ANNE McIntosh, a Conservative MP, recently visited Norton College. She was welcomed by four warmly- dressed students and shown around the classes.

She was impressed by the new, smart uniforms, and said: “The new uniform seems to have boosted the students’ confidence during classes.”

She has also visited other schools, both primary and secondary, around the area and wishes to see more local children attend Norton College.

Anne McIntosh was educated at Harrogate Ladies’ College, and received Bs at A-level in English, French and her favourite subject, history.

After school, Anne went to Edinburgh University to study law.

She didn’t know what she wanted to do until later in her life when she realised she wanted to be a politician. Her languages, English, French, Danish, Spanish, German and some Italian helped her be what she is today.

Also she interfaced with the public which gave her the confidence to enter politics. She thinks languages help with any job as they enable you to have contacts around the world.

We asked for her views on the new English Baccalaureate that will be replacing GCSEs. She said: “It will broaden the possible education for students with the widest range of subjects.”

Anne did O-levels and believes the change will be a good step for education.

Her biggest achievement was retaining the auction mart in Thirsk and she told us her biggest challenge to come is to retain the auction mart in Malton.

She has also worked as a member of the European Parliament where her languages have helped her to understand politicians from other countries.

We asked her where she sees herself in six years’ time and she said she would still like to be an MP in years to come because she likes to do what she does.

Anne likes swimming twice a week at London swimming pools, and also likes to go to the cinema, especially The Palace in Malton and The Ritz in Thirsk. She also likes reading non-political books as often as she can.

She believes education is a life-long process and you never cease learning, even in retirement. She learnt Spanish and Italian as an adult and would like to learn even more.

She would like to come to Norton College again in the future as she had received such a warm welcome and she was impressed by the confidence in the students.

She left us with this thought: “Be true to yourself in searching for what you want to do.

“Never close the door to future opportunities and keep all your options open.”

by Leah Mayman
Year 9

 

QUESTION TIME: Our team asked students at Norton College what they thought about the new uniform

Georgia Kewley Year 10 “I think the uniform is smart, very comfy and it looks effective. It’s also different and a nice change.”

Charlotte Sellers Year 7 “The reason I like the new school uniform is because everyone looks all the same, also I think it makes the school more united.”

Lianna Hart Year 10 “We look smarter and we all look the same and I like the fact that we wear shirts and ties; I feel better.”

Ben Nendick Year 8 “It’s tidy and a lot smarter than the old uniform, but I think the quality could be better. We have given our opinions to the pupil voice team who are feeding back to the staff about this.”

Lucy Peel, Year 7 “The uniform looks smarter. It makes everyone look more professional.”

Dom Weatherill Year 11 “I think the new uniform is better because we feel smarter and it makes us sit properly. It makes the school’s overall appearance smarter.”

 

An interview with Mr Phil Loftus, headteacher

By Edward Welford

What was your favourite subject at school?

Geography and English.

How did you get into this job?

My step-mum was a special needs teacher. I used to volunteer to help out at the school. I enjoyed working with them and found their company refreshing. I especially like children because they say it how it is.

Who is your inspiration?

In terms of sport, I was impressed by the cyclist Sean Yates, because of his achievements during the Tour de France. I also look up to my Dad because he always encouraged me and my siblings to do better than he did.

What hobbies do you do?

I really enjoy cycling. I’ve cycled since I was five (41 years overall). I also like to listen to music and recently I have started enjoying gardening.

What is your favourite song of all time?

 particularly like the song ‘Penny Lane’ by The Beatles. I like it because I was originally from Liverpool, and Penny Lane is a street in Liverpool.

What is your favourite TV show?

I like the Great British Bake Off.

What is your favourite Food?

I really like Italian food, especially pasta and pizza.

What advice has helped you through your career?

I like the phrase, one tenth ability, nine tenths stickability.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

I still hope to be headteacher at Norton College, living in the countryside and cycling.

How do you intend to drive Norton College forward?

By sticking to the basics. Talking about good and outstanding behaviour and also making the little things count.

How would you sum up Norton College?

A strong family which has the potential to be an outstanding family, if we stick together and work hard.

 

Club of the Month

The Journalism Team

WE write this page every month and we are planning to produce a newsletter for the school.

The journalists are: Leah Mayman, Bethany Coatsworth, Edward Welford and Emily Cullis.

The photographers are Jack Sellers, Sarah Pennington and Alicia Jeffrey. Miss Williams and Mrs Jackson help us to put it all together.

We all love being part of the Journalism Team as an extra-curricular activity and plan to keep you up-to-date with what is happening at Norton College.

By Bethany Coatsworth