Bernie Smith
Bernie began teaching in 1975 at George Dixon Grammar School, Birmingham where he taught Design & Technology, Mathematics and Physical Education. After 2 years in post he gained promotion to Head of Design & Technology and Head of House at Ilmington School, Birmingham. He remained there for 5 years. He then gained further promotion at Shenley Court School, Birmingham, as Industry Coordinator and responsible for Business Links. Bernie was also Head of House. After 7 years he gained another promotion as Head of School at Four Dwellings High School, Birmingham, and then became Deputy Head and in 1996 was appointed as Head Teacher – where he still remains in post.
Bernie is Chair of SWAN (South West Area Network) of 21 secondary schools in Birmingham; is also Vice-Chair of the Edge Partnership of schools; 10 schools working collaboratively; Vice Chair of Birmingham & Solihull Education Business Consortium; and Chair of Quinzone Limited a vocational centre that serves the 21 schools in SWAN.
Bernie has been on 2 invited visits to the State of Victoria in Australia in 2005 and 2007 working with the Grampian Highlands Region advisors and senior management of schools, on school effectiveness, multi-agency and community cohesion.
He is co-author of a recently published hard-back book ‘George Best A Celebration’. Primarily the book has been written to help set up the Best Chances charity that will support and give chances to children and young people within the area where finance is a barrier to developing their given talents – whether it be sports, education or the arts. This is based on the Chances for Children charity that I ‘discovered’ on Bernie’s first visit to Australia. The book also shows a way of using entrepreneurial pursuits and enterprise as a way of giving back to communities. It gives example in practice as 10% of any profits made through the book will be given directly to Best Chances Charity.
Bernie is married to Angie and they have 3 children. Graham has a degree in Business Studies and is currently a Senior Manager in a Primary School. Tom has a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies and is a professional actor. Ellie has a degree in Law and is currently manager for Village Water, a charity that puts wells into villages in Zambia.
Four Dwellings High School is a Specialist Science College. It is a school where the individual comes first and where we strive to ensure that every child feel that they matter. Our primary aim is to identify and appreciate the unique potential of each pupil, and develop it to the full in a caring, comfortable and happy environment. Ofsted describes the school as ‘a good school with outstanding features’ (PIP Inspection June 2006). The school’s philosophy is to ‘make life better for all’. Its values and activities are not just about academic achievement, but also students’ welfare and education for communities. Pupil voice is seen as a key contributor to preparing pupils for adulthood and life beyond school. There is no typical Four Dwellings pupil. It is our hope the pupils will develop their own individual style, which they will express with confidence and openness.
The school is a designated teacher training school, the lead school in Extended Provision working with the local Primary Schools, and working collaboratively and in partnership with other agencies and services.
Bernie’s aim is for the school is to be one of the beacons for a community where every person matters
