What is a Winchester person?

Following a doctorate in medieval art history at Oxford and a research post looking at the use of digital tools in museums, I am fascinated by the powerful potential of object-based learning. To observe this with a collection as diverse and remarkable as Winchester’s is really exciting.

As Director of Sport at Winchester I want the boys to experience and enjoy the elation of winning, but also to recognise the lessons that can be learned from committing to a common goal and overcoming disappointments and defeats. Such attributes will continue to shape and influence our pupils well into their later lives.

As well as teaching English and being a Div Don, my role at Winchester involves helping those in the Sixth Form flourish and ensuring the school’s academic offering is as good as it can be. It’s exciting to work with colleagues and boys who value genuine intellectual endeavour and independence, and to teach in such historic surroundings: there aren’t many places where pupils can set their eyes on a Shakespeare first folio or follow in Keats’s footsteps while reading his poetry.

At Winchester there is such a strong sense of community. It isn't a huge school and feels almost like a home away from home. Staying indoors on a rainy day, chatting with friends, crowding around the radiator and sharing funny stories can be one of the most special experiences of your life.

James came to Winchester in 2018. Starting his career as a solicitor he moved from the law to take up the position of Head of History at Ludgrove School, where he, and his wife, Holly, were also houseparents. He teaches History, Div and plenty of sport across the school, and is a lay chaplain. He is a committee member for the Crown and Manor club and a school governor. James and Holly have a young son, Jonty. James enjoys playing a number of sports, reading anything by P.G. Wodehouse and trying to outwit the trout on the River Itchen. The family are actively involved in their local church and enjoy visiting family in Devon. James will take over as Housemaster of Turner's (Hopper’s) when Chris Good finishes his term of service in 2023.

Our drama ethos is in many ways a reflection of the values of the school as a whole: mass-participation is encouraged, excellence is sought and achieved, and a lot of fun is had by boys and staff alike!

I have experienced the huge benefits of learning in an institution that recognises the importance of individuals and encourages you to try different things.

When people ask what I teach, they often say ‘I don’t know much about Economics’, but it is, of course, not the case. Anyone who works, goes shopping or provides for their family – so everyone – is engaging with Economics.  

There are many different facets to boarding life, which means that dons have diverse responsibilities and environments in which they can get to know the boys.

In my time at Winchester College, I have seen lots of changes but the one thing that has not changed is that the boys love their food, appreciate trying different recipes and will soon let you know if it’s a thumbs down.

In addition to teaching Physics, Maths and Div, I also run Faith Circles, a weekly meeting of all the boys from non-Christian traditions. I’m also Master in Charge of all martial arts.  

Our team of paediatric nurses know that teenage years can be a challenging time for some so we spend a lot of time getting to know the boys.  

My experience in teaching English, in both the private and maintained sectors, is perhaps a more orthodox background to being Second Master than my conducting and my work in music education. Both have proved invaluable in encouraging our pupils to listen and to develop their own convictions.

Not every boy is enthused by the intricacies of Greek and Latin grammar – especially during the last lesson on Wednesday afternoons!  

Together, we prepare four weekly services alongside a number of extra engagements such as special services, concerts, tours, recordings and broadcasts.

A typical day might involve teaching a class about 16th century maps, discussing medieval manuscripts with a visiting researcher, and helping pupils to plan an exhibition in the school’s museum.

I’m part of the Natural History Society and every other Tuesday we go out to the local nature reserve which is fantastic, but even better is that over the last two years we have gone to Scotland and Namibia to see the wildlife which was incredible.  

Our Design Technology centre, known as Mill, is the best aspect of the entire school for me. Mill’s facilities include two 3D printers, a metalworks and welding section, a carpentry area with sanders and cutters. Not forgetting my personal favourite, the laser cutter.  

In my boarding house, the first year boys start in rooms of four. This made it easy to get to know people quickly. They swap roommates every term, so that by the end of the first year, you will have shared a room with most people in your house year.