In our last 'A Conversation With...' of 2021, we talk to Year 13 pupil Jai Angell, who along with Casey Green is Joint Head of College. Jai started his Shiplake life in Year 7 and has lots of fond memories along the way. When he leaves Shiplake next summer, Jai hopes to go to university to study politics and international relations.
How long have you been a pupil at Shiplake and what are your roles?
I have been at Shiplake since Year 7, having been through the Lower School, Everett and now College House. I am currently Joint Head of College, along with being Captain of the 1st XI Cricket Team and Vice Captain of the 1st XV Rugby Team.
What subjects are you studying and why?
Currently, I am studying politics, economics and philosophy, three subjects that I believe interlink very well. I have a keen interest in these subjects and in particular I enjoy critical thinking, analysis and debate of these subjects. Initially, I was drawn to politics and economics because I wanted to have a deeper understanding of current affairs, and historical events.
What do you hope to do when you leave Shiplake next summer?
After Shiplake I plan on going to university, wherever that may be, where I will be studying politics and international relations, to further my knowledge gained through A Level politics. I'm still weighing up career options, but my chosen subjects and the foundations that Shiplake has given me both personally and academically, open many doors and provides opportunities for me when I eventually come to that decision.
What do you think is the best thing about Shiplake College?
It's clear to everyone that Shiplake has some brilliant facilities and is set in beautiful surroundings, although if I had to pick one thing it would be the sense of community and well-being amongst the teaching staff, support staff and the students.
What is your most memorable moment at Shiplake?
I don't have a most memorable moment, but my top moments would be my 1st XI cricket debut in Year 9, the PGL trip to Jersey in Year 8 and also having the chance to play Lady Macbeth in Year 7, which my mum found more entertaining than I did! However, my proudest moment was being asked to be Joint Head of College, which has been a privilege that I intend to fulfill to the best of my ability.
What have you got involved in as Joint Head of College this term? What plans do you have for next term?
As Joint Heads of College, Casey and I have tried to get involved in as much of school life as possible. We also have been to two Heads of College Conferences where we developed our leadership skills and learnt about initiatives that others have implemented in their schools. Also, I have recognised, acknowledged and celebrated the individual achievements and hard work of members of the younger year groups. Casey and I also ran the first school council meeting of this year, where we welcomed, listened and discussed ideas put forward by representatives of different year groups. Next term we plan on trying to integrate different year groups more through a variety of social and sporting events.
As Vice Captain of the 1st XV how are you all feeling about tonight's match against Pangbourne for Friday Night Lights?
After a good season, I am very excited to go out there later and play my last rugby game for Shiplake. Having been part of a losing Friday Night Lights team when I was in Year 11, and playing in one when I was in Lower School, I am determined to go out there and get a win. The team have worked really hard this season, and we hope to show everyone coming to watch what we can do.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my limited spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. In addition to that I enjoy watching my team Tottenham Hotspur and following the England Cricket team, which both come with more lows than highs!
What plans do you have for the Christmas break?
I am really looking forward to having a relaxing break over Christmas after a long and eventful term. Along with a pre-season football tour, I am going on holiday to St Lucia (Covid restrictions allowing!) to get some heat in me for the new year.
