In this week's 'A Conversation With...' we had a chat to Ms Kate Magee, teacher of Sociology A level and Criminology Level 3 Diploma. Ms Magee became a teacher after working as a journalist for 20 years and hasn't looked back. In her spare time, she loves running, yoga and Netflix.
How long have you been at Shiplake and what is your role(s)?
I used to drive past Shiplake College, thinking, that looks amazing. I wonder what it’s like to work there. So, here I am and I’ve been here since the summer term of 2020. I teach in the state-of-the-art new Sixth Form Centre and my subjects are: A level Sociology and Level 3 Criminology. I love it.
What would you say is the best thing about Shiplake?
The grounds are captivating. But when I came here for interview I was instantly impressed by the students: their enthusiasm and, well, just darn right good manners; also, confidence without arrogance. Really nice kids. They just made it for me.
What does a normal day look like for you?
I am a Year 9 Skipwith tutor. So, my day often starts with them bursting into my room full of vigour for the day and they just make me smile. My timetable is a mix of sociology Year 12 and criminology, both Years 12 and 13. I see some students for one-to-one support and I hold clinics for all year groups three evenings a week. I could go on. Teaching is always ‘full on’. But it’s the best. It’s rewarding; students are
funny and teachers, themselves, are genuinely lovely people.
What sparked your passion for sociology and criminology?
I had never experienced either before going to Queen’s University in Belfast, where I’m from. I suppose sociology is my ‘first love’, subject-wise. It provides an understanding of the world which nothing else can. Criminology is an off-shoot of sociology and combines subjects, such as psychology and law. I am fascinated by crime and everything to do with it. I did my Master’s degree on policing The Troubles in Northern Ireland and I later became a journalist. So, both subjects are a joy and never every get boring, as they are constantly evolving.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was a journalist for nearly 20 years. I started writing for newspapers in Belfast when I was still at university. I really loved journalism. I came to England to work on a newspaper and met my husband, James Ashford, who was a newspaper photographer and is now also a teacher at Henley College. Previously, we were both working at The Reading Evening Post and were in the first wave of redundancies, as the paper is now no longer: it was like a bolt from the blue, I just thought: “That’s it, I’m leaving and becoming a teacher”.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don’t play any sports (which is unusual at Shiplake) but I have always been into fitness and I run, almost daily. I have practised yoga for years and I endeavour to meditate. But I like nice food and wine and a good dose of Netflix, who doesn’t?
What are you looking forward to doing first when lockdown restrictions are hopefully lifted in the summer?
Getting my hair done! My experience of home hairdressing in lockdown hasn’t been great and I don’t advise it. Don’t look too closely at my fringe in the picture. But I didn’t have one until lockdown.
What does the future hold for Ms Magee?
I just want to be a good teacher. But that’s not that easy. I aim to keep working at that and supporting all the students and tutees I’m responsible for. In many ways, it’s a privilege to be a small part of their lives as their teacher or tutor.
