We were thrilled to meet Mr Nick Bird, Head of Boys' Games and Head of Celts House. We spoke to Mr Bird to learn more about him and his roles.

How long have you worked at the school?

This is my tenth year at Belmont.

What does your role involve?

As Head of Boys' Games, I'm involved in organising the fixtures as well as medium- and long-term plans for the department. I look to push the department forward during these exciting and diverse times. The School has grown a lot since I started working here, almost doubling in pupil numbers, so the challenges have been in not just finding ways to push the pupils but to also keep things fun. I love to be out on the field coaching, but because a lot of my role involves administrative and logistical work, I don't get to do that as often, so I make the most of it when I can.

I'm also Head of House for Celts, which is a new House (only four or five years old), which is a nice change of pace from my other role as Head of House is quite pastoral based. You get to see pupils from Years 3 to 8, watching them grow up and get to know each of them well. It's a highlight for me and I feel lucky, in that respect.

What’s your favourite thing about the school?

It's great to have the opportunity to meet so many of the pupils. They all have their own personalities, and we allow them to flourish at Belmont. They can choose their own pathways, and they can select where they have their successes.

What advice would you give to pupils to help them get the most out of their time here?

I would tell them to take advantage of every opportunity you can and join as many clubs/activities as possible. When things do go your way, get back up and go again; focus on getting the right support.

What is your favourite sport and why?

Rugby, definitely. I played it all my life until an injury prevented me from carrying on. There are so many great lessons you can get from the sport and it helped pave the way, for me, into teaching. I am also learning to play golf, which I'm finding requires more training and focus. It's a great way to get out for a couple of hours and enjoy nature, while still feeling like you're active and feeding that competitive nature.

What’s your favourite book and film for our pupils, and why?

I have two favourite books that I'd recommend to our pupils, both written by Julia Donaldson. The first is A Squash and a Squeeze, and the second is The Smartest Giant in Town. Both books give such brilliant lessons on, for the former, appreciating what you have in life and, for the latter, giving to those who are in need more than you.

My favourite film to recommend would be Encanto. I like the theme of family and how they all come together. The music is also fantastic - I'm not a fan of musicals normally, and when I went to see it, I didn't know it was a musical. I surprised myself by really enjoying it and showed that, if I do give something new a chance, I may end up liking it.

Can you share an inspirational quote and explain why it resonates with you?

'There’s only one way to succeed in anything and that is to give it everything. I do and I demand my players do.' Vincent Lombardy.

With anything in life, you must give it your all if you want to do well. If you set that expectation for others, then you must live by it yourself. Having played rugby, that was important because you can't succeed unless all your team are with you too.

What’s something interesting about you that people might not know?

I owned a business for 10 years, which I ran while still at Belmont. I've been to 50 different countries and have been given a lifetime achievement award at Saracens Amateurs. But I think my most impressive was having played football on Copacabana Beach with Fluminense FC!