Great Alne Primary School’s new headteacher aims for excellence in education
MUSIC was just one of the attractions that has seen Matthew Penn join Great Alne Primary School as its new headteacher.
A keen pianist himself, Mr Penn, who was born and bred in Stratford, took over at the school in December, having been in teaching roles for the past 20 years, including seven years as deputy head at Thomas Jolyffe Primary School in Stratford.
Mr Penn told the Herald: “I’m all about creating a safe and calm environment for people to work in and for children to learn in, where other people feel welcome, so it has been fantastic to feel welcomed by all of the people over here already.”
He added that keeping Great Alne immersed in music was one of his aims.
“I could see that the school is an absolute festival of music,” he said. “There’s an abundance of creative and musical staff who are just really committed to making the children have a good time and a good education.
“I have a vision to bring learning the piano to every child at the school.
“I want them to learn the piano throughout their education with us and I want to enhance that kind of experience with trips to live music, getting live musicians in and going to concerts.
“That is my big aim here, to get everybody not only learning the piano but immersed in music.”
Mr Penn’s piano playing continues outside of work, as well as spending time with family - he has two children with wife Caroline - and friends, and playing table tennis, golf, darts and snooker.
He relaxes by listening to podcasts and watching old comedy movies.
