For the first 'A Conversation With...' of 2022 we spoke to Mr Kade Heaney, who joined in September 2021. We loved hearing about why he loves teaching at Shiplake and what he does in his spare time.
What is your role(s) and how long have you been at Shiplake College?
I teach Criminology and Sociology and act as a visiting tutor on Wednesday evenings in Gilson House which I love. I started in September 2021 and have settled in well. I already feel part of the furniture here which is thanks to the many amazing people in the senior common room (SCR).
Where were you previously?
I completed my PGCE last year in Manchester and taught at a co-ed school in the suburbs. During my LLB, I was an intern at a firm of solicitors in Derbyshire, then spent a year as a barristers’ clerk and travelled in Europe and South America. It was whilst travelling that I decided to become a teacher and so I applied for a PGCE in Social Science and returned to complete that in the UK.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I think one of the best parts of my job is that no one day is ever completely the same. Usually, I’ll wake up at 6.00am and come to the gym at College with a couple of colleagues. I’ll get to my classroom at 8.00am to sort any admin ahead of the day and then head to the SCR for a coffee before lessons begin at 8.40am. I’m lucky enough to teach two different subjects to two year groups which adds variety to my working day. The conversations day to day with pupils and colleagues are a highlight. I love sport and since joining Shiplake have tried to fill my free time playing or coaching. I coach senior football, help supervise the gym and help out at lunch time with table tennis and badminton.
What is the best thing about working at Shiplake?
There is so much. When I interviewed here, the sense of belonging and community shone through. Pupils look genuinely happy to be at school and have such a great relationship with their teachers. The setting is beautiful and every morning I feel extremely fortunate to work in such a beautiful environment with passionate teachers and ambitious pupils.
How did you become interested in criminology and sociology and what aspects of the subjects are you most interested in?
Both subjects have always fascinated me, and I think they complement each other. I studied A Level Law and read Law at university and there I developed a specific interest in areas such as forensic evidence, sociological theories on criminality and punishment. I personally believe that social structure is a main cause of criminal behaviour and that gender, class, education, religion and family background combined have the capacity to sculpt a criminal mind.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
It is something that I always planned to do after university. I was lucky enough to attend a good school with extremely passionate teachers and they were great role models. I wanted a career which was worthwhile; where the difference you make is tangible and teaching offers that. I often say to my pupils that I feel like the luckiest man alive to work in a fantastic place, with colleagues who are friends, teaching subjects that I love to pupils whose company I greatly enjoy… and then after lessons get to put my football boots on and play real life football manager!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have many hobbies. As mentioned, I enjoy playing, coaching and watching sport so that takes up most of my free time. I’ve always held an interest in fashion so now take advantage of being so close to London by visiting its many vintage and boutique clothes shops. I have recently started to learn the piano so often sneak down to the music department during my lunchtime and free periods to practise.
What does the future hold for Mr Heaney?
I hope to continue developing professionally and personally. I really enjoy the pastoral aspects of my job and would one day love the opportunity to be a deputy housemaster for one of Shiplake’s boarding houses. I do hope to study again one day, part time for an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice but for the time being I want to focus on crafting my teaching practice. I’m so happy with where I am at the moment and hope it continues into the distant future.
