In this week's 'A Conversation With... ' we chatted to geography teacher and Deputy Housemistress of Gilson, Miss Annabel James, who joined Shiplake in September. Miss James is a keen sports woman who used to represent her county and region in hammer throwing!
How long have you been at Shiplake and what is your role(s)? Where were you previously?
This is my first year at Shiplake after completing my PGCE at Oxford University last year. I am a geography teacher, Deputy Housemistress of Gilson house and one of the girls' sport coaches.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Before school I spend my time in Gilson checking in with the girls and getting them ready for the day. I then head to the geography department to teach my lessons. Throughout the day, at break and lunch I am back in Gilson helping the girls out in any way I can. After school, I am either coaching girls' sport or running an academic clinic in my classroom. On duty evenings, I spend time in the boarding house and look after the girls during prep and the evenings.
What is the best thing about working at Shiplake?
The best thing about working at Shiplake is being amongst such amazing pupils and members of staff who are extremely supportive. (Also having such amazing facilities to use throughout the year!)
What first got you interested in Geography and what inspired you to become a teacher?
I was born and grew up in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. This definitely made me interested in Geography and seeing how the human and physical world connect. Geography is a great subject that bridges the gap across different curriculums - especially economics, science and languages. In school I had a fantastic geography teacher that made our lessons fun and memorable which motivated me to learn more about the subject, and head off to university to study geography (hopefully I am following in his footsteps!).
As well as Deputy Housemistress of Gilson you are very involved in girls' sport at the College. Can you tell us a little bit about your sporting background?
I think it is fair to say there isn't a sport I haven't had a go at! When I was in school, I was a keen hockey and netball player, playing and captaining my school 1st VII and county team. During summer months I also competed in athletics, hammer throw in particular, where I represented my county and region in various competitions across the country. When I went to university, I played women's rugby union until I broke my nose in a tackle and decided to take a break, and took up touch rugby (less contact!) instead. I also played netball during my time at Loughborough, but had to hang up my trainers for a few years after rupturing my ACL and MCL (safe to say I am VERY injury prone!).
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I am usually playing netball for Henley or I will be in the house with the girls catching up about the day and coming up with new ideas for the house.
What does the future hold for Miss James?
In the near future I am looking at getting myself a dog, probably over the summer so I have time to train it. Career wise, I am hoping to become a Housemistress in the future whilst continuing to teach geography.
