New head hopes musical background will 'inspire' students (From Borehamwood Times)

New head of Elstree Technical College, Moira Green, hopes to 'inspire' students

1:09pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Anna Slater

A headteacher who has toured with famous jazz musicians hopes to inspire the next generation of players to “reach for the stars”.

Moira Green will become the principal of the new Elstree Technical College – an arts school for 14 to 18-year-olds – when it officially opens in September this year.

The school, which will be in Studio Way, Borehamwood, will specialise in drama, singing and dancing and have strong links with nearby Elstree Studios.

Ex-jazz musician Ms Green is determined to the students will leave the college as highly employable and motivated young people.

She said: “I want to inspire the children to do their best and to show them if they put their mind to it, they can achieve anything.

“There will be rigorous focus on academics and the core subjects such as maths and English. My aim is for nobody to leave the school without a job or a university place.

“They will aim high and develop a strong set of values here. I believe that if you expand your academic skills then your creativity grows too – the two go hand in hand really.”

The 43-year-old started life as a musician and played the trumpet and piano, touring with jazz musicians Maynard Ferguson and Bobby Shew.

But in 1994 she decided to try her hand at teaching, and said she fell in love with the buzz of inspiring young children.

It was in 1996 when she was found a job as head of music at a school in London, then in 2007 she became the vice principle of a school in Peterborough.

She added: “The beauty of it is there are tremendous contacts in the business around here, such as Elstree Studios and the University of Hertfordshire.

“It can be so inspiring for children to learn from real hands-on experience and that is what this college will be about. The students will work as a team to realise their dreams.

“I loved being a musician and I think that background will help me relate to the kids in a very unique way.

“Working in the industry will not be a pipe dream for these kids – I am determined to make sure those dreams will become a reality.

“The children who work here will reach for the stars and achieve what they want.”

The school will open on September 11, 2013. To apply, click here.