In the first 'A Conversation With...' of this half-term, we spoke to Sports Graduate, Mr Bertie Gingell, who joined the College in September 2022. In light of Gareth Southgate announcing England's squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which kicks off this month, we asked Mr Gingell the most important question - is it coming home?
What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake?
My role at Shiplake College is Sports Graduate which I started in September of this year.
What were you doing before Shiplake?
While I was at university, I started and ran my own football coaching academy which grew rapidly over a three-year spell, helping the academy gain an affiliation with Chelsea Football Club. I later moved away from coaching and got into teaching where I worked at Woking College with 16 to 19 year-old pupils specialising in their football programme. Most recently, before joining Shiplake College, I was working for a company promoting and leading physical education in schools for children with less access to sports and games.
What is a day in the life at Shiplake like for Mr Gingell?
As part of Lower School, I will often spend time around Tithe Barn with the Year 7 and 8 pupils prior to lessons starting. Generally, my day will consist of teaching and observing PE lessons, but I am also responsible for cyber skills and FPQ (Foundation Project Qualification) lessons. I also have the pleasure of coaching the U14B rugby team alongside Mr Jones and the senior football team alongside Mr Claridge, respectively, during games sessions. My lunch time slots are usually occupied with house games - this term being indoor cricket.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education and sport?
My main skills fall within the football umbrella where I hold a Level 2/UEFA C coaching badge along with a Level 1 in Talent Identification. I found from coaching that I have a real passion for educating players and realised that the skills I had learned from coaching are very transferable to teaching as well, which has led me to this point now.
You're quite the football fan - how do fancy England's chances at the upcoming World Cup?
I honestly think England have a great chance of competing this year. We have a lot of players who have already played in major competition finals and should be able to deal with the high pressure.
So... is it coming home?
Yes! You've got to back the boys!
What do you do away from work?
I am an avid football player and captain the Henley Town First Team side just down the road from Shiplake. Alongside that, I love to watch football which, being a Chelsea fan, has been tough this year. Additionally, I am a big music fan and enjoy attending concerts.
What does the future hold for Mr Gingell?
Hopefully the future is bright for me at Shiplake. I have really enjoyed my time here so far and would love for my career to progress as part of the Shiplake family. For now, I am looking into obtaining as many qualifications as possible in multiple new sports to broaden my horizons of which the College have been amazing about and given me the opportunity to do so.
