|
|
 |
| |
Michael Marland |
Tributes to ‘the headteacher with heart’
ONE of Britain’s most influential educationists, Michael Marland – described as the headteacher “with heart” – died yesterday (Thursday), aged 73, after a long illness.
The Highbury resident and conservationist was a popular head of the now-defunct North Westminster Community School in Marylebone.
A keen advocate of the comprehensive school system, he inspired almost hero worship among pupils at the school where he taught for 20 years.
A website dedicated to his memory set up on the internet already has contributions from more than 400 former colleagues, pupils and friends. Sir Peter Newsam, former director of London’s Institute of Education, has also paid tribute.
In 1975 Mr Marland wrote Craft of the Classroom, regarded as the definitive book for student teachers. It went into three editions and is still in use.
His brother-in-law, David Coleman, said that Mr Marland firmly believed it was the job of teachers to “inspire” by making school life interesting and relevant.
“He was against the current obsession with exams,” Mr Coleman said. “In his days school was fun as well as a learning environment.
“North Westminster was the first school in the country to introduce a studio theatre for commercial productions. Michael would bring in top working-class writers like Alan Sillitoe and Keith Waterhouse to speak to the children and encourage them to read and learn.”
Founder member of the Islington Society, Harley Sherlock, said that after retirement eight years ago Mr Marland concentrated on conservation issues: “He was chairman of the Upper Street Association, which was vigorous in campaigning to get rid of Highbury Corner roundabout and reunite it with the opposite pavement.
“It’s nice to think that Islington Council and Transport for London have finally agreed to this scheme and have carried out a consultation early this year.”
Among the tributes on the Facebook website is one from former pupil Emma Huggins.
She wrote: “Thank you for investing in NWCS. As someone who was strongly against its closure and a proud ex-student, I can confidently say that, if it wasn’t for people as determined to make a difference as you, I would not be where I am today.”
She added that her former headteacher had “made an ordinary state school a very extraordinary experience”.
Michael Pountney, who served as a governor at the school, said: “My son went there and received an excellent education. I think Michael was an enormously creative educationist. He was unpredictable in his responses to everything and ahead of his time.”
Leila Arab, a student who went on to become a professional musician and who has collaborated with pop star Björk, said investment in music facilities at the school had given her her first big break.
She added: “Michael was truly a man born with the purpose and conviction to make a difference to whoever was lucky enough to have been lit by the rays of his vision.”
Mr Marland, who lived near Union Chapel in Highbury, leaves a widow, Linda, and five children, including four from a previous marriage. A funeral and memorial service are being arranged. See Facebook for details. |
 |
|
|
| |
Your comments:
A remarkable man and colleague.
Geoffrey Fallows |
| |
| |
|
|
|
