This week we had a conversation with our Skipwith Housemaster Mr Milburn. Mr Milburn is also Head of Media Studies and this term is running the Friday Quiz Club and Tuesday Media Club co-curricular activities and helping coach U15 rugby. He will be coaching U14 cricket in the Summer Term.
What does a day in the life of Mr Milburn entail?
It usually starts with a fairly early alarm and my first job is to take my pug-cavalier cross Cilla for a walk around the school site. I'm then in house at around 7.00am where I will check in with my deputy Mr Wilson and Matron, and take a look through my emails. Some days are busier than others but no day is quiet. I need to juggle dealing with house matters, lessons, marking and anything else that comes my way so I have to be disciplined with my time management.
What is it like being the Housemaster of Skipwith?
It is really hectic but it is good fun. There are nearly 80 boys in house so a lot of my time is spent catching up with everyone to make sure their days are going well and that they are working hard. I would be lying if I said it wasn't a challenging role but some of my favourite aspects of the job are problem solving and getting to speak with the parents as well.
You have worked in three different houses during your time here, how do the houses vary?
During my first five years here I was in Orchard as a tutor then I moved to College as Deputy Housemaster before coming to Skipwith. I love how each house has its own quirks, both in terms of how they run and how they feel. Given that Skipwith is such an old building, it has lots of nooks and crannies and the space is used in a really interesting way.
What interests you about Media Studies?
Media is probably the one subject that everyone actively engages with on a daily basis. We all choose to watch television, visit websites, play games etc and it is important to understand the messages that the people making media products are trying to get across. Given the rise of 'fake news' in recent years, I really enjoy teaching my students the importance of thinking critically and not just believing the first thing they read.
Have you always been a teacher?
Before I was a teacher I actually worked as a DJ in Ireland for around three years and I have also been involved in some film and music projects in my time so it's really rewarding to be able to impart some practical wisdom to the students as well.
What's your favourite Shiplake College event of the year?
I have to pick just one? I really enjoy the House Singing competition and I always look forward to the Carol Service at the end of the Autumn Term. Fieldfest has always been great fun but I would also have to say that the Shiplake Oscars are a particular highlight. Being able to show off the amazing films and music videos that the students produce and reward their efforts is brilliant.
Tell us more about the darts co-curricular activity you run
I've always been a big fan of darts as a sport and when we were thinking of ideas of different co-curricular activities it seemed like the perfect choice. It's really good for developing mental maths skills, it helps with hand-eye coordination and there are few greater joys in life than scoring a '180'! I am actually going to go to the darts world championships at the Alexandra Palace during the Christmas holidays and I'm really looking forward to it.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As a media teacher, I do like to watch a lot of films, whether it's at home or in the cinema. My favourite genre is horror but my wife is not a fan at all so I have to go and watch those ones by myself. I also like to take part in pub quizzes and I play in a crib league during the Autumn Term. When the weather is better I enjoy playing cricket and have been part of the staff team 'The Wanderers' for nearly 10 years now. Staff football on a Friday afternoon is another activity I enjoy taking part in.
What does the future hold for Mr Milburn?
The short answer is I don't know. I've never been one to have a long term plan but I should still be around for a little while working on being a Housemaster. The idea of being a pastoral deputy head also appeals to me so we'll see. Ultimately, as long as I am healthy, happy and enjoying my work, that's all I can ask for.
