is more important than ever. If we, as a school, can foster a strong sense of belonging in our staff and students this will help them progress academically. That, in turn, will provide them with the chance to explore a wide range of opportunities once they leave school. I still teach some Geography, and really enjoy the time I can spend in the classroom. I have presented on our work at various events, for the International Boys School Coalition, the Grammar School Heads Association and the Institute of Development Professionals in Education amongst others. I served a term as Vice President of the Royal Geographical Society from 20••••21, which was a wonderful opportunity to be more involved in the subject I love.