Mr Robert McMillan

Mr Robert McMillan’s educational journey has spanned both the sciences and the arts, with a BSc(Hons) in Animal Science from the University of Nottingham and a Master of Arts in Screenwriting from the London Film School.

His inspiration to become a teacher came from his time on the JET programme in Gifu, Japan, where he spent five years teaching primary and junior high students. In the years following his departure from Japan, he received letters from former students detailing their lives as they progressed through university and into adulthood. The fulfilment derived from these letters led him to recognise that teaching as a vocation was a deeply desired pursuit.

Mr McMillan was fortunate to join DBS in its second year of operation back in 2018. Referred to as one of the “Pioneer Teachers” at the time, there was a palpable sense of excitement about the possibilities for DBS’s growth—possibilities that have since been realised and even exceeded. Initially joining as a Drama teacher before transferring to the English faculty in 2020, his role also included becoming a form tutor, which ignited his personal and professional interest in pastoral education.

Mr McMillan’s journey through life can be characterised by chasing dreams and opportunities in various forms, instilling in him the belief that a well-rounded education should enable students to seize opportunities wherever they may appear. His teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in a holistic approach to personal development, emphasising the empowerment of students to find and embrace their unique voice and creativity, considered essential for success in a rapidly changing world.

A significant component of Mr McMillan’s teaching approach derives from his experience as a professional writer and creative-writing consultant: engaging the creative brain by developing tangential approaches to material, suggesting pathways to success rather than simply providing answers. This method not only fosters creativity but also equips students with critical thinking skills that are invaluable in all areas of life.

To facilitate this, Mr McMillan believes that building strong relationships with students is paramount to their success. He strives to create clear boundaries and expectations, maintain consistency and fairness, and always try to see things from the students’ point of view. By being open and honest, and using humour to build rapport, he hopes to create an environment of trust where students feel comfortable being themselves. This foundation of trust, safety, and comfort is essential for productive and healthy academic journeys.