Lathallan has appointed Pamela Hossick as the head of junior school as it celebrates its 90th year as an inspirational learning environment for young people.
Mrs Hossick’s appointment follows the retirement of Jackie Collins and James Ferrier from Lathallan senior leadership, both having devoted almost two decades of service to the Johnshaven-based school.
Having worked at Lathallan for 11 years, including a year as Acting Assistant Head of the Junior School, Mrs Hossick will assume the post in August 2020.
Mrs Hossick is highly-regarded at Lathallan with both her children Becky and Murray attending the school in recent years. She believes her long-established Lathallan links will be an asset to her new role.
She said: “The opportunity to apply for Head of Junior School was one I couldn’t allow to pass by. The Lathallan community is one I have belonged to both as a parent and a teacher.
“The nurturing and welcoming ethos, the opportunities for learning in different contexts, the pupils, parents and staff all combine to provide an inspiring learning environment. It will be a privilege to lead the Junior School towards its’ 100th year.”
Set within 60 acres of expansive grounds, Lathallan offers places for nursery, junior and senior school pupils at a 19th century castle on the edge of the stunning North Sea coastline.
Lathallan continues to lead the way with its outdoor learning provision and recently shared their best practice with St Columba’s School from Kilmacolm, after this was highlighted as a key strength in a 2018 Education Scotland inspection report.
The small class sizes, with an average of 12 pupils per class, and specialist teaching in Art, French, Music, PE and Science, are also key features of the exceptional education on offer at Lathallan.
“Lathallan School is set in an inspiring location with amazing grounds, added Mrs Hossick. “Who wouldn’t want to work here? As a school we have to continue looking at ways to improve and innovate our learning opportunities.
“The world is rapidly changing and, while we must not lose sight of fundamental literacy and numeracy skills that all young people require to succeed in life, we have to encourage creativity in our pupils.
"Creativity comes in all shapes and forms and helping our pupils develop the ability to ask questions, explore options and work things out for themselves is key to their future success. If our pupils are fulfilling their potential then we, as a school, are fulfilling ours.”
A talented musician, Mrs Hossick worked previously as a secondary music teacher and visiting music specialist in primary schools across Aberdeenshire.
She joined Lathallan in 2009, initially as a music teacher, but diversified into Primary School teaching after completing a PG Cert in Learning and Development through Aberdeen University nine years ago.
Pamela Hossick