This school year we bid farewell to a number of teachers and a mighty hello to a selection of newbies. Among these departures we say goodbye to Mr Stringer, an English teacher who joined us at the beginning of last years school year. Mr Stringer has contributed a lot to not only the English department, but also to the Invergordon Youth Theatre as he was a co-director of and was in charge of the music of their recent production of Private Peaceful. One of the editors of the newsletter (Iona Mathieson S6) interviewed Mr Stringer to find out about his views on his time at Invergordon Academy and his plans for the future.

Have you enjoyed your time here at Invergordon Academy?

Yeah I’ve had a really good time here at Invergordon Academy. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed working with the staff and with the pupils as well, of course. I’ve met some very interesting people.

Like me.

Just like you of course.

What has been the highlight of your year?

I’d say mostly the extra curricular stuff, especially working with the drama club. I’ve enjoyed working on the Private Peaceful production with Mrs Farrell and Jon from Eden Court it’s been really good, I’ve had really good time. I’ve had a lot of fun, a lot of laughs and I’m really, really pleased with the end result as well.

How do you feel you’ve benefited from your time at Invergordon Academy?

Well it’s been my first year of teaching so I’ve learnt a lot from all the members of staff with their vast experience and acute age (most of the time). Lots of older members of staff have been very encouraging and offered words of advice, but also just from working with the pupils and sort of developing relationships with pupils has been really beneficial to me. I’ve been able to see just what a positive impact that has, especially through working with extra curricular stuff as well.

What are your plans for the future?

Well I’m looking for another job as we speak, I’m sort of waiting to hear back from one. And yeah I’ve got back up plans if that doesn’t happen.

You could become a rock star.

I could become a rock star, that’s what Mr Humble keeps telling me to do. He says “Forget teaching go out and be a rock star!” I could do, I’ve got friends in bands who might need an extra member. I could just become a roadie or something like that.

You could just take you guitar, go out and try and be as awesome as me.

Well I don’t think that’s possible Iona to be honest. It’s just not possible.

Yeah, better keep your goals realistic.

(Laughs)

Do you have any advice for pupils?

Well apart from trying to be as much like you as possible Iona, which is impossible for the majority of people! Just try your best and work hard, which is the advice I think I gave at my interview when I started with Alanis and Rachel. Just work hard and try your best and you will do well. There’s no point holding back in school because, you know, this is the building blocks of your future.

Excellent advice. So do you have any final comments for us?

Umm… I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Invergordon I’m gonna miss it terribly. Even though I’ve only been here for a short amount of time I’ve met some wonderful people, and some not so wonderful people!

(Laughs)

I have had a really good laugh for most part, so it’s going to be dear to my heart.

Well we’re very glad you’ve enjoyed yourself and we wish you all the best in the future Mr Stringer.