For most pupils, a visit to the headteacher’s office usually means they are in hot water.
But for pupils at Emmbrook School it means a cup of hot chocolate.
The Hot Choc with the Head scheme is just one of many initiatives which have been introduced in recent years, along with an expanded curriculum and pupil numbers.
According to Business and Economics teacher, Craig Johnson, the driving force behind this transformation is the inspirational Headteacher, Nick McSweeney.
Craig has first-hand experience of the inspiration which he says has infused the school and led to pupil numbers almost doubling from just 700 to over 1,300 in the past five years with that number set to rise.
“I was a restaurant manager when Nick invited me to speak to senior pupils about careers,” he says.
“He told me I had a talent for connecting with pupils and suggested I become a teacher and here I am. That’s the sort of thing he does. Nick inspires and encourages people.”
Mr McSweeney has worked at Emmbrook for the past 16 years, starting as a Business and Economics teacher. He quickly rose through the ranks, first as Head of Department, to Assistant Head, Deputy Head and as Headteacher for the past five years.
“Nick was pivotal in ensuring that Emmbrook joined The Circle Trust, a Wokingham based community academy trust. The school was due to join a different trust but Nick was certain that a local Trust was the way forward for the community and withdrew from the original arrangement.
“Once he became Head, he immediately invested in the Music Department ensuring the community concerts continued and that a community choir was set up for the annual Carol concert where teachers, parents and members of the local area joined together to sing and celebrate Christmas.
“This investment in subject areas meant that students have had access to a broader curriculum and more opportunities to study the subjects they love to a level they want.
“He has chaired the Wokingham Federation for schools ensuring all local schools work together and collaborate for the improvement of education.”
Craig added that the Head “embodied” community spirit within the school, creating the core values of the Emmbrook school which we call FAIR – Family, Ambition, Integrity and Respect. He also introduced the school mascot ‘Brooky’ to show students the positives that come from cheering on your peers.
“Every week, a few students are selected to have hot chocolate with the Head. These students are chosen if they have demonstrated our core values. Nick has always understood the importance of the history of the school and its place in the local community. He has renamed school buildings after previous headteachers and ensures that historic elements of the school remain, such as the ‘Emmbrook School Bank’ sign.
“He personally visits local primary schools each year to complete outreach work and you will find him on the school gate every morning and evening talking to students and local residents.
“I believe Nick has become inseparably combined with the Emmbrook community ensuring that all stakeholders are heard and everyone is welcome. His commitment to communication is second to none.
“When looking at people who have helped shape the community, the work of Nick McSweeney over the last five years should not be overlooked.”
