In our penultimate A Conversation With... of this academic year we talk to Design, Engineering and Technology Teacher, Mrs Karen Padrick. We find out what sparked her passion for getting creative and why she loves working at Shiplake College.
What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake?
I started teaching here at Shiplake last September. I teach Design Engineering and Technology at key stages 3, 4 and 5 and have supervised an EPQ group. I am also a Year 11 tutor to four fabulous Burr boys!
I am involved in a number of DT activities in the afternoon, as well as Duke of Edinburgh and have this term been a coach with the Senior 2nds tennis group which has been incredibly rewarding.
Where were you previously?
Prior to joining Shiplake last September I was teaching at Charters School near Ascot.
What is the best thing about working at Shiplake?
Shiplake is a unique College of individuals and people are treated as such - everybody knows your name (Cheers!).
What sparked your passion for DET?
The love of creative working sparked off when I worked in my Grandpop's garage with him at an early age and then into school days where I won the craft prize.
What aspect do you like teaching most?
I love all aspects of the design process but especially the challenge of inspiring others to love being creative. Helping them realise their design ideas through development, modelling and trial and error.
Who are your favourite engineers/designers/inventors and why?
Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Zaha Hadid... Engineering magic and creative architecture.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Tennis, travel, arts, entertaining - I love a party!
What does the future hold for Mrs Padrick?
Inspiring more students to become designers and engineers to develop products and materials that will not deplete the world resources, enabling my children and all the future generations to enjoy the fabulous world we live in peacefully!
