In the Spotlight: John Sanders

This month, John Sanders, Head of Film Studies and teacher of English at BMS, is in the spotlight:  

What did you do before you worked at BMS? 

I worked my way up from being a runner to a producer in the television industry, focusing predominantly on commercials and music videos. I have also written three books about film and I have proofread lots of non-fiction books over the years. For a couple of summers, when I was younger, I worked as a tour guide, taking groups of American students around England (although the less said about that, the better- one day I got lost taking 50 students to Salisbury Cathedral- I just couldn't find it, even though it's got the tallest spire in Britain!). 

What does a day at work look like for you? 

It used to begin by being delayed by one or more of my wonderful children- now I delay myself. I try to get some administrative or preparation work done before registration. I am a Year 12/13 tutor now, so it's my job to liven up sleepy young adults during registration. My day is always a mixture of English and Film teaching, so there is plenty of variety- one lesson I could be teaching a Victorian poem, the next it could be a 1966 experimental film from Czechoslovakia. I try to work through break and lunchtime, so that there is not as much to do in the evening. I tend to leave just after 4, so that I can get home to start cooking. Then, it's a bit more marking and preparation and, of course, a film- which is, theoretically, still work for me!

What is something surprising that the OBM and BMS community may not know about you? 

Sorry, I couldn't decide between two things, but they are both about travelling, one of the best things that you can do in life:

When I was 18, I travelled overland from Lima in Peru to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, about 3000 miles in all. It was an incredible experience and I met some lovely, lovely people.

When I was 25, I walked about 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago, a medieval pilgrimage route, in northern Spain. It took me 5 weeks and it was one of the most beautiful, calming and difficult things that I have ever done.  

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

It sounds obvious, but teaching is the most fun. Being in the classroom and having a laugh whilst students learn (hopefully) is incredible. I just really like chatting to people, both colleagues and students, and making connections- school is full of great moments, in the classroom or in the corridor. Young people keep you on your toes.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Watch films...and watch some more films. I also love swimming and paddleboarding, and will happily go into pools, lakes, rivers and the sea throughout the year. In fact, any time spent in the natural world is really important to me. I read novels and non-fiction books, although I have become a slow reader. The last couple of years have also been taken up with directing a short film, collaborating with Mr Roberts. We hope to make something else next year.

What advice would you give to your younger self about to take on this career? 

Be yourself and try to connect with as many students and colleagues as possible. Don't worry about making mistakes. I would tell myself to be better organised and I would also let myself know that it was going to be tougher than I imagined, but to keep going because the rewards (not financial) are amazing.

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the OBM and BMS community?

I have been blessed to have worked with so many wonderful colleagues over the years, and I will be forever grateful to Monica Hetherington, who was part of the panel when I came for my interview. Then Head of English, she guided me in my early years at the school- a kinder and more wise person you will not find. I was also very fortunate to have my three children come through the school, and I am so proud of the adults that they have become. Ultimately, being able to reconnect with OBMs over the years has been one of the most rewarding parts of being at BMS- there are too many to mention, but hearing about their journeys beyond school is always a delight, and being in their company is so energising and laughter-filled.