Jon Blackbourn

 I attended Spalding Grammar from 1982 to 1989 and did A-Level German, French and History. Quite simply, my experience of modern foreign languages at the Grammar School shaped my life. My language teachers throughout that time instilled a passion for culture and learning that continues to influence my life even today.

I went on to read German and Linguistics at Nottingham University, which included a one-year placement in Germany as a language assistant. I was fortunate enough to work in the school in Speyer which I had visited four years earlier as part of the German exchange at school.

After graduation, I completed teaching training but decided not to enter the teaching profession at that stage. Instead, I worked in the translation industry for five years in Nottingham, London, Kent and Glasgow.  During this time, I discovered the joys of business management and indeed spreadsheets! This period allowed me to gain valuable IT experience and skills, which I would later rely on. In 2001 I relocated back to Spalding to get married and launched my teaching career.

I was delighted to return to Spalding Grammar in 2003 where I spent 12 years as Head of ICT and Head of Modern Foreign Languages. Furthermore, I was proud to be a member of the Senior Leadership Team for four years.

There is no doubt that the values I learnt at Spalding Grammar School have helped me in my professional and personal life. I played rugby and cricket extensively at school where teamwork and respect were actively promoted. I remember also with huge affection the sense of pride I felt at formal occasions such as Speech Days, Prizegiving, School Fairs and Sports Days. But most of all it is the people I remember; warm and inspirational teachers, many of whom later became colleagues,

I was sad to leave my beloved Spalding Grammar in July 2015 for my current role across the river as Assistant Headteacher at Spalding High School but am proud to have studied and worked there for so long.