New Term, New Faces

At the start of the Autumn Term, in addition to welcoming our new pupils, we welcomed many new teachers to the College. We hope that you enjoy your time here and look forward to seeing you in action inside and out of the classroom! 

Additionally, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the following members of staff who have joined us in Pastoral, Operational, or Support capacities. Welcome to Mr Philip Arnold who joins us as Chief Operating Officer. In Rowing, welcome back to Old Viking Mr Ed Dallas who is our new Rowing Development Coach. Mrs Kate Wray joins us as Receptionist on Wednesday PM, Thursday, and Friday, while Mrs Karen Murphy also joins the admin support team to cover Mrs Rodwell’s maternity leave. And welcome to Mrs Helen Frost is Skipwith’s new Pastoral Lead on Fridays.  

Miss Freya Addison 

Freya joins us at Shiplake as Deputy Houseparent of Gilson. Freya was previously working in a similar role in a school in Bath in combination with coaching rowing at junior and senior level as well as leading on development rowing.  Freya is also a Non-Uniformed Volunteer in the CCF, so will bring a wide variety of skills and experience to her role at Shiplake. 

Mr Ari Alejandro 

Ari Alejandro joins us as Head of MFL and Languages teacher. Ari previously worked at an independent girls’ school in Ealing as Head of MFL and Head of STEM faculty. Ari has a great deal of experience in working with pupils of all ages and has had experience in acting Deputy Head roles. He is also heavily involved in leading extracurricular clubs such as football, hockey and running. 

Mr Alex Baker 

Alex Baker joins us as Teacher of Computer Studies. Alex has taught computer studies for the last ten years and previously worked at The Abbey School in Reading where he was instrumental in bringing computer science to the Abbey’s IB curriculum.  Alex has previously been involved in course development, creating supporting material for the Computer Science curriculum. 

Dr Maya Balasubramanyam 

Welcome to Dr Maya Balasubramanyam joins us as Head of Physics. Maya had previously been working within the Maiden Erlegh Trust as Head of Physics over the last 6 years, and prior experience includes working as a senior scientist and in private equity. 

Mrs Natasha Banwell 

Natasha Banwell joins us on a part time basis from September as Teacher of Learning Development. Natasha brings a wealth of experience from her previous role in Singapore, where she has led a Learning Support team for the past seven years. In addition to her expertise in learning development, Natasha is also a skilled PE teacher with a strong background in hockey and netball. 

Mrs Natascia Brown 

Natascia Brown joins us as a part time teacher of Media Studies for the Autumn term.  Natascia is currently a freelance journalist having previously taught Media Studies at Esher College and Berkhamstead School. 

Mr Alex Fido 

Alex Fido takes on the role of Maths Teacher (maternity cover) from September whilst Mrs Bereiki is on maternity leave. Alex joins as a first year ECT and will be with us until Mrs Bereiki returns to work. Alex studied Aerospace Engineering at University and, prior to undertaking his PGCE, spent a year at Reddam House as an Adventure Department Co-ordinator. 

Miss India Hobbs 

India joins us as Graduate Sports Assistant at the start of next term. India lived in Australia previously working as a rowing coach at a senior school and is keen to complete a gap year in the UK with a view to pursuing a career in teaching. India has been an elite-level rower for five years and currently serves as the Women’s Club Captain for the Sydney University Boat Club.  She is a seven-time Australian Champion and two-time NSW State Champion across multiple boat classes. 

Ms Bikramjeet Kaur 

Bikramjeet joins the Psychology Department to teach four days a week. She has taught at a number of schools in the last 19 years and has taught sociology, business and EPQ. Bikram is also a fully qualified examiner for AQA. 

Mrs Charlotte Mackworth-Praed 

Charlotte Mackworth-Praed joins us as a part time teacher in the Learning Development Department from the start of the new academic year to cover the duration of Mrs Wood’s maternity leave.  Charlotte has a wealth of experience as a teacher of learning support, and we’re delighted to have her with us.  

Miss Liz Mattey 

Welcome to Liz Mattey who joins us as Houseparent of Gilson. Liz previously worked as an Assistant Houseparent at Kent College which was a full-time role looking after pastoral and academic progress of 40 students.  Liz has taught in prep and primary schools for the last 16 years and has recently completed a Masters in Character Education. 

Mr Cathal Meegan 

Cathal Meegan joins us in the history Department to cover Miss Lane’s maternity leave.  Cathal was previously completing his PCGE in history with a certificate in religious education having studied history at Ulster University and has most recently worked as a Learning Mentor at a College in Northern Ireland.  Cathal is keen on playing rugby, football and running. 

Mr Hayden Roussouw 

Hayden joins the Sports Department as a Graduate Sports Assistant for the next academic year. Hayden has been working as a part time sports coach in a school and is an ECB Level 2 Cricket Coach as well as enjoying participating in hockey, football, golf and squash. 

Miss Rachel Schofield 

Rachel joins us part time as Graduate Drama Assistant at the start of term. Rachel has a first-class Honours degree in Stage and Production Management, a background in theatre as an Assistant Stage Manager and Company Stage Manager, and is currently working as a cover teacher. 

Dr Mark Walsh 

Dr Mark Walsh joins us as Teacher of Science. Mark previously taught science in West Sussex as well as at Bradfield, Harrow, Rugby and Brighton College and will bring a lot of experience to the role as well as his energetic labrador retriever. Mark has been involved in a variety of co-curricular clubs from cross country, squash and U14 football to study groups and junior chemistry clubs.