Memories of Sibford School O


By Maggie Guy, who retired from Sibford School in September 2017


ne of my most enduring memories of Sibford was


the day that my husband, Chris, and I were interviewed for our respective teaching jobs. It was a glorious day in the summer of 1984 and I recall the distinct and almost immediate feeling that we had arrived somewhere that just felt ‘right’. Many of us, who have long associations with Sibford, comment on the almost magical sense of belonging from the moment we arrive. There is something about Sibford that silently and stealthily lodges itself deep within your soul; this can be true not only for staff, but often for parents and pupils. Two days after our interviews


we were delighted to be offered jobs by the then Head, Jim Graham ~ Chris in the PE Department and me in the English and PE Departments, but also as assistant in Nansen Girls House with Elisabeth Escher. To our delight Sibford became our place of work and home. I have many very fond memories


over the past 33 years so it is almost impossible to do more than ruminate on a random selection. During my early days, staff and students eventually got used to my ‘Americanisms’, some of which have never quite disappeared. I continued to ask pupils to tuck in their ‘shirt tails’ with admonishments about drinking ‘sodas’ from Greens. Teaching remained an important priority for me; escaping from my office to teach was a welcome balance to other responsibilities. Year 7 on Monday period 9 & 10 often involved some ‘brain gym’ just to keep us all sane! Teaching A level literature was my passion and joy - Shakespeare in particular.


Above all I wanted every student, especially dyslexic pupils, to find their voice in writing, to experience the beauty of ‘The rare achievement of getting the right word in the right place’ (Mark Twain) and the treasures to be discovered in books. To me literature is transformative; every piece of writing has the potential to help us see beyond ourselves, but also deeper within ourselves. Of course,


there were times of tragedy and bereavement, and times when I considered moving on. Meetings for Worship, especially in times of trouble, hold a poignant place in my heart; the tragic death of a well-loved pupil or global tragedies like the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the USA, made us all take a moment to listen to our still, small voice deep within. Ministry in Meeting for Worship of staff and pupils held us as one close knit group of humanity trying to make sense of it all, helping to sooth each other’s troubled hearts. These are ‘the ties that bind us’. I have made lifelong friends with staff and ex-pupils, and this is what, in the end, gives meaning to life. In career terms, I was always


fortunate enough to be offered challenges and promotions


Maggie is pictured with members of the Sixth Form who travelled to Uganda in 2010


throughout my 33 years at Sibford. In addition to my initial roles, I eventually became Head of English, Head of Middle School, Senior Mistress (some explaining needed for American family and friends!) and eventually Deputy Head, Head of Boarding and Designated Senior Safeguarding Lead. As the need for strong pastoral


care and resilient pupils now becomes even greater, I am so very thankful that Sibford is a school that understands excellent pastoral care as the foundation for the best learning practice in schools. Some of the most hilarious moments for teachers come when the pupils are blithely unaware that we are having as much fun as they are ... even as Deputy Head! My


The Sibford Rocket / 9


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