In our first ‘Conversation With…’ of the Summer Term, we had a chat with Head of Sixth Form Mr Richard Curtis, to find out more about his new Year 13 'ShipShape' programme, as well as his plans for when lockdown is over.
How long have you been at Shiplake and what roles have you held both previously and now?
At the end of this term I will have been at the College for 14 years; arriving in September of 2016 with my girlfriend, now wife, Rosie in a clapped-out white Ford Fiesta.
My first role at Shiplake was Teacher of Mathematics and I was Master in Charge of Rugby. After a year I was asked to also be the College’s Director of Sport for twelve months whilst a replacement was sought. The year after that, I was appointed to Head of Mathematics. Subsequent to that, I was asked to join Orchard House as a Deputy Housemaster before assuming the role of Housemaster for the next four years. I then moved onto College House and the Head of Sixth Form: roles which I continue to enjoy to this day.
What would you say is the best thing about Shiplake College?
There are so many best things about Shiplake College. I wake up almost every morning and think how lucky and privileged I am to be part of the school community here. The food is fantastic; the estate is just magical (the little magnolia tree outside the Sports Hall in bloom in spring is a real pleasure to draw open the curtains to in the morning, and nothing beats that slow walk off the Riverside pitches at the end of a sunny winter's day rugby session); but most of all it is the staff and pupils that make Shiplake so special. There is a real professionalism amongst my Common Room colleagues coupled with a real sense of fun. Many schools are too league-table orientated and miss out on that 'mix' which we see in our pupils.
What is the best thing about working with Sixth Formers at Shiplake?
Seeing boys and girls turn into young men and young women equipped to succeed in the world beyond Shiplake makes one feel very proud. The gratitude from pupils and parents at the end of Year 13 is just amazing.
We are obviously experiencing unprecedented times with COVID-19, and sadly Year 13 will not be sitting their A Levels examinations. What advice have you been giving students in the face of such uncertainty?
There have been plenty of words of advice in recent weeks, including:
- Control the controllables - do not worry about what might happen just cover all the bases
- Keep busy - get up in the morning with an agenda for the day ahead
- Keep in touch - hand-write letters to grandparents, old friends, etc
- Challenge yourself - use the time to do something different (something as simple as cooking Mum and Dad supper or even tidying your room for once!)
This week, you've launched the 'ShipShape' programme for the Year 13, can you tell us a bit about it?
Whilst a lot of school leavers will be putting their feet up and doing absolutely nothing now that there is no longer any requirement to complete courses or take examinations, we have put together a programme of academic, enrichment and extracurricular activities that will give our pupils an additional set of skills and a headstart into the year ahead, whether pupils are going off to university or straight into the world of work. I would really like to thank my colleagues in the Common Room for all their support, energy and enthusiasm in delivering this exciting programme of activities.
As well as looking after our Sixth Formers, you teach Mathematics - what aspect of Maths do you enjoy teaching most?
To be honest I enjoy every level of teaching, from those struggling to get across the GCSE Grade 4 threshold right up to our further mathematicians. Having said that, I do miss classroom teaching at present. The interactions on screen are just not the same. Hopefully it will not be too long before we are back to normal.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like being busy and find sitting down really challenging (that's probably why I struggle with distance learning more than anything else). In the winter I enjoy a good walk with the family and the dogs, and when on holiday I really love being out in the garden up in Suffolk mending fences, hedge-trimming, etc. As for the summer, nothing beats a Test Match day out at Lords and the opportunity to get into the College pool for my daily swim.
What is the first thing you are going to do when we get out of lockdown (that you can't do now)?
I would like to say enjoy a good get-together with friends and family. However, I think there will be a phased move back to normality and so the social contacts will be sadly limited in many ways.
Where in the world would you like to visit that you haven't already visited?
As it happens the one thing we, as a family, are all praying for is an end to this lockdown as we had intended to go to Vanuatu (one of the South Pacific Islands near Fiji) this Christmas. Relatives were posted there three generations ago and we want to visit before the boys get too old. We shall see… in the meantime, we will have to do with exploring the local countryside on bicycles.
As always.... What does the future hold for Mr Curtis?
I have always wanted to build my own house. Whether I will get the chance I do not know. However, if the opportunity arose nothing would make me happier - me, my family and my own castle!
