A new year, A new Headmaster

Our Head Boy, George, and Head Girl, Serena, take some time to ask Mr Holder some important questions as he begins the year as our new Headmaster.

• Did you like school when you were little?

Good Question, Yeah I think I did. I tried my best and I was a bit of a goody two shoes, a model student. I didn’t like to get in trouble but I took reasonable risks and really enjoyed school.

• What does it feel like being Headmaster?

I’ve spent 18 years preparing for this opportunity and it feels really good. It is an opportunity I’m taking incredibly seriously and I have the confidence to do a good job and I’m looking forward to being able to influence people and lead the direction of the school.

• What is your favourite chocolate bar?

This is a difficult question because I have a sweet tooth. First I would say Time Out and maybe Aero but really I would say a Twirl is the best (although there are some others from South Africa that would be top of my list that we can’t get in the UK).

• What is your favourite colour?

Blue

• What do you like more: Maths or English?

Maths – it’s logical and there are clear answers so I understand it.

• Do you have a hobby?

I spend a lot of time reading but I also like snowboarding and skiing as much as possible. I used to spend more time in the gym and enjoy cycling but I also play bass guitar for a band.

• What is your favourite food?

BBQ, especially when the sun is shining. Steak, egg and chips.

• If you could go anywhere on holiday where would it be?

This question took a lot of thought and Mr Holder was slower to answer…

America would be where I would go but I would want to visit a lot of places while I was there: Orlando and all the theme parks there, the Grand Canyon to see it with my own eyes, New York and the Empire State Building and Central Park, Niagra Falls as well and then travel to Canada as well to go skiing.

• What do you like being more: Headmaster or Deputy Head?

Headmaster, because I have greater influence and authority to bring real constructive change in the school.

• What do you prefer: Pizza or Cake?

Cake – remember, I have a sweet tooth

• What is your favourite movie?

Hard question… Lots of movies would make my top list but the best would be Shawshank Redemption.

Follow up question: Who is your favourite actor?

Chris Hemsworth in his character as Thor. I like the role he placed and the character strength and his personality.

• What is your favourite book?

Tricky one as there are so many… The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Trilogy

• What is your favourite board game?

I’m not a big board game player. I think the one I like is called Risk.

• What is your favourite book genre?

Fantasy

• What do you prefer: Painting or Drawing?

Drawing because you have more control. I like 3D abstract drawings and my favourite artist is M C Esher who does drawings like this.

• What is your favourite animal?

Dolphins – they are so intelligent and almost human like. There are so many stories of dolphins saving humans and they are amazing. As a teenager I used to surf and once a school of dolphins came very close and swam all around us and it was an experience I’ll never forget as they were just centimetres away from us all.

• Do you have any pets? If you do, what are they?

I don’t have any pets at the moment because when I was young, I grew up on a farm and I was used to seeing animals roam free and have space but I just can’t bring myself to have an animal or a pet cooped up at home.