Interview with Robyn Heaton

Interview with Robyn Heaton, born in Levin, June 1942. Talks about growing up in Levin as an only child and enjoying her time at Horowhenua College. Comments on her extended family in the Horowhenau and her mother's parents in Wellington who had a strong influence on her. Refers to her mother having attended university and been a teacher. Mentions studying zoology and botany at university with a teaching studentship, then teaching chemistry, biology and maths at Palmerston North Girls High School without any training. Refers to the head of science Noelene Tomlinson being her mentor, and to the lack of support for science teachers then. Comments on being head of chemistry at Tawa College, a co-educational school and on girls having more opportunities in science and technology at single sex schools. Mentions changes in the chemistry syllabus during her career.

Talks about applying for the position of Head of Science at Wellington Girls College because she wanted to work there. Discusses the school in the late 1970s - the uniforms, discipline, and the poor facilities and support for staff. Describes her role - teaching, and managing the curriculum, resources and staff. Discusses becoming Senior Mistress in the mid 1980s and Deputy Principal in the mid 1990s, still teaching senior chemistry when Senior Mistress but also involved with senior students and their leadership roles, as well as with other management areas. Recalls working under principals Elaine Barnett, Kath Kelly (acting principal for nearly two years) and Marg McLeod. Comments on the disadvantage of having a very small inner sity site with an active building programme. Mentions the impact of changes in Thorndon on the school. Refers to curriculum changes such as home economics (cooking, sewing) and typing being phased out because of a lack of demand, and computer studies, keyboard skills, and tourism introduced. Refers to the introduction of Tomorrow's Schools and NCEA, the loss of independent members of the Board and of the inspectorate, and stresses on staff from an increased administrative load. Mentions changes to school zoning that altered the demographic of the school. Talks about travelling with the school choir to Argentina and to Canada.

Interviewer(s) - Pip Oldham

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-000116

Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s). 2.33 Hours and minutes Duration.

Physical Description: Sound files - wave files

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-5862.

Accompanied by 11 photographs (9 colour): Robyn Heaton (2007); Robyn Heaton and Jo Randerson (1983); Science staff in centennary costumes (1983); College staff in costume at centennary (1983, B&W); school choir in Canada (2002, 4 photos); Robyn with Vanessa Miles and Caroline Russell, Canada (2002); buying shoes in Canada (2002); young Robyn Heaton with highland dancing trophies and certificates (B&W).

Search dates: 1942 - 2007

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.