This week, we had A Conversation With… Mrs White, who joined the Learning Development Department in September 2008. She started working as our Special Educational Needs Administrator, and has spent 11 years assisting our Director of Learning Development.
What does your average day entail?
I work part time in the Learning Development Department (which we refer to as LDev) from Monday to Friday. My working day is very varied, which is something I love about my job. I am responsible for keeping the SEN register and pupil files up to date. For every pupil who receives LDev support I track their results and reports against the predicted MidYis or Yelis to see if they are meeting their targets. My responsibilities also include marking a section of all the prospective students’ tests (approximately 280 so far this year) and collating all the information for the Registrar, Mrs Pasmore. I currently support a Year 11 pupil in English and focus mainly on prep and revision. Finally, the day-to-day admin for the LDev Department.
Who were your role models when you were growing up?
Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci always inspired me; I desperately wanted to be either a gymnast or a competitive swimmer.
What is your favourite thing to watch, and why?
I am a really big fan of Peaky Blinders. I love all the costumes and the relationships. I’m also a big fan of Firefly, especially Nathan Fillion!
What is your favourite time of year at Shiplake College?
I love spring because the pupils’ mock examinations are over and the summer exam season hasn't yet started. The days are also getting longer and it is nice to see the trees change colour.
What are your favourite events on the Shiplake College calendar?
I absolutely love the annual tug-of-war at Sports Day and the swimming gala.
What is the most interesting thing you have learned about Shiplake College?
That good teaching, patience and the ability to listen are the most import things that students need.
What does the future hold for Mrs White?
I’d love to have the time to do a cycling tour of India with my sister-in-law, but the kids will have to leave home first!
