20 Years Service – Peter Rankin

First impression of Bootham:

When I came for interview, I was Gob Smacked that after 30 years living in York there was this little oasis nestled just behind busy roads and shops. I moved from an inner city comprehensive, and after a few months I remember saying to a friend who is also a teacher ‘it’s great at school you’re allowed to be who you are and and I feel don’t have to put on a proverbial flak jacket on every morning, I can just talk to the students’.

How has Bootham changed over the years?

More management, better security, improved salad bar, improved and new buildings and facilities, we’ve gone from a computer room to a school that runs on computers with electronic white boards in every room, girls’ football, new uniforms (twice). Whilst the fabric of the place has changed, and people have come and gone the ethos remains the same.

Favourite memory of Bootham:

School trips, Rome Washington, France, Munich, Dales, Peaks, Whitby, Skipwith, Skiing, Walking, camping, sailing and so many more. I’ve organised a couple of school trips and it involves giving yourself lots of extra work. Some staff organise big trips out every year which is great for the life of the school, but I’m not sure where they find the time. But it’s worth it as both staff and students get so much out of them. We get to see each other in a different environment, I’ve learnt a lot about Rome and a lot about the students I’ve travelled with, breaking down the barriers that makes the classroom teaching that bit easier when we get back.

Proudest moment of your career?

Taking over public exams with a weeks’ notice in 2019. I had a very steep learning curve and some long days, but the outcome was a smooth and successful exam series. Although I was the lead of the exams team it wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic team who deliver exams successfully every year, a reminder to me that Bootham is a team effort.

Favourite place in Bootham:

Sitting in the staffroom with a cuppa on a late November afternoon and for a brief period of time when the Sun goes down the Sky turns purple, and the Minster glows a pink and golden hew.

Describe Bootham in 3 words:

Community, Community, Community