In our last 'A Conversation With... ' of this academic year, we chat to Christa Scott, the College's first female Head Chapel Warden. Despite the many lockdowns we have had since Christa joined us in Year 12, she has taken on every opportunity thrown her way with pride and determination. More recently Christa coxed the second VIII in the National Schools' Regatta, taking home a silver medal. After she leaves Shiplake this term, Christa plans to take a gap year in New Zealand before going on to study physiotherapy at university. We wish her and all of our outgoing Year 13s every success for the future.
How long have you been at Shiplake and what are your roles?
I joined Shiplake at the start of Year 12. During that year I was a Deputy House Captain for Welsh, and coxed the Third VIII. In my final year, I was chosen to be Head Chapel Warden and coxed the Second VIII.
What subjects are you studying and why?
I chose to study biology, psychology and PE. I have always been interested in science and sport, and I am planning to study physiotherapy at university.
You are also very keen on rowing, what sparked your passion for the sport?
My parents influenced me to start as they have been a part of the rowing community since university, with my father rowing and my mother coxing. I first sat in an eight when my dad asked me to cox his crew at Maidenhead, from there I joined the learn to row programme and developed through the Maidenhead squads, moving to Shiplake, and then converting to coxing within the boys' squad.
My passion for the sport has been driven by the sense of community and the feeling of success, whether it be winning a race, or just having the boat move well in training. While joining the boys’ squad was challenging, being one of the first girls to do so, it taught me a lot about determination within myself and how to progress and learn while in high-pressure situations.
How did you find coxing at the Nat Schools' Regatta?
It was absolutely brilliant to be able to compete in a proper race after so long being away from that atmosphere. The crew was amazing, and it was brilliant to be able to be a part of such a a dedicated group, led by an amazing coach. Being the only girl on the start line was a little odd and I was quite nervous as this was my first actual regatta with Shiplake College but I am so happy with how it turned out, gaining a silver medal, and I couldn’t be prouder of the squad as a whole.
What is the best thing about Shiplake College?
The community; being a boarder I can have the focus I need to concentrate on my studies, but then the ability to be around my friends and have the type of independence that Shiplake offers. The balance between school, sport and free time is what makes Shiplake amazing.
What do you hope to do from September when you leave Shiplake?
I am planning to take a gap year, and spend it in New Zealand coaching rowing at a school out there. Will Satch (Old Viking 07O) is putting me in touch with potential opportunities, which is amazing and demonstrates the sense of community that Shiplake aims to inspire.
What's it like being the College's first female Head Chapel Warden?
For me personally, being able to say that I have further opened the door to a more inclusive school, and taking on a position that is so well respected has been incredible. In Year 12 it was something I spent a lot of time trying to achieve, dedicating every Friday morning to help with communion, and although it had not be achieved before I felt that being awarded this position was not hindered by my gender which I think speaks volumes about the progress and change within the school's dynamic.
What roles do you have to perform as Head Chapel Warden and what skills do you think it has equipped you with for the future?
As Head Chapel Warden the duties are typically, to organise readers and help the Rev to make sure the chapels and communions run smoothly, with the help of the Chapel Wardens. In the first lockdown completing my duties for recordings was difficult and challenging at times, but I stayed motivated and it helped me stay connected to the school. Being able to do the recording for the Riverside Communion with the Rev was so enjoyable.
As we have moved through this last school year, the changes to the services altered my role and as more of the services became available to more of the school, the job became more demanding but gave far more rewards.
I think that this position has taught me a lot about leadership but also resilience; the last 15 months has really been challenging for many people, but this position helped guide me and pushed me to continue to work and be grateful for every opportunity that the school had to offer.
What advice would you give to the incoming Head Chapel Warden?
First of all, I would love to say a huge congratulations to Abi and also Jed. I would say that any time given to the community is appreciated a thousand times over, and the positive effect you can both bring to the school, especially leading up to the new co-ed year groups will be vital to the school and its community.
What else do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend my time either on the bike, watching the F1 season and finding and trying vegan recipes. When I’m down by the coast I’m always surfing.
What are your plans for the summer holidays?
This summer I’m hoping to either cox one of the VIIIs at Henley Royal Regatta, or spend as much time surfing down in Cornwall as much as possible.
