About me
I was raised in the market town of Corsham, Wiltshire. I graduated from Bath Spa University with a first class honours in Psychology, where I was fascinated with how the discipline could be used to explain behaviour not only in the present, but also in the past. This included investigating the causes and effects of violence, non-violence, and conflict resolution and how they can be linked to a range of historical events. I then completed an MA in International Politics at the University of Bath and tying all this together, my PGCE in History at UWE Bristol in 2015.
Since qualifying I have taught History and Politics in Wiltshire and West Berkshire - as well as holding both pastoral and academic middle leader roles - before joining Pangbourne in September 2022. Outside of teaching, I love to keep active by rowing, playing badminton and running. I have a range of other interests including aviation and its history, Chelsea Football Club and sci-fi/fantasy as a genre.
Why do I love teaching?
History and Politics very much go together like hand in glove. They are essential in helping our pupils to truly understand people - past and present. For History, this is the study of how people’s actions have shaped the world we are part of today. Whereas in Politics, it is a fascinating study of how people – voters, representatives, and leaders – make decisions that affect us all.
History and Politics are not static - they are constantly evolving - and this makes teaching it a wonderful challenge. The study of both subjects is critical in helping pupils to recognise, appreciate and challenge different perspectives, which flow through our Flag Values and a key skill in life beyond Pangbourne.
My other roles at Pangbourne are...
- Assistant Housemaster, Port Jackson
- Rugby Coach - U15 and Dunbar
- Rowing Coach - U14
If I hadn't been a teacher I would have been...
A pilot or air traffic controller
My role model is...
All the brilliant coaches at Minerva Bath Rowing Club, my first club, who not only inspired me in rowing, but also into a wonderful career in teaching.
I would describe Pangbourne as...
Truly unique in its mixture of history and modernity. Pangbourne has a wonderful heritage, and its traditions bring out the best in our pupils, but it is also amazing to see how the College has changed and developed over time.
