New head at St Cuthbert’s has new approach

St. Cuthbert’s new headteacher, David Shields, is bringing a new approach to teaching and learning with a strong emphasis on a holistic approach.

Mr Shields said: “I strongly believe that the changes we are making will result in life changing outcomes for the young people in our care.

"There is a genuine belief that St. Cuthbert’s offers an all-encompassing education which will exceed the needs of its students academically, spiritually emotionally and socially."

Mr Shields attended Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College in Bradford where he also went to the sixth form. He then studied at Sheffield University majoring in history. It was during his studies that he made his decision to become a teacher and after gaining his degree he continued on to a PGCE course.

For over seventeen years he was teaching in Kirklees, Huddersfield and arrived at St Cuthbert’s as Deputy Head six years ago, becoming headteacher in September this year.

When asked about his proudest achievement he said: “Whilst teaching history and coaching rugby I came across a group of boys who were disinterested in any academic subjects. I felt compelled to engage the students and wanted my relationship with them on the rugby field to be replicated in the classroom.

“I knew that this would be no easy task, but I also wanted the boys to choose history. I wanted them in my classroom.”

Initiatives with the boys doing community work such as working with the elderly, repair workshops and working with primary schools doing rugby coaching got the boys on board, and resulted in a classroom full of his rugby boys.

He said: “Many of the students just thought that they weren’t clever enough to study a humanities subject and would have been satisfied studying something that was within their comfort zone.”

Following his intervention and dedication many of them went on to succeed in history, which in turn gave the boys a higher self-esteem and confidence.

Raising aspirations is key to the vast majority of his leadership style, and the mission statement and school prayer reflects this by highlighting that students should be 'the best that they can be in everything they do'.

Mr Shields says he now has in place a team that will develop his vision for the future. Through internal promotions he feels that he has the right people who will draw upon their skills to make the school become more modernised in its approach.

Mr Shields added: “All of the leadership team are dedicated, innovative and have an excellent track record. It is an exciting team with a lot of energy. They are not interested in the status quo and are making in-roads into where we want to be.

“I want them to make changes so that we can further enhance the life chances of every single child here at St Cuthbert’s.

“By developing these new systems, structures and policies at St Cuthbert’s I feel the school will be better placed to rise to the challenges it will face in the years to come.”