This week, we had A Conversation With... Mrs Erica Ferguson. Our wonderful Chair of the Shiplake College Parents' Association (PA) has been a parent at the school for the last five years. She has a son just starting in Year 12 having joined in Year 7 and a daughter who has just left the Sixth Form.
What does your average day look like?
There is no such thing as a typical day for me. After a 25 year full-time career as an Air Traffic Controller in the Royal Air Force (RAF) I now work three days a week as a Reserve Officer looking after the RAF’s important heritage. This involves working with museums all across the country as well as working with serving and veteran RAF personnel. I am also a Trustee at a museum commemorating the Battle of Britain and A Trustee for RAF Rugby Union as well as Safeguarding Officer at Marlow RUFC. I seem unable to turn things down! All of these roles ensure that no two days are ever the same. And that is before I fit in supporting Shiplake sport and family time!
Why is the Shiplake College PA so special?
The PA offers a great opportunity to meet other parents, have some fun while supporting the school and its chosen charities. I feel I know the school and the staff so much better as a result of my involvement with the PA.
What is your favourite PA event and why?
My favourite event has to be the dog show! I love the way dogs are such an important part of the Shiplake family and the dog show is always such great fun.
What are you hoping to achieve as Chair of the PA?
I want to get more people involved in the PA and to see it as a great opportunity while continuing to support the school. A great example of this is the new more regular second hand uniform sales that offer a great service for all parents.
How is Shiplake different to the school that you attended as a child?
My school was all girls and our teachers were far more formal and standoffish than the staff at Shiplake! We certainly never had the fabulous opportunities that the Shiplake pupils do, nor the encouragement for everyone to find something to shine at.
