In this week's A Conversation With... we had a chat with Head of Languages, Mrs Justine Parrott who joined Shiplake in 2012. Mrs Parrott loves teaching Spanish and is particularly enjoying teaching Year 7 this term. Outside of school you will find Mrs Parrott gardening or taking time out on her boat in Devon.
What roles do you currently perform at Shiplake and how long have you worked here. What roles did you do previously?
I came to Shiplake in 2012 when my eldest son joined Year 7. I have been Head of Languages here ever since, I co-ordinate educational visits and newly qualified teachers and I founded cookery club! I am most proud of managing to take the whole of Lower School to France in one day (and bring them back!). Previously I was Head of Languages at Beaconsfield High.
What inspired you to become a Modern Foreign Languages teacher?
When I was studying linguistics at university, I spent a year in Gran Canaria, Spain, teaching languages and I loved it. They were so keen to learn English and work in the tourism sector that I was quite a novelty in the little port where I lived as they all wanted to try out their English and ask me to teach them English song lyrics. I was tempted to stay!
With your love of languages what is your favourite language and where is your favourite place to visit in the world?
Spanish, of course! The most exciting places I have been were during a round the world trip to Japan and Hawaii where I went by helicopter to the waterfall featured in the opening scene of the movie Jurassic Park. My favourite place is on our boat in Devon. I’d like to go to Cuba one day to see the colourful classic cars and hear the music. The Spanish there has a real rhythm to it.
How does it feel being back at school after lockdown?
I have missed the view of the river through the changing seasons from my classroom window in Everett; how lucky am I? I have missed having my lunch cooked for me and being back in front of the students. I had forgotten how much I really like teaching Year 7, after a break of a couple of years, seeing them enjoy learning a new language and I love it when they say ¡hola! when I see them around the College.
What would you say is the best thing about Shiplake?
Seeing the boys join the school in Year 7 (when most of them are shorter than me) and then seeing the fantastic and interesting young people they become.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Boating with my family, playing with classic cars and tending to our cottage garden.
What does the future hold for Mrs Parrott?
Ideally, a house with an orchard on Dartmoor and a bigger boat to explore Europe.
