As the 2013-2014 academic year drew to a close, the Shiplake community waved goodbye to a number of staff members. As they prepare to move on to pastures new, we take a look back on their time at Shiplake.
The most notable departure is undoubtedly that of Richard Mannix, who spent an unprecedented 34 consecutive years at the College. Richard originally joined in 1980 as a Biology teacher, but over the next three and a half decades took on numerous important roles including Head of Biology, Welsh House Resident Tutor, Orchard Housemaster, Director or Studies and Senior Master.
The entire Mannix family has been heavily involved in Shiplake life. Richard’s wife Fran continues to work in the College Reception, while their children Nick, Kate and Joanna were all pupils during the “noughties”. Richard introduced a whole host of academic improvements at Shiplake, but will also be remembered fondly for his contributions to hockey and music. He coached the 1st XI for a decade before taking of the U15A side. He also organised annual rock concerts and built a recording studio in the water tower. Regrettably for health and safety reasons we are unable to use this facility anymore, but Richard’s legacy will undoubtedly live on.
Richard is only semi-retiring, as he plans to continue his work as a lead ISI inspector, as well as pursuing a range of other interests. We are sure Richard will remain a familiar face around the College, but his day-to-day input will be sorely missed.
Head of Chemistry Carin Erasmus is moving on to Hampton School after 7 hugely successful years at Shiplake. South African Carin developed a reputation for being ‘firm but fair’ with pupils, who all know she had their best interests at heart. She describes Shiplake as a ‘home away from home’, and loved the endless opportunities to enjoy being active outdoors. If there was ever camping, walking, kayaking, canoeing, archery or anything similarly adventurous involved, Carin was sure to be there!
Suitably, Carin was Head of Girls’ Games for 5 years and was heavily involved in DofE and CCF. Since 2011, Carin has been Resident Tutor in Gilson House, where the staff and Sixth Form girls will miss her greatly.
Welsh Houseparents and accomplished choristers Simon and Lucy Balderson are moving to Somerset to join Wells Cathedral School. Wells is a specialist music school which will provide an environment which the Baldersons and their two young children will enjoy over the years to come. Simon instigated significant advances in technology during his time at Shiplake, including designing and maintaining our current website. He also oversaw a transition across all year groups from ICT towards Computing. We thank Simon and Lucy for all their efforts.
Jack Caine has only taught ICT at Shiplake for two years but the impact he made makes it feel like he has been here far, far longer. Jack became a surrogate member of the Dix family immediately, having joined Burr House as Resident Tutor. In his first year, Jack won the Camel Cup awarded by the Senior Common Room to the staff member who goes over and above the call of duty in multiple elements of Shiplake life. This is testament to Jack’s commitment to his role. Such a popular member of staff will be difficult to replace, but we wish Jack well in his new role in Chelmsford.
Debbie Clark has been part of our Modern Foreign Languages team since September 2007. Though part-time, she has always been extremely dedicated to ensure her students are well supported in developing their confidence and skills. Debbie can claim to know more students than most colleagues as she has taught French to all new Year 7 pupils. She is now planning to work with her husband. The MFL team will also have to cope with the loss of Gaby Langdon, who has taken a promotion to Head of Department at Bulmershe School. Gaby is one of the friendliest faces around the Shiplake campus, with her infectious enthusiasm and happiness always rubbing off on the pupils. She also excelled inside the classroom, where she inspired many boys to carry on studying languages as the moved on to GCSE and A Level. Good luck, Gaby!
In September, our close friends at Shrewsbury School will welcome Mathematics teacher Tom Fitton who is departing Shiplake after 3 years. In addition to his teaching, Tom was a popular Resident Tutor in Welsh and a valued member of our rowing coaching team. He often accompanied senior rowers to GB trials and other national events. Andrea Magee is also leaving the College. Andrea was a Sixth Form tutor to girls in Gilson House and also worked part-time in our English Department.
Dr Jo Hart has been a part time science teacher for 7 years. Jo thoroughly enjoyed her first teaching post after taking time out with her family. She taught physics, biology and chemistry up to GCSE level and also helped with the College CCF. Jo is joining her husband at Pangbourne College where she will continue to teacher Physics and Biology. The Business Department is waving goodbye to Niki Jaj, who brought her wealth of business experience to the classroom. Niki enjoyed working with the Young Enterprise teams and also ran the College Film Club. During her final year at Shiplake Niki completed her PGCE and is heading down the road to Gillotts School to teach GCSE Business Studies.
Described as a ‘hero’ by many pupils, Director of Sport Austin Kersey is moving onto pastures new after 2 years at Shiplake. He gave great support and advice to pupils, who enjoyed the banter he shared with staff and boys alike. Austin enthusiastically threw himself into all sporting activities and taught engaging PE lessons. As an important batsman in the Shiplake Wanderers staff cricket team, he will be particularly missed by captain Mr Howorth. Another significant loss to sport at Shiplake, particularly rowing, is Tom Rendell. Tom joined as a rowing coach and graduate teaching assistant but his passion and flair for history soon filled his timetable. His upbeat and fun-loving nature made him a popular member of the Senior Common Room, and amongst Lower School pupils who he taught regularly. Tom’s impact on the Boat Club will be missed, along with his truly inspirational corridor wall displays, including his famous take on ‘moustaches over the years’.
Since arriving as Head of Geography in September 2010, George Seccombe has been very much involved in all aspects of life at Shiplake. Numbers opting for the subject at GCSE and A level have grown considerably, and George was also responsible for introducing the popular BTEC Travel and Tourism qualification to the Sixth Form curriculum. George is affectionately known to many as ‘The General’, due to this dedication to the College CCF. He has also been busy on the sports field, as lead coach of the 3rd XV rugby and U15A cricket teams. George leaves the College to assume the post of Head of Geography at Haileybury School.
All our leavers will be greatly missed but we hope to keep in touch with them all as members of our Old Viking Society. We wish them all the very best for the future. Over the coming weeks, we will introduce you to the new members of our teaching staff who, despite having tough acts to follow, cannot wait to get started at Shiplake.
