In the last 'A Conversation With...' of the first half of this term, we spoke to Miss Steph Lane who joined Shiplake in September this year. Miss Lane enjoys breaking misconceptions in history lessons, visiting countries and places that she teaches about and discussing and analysing recent news events in politics lessons.
What is your role at Shiplake and where were you previously?
I am a teacher of history and politics here at Shiplake. I had this role in my previous school at Highdown for two years.
What have you enjoyed most about Shiplake so far?
Shiplake has made me feel welcome. All the staff and students have been so friendly which has allowed me to feel settled very quickly. The small class sizes have also meant that I've got to know the students well already. It does feel like a very warm community.
What do you love most about teaching history and politics and what inspired you to become a teacher?
Both history and politics lead themselves to discussions and debates. There is nothing I enjoy more than playing devil's advocate to challenge students' judgements and make them question sources of information, a key tool children need to have in this day and age. My favourite lessons also involve breaking students' misconceptions, such as how much power the President of the USA actually has or that there is no evidence that vikings wore horned helmets.
What era of history would you have liked to have lived in and why?
Due to part of my degree being in Classics I would love to go back to the Roman times, to see the exponential changes that happened during this time period, and to also meet some of the most extravagant leaders like Emperor Nero and his horse who he had as his main political advisor.
If you could visit any historical site in the world that you haven't been to, where would it be and why?
A country I have always wanted to visit but never had the chance is Russia. During my A Levels I learnt about Peter the Great and how he created and built St Petersburg. The Cold War and Russian Revolution is something that I have always taught and it would be fantastic to have that first-hand experience with some of these places I have learnt and talked about for years.
Why do you think politics is an important subject for pupils to learn at A Level?
As a lot of students heard during the recent open morning I don't think there has been a better time to understand and grapple with politics. So much is happening in the news which makes us all question how it could have happened and what can be done about it. During our lessons we discuss these recent news events, analysing how they link to the course and try to make sense of them.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I grew up on a farm in Herefordshire so escaping on a walk or run in the countryside is something I often enjoy doing. During the summer I like to go down to Cornwall and each year attempt to stand up on a surfboard a little bit longer than the previous year. I am also a campanologist, but have not had the chance yet to pursue this hobby locally.
What does the future hold for Miss Lane?
In the not so distant future I am looking forward to spending some time back in Herefordshire with friends and family. In the longer term I am content in continuing being a teacher and making sure I have time to help all of my students.
