Experiencing headship at the Robert Bruce Middle School in Kempston

Abstract

As part of my course of study, leading to the Diploma in Educational Administration and Management, at the University of Malta, I visited Robert Bruce Middle School, (RBMS) for a fortnight to observe and reflect on administrative practice. I was welcomed and helped by both the head and his SMT, as well as some teachers. I was able to shadow the head and watch and discuss all aspects of school life, as well as to attend activities held, before, within and after school hours. RBMS is located at Kempston, a suburb of the town of Bedford, the heart of Bedfordshire. It is one of the 37 middle schools, "run" by the Bedfordshire County Council Education Service or the local Education Authority (LEA). The school caters for about 720 children distributed in 4 years - years 5 to 8. It also has a special needs division annexed to it which can take about 17 children with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Although the school has a modern type of building it has a long interesting history [...].