In this week's 'A Conversation With...', we caught up with the Theology and Philosophy Department's latest addition - Mr Ben Cartwright. Now in his second week here at the College, Mr Cartwright still had the time to tell us more about his passion for acting and singing, what attracted him about Shiplake, and his plans for the College basketball teams.
What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake College?
During the school day, I am a teacher in the Theology and Philosophy Department. In terms of co-curricular, I co-coach the basketball teams, and I am a Year 9 tutor in Everett House. I joined Shiplake at the start of this academic year - I can still count the number of days I've been here on my hands!
What were you doing before joining the College?
In the previous academic year, I was doing a PGCE at the University of Winchester. Before that, I worked at Taunton School in the Educational Progress (Learning Development) Department and as part of the tutor team in one of the boys' boarding houses. I have also worked as a chef in a vegan café and restaurant - I was very grateful for those cooking skills at university!
What appealed to you the most about working here?
I loved my time working at Taunton, so much so that I knew that I wanted to work in a boarding school after qualifying as a teacher. When I came for the interview at Shiplake, everyone I met was so courteous and put me at my ease. There was a real sense that pupils and staff alike took great pride in being part of the Shiplake community, and I saw this in the way that pupils and staff interacted with one another on my tour around the site. The College ethos of being ‘a school of personal bests’ aligns with my values as a teacher. And, of course, who could resist the opportunity to work in a place surrounded by some of the cutest dogs around?
How has your first full week at the College been?
I think it goes without saying that the first week in any job is a bit of a whirlwind. In a busy place like Shiplake, this is dialled up significantly. That said, it has been made much smoother by the camaraderie in the staff body, and I have really enjoyed meeting all my new classes and getting stuck in with the opportunities on offer here.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing here?
I'm really looking forward to the carol service at the end of the Autumn Term. It's my favourite time of the school calendar and I'm excited to take part in the choir for the service. I'm also looking forward to taking our Shiplake basketball team into the local schools’ league and getting as far as we can!
Word is that you are a keen actor and vocalist - can you tell us more about this?
I only really began singing and acting in my second year at university - my only previous experience was being part of the choir in my primary school’s Nativity (something which I imagine is familiar to many of us!). I began my foray into the world of theatre when I was cast as Sky Masterson in a production of Guys 'N' Dolls. I got the bug, and so I went on to be a part of many plays and musicals in Durham, as well as being part of two a cappella choirs. I hope to use this experience to add to the musical offering to our pupils at Shiplake!
What does the future hold for Mr Cartwright?
In the short term, I'll certainly be getting my feet under the table here at Shiplake and settling into my role here. I'm planning on travelling a lot more than I have up until now, so I've got a bucket list of places that I'd like to visit including Amritsar, Rome, Jerusalem and Bodh Gaya. I'm also looking to taking up karate again after giving it up aged 16. With any luck, I'll pass my black belt grading as an adult having not quite made the cut as a teenager. It’ll be interesting to see how much I remember!
