Ski Trip 2013
Article from Croydon Advertiser Friday September 23, 2011.
By Ross Lidbetter
'The best person to take school on to the next level.'
THE new headmaster of Royal Russell School has set a bold challenge to his pupils: "Have the courage to be extraordinary".
Chris Hutchinson has begun his appointment at the school in Coombe Lane, Croydon, following the retirement of John Jennings.
Mr Hutchinson praised his predecessor for doing a "terrific job" and leaving Royal Russell in a very competitive position.
The difficult challenge is to try and take a thriving school onto the next level.
But it is a challenge that Mr Hutchinson is more than ready to tackle head-on.
He said: "I will be looking for excellence. Where is the excellence at Royal Russell? That's been the starting question and it's something I'm already finding."
The keen sportsman has already addressed pupils at the school with a clear message.
He has asked them to "be committed, be involved, be independent, be strong and most of all – be yourself".
Mr Hutchinson told them: "Every individual here today counts.
"I ask nothing more from you than for you to have the courage to be not ordinary but extraordinary, and to strive for the very best that you have ever achieved not only for yourselves, but for the school which we all love."
It is clear Mr Hutchinson is not solely focused on academic achievement, rather breeding confident and articulate youngsters who are ready for adulthood.
And he is determined not to be a head who sits in his study, but a teacher who will enter the classroom – an environment he aims to make stimulating.
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He is keen to get to know every single pupil, fitting in with his own educational philosophy of respect and care for every individual.
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Asked what makes a good teacher, Mr Hutchinson said: "It has to be somebody who connects with young people.
"There's nothing better than working with young people.
"They are so full of ideas and so full of challenges and expectations."
Prior to joining Royal Russell, Mr Hutchinson was the head at a school in Newcastle.
He is married to wife Alex and enjoys singing and walking his dog.
He loves sport and particularly enjoys squash, tennis and the Great North Run.
'Teacher encourages students to strive for very best.'
To read Headmaster's Beginning of Term Assembly click here.