To celebrate the end of term and the end of a fantastic academic year, we had A Conversation With... Mr Gregg Davies, Headmaster of Shiplake College. Enjoy!
What does your average day entail?
An average day for me is quite hard to come by, but normally I’d get up at 6.00am, take the dogs for a walk and try and get in to the office for 7.20am. I’ll have a look through what Nicky, my PA, has planned for my day and check some emails from the previous night as I make it a rule not to check my emails at home. At 8.18am, I sprint to chapel or assembly, gown billowing behind me. Then it’s a variety of things from meeting with parents of prospective pupils, doing admin or risk assessments. I do try and get to the staff room for break time so I can catch up with any of the teachers who need a chat. Then at lunchtime, I like to eat with the boys and girls; they are my best quality assurance of the teachers. I’ll try and watch some sport in the afternoon and aim to leave the office at 6.00pm, but this term, as is the same every year, I’ve seldom left before 7.00pm.
What were you like as a schoolboy and what was your favourite subject?
I was spotty, speccy, sporty, and pretty much a good boy. I didn’t really get into trouble but I also didn’t work very hard, which meant I had to cram at the end of each term. I did more sport than I should have done but I really enjoyed Maths, English and Biology. I always wanted to be a vet, hence my interest in Biology, but it wasn’t until I was introduced to a particular teacher, who brought Shakespeare to life, that my interest swayed towards English.
If you weren’t a Headteacher, what do you think you’d do instead?
When I taught, I just wanted to enjoy myself and play rugby. After a couple of years I got bored with my Head of Department and thought ‘I could do this better’. I didn’t feel like I was making a difference at the school where I was based so I moved to Fettes College, Edinburgh, as a Biology Teacher and Master in Charge of Rugby. I soon found out that the school was on its way down (at the time) so I took every opportunity I could!
What have been your best memories of the 2017-2018 academic year?
Results Day 2017 – that was fabulous! Some of our close wins in rugby have been highlights and the cricket season definitely has! Singing with Robbie Rayne was a particularly special moment and the art exhibition earlier this month was also super!
What does the future hold for Mr Gregg Davies?
I’d probably want to do something else before retiring; what that something is I have no idea. I wouldn’t be Head at another school, but I might do more inspections or become an educational consultant. Most importantly, I want to see Shiplake continue to evolve. Really, I want to have more fun and continue to enjoy my life with my family.
