IN CONVERSATION WITH DR RUTH SULLIVAN David Birley A former pupil at Sherborne Girls who has come full circle to now become its Head, talks about what drove her to become a teacher, the new performing arts centre and hopes for the School’s future. DB Can you tell us about your own schooling? RS I went to a state primary school, then on to the City of London School for Girls in Year 7. I came to Sherborne Girls for Sixth Form, which was brilliant: the best two years of my life! DB What was your time at Sherborne Girls like? RS I was really encouraged and nurtured as the staff were so wonderful. I did three A Levels and an S Level in Geography, tried everything from pottery, drama (with Sherborne School), and various sports. I loved having friends around me 24/7 and being able to go out exploring the local area on foot or by bike. My time at Sherborne Girls was transformational: it opened my eyes to so many opportunities. DB What did you do when you left school? RS I went to Edinburgh University to read Geography. As well as developing my independence and subject knowledge, it enabled me to pursue my love of the outdoors, especially mountaineering. I went away most weekends with the Mountaineering Club to climb mountains and explore the Highlands and took part in sport and drama. I also held down a part-time job, so kept myself pretty busy! DB What led you into teaching? RS I experienced at first-hand the life-changing nature of education and I come from a family of teachers, so it seemed natural for me to help others in this way. I knew I didn’t want an office job and that I needed to be active and fulfilled with a real sense of purpose. I also love communicating and explaining things to others. DB Where did you start your teaching career? RS I trained at Moray House in Edinburgh before starting my teaching career at St John’s in Leatherhead, which at the time was a boys’ school with girls in the sixth form. I was there for five years, becoming a housemistress and running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which I had completed myself at university. I thought the programme was amazing and set up expeditions all around the world including to America, 120 | Sherborne Times | December 2021
Iceland, Morocco and Norway. After St John’s, I went to Glenalmond College in Perthshire to lead the Geography Department. While there, I helped run the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, led expeditions and the first ever all-girls pupil team in the Scottish Island Peaks Race. Then, having taught at boarding schools, I took on a different challenge and moved to The Queen’s School, Chester as Head of Sixth Form. This gave me an insight and experience of a day-school environment which I eventually concluded wasn’t for me, so I decided to take a break from teaching. I applied for a master’s degree and was awarded a four year scholarship to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which led to me completing an MSc and PhD. DB What happened next? RS During my doctorate I missed the interaction with young people, helping to nurture, instil and develop their interest and passion for learning. I took up the post of Head of Department (Geography) at Haileybury College, Hertfordshire, whilst completing my PhD, and was appointed Deputy Master the same year. DB What led you back to Sherborne Girls? RS After six years as Deputy Master, I felt I had learned a huge amount, benefited from phenomenal opportunities across all aspects of teaching and boarding education and in a very senior post. When I heard about the role at Sherborne Girls, I felt excited and ready to apply for such a fantastic opportunity. DB What do you find most fulfilling about your role? RS I thrive on sharing ideas, working as part of a team and facing challenges in a constructive way. Working with young people is hugely rewarding: their energy inspires me, and they help me to not take myself too seriously. Their high hopes, aspirations and vision for the future instil a great deal of positivity. The staff at Sherborne Girls are the best I have ever worked with, and my days are filled with fascinating and engaging conversations. The parent and staff body are extremely collaborative and have been real sources of support since I joined, particularly during the pandemic, as has Dr Luckett, the Head of Sherborne School and Nicki Edwards, the Head of The Gryphon’. I have built on the superb foundations of my predecessor, Jenny Dwyer. >
