Chris Watson took up the role of Senior Deputy Head (Learning and Teaching) at ESMS Junior School in August last year. In this role he oversees all aspects of teaching and learning, from Primary 1 to Primary 7.
Scottish born and bred, Chris has spent the last nine years working at Doha College, a large British international school, where he was Deputy Head.
Chris has an Honours degree in Biochemistry from Heriot-Watt University and completed his PGCE in Primary education at the University of Dundee. He is also currently studying for a part time MA in Education. A former international athlete, Chris has represented Great Britain and Scotland and maintains a keen interest in athletics coaching. Chris lives in Dunfermline with his wife and two children, both of whom attend ESMS.
-
Tell us something about you that no one else knows?
I used to be a runner (many years ago now!), and I have represented Scotland and Great Britain, up to under 20 level, at 800m and cross-country running. In addition to this, I have an identical twin brother, who is also a teacher.
-
What is your favourite thing to do when you aren’t teaching?
Apart from spending time with my family, and walking my dog, I love to read. I have been a reader for as long as I can remember, and I can think of no better thing to do than relaxing on the couch with a good book – and a cup of coffee!
The last book I read was The Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan. It’s a beautiful story about friendship and coping with loss, with a strong dash of 1980’s nostalgia!
-
You came to ESMS from Doha College. What did you learn from this experience?
From a personal perspective, starting any new role can be a major challenge as you develop your understanding of the people and culture that is in place. I love the challenge of that. A successful school, like many other endeavours in life, is built upon strong relationships: relationships with the children, parents and staff. Spending time getting to know people and the culture of our School has been one of the things I have enjoyed most so far this year.
In the wider sense, I have learned that people all over the world, regardless of where they have come from, share many of the same dreams and ambitions. Ultimately, we want our children to be happy and successful – whether they are at ESMS or Doha College. As a parent myself, I have seen this from both sides of the school gates.
-
What do you think are the biggest challenges our Junior School children will face?
We do face many challenges, but one of the biggest is technology and, in particular the rapid rate of change. The challenge for the Schools is to ensure that our curriculum is flexible to be able to respond to innovations and ensure our children gain the vital knowledge and skills they need to safely engage in digital spaces.
A particular challenge in this area will be the use of AI. However, I always see challenges as opportunities, catalysts for change. In the Junior School, we are exploring the potential benefits of using AI to provide more individualised learning through our use of programmes such as Century Tech. Whilst we are only at the start of this journey, it is very exciting to think about how we can harness these powerful tools judiciously to benefit our young people.
-
Who is your hero?
As a young runner, my hero was Emile Zatopek. I read about his life and training and was really inspired by his efforts in winning the 5000m, 10,000m and the Marathon at the 1952 Olympic Games. However, what I found most inspirational was the mental toughness he showed in pursuit of his goals. He famously said that his training had to be completed in ‘unfavourable conditions’ so that racing would be a ‘relief’. I’ve always held onto the importance of preparation and hard work evident in his approach.
-
Tell us about your teaching philosophy?
I firmly believe in a research informed approach to teaching and learning.
I believe that education should be based on traditional values that set the standard for our interactions and help shape the people we aspire to be. As educators, it is our role to foster these values in all members of our school community, to enable them to develop as rounded individuals who are equipped to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
Scaffolding these beliefs, is our taught curriculum, which should provide the foundation of knowledge and skills that provide a platform for future learning. Our lessons should provoke children to think really deeply about the learning of the day. As Dan Willingham puts it, ‘memory is the residue of thought’. Ultimately, we want children to remember what we have taught!
-
What are your first observations of ESMS?
The thing that has struck me most is how wonderful the people are. My family and I have been so welcomed by staff, parents and children, and it has been lovely to be embraced by the School community in this way. Beyond this, the commitment of staff to support our children in developing their potential in all areas of school life, is truly inspirational. Be it on the sports field, on stage or in classrooms, the staff go above and beyond to ensure our children have the best experience we can give them. I don’t take their commitment for granted.
-
Do you have a motto that you live by?
The educationalist who has had the biggest impact on me is Sir John Jones. He says, ‘The most important thing in the world are people, and the most important person is the one standing in front of you now.’ This is something that I try to enact every day in school.
-
What's the one thing that can instantly make your day better?
It is vital to remember that everything we do is about the children, so having the chance to get in to class and work with children will always put a smile on my face.
