Lessons for Life

From an early age Patrick Cozier knew that he wanted to be a teacher. Twenty years later he is now Headteacher at Highgate Wood School, North London and still enjoying the challenges and rewards of the teaching profession.

What led you to become a teacher?
I was one of those fortunate people who knew at a young age what I wanted to do. I decided I wanted to become a teacher when I was 17 and doing my A levels. The school I attended had a scheme in place where Post 16 students did community service within the main school. I helped out in the Learning Support department supporting about eight students with their reading and writing skills. It was brilliant – such a rewarding thing to do. The thanks and appreciation that I received from the students was great and inspired me to become a teacher. Now, 20 years later, I’m in the very privileged position of being a Headteacher with the opportunity to have am impact on a much wider scale.

You recently said teaching poses specific challenges for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) teachers. Tell me about that.
I have experienced both positives and negatives as a result of being a BAME teacher. In most ways it has been advantageous, such as my ability to relate to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Many people of BAME origin who have grown up in the UK (like me) have had to work hard and learn to switch between relating to their home (BAME) culture and that of the indigenous UK culture when at school. I think that this can equip you with particular skills of adaptability, insight and understanding when it comes to being able to connect with students from all cultures.

Another challenge is the high level of expectancy that can exist within the BAME student body and their parents of you as a BAME teacher. However, I tend to interpret this as a positive pressure. I value their trust and support and I accept that it comes hand in hand with the territory.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The chance to make a difference! This opportunity makes whatever obstacles and challenges that exist more than worth it. When you experience the positive feedback from students regarding the impact that you have had on preparing them for their future ambitions it is very pleasing. When you see young people overcome significant barriers to thrive and be successful it is inspiring. Isn’t that why we all do the job?

How do you relax?
With my family – My wife, and my children (I have two girls and a boy) keep me measured and grounded and remain, despite the importance of my job, the most significant part of my life. Plus I’m a huge football fan and spend many a Saturday afternoon down at the Emirates Stadium watching the Arsenal.

Who has been your biggest influence?
My parents, undoubtedly! They were on my case from day one when I probably didn’t really believe I’d manage to achieve what I have. I was the first person in my family to attend university and receive a degree… something that my mother in particular always predicted and ensured that I aspired towards.

What has been your biggest achievement?
Firstly, achieving headship in the timescale that I did was something that fills me with a personal sense of pride. It wasn’t something I’d necessarily anticipated happening as quickly as it did. Secondly, (and this is more of a team achievement than a personal one) the progress that Highgate Wood School has continued to make in the last few years. The results achieved by our students in the last two years have been the best that the school has ever had. This is down to the dedication of my fantastic staff and our brilliant students.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
This is a difficult question to answer, as I have been given so much valuable advice from so many different people. I think that ultimately, being told by my mother to ‘stay true to who you are, keep your values close by, and believe in yourself’ probably resonates with me more than anything else.

What’s your biggest influence on the school – your stamp, if you will?
This is something that is always easier for other people to judge – however, I would like to think that I have a calming, reassuring, positive and cheerful influence on my school. I am determined that we will continue to strive to be the best that we can be, but that our focus remains on the young person being at the heart of all that we do. On a physical and structural level, there are some noticeable changes that I have made since becoming Headteacher, like some key curriculum changes and the introduction of a school uniform (something that made me wholly unpopular with most students!). n

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