We asked Mr Norte 10 questions, here are his answers:
1. What advice would you give to your younger self Don't allow your anxiety to make you avoid things - situations are never as bad as your imagination has made them out to be. Ignore the thoughts and just do the things you enjoy. The hardest part of an activity is starting - once you've started, you always wonder why you were worried in the first place! 2. Who has been the biggest influence on your career? That's a really difficult question to answer, because so many people have played important roles at different times. Narrowing it down to one person is tough! The premise of the question also assumes that career is linear - I don't see it that way! I'm not really motivated by position or hierarchy, so I'm not overly bothered about the position I have as long as it challenges me and enables me to help as many people as possible. I also feel that career progression in education is also about keeping the core of your personality and moral compass intact. I've actually resisted promotion in the past as I've perceived certain roles as being a bit restrictive and at odds with who I was at that time. So, in answer to your question, I'd say that the people that have had the biggest influence on my career are those who have understood me and given me the space and flexibility to be myself. I'd list all my friends & family as being big influences on me and hence my career! I'd also go back to my University lecturers who really supported, encouraged and helped me develop the eclectic approach I took to all my assignments. I had a couple of really inspirational leaders at my previous School who took the time to really get to know me and gave me the trust, space and flexibility to do things... a little bit differently. 3. What two things would you take with you to a desert island? My surfboard and shades - what else could you possibly need? 4. What advice would you give to people who want to work in your industry? Reflect on everything, acknowledge that you won't get everything right, strive to constantly improve and keep in mind that Education is about helping people. 5. What would be your fancy dress costume? I've never worn a fancy dress, or any other dress come to think of it haha. I'd probably choose to be a Roman Soldier or simply wear a Toga - don't know why, just like the idea. 6. What was your first ever job? I had a summer job as a Waiter at a Country Club in Paignton. It used to be a second world war prisoner of war camp so had a weird vibe! I absolutely loved working there, it was so much fun. 7. What is your favourite sandwich? Sandwich? Yuk, I'm not really a fan of sandwiches - they always seem to be taunting me, mainly because I'm really fussy and don't like many fillings! I can't give you a favourite, but I can give you a top 3, in no particular order. One would be fried egg, fried onion and cheese (but only after 10pm), another would be Cheese, onion and tomato (but it would have to be toasted or in a pitta) and the other one would be cheese and banana (but only in medium sliced tiger bread). 8. What was your favourite and least favourite subject at school? Haha, this is the question I was hoping you wouldn't ask me because I hated School and only have a few vague memories of it. It's weird, because I've always loved learning, but School just didn't sit well with me. All I remember is loving PE (mainly because I was hyperactive) and wanting to love History, but at GCSE, it just bored me - I wanted to study ancient civilisations rather than the 'industrial revolution'! The rest is a bit of a blur. 9. Who would you like to sing a duet with? Hmmm, I'm not sure I'd want to sing a duet with anyone to be honest. However, if you're forcing me, I'd sing 'path to vanir' with Grutle Kjellson from the band Enslaved. This song and Grutle's vocals give me goosebumps - such power, emotion and aggression mixed with a tortured serenity = mind blown! 10. What job did you want to have when you were younger? When I was really young, I was fascinated with writing and space and wanted to be either an Astronaut or an author. When I was about 9 or 10 I used to write short stories and mini books - they weren't very good, although that didn't stop me from trying to get a book deal - the publisher Penguin politely declined! Thank you to Mr Norte for finding time for this interview.
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