This week we caught up with our Assistant Head Academic, Mr Ebbage, who has done so much for the College since joining us in September 2013. In addition to being the College's first Psychology teacher, he has been Resident Tutor in Burr and Head of Football.
What is your role here at Shiplake College?
I am now Assistant Head Academic and so as well as teaching I also work with staff and students across the school on all things academic including data and teaching and learning. All of this as well as mountain biking in the Autumn and Summer terms and Football coaching in the Spring term tends to keep me pretty busy.
How has Psychology developed at Shiplake?
I set up the Psychology department in 2013. I am really pleased with how Psychology has gone from strength to strength at the school. Having only started with one class, we are now the most popular A Level at the school and are among the top results. My better-dressed colleague, Mr Shaw, has now taken over running the department and it is great to see someone with enthusiasm take it even further. We have recently introduced a Criminology course in the department, which is really interesting to teach, and we are also looking at introducing Sociology A Level in September 2020 which will see the empire grow even bigger.
What's your greatest achievement (professionally and personally)?
One of my greatest personal achievements was running a marathon which I did in 2018 in Brighton. Professionally, being part of the team that saw Shiplake through the ISI inspection in 2015 where we were awarded 'Excellent' in every category was really special. I guess the thing that connects the two is that they were not easy to achieve but were rewarding in the end.
We are aware you love to travel, where is the best place you've been and why?
Vietnam. The people, the food and the scenery are amazing.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy running. I recently completed the Blenheim Palace 10K and I am waiting to hear if I have got a place in next year's London Marathon. I still play football at weekends but I am struggling more and more to keep up so I am looking forward to joining the 'Vets' League in a couple of years. I like to cook and read as well.
If you weren't a teacher what would you want to be?
I'm still waiting for my call up to the England football team.
Where has your professional career taken you before coming to Shiplake?
I was a support worker for children and adults with learning disabilities at the charity Mencap for a couple of years as well as working in a residential setting for people recovering from mental health issues. My first teaching role was at LVS Ascot and I did my teacher training at Windsor Boys' School.
What does the future hold for Mr Ebbage?
I am getting married in summer 2020 and so all my focus (and finances!) are on that at the moment.
