To kick of the new school year in style, we had A Conversation With... Mr Yona Diez-Urkidi. Our new Orchard Housemaster has certainly lived a varied and exciting life. Hailing from Spain, Mr Diez-Urkidi joined the College in 2014 as teacher of Spanish and French and has coached the U16 and U14 rugby squads. Before becoming Orchard Housemaster, our ex-international rugby star was Senior Boarding House Tutor in Burr House, so the boys of Orchard House are certainly in safe hands!
What does your average day entail?
There really is no average day at Shiplake. I usually get up at 6.00am and row to Sonning and back with The Outloars, I then like to be in my classroom by 8.00am to get set for the day. After that, each day is different depending on the time of year. I teach French and Spanish to students from Year 9 to Year 13. For some, they are beginning of a new language and for others it’s advanced A Level work. In the winter, I coach rugby and in the summer, multi-sports. Life at Shiplake is very busy, which means it is never boring.
How did you end up at Shiplake College?
Before joining Shiplake I had several careers; professional rugby player in New Zealand and France, Director of Logistics in Spain and France and then I decided to change direction and I re-trained as a teacher at Hull University. I looked for a job in a school that played rugby and that is how I came to arrive at Shiplake College.
What is your favourite event held at Shiplake?
I have two favourite events - the Touch Rugby Tournament in September where the teachers show that they still can play a good game of rugby, all the families attend and there is a lovely atmosphere. My other favourite is the Christmas Carol Service, as a Spanish person it was totally new to me to hear such wonderful singing in a church at Christmas, it is glorious. I have sung in the Carol Service for the past two years and I love it.
What were you like as a school boy, and what was your favourite subject?
I was not a very enthusiastic student and my parents were worried about my lack of interest, then suddenly I discovered biology and it changed my whole outlook. I started to love mathematics and Latin and went onto to get masters degree in biology. Sometimes you just have to have one small thing that engages you to open the door to learning.
What fictional character do you think you are most like, and why?
I have not found any yet. I like to live my life with my feet on planet earth.
What does the future hold for Mr Diez-Urkidi?
I have no idea, but whatever it is, it will be a new adventure!
We wish Mr Diez-Urkidi the best of luck in his new role!
