Insider View - Paul Belcher
17th January 2012
I have had the privilege and honour of working at AC for nearly 36 years – arriving as a young maths teacher, straight out of University. I have worked with 6 out of the 7 Headmasters and Principals, with the only exception being Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare, who I did however get to meet at his home in Cork, when we undertook a kayaking trip to Southern Ireland as part of Project Week.
As you all know and appreciate only too well, AC is an exceptional place. It has, without doubt, been instrumental in shaping me as the person that I am today. But I also like to think that my own personal philosophy and views have contributed in some way to the college’s development and will hopefully have influenced several of you, our alumni, who have lived through, have shared and are now benefitting from that unique AC experience.
The college has provided me with such a variety of challenges throughout my time here and continues to do so – whether as a Houseparent, Head of Maths or Head of Lifeguard Service. Living on campus has been an integral part of my experience as a staff member here at AC; my lifestyle is so closely intertwined with the college in so many ways. This has also been very true for my family. No two days are the same; the variety of the work we do and the challenges we face in a typical day remain hugely stimulating. The ‘switch’ each day from using my brain in the morning when I’m teaching Maths, to using my muscles and experience in the afternoon when we’re out at sea in Lifeguard Service is demanding but has helped keep me fresh.
More than anything, what continues to drive and energise me personally is the opportunity to work together with and alongside our student body – be it working out Maths problems or swimming and kayaking together. It helps my rapport and respect in the classroom that I am not asking students to do anything that I am not prepared to do myself. Every year, we receive a new generation of students from all over the world who, like you did, arrive full of enthusiasm, energy and idealism. It is so motivating and keeps me thinking young.
It’s easy to understand why a student, who was only here at AC for two years, would think that the college has not changed much. Over the years, however, there have been considerable changes. I, for example, joined AC in the days of the compulsory early-morning swim. Some of you will be interested (even pleased?) to learn that some of our current students have opted to create a Kurt Hahn Activity, as they felt a need to organise more outdoor activity. Isn’t that a reflection of the AC Mission ‘in action’, of living the founders’ ideals and vision and, above all, a testament to our students’ ability to show initiative and make things happen?
Sadly I have seen provision of scholarships provided to students, by for example British Local Education Authorities, dwindle away. Like many staff here, I strongly believe in the part of the mission statement that says “entry by merit”. We as staff are doing our bit with the creation of a Staff Scholarship Fund which this year is helping to support a student from Jordan and I am proud to be helping this campaign in my capacity as Chair of the Staff Room Committee. On behalf of the staff here at AC, I also wanted to thank you, our alumni. Firstly - for your contribution and input during your time here as students; you are what make AC so special; as teaching staff, we all take great personal delight and pride in what you as individuals have gone on to achieve and like to think that we have in some way helped you on your way. Secondly - for your on-going commitment to the college; we are very much aware of the sterling work that so many of you are doing to support AC, not least financially. Long may it continue and please help spread the message amongst your co-years and fellow graduates. It is hugely important to us and you really can help make a difference.
Do keep in touch and you are always welcome back to St Donat’s Castle.
