BA (Hons) Ancient History and Latin, St. Chad’s College, Durham University
PGCE History, University College, Worcester
What makes a good teacher at Bedales?
Apart from depth of knowledge – Bedalians ask very inquisitive questions – flexibility, a sense of humour, authenticity and enthusiasm.
What are you trying to encourage and instil in your pupils?
Love of History as a subject. History can make students more aware of verifying what they are told so this research, a sense of enquiry and ability to express this clearly are the skills I’d hope to impart.
Apart from your teaching role, what else do you get involved with at the school?
I’m a tutor, run the Arthouse Cinema Club, member of the choir, teacher editor of the BDaily, Chair of the Staff Common Room Committee, participate in many visits both History – Russia (6.2) and the Battlefields (Block3) – and other subjects too: PRE, Geography and Music to Italy and the Arvon Creative Writing Course.
In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?
It’s the atmosphere in the classroom – the balance between teacher and student is just right.
What is your best memory of Bedales?
Many memories connected to visits – the first visit to Russia, finding my great-grandfather’s name on the Menin Gate Memorial, reading my poetry in public on the Arvon course. Being a part of the student directed play Forty Years On.
Who or what inspires you?
What human beings can do.
Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
I am Father Christmas.