About me
Having been educated in the local area and loving sport as a child, I was fortunate enough to come to Pangbourne for Sixth Form, therefore I am an Old Pangbournian (OP). Post-Pangbourne, I attended the University of Brighton where I gained a degree in Physical Education and became a PE teacher. My first job was at Worthing College, where I combined playing rugby in the National Leagues (Level 3 & 4) for Worthing Raiders with work. Here I taught A Level PE and BTEC Sport, whilst also coaching rugby in the afternoons.
I was fortunate enough to play over 200 games at this level and spent many weekends travelling the country to play rugby. After leaving Worthing College I spent a year studying towards an MSc in Education (Teaching and Learning) at the University of Bristol which was an incredible challenge and something I am very proud to have achieved. I joined Pangbourne in 2018 as Head of PE, and since then I have become the Head of Rugby, BTEC coordinator and I am now the Director of Sport, which I combine with my other roles. Plenty to keep me busy!
Outside of work, I have a young family and we try and spend as much time together as possible, walking, reading, cooking, eating, and trying to fit in some sport watching or playing at the weekends. When I can, I try to play golf (at a below average level) or stay fit throughout the week either by joining in with touch rugby games or any other sport with the pupils, running, or going to the gym.
Why do I love teaching Sport?
I love teaching young people a wide range of aspects within sport, PE, and physical activity. What I also enjoy is watching someone learning a skill for the first time; seeing someone put all of their effort into achieving a professional sport contract or national honours; the lifelong friends that are built around sport, and pupils connecting the theory of examination PE into their actual sport. Also, being outside every afternoon on a pitch, court, or astro turf is very nice way to spend my career!
My other roles at Pangbourne are:
BTEC Co-Ordinator
Academic Management Team
If I hadn't been a teacher I would have been...
Difficult question, as I am still trying to work out what I will be when someone tells me I am too old to be paid to wear a tracksuit!
My role model is...
My family are big inspirations. From a sporting perspective, I have always been a big fan of several sports people; George Smith, an Australian Rugby Union Flanker, Roger Federer for making a difficult game look so easy, and Serena Williams who throughout her career has shown sheer determination to get as much out of her talent as possible.
I would describe Pangbourne as...
A strong community of staff, pupils and parents - ultimately, a great place to work.
