As Regatta season approaches and our 1st VIII on the river are improving every day, we had A Conversation With… Mr Mackworth-Praed, who joined Shiplake in September 2008 as a maths teacher, and has coached the 1st VIII since then. His dedication to the rowing culture at Shiplake are undeniable and we look forward to his future contributions to the School and the Boat Club.
What does your average day entail?
Most days follow a fairly regimented routine. I walk the dog by 7.00am before my wife goes off to work, and then get my children ready for school before heading in myself for morning lessons. Most lunchtimes I am supervising weights, and then coaching on the river in the afternoon. This is followed by a cardio session (which is when I might be able to fit in some training myself on the ergo or bike alongside the rowers). I usually manage to head home just after 6.00pm but then may have an hour or so of Boat Club number crunching to do. After that, some well-earned down time.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I obviously enjoy my exercise and still try to compete when I can but it is not always rowing. I enjoy open water swimming and from the start of the summer term until September, I try to get in the river a couple of times a week. I also love to sail but find it difficult to find the time for it. Hopefully I will be out on a boat again in the summer holidays. I usually have a woodworking project on the go. I like the process of designing something and seeing how I can recycle and combine different materials.
How many Henley Regattas have you taken part in, and in what capacity?
I have raced on and off at Henley since 1996, but mainly in the single and double sculls, as I don't have the time to fully commit to a crew.
What are the biggest challenges of teaching Maths?
Maths can be quite a dry subject but I enjoy teaching the applied side to it and linking in with other subjects. Every year I am asked, "When will I use this in later life" so I try to show applications and links wherever possible.
What do you enjoy most about day to-day life at Shiplake?
Being down at the river every day. Even when it is raining, I’d rather be there than sitting behind a desk!
