In this week's 'A Conversation With... ' we talked to PE and Psychology Teacher and Head of Athletic Development, Mr Ed Bowden. He is also Deputy Housemaster of Everett House. Mr Bowden has been with us since early 2020 and is keen to instil a passion for lifelong physical activity, at whatever level, in Shiplake pupils.
Mr Bowden certainly doesn't shy away from a challenge, having completed numerous feats to date including running the Thames Path from source to mouth during Lockdown and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and there's more in the pipeline!
What is your role and how long have you been teaching at Shiplake? Where were you previously?
I am a teacher of Physical Education and Psychology as well as Head of Athletic Development. I joined Shiplake in 2020, previously working for Harlequins Rugby Academy and before that I was Assistant Director of Sport at Seaford College.
What do you like most about working at Shiplake?
I thoroughly enjoy my role in Everett Boarding House and the engagement with the students in the different environments, it is great to see them regularly and understand more about their whole school day. We are very lucky with the setting of the school and I enjoy a coffee on the Skipwith terrace and the occasional swim in the Thames.
What inspired you to teach PE/Sport?
Fortunately, I have been taught and coached by inspirational individuals who have all provided me with opportunities to learn and develop in safe and creative environments. I feel passionately about providing the next generation with these same opportunities and instilling a passion for lifelong physical activity and an appetite for lifelong learning, whatever level that might be, for each of the students.
You have set yourself many physical and mental challenges in the past, which accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
From a mental aspect I am most proud of completing the Thames run (300km over 4 days) and to keep going despite the challenging terrain and every part of me wanting to stop. From a physical point of view, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was the hardest as I really struggled with the altitude. Once I got to the top the guide was quick to get us down to where there was a higher percentage of oxygen but a great challenge nonetheless.
What challenge are you looking to do next?
For 2022 I am looking to organise a few different challenges. Firstly, a staff trip to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks after the success of the National 3 Peaks challenge last academic year. I am hoping to cycle from London to Paris in 24 hours and run the length of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path (300km) over 4 days for charity. There is also the potential to continue supporting WIRTH hats with their event the Quad Tandem World Championships, a 1000km race in Canada with 4 people on a bike!
What else do you like to do in your spare time?
I am currently learning saxophone and Welsh! Two quite distinct skills but things I would really like to continue to progress with.
What does the future hold for Mr Bowden?
With everything that has gone over these last two years, I am very much of the mentality to make the most of everyday and take every opportunity that presents itself, so I will look to do that and continue to brave it with 'swims' in the Thames when I can.
