The rural grounds of the co-educational, grant-aided school in St Andrew’s were a hubbub of laughter, nerves and shiny new uniforms. Inside, Dr Vanessa Mitchell was settling in, alongside principal Alexa Yeoman.
‘Being the new girl puts me in a great position to empathise with the students who are joining us today,’ said Dr Mitchell.
‘I was able to say, “it’s my first day too”. Everyone’s been really welcoming. I’m really excited to be here and bring what I can to the role.’
Although born in Wales, and having moved from the Middle East, Dr Mitchell is no stranger to the island.
Before leaving for her two-year stint at an extensive British international school in Dubai, she was deputy head at Ladies' College, and in total she worked there for 13 years.
She has an extensive background in psychology, pastoral care and leadership. She is married to a Guernseyman and has two sons, aged five and 12. Their eldest is one of her new Year 8s at Blanchelande. She said the boys enjoyed their time in Dubai, but they were really excited to come back home and see their friends.
Returning for her new role at the college, Dr Mitchell said she was thrilled to bring her new, global perspective to the local school.
‘I had a great opportunity as assistant head of pastoral care out there,’ she said.
‘We moved out as a family to gain more experience. But I worked in an outstanding British school with over 70 different nationalities.
‘I went in as they were growing the secondary school, so it was developing its curriculum and increasing student numbers. Schools in Dubai have a very competitive market.
‘There were about 1,500 students and it was still growing. It was a big cultural and contextual change from being at Ladies' College, but in a positive way.
'I had to learn quickly and adapt. I think it gave me a really good idea of what world-class education is in terms of academic excellence as well as superb pastoral care. These are things that Blanchelande does so well already, and that’s what really drew me here.’
Pastoral care refers to a school’s commitment to nurturing the overall well-being of each student – valuing them as individuals.
‘It means so much to me,’ said Dr Mitchell.
‘I think student experience and having caring, passionate, inspiring teachers and support staff is so important in order to get the very best out of them.
‘When they come to school, they want a safe environment.
‘My passions are about student voice, students taking ownership and leadership, and for things within the school to develop and grow.
‘I think it’s truly hard to find that balance between academia and pastoral care, but Blanchelande has it.
‘They had their fourth year at 100% pass rate at A-level, with an increase in top grades for GCSEs, and we’ve also got really happy kids.
‘So it’s an exciting time to join.’
Dr Mitchell will teach some psychology, but will first focus on settling into her role – immersing herself in the school community and getting to know each student and their family.
She said she spent the summer at the school in preparation and had already overseen new developments.
This year, the school has opened a new sixth form area, wellbeing space and nursery.
‘It’s amazing,’ she said.
‘There’s some great developments offering students quiet space and support. This is what I love about schooling. It’s a really holistic approach to education and in such a beautiful, unique setting.
‘I feel that I can make a really positive impact here.’
In Dubai, Dr Mitchell saw a lot of emphasis placed on bringing AI into school.
‘Technology is really useful but, having been a pastoral leader, I see the importance of the other side,’ she said.
‘I think what makes Blanchelande College so unique is its rural setting. You’ve got students outside using all of our beautiful space.
‘I think social communication and working together as a team – unplugged – is important. There’s a time and a place for AI.’
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