Hunstanton teacher celebrates 30th year at school

As the new academic year kicks off, one Hunstanton teacher is celebrating an impressive milestone.

Steve Chapman joined Smithdon High School in September 1996, meaning this month marks the start of his thirtieth year of teaching there.

Now Assistant Headteacher at the school, Norfolk-born Mr Chapman attained a degree in Geography and Economics at the University of Reading before completing a PGCE at the University of Anglia. 

“I wanted to teach, as I really enjoyed Geography and Economics, and I have always enjoyed meeting people, which education allows you to do,” he explained. “I had been inspired by my own teachers, who showed passion for their subject and used teaching techniques which allowed me to enjoy learning.”

“I remember my first day at Smithdon,” he continued. “I was given a very friendly Year 8 form who were with me until they left in Year 11. 

“We had a great Year 8 tutor team, and one of the most memorable times was in May 1997 when we took around 150 students on a camp at Trimingham on the Norfolk coast. This was so successful that in May 1998, we took a similar number on a two-night trip to London, visiting the shows Cats and Grease, and the Tower of London.”

Other career highlights have included outings to Disneyland Paris, London, Brighton, and Birmingham, along with a visit to Alton Towers, complete with rollercoaster ride.

During his three decades at the school, Mr Chapman has held a variety of roles, becoming Deputy Head of Sixth Form in 2000, and then Head of Sixth Form from 2002 to 2018.

“It was an amazing job, allowing me to work with ambitious, young people, supporting them towards their goals of fantastic university careers,” he said.

“I have also been Head of Geography and Business, and firmly believe that teaching is the most important part of the job. Delivering a lesson, interacting with students, and seeing them progress is extremely rewarding.

“In January 2022, I became Assistant Headteacher, focusing on GCSE achievement, quality assurance, staff development, and Early Careers Teachers. I really enjoy working with our excellent staff team. It is humbling that I can offer support to staff – but many of them teach me new techniques, as I have the honour of seeing them all teach.

“Working in a school is never dull, days go quickly, and you never quite know what might happen.”

Mr Chapman continues to enjoy his time at Smithdon, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, and has no plans to go elsewhere.

“It may be unusual to spend your whole career in one school, but my career has developed here,” he added.

“The best thing about my job is the students of Smithdon High School, who I honestly believe are the best you can work with.

“Only last month, I saw an ex-student who also started Smithdon in 1996, who told me that my lessons were the inspiration for her career, and that I introduced her to the term ‘sustainability’, which she ultimately used in her job.

“She also told me that I had not aged – I was very pleased with that compliment!”

“Steve is a stalwart of Smithdon and lynchpin in our Senior Leadership Team,” said Headteacher Amanda Gibbins. “Calm, consistent, and widely respected by students and staff alike, he is an inspiration to us all, not least in having dedicated 30 years of his life to one school – which is a rarity in today’s education world.

“I look forward to continuing to work with him for years to come.”