In this week's 'Conversation with...' we had a chat with one of the latest additions to our Modern Foreign Languages Department, Mr Loughe (and his dog), who joined us in September this year.
What does a day in the life of Mr Loughe entail?
At the moment I have quite a long commute from Abingdon to Shiplake so I start the day catching up with the latest news and current affairs courtesy of The Today Show on Radio 4. I spend a lot of my time teaching, mostly French and some Spanish. I also run two cookery sessions per week with Year 12 and spend time doing extra exam preparation with my Year 11 French pupils. On a Tuesday, I am found in College House on duty in the evening, which I really enjoy. I drink a lot of coffee and enjoy spending time with colleagues in the Common Room.
What inspired you to become a teacher and why specifically in languages?
Given that both my parents were teachers, in some ways it was a bit of a foregone conclusion that I would follow in their footsteps. Languages were always a real strength and passion of mine - I loved learning French and German at school and we spent a lot of holidays in Europe when I was growing up. After studying French and German at Edinburgh, I did my PGCE at Oxford (Keble College) and have always been a fervent believer in the importance of learning languages, not only to be able to communicate with others but also because I think it makes us more open-minded. This seems more important than ever in today’s world.
We are aware that you like to travel. Where's your favourite place and why? Where do you plan to go in the future?
I have spent time travelling and living in France and Germany. I have also spent a lot of time in southern Africa, Europe, The United States, Asia and Australia. Berlin remains an all time favourite place of mine, not only because I loved living and studying at the university as part of my undergraduate degree, but also because I think it’s incomparable to any other city in the world given its rich, diverse and complicated history and culture. I also love South Africa. My bucket list of travel destinations for the future is quite extensive but I am very keen to visit Hawaii and Alaska.
Tell us about your dog?
Silke is my German Shorthaired Pointer. She is six and a half years old and is a very loyal companion. I got her as a 7-week-old puppy and she has rarely left my side since then. She is very friendly, great fun and is obsessed with tennis balls and chasing squirrels. She really enjoys walks down by the river here at school and you are likely to see her when I’m on duty at rugby matches on the touchline on a Saturday.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend as much time outdoors as I can, often walking the dog. I love to spend time with friends and family. I am a keen film lover and go to the cinema as often as I can. I enjoy trying new restaurants and also cooking for others at home. I enjoy cycling and swimming and also challenging myself to the Couch to 5K. I am an avid reader - not just in English, but also in French and German. I can get bored quickly if I do not keep myself busy - but it’s not unheard of for me to binge watch a series on Netflix from time to time.
What does the future hold for Mr Loughe?
Most imminently I will be heading up north to spend Christmas with my family. Last year I completed my first triathlon at Blenheim and it’s my goal to do it again in May, both as an individual competitor and also in a team with some friends. I need to get fitter and start training for that! I also plan to continue learning Spanish and sit my A Level in the next year or so. From January I will be living on the school site so it will be great to get to spend more time with colleagues and friends here at Shiplake.
