In our last 'A Conversation With... ' of this half term we chatted to Joint Head of College, Trixie May, who along with James Burgess has led the prefect team and advocated on behalf of pupils in what has been an unusual and challenging year. Trixie is particularly proud of the Teenage Cancer Trust mufti-day fundraiser she put in place last year. When she leaves Shiplake she is looking forward to going on holiday, travelling in her gap year, and then it's on to study film and television at university.
How long have you been at Shiplake and what are your roles?
I joined Shiplake in September 2019 as a day pupil. Since being at Shiplake I have been selected as Head of House in Year 12, Charity representative, Prefect and Joint Head of College with James Burgess. I am part of Gilson House and Skipwith House.
What subjects are you studying and why?
I am currently studying A Levels in media, economics and psychology. After completing my GCSEs I decided to choose subjects that I was truly passionate about, played to my strengths and aligned with my career ambitions. I am going on to study film and television at Exeter University after realising how much I have enjoyed media at A Level.
What is the best thing about Shiplake College?
The best thing about Shiplake is how it allows you to strike a great balance of work and fun. The pastoral care is great. We also care about the community and a resounding memory for me was our weekly visit to a care home in Year 12.
What do you hope to do from September when you leave Shiplake?
I will take a gap year after I finish Shiplake. I plan to travel (when permitted) and get some additional work experience and earn some money ahead of starting university next year.
What has it been like being Joint Head of College?
I have loved being Joint Head of College at Shiplake. I feel it has opened up many opportunities for me such as public speaking and fund raising for charity. It has also given me the opportunity to give back to the school by promoting it to future families, through events like open days.
What initiative are you most proud of during your time as Head of College?
For me the initiative I am most proud of was a mufti-day fundraiser for the Teenage Cancer Trust which is a charity very close to my heart, in which the pupils raised an amazing amount of money.
What advice would you give to the incoming Heads of College?
The advice I would give to the future Heads of College is be approachable to the whole school, and not to be afraid of approaching staff with situations and new ideas you could put in place.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
During my spare time I love to go out and have fun with my friends, spend time with my family and walk my dogs!
What are your plans for the summer holidays?
This summer I’m planning on going on holiday with my friends and (hopefully) making the most of getting out of lockdown!
