This week we had A Conversation With.... Dr Prata, Trainee Geography Teacher, volcano expert and inspirational staff member. Dr Prata joined Shiplake in September 2018 after finishing her DPhil in Volcanology at the University of Oxford. Her previous work has mainly focused on understanding the composition of atmospheric volcanic ash and how this influences its optical properties in order to better detect and quantify the hazard posed by ash clouds using a variety of remote sensing techniques.
What does your average day entail?
I usually arrive around 7.30am to check my emails and make sure I'm all prepped for the day ahead. In the mornings I attend Junior Assembly or Chapel before heading off to my first lesson of the day. My timetable is varied and split between lesson observations, teaching and supervised study in the Thinking Space. Initially, I began observing lessons in Geography and Science and have now progressed to teaching whole lessons or parts of lessons. I always look forward to the morning break for a coffee and good catch up with colleagues. At lunch I am often impressed with the vegetarian options on offer and usually take advantage of the full three course meal! If it is a Friday, I take part in the TES quiz with colleagues during the longer lunchtime, before heading off to tutor period to catch up with my tutees in Burr House. I am learning a lot about how the school works behind the scenes through my role supervising the 6th form study periods. I am getting to know many of the 6th form pupils through doing this and am beginning to understand some of the challenges they face as they prepare for the next stage of life. After lessons, I am involved with co-curricular activities most days of the week. For me it's rowing, CCF and yoga. I particularly enjoy teaching the boys yoga and have been impressed with their eagerness to learn a new skill.
What is the most enjoyable thing you’ve done at Shiplake?
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting involved with the house events, particularly House Singing! I was immensely proud of Burr who put on an enthusiastic performance. It was great to have the opportunity as staff to join in with the whole house song, which I'm thrilled to say, we were placed third in!
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned about the School so far?
By far the most interesting thing about the school is the wealth of different experiences the staff bring. I have had some fascinating conversations in the Senior Common Room at break times and at lunch, and have particularly enjoyed going along to the occasional Sixth Form seminar on a Friday afternoon when my colleagues have been speaking.
What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?
I practise yoga during the week most evenings and enjoy hiking and exploring National Trust sites at weekends.
If you were a pupil at Shiplake College today, what Co-Curricular activities would you choose?
That is a really tough question because there are so many things on offer, however as a keen rower, I would have to take advantage of the beautiful stretch of river on which the school is situated, and of course the amazing coaching on offer led by Dave Currie. I would also be keen on Art Club and the many Performing Arts opportunities.
What can you tell me about AIRES?
AIRES is a company I co-founded back in 2016, along with other remote sensing experts and engineers. AIRES stands for Atmospheric Industrial Research & Environmental Solutions. As a science-based company, AIRES provides expert advice on environmental remote sensing, especially associated with atmospheric hazards, like volcanic ash clouds, providing data and analyses for commercial aviation for volcanic eruption events that may cause disruption to air-traffic. The company also builds and designs small instruments working at UV and IR wavelengths for measuring atmospheric gases and particles on airborne and ground-based platforms.
What does the future hold for Dr. Prata?
I will be undertaking formal teacher training next year to gain my PGCE, and may even explore further research in education!
