It's not just new pupils and parents that we have welcomed into the Shiplake community this week, but a number of new staff members. We are excited to introduce....
Revd Chris Briggs
Revd Briggs joins Shiplake from Haileybury School in Hertfordshire, having spent the last 19 years as Chaplain there. Before he was ordained, he worked as a teacher in the state sector and one of his roles as a Chaplain was working in a prison in Hong Kong! As well as sky diving and flying in spitfires, 'The Rev' loves hats and following a particular football team (which will become more apparent as the term progresses!). His main responsibility at Shiplake will be the care and wellbeing of pupils.
Mr Jasper Elliott
Having recently graduated in Music from Oxford Brookes University, Mr Elliott’s main responsibilities will be teaching the Year 13 BTEC Music students. An avid rower, Mr Elliott has competed at the top level for Oxford Brookes University and will bring his expertise to Shiplake, coaching the Year 9 rowing squad. Mr Elliott is also a talented saxophonist and will use his wealth of music experience to help run the Senior and Junior Covers Bands.
Mrs Emma Farrell
Mrs Farrell joins us from Garth Hill College having previously completed her PGCE at Reading University. As Shiplake's new Head of Drama she looks to, "maintain the high expectations we have of our pupils in a fun, enlightening and positive classroom atmosphere where no one is afraid to look silly or make a mistake." She is very excited about managing and directing the whole College production, which takes place next term, and is also planning on re-starting the House Drama competition. Mrs Farrell is also a talented Irish dancer and is hoping to organise a ceilidh at the College!
Mrs Rebecca Goulden
Mrs Goulden was once Head of Art at Cox Green School in Maidenhead and joins Shiplake College as a temporary Art teacher. Prior to teaching she worked within the textiles industry designing home furnishings, stationery and kitchenware for large department stores such as John Lewis and Harrods. She is extremely passionate about her subject and is looking forward to running the Senior Art Club. A keen netball and tennis player she lives locally in Henley.
Mr Alan Gubby
Mr Gubby has spent the last five years working at Henley College and joins Shiplake to teach in the Media Studies department three days a week. He will also be running music and film production activities in the recording studio as part of our co-curricular programme. Outside of school, Mr Gubby runs a record label that has released music by the BBC's Radiophonic Workshop, as well as spoken-word recordings by the graphic novelist Alan Moore. He also enjoys visiting museums, exploring the countryside and playing his double bass!
Mr Aidan Haughey
Mr Haughey joins Shiplake to work in the Learning Development department specialising in Maths and Physics. He previously taught Maths at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London and in other schools has taught Maths and Physics up to A-Level. He is a keen cyclist.
Mrs Ianthe King
Mrs King joins Shiplake College as a teacher in the Learning Development department having formerly worked at Elthorne Park High School as Head of Year, Head of Subject and Head of Vocational Education. She also ran the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme there and is looking forward to getting involved with DofE here at Shiplake. Outside of teaching Mrs King enjoys spending time with her husband and her three young children.
Mr Andy Loughe
Mr Loughe is joining the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department having previously worked in a number of UK independent schools as a Boarding Housemaster and Head of MFL. He was attracted to Shiplake College by its reputation as a friendly, inclusive school. Outside of teaching he enjoys walking his dog, swimming, travelling and cinema. He has even completed an MSc in European Cinema!
Mr Duncan Miller
A former international cricketer, Mr Miller previously worked at Shiplake College and returns, after a year at Abingdon School, as an English Specialist in the Learning Development department. A keen sportsman, Mr Miller will also be coaching rugby and football. Shiplake College is delighted to have him back!
Mrs Mairi Pomeroy
Teaching is not Mrs Pomeroy's first career, having previously worked for a leading car firm in marketing communications. She has since taught at Dr Challoner’s High School in Amersham and will be joining the Geography Department. A keen baker, Mrs Pomeroy loves adventure and spent the summer volunteering in Thailand for a marine conservation charity which meant spending most of her days looking after turtle hatchlings. She will also be assisting the DofE Bronze group as well as the CCF.
Mr Rob Shrimpton
Mr Shrimpton has previously taught at Leighton Park and Thornton College and joins Shiplake as a temporary teacher of History. He was attracted to Shiplake because, "the high morale at the school really stood out." He is a huge cricket fan.
