Shiplake College News

'A Conversation With...' is back and we return with a chat with our Director of Music, Mrs Amy Haynes! Mrs Haynes joined us at Shiplake at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year and in this feature, we talk music (obviously!), life outside of the classroom, and much more!

What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake?

I am the Director of Music here at Shiplake and I have been working here since the start of the 2024-202 academic year.

What were you doing before working at Shiplake?

Before joining Shiplake, I was the Head of Music and Deputy Head of Sixth Form at ArtsEd, a performing arts school in London. And before that, I was Head of Music in an international school in Malaysia.

What came first for you – music or teaching?

It was music first for me! I first did an undergraduate degree focussing on classical singing at the University of Surrey before I then did my PGCE at the University of Roehampton.

What inspired you to pursue teaching and music?

It sounds cliched but I always had a passion for music! I loved singing from an early age and knew that was the direction I wanted to pursue. My music teacher at school was also an amazing influence and I always think of her as the inspiration to pursue not just music but teaching as well. She had a big impact on me and so I wanted to have that same impact on the young people I now teach today.

What instruments do you play and what style of music is your favourite?

Singing and playing the piano are my main sources of music which I have done so from a young age, and I picked up the saxophone later. I have a diploma in singing and as I’ve already said, I just love to sing! My pupils will also say that I never pass up the opportunity to sing – I just hope that my GCSE pupils aren’t sick of me singing the subject spec at them by now!

Musical theatre is my favourite kind of music, and I had such a good time being part of the College’s production of My Fair Lady. Currently, I am working on another musical with Lower School so watch this space is all I can say...

What has been your favourite music event so far and what are you looking forward to?

I really enjoyed the House Singing Competition last month! It was fantastic seeing all the pupils and staff getting involved with a total buy-in. There was such a buzz and atmosphere throughout the day and during the event as well. Not to mention the quality of music too which was really high.

Shiplake Rocks is the event I’m looking forward to most. I love a festival and live music outside and so I can’t wait to experience it and be a part of it too.

What is a day in the life like for you?

My day usually starts with a run before tackling what follows. It’s another cliche but each day is different although they usually consist of getting my two-year-old and dog out of the house, teaching lessons, and taking activities. Then of course there are clinics, rehearsals at lunchtime, and prep duty in Lower School once a week. Then when I get home, it’s out with the teacher and in with the parent!

What do you do outside of work?

Parenting a two-year-old is a full-time role in its own right so when I’m not running, I can often be found out and about at a park or at a soft play centre. I also like to cook and enjoy making savoury dishes. However, I’m not a fan of baking as I prefer the freedom of cooking.

I’m also a Fulham fan and am a season-ticket holder and of course, it goes without saying that I enjoy my festivals and live music events!

What does the future hold for Mrs Haynes?

More festivals and some travelling. My family and I love going on trips in our camper van, Stanley (or Stanley Vanley to give him his full name!), and will be going on a short trip to Dorset followed by a three-week road trip around Devon in the summer!