A Conversation With... Mr Hunt
This week, we had A Conversation With Mr Alex Hunt, Assistant Head of Co-Curricular and Head of Design & Technology. Mr Hunt has been teaching at Shiplake since 1998 and left in 2011 before returning in 2014. Clearly, he is a both a dedicated Shiplake Parent and a dedicated member of the Shiplake family who throws himself head first into organising the Co-Curricular programme here at the School.
What does your average day entail?
I usually get to school by 7.15am with my son who is in Year 10. I check my emails then head off to the Senior Common Room where, more often than not, I have a coffee and a chat with Mr Settle and the Rev who arrive at about the same time. It is then chapel, assembly or tutor period depending on which day it is. My day is then split between Head of Design and Technology admin and planning or Asst. Head Co-Curricular admin and planning. I am either ensuring we have the staffing (our own teachers or external staff) in place to run the wide variety of games and activities we offer or looking at new opportunities for the term ahead. There is also the need keep a close eye on the school calendar to try to avoid the many events, activities and residential trips clashing. On the DT front, it is also a busy time with new courses starting this year in both A Level, Technical Level Engineering and GCSE.
Organising the Co-Curricular timetable must be a huge undertaking- how do you manage it?
This is my third year of doing it and no term has been the same yet. Organising activities for around 480 pupils brings its challenges. The goal is to offer a wide variety of appealing activities and sports that challenge pupils and, at the same time, play to staff strengths and interests. We look at how many students we have (numbers are always increasing!) and then build the CC timetable depending on what staff are available and what space and facilities we have available. It is always a juggle to offer what students want with what staff can offer while ensuring our, already busy, teachers are not too overloaded. I am always open to suggestions from pupils as to what they would like offered – I will do my best to facilitate requests.
What is your favourite event in the Shiplake calendar?
Summer holidays! Of course not, it has to be the whole school walk. This biennial event has been running for a number of years now. It is a huge logistical undertaking for Steve Macpherson but it is a great way of getting the whole school community together and for very worthwhile charitable causes.
If you were a pupil at Shiplake today, which clubs or Co-Curricular activities would you sign up to?
I’d like to think I’d choose an activity that added some value to my CV like First Aid or Life guarding as well something involving noisy engines of some sort.
What were you like as a schoolboy and what was your favourite subject?
I was not the model student I am afraid to say. I enjoyed maths and science but I am sure it is no surprise to say that DT was my favourite subject. Back then, it was almost entirely practical work with no exams to get in the way. My teacher suggested I apply for an apprenticeship, which I did. I was successful so left school at 15 years old to take on an engineering apprenticeship with the Australian Defence department. This was perfect for me as it gave me time to mature and appreciate educational opportunities more. I subsequently went back to study and on to university in my early 20s.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever made or built?
Nothing in particular stands out but I have built some rather quick and unsafe go-karts in the past. I have also modified cars and motorbikes and renovated a number of powerboats. Basically, I’m interested in anything with an engine that moves – the noisier the better.
What does the future hold for Mr Hunt?
Short term – enjoy some golf next half term, go on a short break with my family and force myself to go to the gym.
Medium term – build on CC programme and support pupils in achieving strong GCSE and A Level results and watch my son progress his triathlons, running and rowing.
Long term – retire to Australia, buy a boat and a new set of golf clubs and use both regularly.