A Conversation With... Mr Shaw

This week, we had A Conversation With Mr Sam Shaw, our new Head of Psychology. Mr Shaw joined the Shiplake community in September and is recognisable by his impeccable sense of style. 

What does your average day entail?

I awake and check the weather forecast so I can ponder my outfit decision in the shower (there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing). I have an espresso and feed my Welsh Cardigan Corgi, Gertie. I dress, ensure I have everything I need for the day ahead and depart on the commute to Shiplake, during which I will listen to a podcast. On arrival I will invariably have a flat white with an extra shot of espresso before a usual school day of assemblies, chapel, flat white at break, lesson, lunch, cappuccino after lunch, marking and planning in my free periods, firing off emails and adding things to google classroom. Some nights I have activities and then I head home, or to my tennis club. The evening consists of dinner with a nice glass of wine, and as we head into winter maybe a small glass of port. The rest of the evening is devoted to Netflix before a chapter of a book and bed.

What do you think makes Shiplake different to other schools?

I've only taught at one other school which I thoroughly enjoyed, but one of the main things that I think characterises Shiplake when I discuss it with friends and other teachers, is how jovial, kind and helpful the common room is. So many people have gone out of their way to introduce themselves, share ideas and generally show me the ropes. I like that the school has traditions and expectations without being snobbish.

If you could listen to only one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would be a compilation album called 'The Very Best of Jazz- 50 Unforgettable Tracks' I would miss my over favourites but this is broad, accessible and has enough to listen to that it would take longer to get bored. A 100 roaring classics of the 1920s would be a close second!

You are recognised as Shiplake’s own dapper chap; do you observe any ‘rules of fashion’?

A number. Cut is the most important factor followed by fabric. I tend to only wear suits made of natural fabrics, with heavy wool flannel being a favourite. I like to change my suits up seasonally. I do have some rules on pattern matching which is all about ratios of scale, mix all that you like but no pattern should be the same scale. Only ever do the top button of a suit up (or middle if it's three button) There's no need for a wide knot, a tie should have a nice tight knot with a dimple so it stands proud and doesn't hang lankly at the neck. Never wear a short sleeved shirt unless it has a revere collar and you are in the south of France or Italy. Never have a pocket on your shirt unless you are in an expedition or wearing a button down Oxford shirt. Leathers should be the same colour. There are many guidelines, but many exceptions. I would need much more time to fill you in, but one should choose their clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forget all about them. It's also impossible to look good in bad shoes.

What do you like to do during the School holidays?

I spend my holidays leisurely, a great perk of teaching is time. I will play tennis most days, usually in full whites. I will try to play a few rounds of golf and maybe cycle into Oxford in my Pashley Roadster. I will spend lazy days with my wife, perhaps go away. I will wear combinations of slacks and blazers which I am unable to do on a school day. I will read in the garden, weather permitting and enjoy my hobby of mixology. I will take walks with my Corgi. I will watch films, many films. I will in summary, live my best life.

What has been your own biggest learning curve, since becoming a teacher?

Remembering that my students are being told to do as much in their other subjects that I'm telling them to do. Remembering that a lot goes on between the ages 16-18 and that my subject will not always be the number one priority. Knowing the way I learn best, and the way I remember things doesn't work for everyone, and changing on the spot to do as much as you can for as many as you can.

What does the future hold for Mr Shaw?

Much of the same with any luck! I do hope to study for a Masters in education.