In our final 'A Conversation With... ' feature of 2023, we caught up with Joint Head of College, Tom Lebeau who talks to us about his first term in the role. He also tells us about his future plans - both in the Christmas holidays and post-Shiplake - as well as what some of his highlights have been at Shiplake.
How long have you been a pupil at Shiplake and what are your roles?
I have been at Shiplake since Year 9 and my roles are both Head of Skipwith House and Joint Head of College with Abi Botterill.
What are you studying at A-level and why?
I am currently studying PE, business, and geography. All these subjects were of great interest to me, and they allow me to keep a wide path open to future studies in university as, like most Year 11s, I had no clue what I would end up choosing!
What have been your most memorable moments at Shiplake?
There are so many to choose from, however, the recent Davies Shield rugby fixture against Aylesbury Grammar School stands out above the rest. The atmosphere created by all the spectators that came to watch was unmatched to any other experience I have ever had on the sports pitch. This was all capped off with a big 17-7 win thereby keeping the Davies Shield where it belongs. It is something I’m sure that I will never forget!
How has life at Shiplake changed for you since becoming Joint Head of College?
Being appointed Head of College was an incredibly exciting new aspect of school life for myself and Abi. For me, the privilege of being such a large part of this community has been the best change since becoming Joint Head of College. This means that I am getting more opportunities to represent Shiplake outside of the classroom and getting to meet lots of interesting people from different schools and colleges. For example, in October, Abi and I had the opportunity to represent Shiplake College at the annual Head of Schools conference at Wellington College. I found myself inspired by the people I met at the conference, and I learned a lot from their various ideas for change at their school and what I could bring forward here at Shiplake.
On the day-to-day, I find myself a lot busier than I used to be as I am often carrying out various duties with the other prefects. Lower School duty has been a great way to get to know some pupils further down the school and gain a good insight to how the Year 7s and 8s view Shiplake. However, after four months of doing the job, I can safely say that dinner queue duty is the one part of my role I won’t miss!
What are your plans as Joint Head of College for next term?
Following numerous meetings with the prefects, I am excited to coordinate a charity event for the prefects' chosen charity, Doctors Without Borders. I shouldn’t say too much yet as the details haven’t been finalised, however, it should be a good event for a great cause!
Along with this, I will be doing my best to integrate the current prefects with the soon-to-be-appointed new prefects. I believe that it's an important process for the new prefects and I am looking forward to showing the new Head of College, whoever that may be, the ropes of the role in the same way that Sam Edwards (23S) did for me.
What advice would you give to Year 12 pupils thinking about applying for prefect roles next year?
Make sure to be outgoing and make yourself a recognisable face around the College over the next couple of months, as now is the time that really counts if you are hoping to become a prefect. However, don’t stress over it! I can completely understand that applying for any school role can be a nerve-racking process, however, just be yourself over the whole course of the election process and I am sure that you will be awarded the role that best suits you.
What do you do in your free time?
I am the sort of person that becomes easily restless when there is nothing on the agenda for the day. For that reason, I am usually keeping myself busy by being active, whether that be going to the gym, going on a run or even just walking my dog, Seb. I am happier when doing something!
Needless to mention, my weekends largely revolve around the next West Ham game. Whether that be watching it on the television with my dad and brother, or going to the London Stadium, the team will somehow manage to ruin my weekend either way.
What do you hope to do when you leave Shiplake next year?
First of all, I plan to have a great summer surrounded by my friends and hopefully some decent weather! After this, if all goes well regarding results, I plan on going to university to study Business Management and Marketing. I have absolutely no idea what lies beyond then, but in a way, that’s what makes it most exciting.
What plans do you have for the Christmas break?
I am excited to get some quality rest over the Christmas break before coming back to a series of mocks in January. This entails eating as much Christmas food as humanly possible and having a much needed catch up with old friends from outside of school, as well as spending time with friends from here at Shiplake. Of course, spending some quality time with the family around Christmas time is always a highlight, I am hoping mum doesn’t forget to get the pigs in blankets this year – as you can imagine, we have never let her live that one down!
