[New] Mr Nick Baker from

What attracted you to The Beacon?

I grew up in Amersham and always admired the Beacon for its sporting prowess and all boys’ atmosphere. Though I have lived locally for many years, back working in Amersham very much feels like ‘coming home’ for me.

What are your memories of school as a child?

I loved being at school. Being part of a community, the humour of the classroom and playground, the innocence of youth but at the same time the accountability and clear success criteria of examinations – they were, and still are, great times.

What was it about the school that made you want to apply for the position? I was very happy at my previous school, Wetherby Prep, but I always felt that the next time The Beacon came up, I would apply. It was all boys, I knew the area and the lay of the senior school land round here and unlike Wetherby, had a car park, playground and an on-site sports field.

How would the students describe you?

I always teach Geography to Year 5 as I need to know those boys when their parents come to talk to me about senior school options for their sons. In all surveys of children, what they want more than anything else from a teacher is for them to be ‘fair,’ therefore I always keep that front and centre of my approach to them. I also know that boys get bored easily if the work isn’t

The Beacon

engaging or challenging enough so hopefully the boys would say that about my teaching.

What do you think are the key skills that children should be mastering at the start of their school journey?

As much as we focus on senior school transition, I don’t think any parent or boy looks back at their time at a school and says, ‘that school was brilliant because it got me into X.’ I think the focus we put on those soft skills: the art of conversation, common courtesy, the ability to speak in public, making solid friendships, learning how to win and how to lose – all these are far more important life skills than school destination or any exam grades.

How do you think a Head can make a real difference to an individual pupil? The Head sets the culture, ethos and atmosphere of a school. They also do all the recruitment and will have a view on what makes an effective educator. These things have a huge influence on a school and all of the children learning there.

How would you describe the ethos of The Beacon?

It’s a very welcoming school first and foremost. There is an innate kindness to this place and a passion for the school as an institution – everyone connected with this school has a pride in their association with it.

What are the qualities of a great teacher?

Fairness, passion for their subject, enjoyment of the company of groups of children, the school environment and doesn’t panic when faced with a problem.

What does being a Head mean to you?

The day-to-day job of being a Head is relatively straightforward. Running a school, talking to parents, staff, teaching children, running the business, none of that is difficult. What is difficult is the burden of responsibility for the education and pastoral development of young people and ensuring the school is successful to maintain the livelihoods of the employees. I never take that for granted and don’t think for any Head that level of responsibility ever leaves you.

Who inspired you to teach?

I enjoyed my time at school and my father was a university lecturer so there was a family connection.

What advice would you give to parents choosing a school?

As it says above, the Head sets the broad agenda. If you like the Head and what he or she says, you will like the school. Try and look beyond facilities – sports halls, swimming pools, music centres, theatres all do the same thing – it’s the quality of the staff that is far more important.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was young, a visit to the one McDonalds in the south of England (it was in Slough) was such a treat and we all had our birthday parties there. I therefore announced to my parents that I wanted to be a ‘chef at McDonalds’. They didn’t offer me any career advice to the contrary, but they’re probably pleased that I have chosen this as a career path.

What are you known for?

Tintin, Lego and Watford FC.

Having worked in the film and theatre industry, what made you decide to turn your hand to writing children’s books?

When I was young, I adored reading, especially books starring animals. To be an author just seemed like The Dream Job! This passion for literature led me into working in the film/theatre industry but the desire to write my own children’s book never went away. It was only when I reached my mid-40’s that I thought, ‘well it’s now or never!’ So, I emptied my heart onto the page and wrote about all the things that truly mattered to me. The result was my debut novel, The Last Bear, which is all about the friendship between an 11-year-old girl and a wild polar bear.

Your books deliver some very important messages on big issues affecting our world today. How would you encourage young readers to make a difference or find their voice in the fight against climate change?

First and foremost, my main goal is to focus on delivering a wonderful, engaging adventure story. Children always spot when you’re trying too hard to be worthy. So, any message is subtly woven through the thread of the book. At the end, I like to leave my readers with an empowering message - a feeling that they can achieve amazing things.

This month Rachel Bailey talks to author Hannah Gold whose first novel The Last Bear was the best-selling children’s hardback debut of 2021. Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold, each of Hannah’s stories deliver an important, heartfelt message on ecological issues and climate change.

My take-home point is always to focus on small changes and to never be afraid to speak up - or roar - for change.

If a whale watching trip inspired your second book, would you consider shark cage diving as research for another story?

Haha I’m not sure I’m brave enough to try shark cage diving! Saying that, I do think it’s important that we write about all sorts of animals, particularly ones often perceived as ‘bad’. At the time of writing this, I’m still not allowed to say what Book 3 is about, but I can reveal that a sneak preview will appear at the end of the paperback version of The Lost Whale! So, watch this space.

Did you set out to write a novel about climate change or did that idea develop once you’d chosen a polar bear as your main character?

The truth is I never set out to write a book about climate change. At heart, I simply wanted to write a book about friendship as I’m fascinated by the often magical relationship between children and animals. It was only when I was researching polar bear habitat, that I realised it was impossible to write a contemporary story about polar bears without referencing the loss of sea ice and the terrible impact this is having on them. It was the same with The Lost Whale. I am utterly fascinated by whales and think they’re one of the most wondrous animals but again, it was hard to write about them without talking about the challenges they face.

Are you an avid reader? Do you have a favourite book you wish you’d written?

The love of reading has never really left me and the book I wish I had written is probably Narnia. I do love a portal adventure, especially with talking animals. Would love to write my own Narnia one day - but with a hopeful eco twist!

The Lost Whale, Hannah’s second novel illustrated by Levi Pinfold, is out in paperback in February priced £7.99.