What is a Winchester person?

The best thing about Winchester is the range of choices and independence we have.

Thanks to my twin passions for Victorian novels and Latin poetry, I teach in both the English and the Classics departments.

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.  

Climbing towers and using old keys took a bit of getting used to but I quickly discovered that the archives were full of wonderful things - letters signed by Elizabeth I, Anglo-Saxon Charters and pieces of quill still lodged in the pages of volumes where the scribe had sharpened his pen.

Gardening in the shadows of great buildings that have seen centuries of world events and working where many have once toiled, is very humbling.  

The thrill of adventure, alongside academic investigation allows the boys to develop a curiosity about the world, as well as a love of the natural environment that I hope will last a lifetime.

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.  

As Director of Studies, I monitor the progress that boys are making using their intermediate grades and exam performance (both internal and external). This analysis is then shared with the Second Master, Deputy Head Academic, Housemasters and Heads of Department so that they can best support the boys in both the pastoral and academic aspects of school life.

Historically a porter is a gatekeeper and we can normally be found at the main entrance to the school in The Porters' Lodge.  

It is very rewarding to see that the boys here take mathematics very seriously, and they often stay behind after lessons to ask for help with a problem they have been thinking about, or to show me a new piece of mathematics they have stumbled upon.  

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

Sport at Winchester is defined by the diversity of choice the boys have.

As assistant housemaster in Du Boulay’s (Cook’s), I tend to eat most of my evening meals with the boys as well as several lunches during the week. It gives me the opportunity to catch up with them on their day, talk about things that are coming up or general conversations on unexpected topics!

I wanted to come to Winchester because I loved the range of sports - I spend most of my free time either out playing football or Fives, or socialising with friends around the house.  

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.