A Conversation With...Miss Olivia Gayler

In this week's 'A Conversation With...', we caught up with the Geography Department's latest addition - Miss Olivia Gayler! In this feature, we find out more about the teacher who inspired her to pursue a career in education, and we also learn more about one of her most memorable moments from her teaching career - a flash mob in a playground! 

What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake? 

I have been ‘colouring in’ at Shiplake College since the beginning of the summer term. I work in a fantastic department teaching geography, and I am a Year 11 form tutor currently part of Skipwith House. During co-curricular, I have also been learning how to play pickle ball, as well as running boardgame and Year 11 prep sessions – not together!  

What were you doing before joining Shiplake? 

I studied geography at Royal Holloway University, specialising in the human aspects. I then completed my PGCE at the University of Bristol where I spent time at schools in both Bath and Weston-Super-Mare. Prior to joining Shiplake, I was Second in Department at a local secondary school where I enjoyed teaching geography for five years across all key stages. During this time, I led multiple trips to destinations such as the Sky Studios as well as other various field trips.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?

I had known that I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember! I think it was confirmed when I was at secondary school where, during this time, I was taught by some truly inspirational teachers whose supportive words remain with me to this day. A special mention must go to my old geography teacher, Mrs Walton, who had so much belief in me and created such a happy classroom environment. This was my true teaching inspiration! 

What is a day in the life like for you at Shiplake? 

Every day is so different! I get to school early to spend time ensuring that I have everything ready for the day. I then make one of the many herbal teas (most likely clementine) and eat my overnight oats while looking at the beautiful view from my classroom before lessons begin. At break, I can often be found looking for Mrs Satch’s dog (Nesbit) or enjoying a catch up with friends in the staff room. After more teaching, I head down for lunch, which never disappoints, before heading back to my classroom for afternoon lessons.  

As you're quite new to Shiplake, how have you found it so far? Are you settling in well? 

I am really enjoying my time at Shiplake. There is such a strong sense of community which has made coming to work a joy for me! My colleagues are so kind and have been really supportive in helping me to settle and very generous with their time. I am also really lucky to teach some fantastic students and have loved getting to know the tail wagging members on the site.  

What do you do away from work? 

For me, weekends and holidays are all about relaxing. I love nothing more than going for country walks and pub lunches with my family and friends. I am also trying to get back into running and so I am often found on a plod after work, or in my local pool.  

Does the weekend include folk singing? We've heard that you've performed at country singing festivals in the past! 

I was previously part of a folk band where I used to perform at different country music festivals (though this was some time ago!!). More recently I have enjoyed playing the piano.  

Perhaps something else more interesting than that is what happened a couple of years ago at my previous school. There, I led a group flash mob which consisted of over 100 students performing a dance routine in the playground together! It has definitely been one of the highlights of my teaching career so far! 

What does the future hold for Miss Gayler? 

The future will definitely involve teaching geography! I hope to continue to develop my teaching practice and eventually would like to take on a pastoral role. I really love to dance as well, and so I am looking at introducing a dance fitness here in the near future!