Welcome from the Head
Meet Mr Chris Johnson, the Headteacher.
In 2002, Jeff Johnson handed over the reins of Argyle House to his two sons, Chris and Neil. Jeff was a pupil at the school and in the later years he taught Maths there. He loved the school so much that he bought it in 1968 from the family who had owned it since 1884. After taking over, Chris has since steered the school into becoming an educational establishment of repute in Sunderland and the North East. With a degree in Environmental Science and Education from St. John’s, York, he is instrumental in developing the environment in the school for children to enjoy learning, and instilling in them the core values upon which the school was built, being all strong family values. As a parent, with his two sons having attended the same school, he understands children and their aspirations.
“This is a school where children come willingly to learn. Studying and learning are two different things. The willingness to learn comes from the kind of environment that a school has. When they are happy, they are more receptive to learning. Argyle House provides just such an environment. Class numbers are small and there is merit in this structure. This enables our teachers to focus on a child’s strengths, his or her interests, and guide them accordingly. When a child is known individually to a teacher, this makes a tremendous difference in their development. Our teachers know each and every one of them. We never look upon a child as just a student of the school; they are always looked upon as sons and daughters. When they come to school, they’re coming home, to a place where they are loved and respected. We’re of the opinion that education must be enjoyed and it must give the child the chance to develop not just academically, but also physically, socially and emotionally too. Extra-curricular activities are crucial here. In fact, our clubs and activities are far-ranging and we often have twenty running at any one time. We’ve attained the highest possible rating from ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) in our most recent inspection. Our facilities are updated regularly and we’ve increased our wider partnership links. We’ve also devised new curriculums with our pupils in mind, which feature extra GCSE subjects.
Every generation carries on good values that have been passed on by the previous generation. Without that, society is heading for troubled waters. Our children today must be taught the importance of those values; of honesty, of respect, of kindness; of being responsible citizens; of humanity; and above all, the value of hard work and the importance of being a good human being. What we lay down as a foundation today will enable our children to build their futures with confidence. Our teachers take on different roles apart from teaching such as being mentor guides, a friend who listens and comforts, a father or mother who is stern but loving as well. When a school has such an environment, happiness takes over.”
