A Conversation With... Mrs Becky Chambers

In today's 'A Conversation With...', we catch up with the newest addition to the Skipwith House team - Mrs Becky Chambers - who is the House's House Pastoral Leader! In this feature, we learn about what inspired her to pursue a career in education, what a typical day entails, and so much more!

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

I have been House Pastoral Leader, formerly known as Matron of Skipwith House, for three weeks. 

What were you doing before working at Shiplake? 

Prior to working in primary schools, I held the position of Relationship Manger for an investment company. Whilst I enjoyed this and was very successful; when I reflect on my career, my passion is undoubtably focussing on and developing children of all ages in an educational environment. There’s nothing better than seeing a child who, for different and numerous reasons might be struggling at school, go on to flourish and achieve things they never thought they could. 

Fourteen years ago I happened to be in the right place at the right time and was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to take a role as a teaching assistant. I knew these roles were fiercely sought after so went back to college whilst working and gained my qualification for Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools. I knew I needed to be the best I could be to support children and this course was imperative for my development and future prospects. As my career progressed, I began to specialise, working as a 1:1 with children who have special educational needs, following the needs set as per their educational health plan and under direction of the SENCO. I most recently worked at a fabulous primary school, Valley Road in Henley, working with small groups of children targeting specific areas of learning for their development in line with the curriculum. 

How are you settling into your new role? 

Absolutely brilliantly! The days have flown by so quickly already and I have really enjoyed the start I have made at Shiplake. I have many new processes to absorb, personal training to undertake, students to get to know, understand, and many names to learn, but everyone on the pastoral team has been so welcoming and supportive in helping me settle in. I also have to give a special thank you to the Skipwith boys for their patience and understanding whilst I learn all of this - I will know all 81 of your names very soon! 

How does the role of House Pastoral Leader vary to your previous roles in education? 

Whilst the age range difference may be vast compared to those I have cared for and taught in my previous role, the underlying aim pastorally is the same - making sure the students are happy, content, of good health, have everything around them they need to reach their full potential, ensuring I am approachable, empathetic, fair, kind, and them knowing I am here to support each and every one of them. 

Another main difference is appetite!! The boys in Skipwith House have huge appetites and particularly love the sweet treats, as does a certain house tutor! A treat to the first student to me with the correct answer as to who that might be? 

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

Arriving at Skipwith House at 7.30am is like you are in another world with the beautiful setting, the silence, and the emptiness other than the steady flow of sleepy boarders making their way to breakfast. After making sure every area of the house is safe and clean (thank you to our excellent domestic staff Nikki and Rina), it’s time to check the diary and emails. Updating registers, ensuring safeguarding protocols are met, and that I know where each and every pupil is at every moment of the day. I’m not sure it’s widely known, but as House Pastoral Leader, if an individual in Skipwith House does not turn up for lessons or activities, part of my role is to be able to account for them. 

My door is always open for the boys to come and chat during the day, attend to medical needs, provide spare uniform if needed, arrange their break-time snacks, generally engage with the boys in house throughout the day to ensure I am attuned to well-being needs and find common ground and opportunities for open discussion - some of the boys seem really rather impressed with my pool skills, but they may just be humouring me! 

What do you do outside of work? 

I really like meeting up with friends and going for long country walks when time allows. They often bring their dogs along and my family have wanted one for some time. Perhaps being at Shiplake might allow me to join the club (no promises if my family see this!). 

I also really enjoy cooking and baking and you will often find me experimenting with a new recipe to which I’ll add my own personal twist, or baking a cake with random ingredients thrown in. It must be ok because I rarely get any complains and cakes in my house generally don’t survive long before being devoured within 24 to 48 hours! 

What does the future hold for you? 

Other than remembering in excess of 80 boys' names, I do aim for a fabulous future at Shiplake College. Ensuring I grasp every opportunity for learning and enjoyment, making sure each student who comes through Skipwith House and beyond is the best pupil they can possibly be, as well as having the best experience in what I consider to be the best school. 

I have seven years’ experience as a parent of Shiplake, with my son completing his A-levels and leaving Shiplake at the end of this term. I have first-hand knowledge of what a significant and positive impact the team at Shiplake can have on a child’s development and I am now really looking forward to being part of that team, working on the inside, and hopefully making many parents as pleased with the influence Shiplake has on their child as I have been.