In this week's 'A Conversation With...' we caught up with Head of Geography and fossil enthusiast, Mr Jack Cooper. Mr Cooper loves nothing more than combing our glorious coastline for fossils while dreaming of being called up to being Arsenal's next goalkeeper!
How long have you been at Shiplake and what is your role(s) here? Where were you before?
This is my third year at Shiplake College and I have been lucky enough to take on the role of both Head of Geography and also Deputy Housemaster of Skipwith House. As well as this I help coach the first football team as well as 14A Rugby. Before joining Shiplake I worked within the state sector around High Wycombe and have now settled in Reading.
What would you say is the best thing about working at Shiplake?
Shiplake has so many positives that give me the drive to come into work and give my best everyday. One of the best things is how everyday is different and students will always teach me something new, which does not happen in every career. Recently a student taught me about the 1938 Yellow River flood which was a man-made flood killing a million people and was the largest act of environmental warfare in history.
How did you get interested in Geography and what inspired you to become a teacher?
Since an early age I have had an interest in fossils and rocks, which stems from my Gran having some on her bookshelf. This sparked my interest in Geology and Geography and ever since I have been passionate about the subject, trying to make sense of this ever changing world. My inspiration for teaching came from when I started goalkeeper coaching during College. This is when I realised how much enjoyment I got from helping others and seeing them improve, which ultimately led me down the teaching route.
How have you had to adapt Geography teaching in the light of COVID?
We had to adapt straight away which sadly involved cancelling plans we had of taking students on field trips in light of the safety concerns. However, this has actually inspired our department so instead we use the river on our very doorstop to explain river processes and fieldwork techniques. We are very lucky with our school site that we can continue to experience some sort of fieldwork. Hopefully next year we will be able to get A Level students exploring places full of extraordinary Geography like Iceland - that’s the plan anyway.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I have time I love planning fossil hunting expeditions. This summer I went off in search of a fossilised shark tooth, but sadly I was unsuccessful. As well as planning these during the summer I take time to use the coastlines to practise my surfing skills, again the success of this is questionable.
What does the future hold for Mr Cooper?
In the not too distant future I hope to spend Christmas with my family. I am also really looking forward to seeing the Geography Department develop over the next few years. I still do have a glimmer of hope Arsenal will call me up to become their next number one goalkeeper, however, this dream is getting smaller each passing year.
