By Sophie and Roma in Year 6
Children thought up questions for Mr Balfour to find out all they could about their new headteacher when they got the chance to interview him last Friday. They all felt excited and inquisitive as they walked up to the classroom and saw that it had been rearranged for filming! There were two big cameras set up facing two armchairs with large plants creating a lovely setting with a low circular wooden table in front of them. After a short introduction by Joseph, cameras started to roll and the questioning began, and while the interview was being filmed, each child had fun using the clapperboard to cue in another person’s question.
There was one of the questions that Mr Balfour answered that we thought was extremely interesting. It was, ‘If there was someone - dead or alive - who inspires you, who would it be?’ Mr Balfour answered that it would be his father, who sadly died two years ago, and his life story was incredible.
When Mr Balfour’s father was in his late teens, he used to love cycling, so one day he was doing just that but he ended up crashing into another vehicle and breaking a few bones in his neck and back. He was then taken to Stoke Mandeville hospital in Buckinghamshire and was treated by a Jewish survivor of Nazi Germany who was a doctor and neurosurgeon in spinal injuries; his name was Sir Ludwig Guttman who founded the paralympic games! Dr Guttman helped Mr Balfour’s father recover and our new Headteacher has always been inspired by his father’s resilience and determination.
Mr Balfour shared lots of details about his views of Edge Grove, his first impressions and his vision for the future, and finally answered a funny question which you can hear at the end of our video which will be shared shortly.
Thank you to Mr Balfour for giving his time.
By Alexis C-O in Year 5
I was recently given the opportunity to interview the new headmaster of Edge Grove School as part of the Edge Grove School Journalist Club headed by Mrs Broadis.
Each member of the journalist club had to memorise the questions that they intended to ask Mr Balfour before the interview. We also had to take turns using the clapperboard which was a new experience for me. The first member of the journalist club that used the clapperboard found it challenging getting in frame but after several attempts, he was able to get the perfect shot. By watching and learning from his mistakes, we were all able to understand how to use the clapperboard and the rest went smoothly.
We each were able to pose our questions to Mr Balfour who was very welcoming and friendly, and provided very interesting and insightful answers. He shared with the Journalist Club his vision for the school and his plans for the future. He spoke about his commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all pupils and staff. He also discussed how he hopes to build strong relationships with the community and create a culture of respect and collaboration. He did not leave out telling us a bit about himself and his family.
I found it very inspiring to hear, not only about the headmaster and his family, but also his plans and his passion for Edge Grove. He was very knowledgeable and it was clear that he has a strong commitment to making the school a better place.
After the interview, the Journalist Club members had to do short videos of different facial expressions that aligned with our reactions to the responses provided by Mr Balfour. This was an aspect of video interviewing that I never knew occurred behind the scenes, but apparently in order to produce an interview that is polished and has a natural flow, this is often required.
I was very grateful to have been given the opportunity to interview Mr Balfour. It was a very fascinating experience and I gained not just speaking skills but new skills in videography. I am looking forward to seeing how Mr Balfour’s plans for Edge Grove School come to fruition and being involved in more interviews like this.
