Meet the Headteacher: Annmarie Allchurch

In previous blogs we have introduced you to some of our wonderful tenants, staff and directors. Today, we’re introducing you to someone who has played a major role in many of our Widening Horizons trips. What better way to do that than with this debut of our new blog series: Meet the Headteacher.

I’m Annmarie Allchurch, Headteacher of Mount Wise Community Primary School in Devonport which is part of the Learning Academies Trust. I spend my working day supporting my children, their families and my staff to be the best that they can be.

Meet the Headteacher: Annmarie Allchurch, Millfields Trust

When I’m not at school, I enjoy eating out, visiting the Theatre Royal, and going on walks around Plymouth and the surrounding areas. I was born and bred in Manchester but came to Plymouth to study to become a teacher and have lived in the city ever since. My two children were born here. Plymouth has so much to offer – the sea and Plymouth Sound, Dartmoor and the city itself. I enjoy Flavour Fest, Pirate Day, Seafood Festival, Plymouth Armed Forces Day and of course the National Firework Championships and Bonfire night events. Plymouth is a great venue for so many events.

How and why did your school get involved with the Millfields Inspired Widening Horizons Project?

I first became involved with the Millfields Inspired Widening Horizons Project when I was Headteacher of St Andrew’s CE (VA) Primary School. This amazing project is fully funded and aims to raise aspirations by giving Y5 pupils an insight into the world of work and work opportunities right here in their own local area. The saying goes, ‘If you can’t see it, then you can’t be it’ but Widening Horizons gives pupils the opportunity to see themselves in a wide range of jobs and professions, including lawyers, car sellers and shark keepers!

The Widening Horizons project involves taking the Y5 cohort on several visits to various workplaces and businesses across Plymouth so that children can see careers and jobs in action. In the past, I have had children visit Foot Anstey, MSubs Ltd and Princess Yachts.

Meet the Headteacher: Annmarie Allchurch, Millfields Trust

What do you hope to achieve as a school linked with the Widening Horizons project?

Raising aspirations is one of our key priorities. Through the Widening Horizon visits, our children get to see such a range of different jobs and career pathways that they may not have ever known about otherwise.

What can the Millfields Inspired project bring to your children and benefit their learning experiences, education and career opportunities?

The Millfields Inspired project offers MWCP the opportunity to partner with local businesses offering a variety of future careers. Babcock employees have also visited school to deliver STEM activities and reading sessions.

What have been your highlights so far of the Widening Horizons project?

A highlight of the Widening Horizons project is always the graduation event held in the summer term. It’s an opportunity to celebrate all the trips, visits and strengthening partnerships between the schools and local businesses. One year, we were provided with an open top bus to take us to and from the Graduation Presentation event. The children and staff were both thrilled and it made that particular event very special!

Meet the Headteacher: Annmarie Allchurch, Millfields Trust

What do you like about The Millfields Trust’s work in Stonehouse and the nearby local communities?

I like that the work of The Millfields Trust is locality based. Their work really aims to promote, celebrate and preserve all that Stonehouse and Devonport have and are about.

I am passionate about Stonehouse & Devonport because I have spent all my time as a Headteacher, 10+ years, serving the children and families of these communities. Stonehouse & Devonport are culturally rich and have a lot to offer. Some of the most dynamic buildings and businesses can be found in these two areas, from Market Hall and Devonport Guildhall to Genesis and HQ and the buildings on and around Union Street.

Overall, how have your experiences been with the Widening Horizons programme of activities?

All the experiences with the Millfields Inspired Widening Horizons project have been positive and inspirational. These visits provide a fabulous opportunity for the children to ‘get behind the scenes.’ For many children (and staff!) these are visits and experiences that they will most likely never forget.

If you would like to find out more about our Widen Horizons programme please visit the Millfields Inspired website.