What made you want to become a teacher?
I had always enjoyed coaching children, particularly in sport but also helping them understand things in Maths and English that they were finding difficult, which I did I holidays during my GCSE and A Levels. After University I took a temporary gap student job that involved some classroom support alongside games. I was only meant to help for a term before travelling but I enjoyed it so much I stayed all year and signed up for my teacher training.
What inspires you and what you do?
Seeing children making progress, showing them that I care and that I am interested in who they are and what they enjoy. For me, this awareness of each individual is the foundation of outstanding pastoral care. I also love teaching maths and am excited to be teaching Year 8 who can expect opportunities to create, investigate and problem solve.
What do you love most about Skippers?
The community. On my first day in the school the pupils and staff made me feel genuinely welcome and in subsequent visits I immediately felt the same from parents too. On one hand this is a professional move for me but most importantly this is also a family move. My wife, Alice, and I are delighted that our two boys will also be joining the Skippers community; they love being outside so we are excited for them given the wonderful outdoor learning available.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
Sport is a big passion of mine and I still play football, cricket and golf, albeit a little less frequently now that I have a young family. I enjoy cooking, particularly if it includes anything that we have successfully grown in the garden. As someone who has generally taught in the older years, watching my boys as they explore, question and experience life has given me a new perspective on learning.
