A Conversation With... Mr Phil Poynter

We’re back with another instalment of ‘A Conversation With…’ and today we’re delighted to be joined by geography teacher, rowing coach, and soon-to-be Head of Geography, Mr Phil Poynter. Having joined Shiplake at the start of the Summer Term, Mr Poynter has quickly become an integral part of the College community, teaching across year groups while also supporting the rowing programme in preparation for regattas.

What is your role and how long have you been working at Shiplake?

I am a geography teacher and rowing coach, and from this September I will be take on the role of Head of Geography.

What were you doing before working at Shiplake?

Before joining Shiplake, I was leading both geography and rowing at another local school where I was also a Sixth Form tutor. I have been teaching for over 20 years, leading school expeditions and coaching at training camps. Prior to completing my PGCE and teaching I worked in London in Shipbroking.

How has your first (half) term been at the College?

It has been a busy but very enjoyable start. I have taught across most year groups in geography and have been made to feel very welcome by both pupils and colleagues. On the river, I met many of the junior rowers during the Easter Camp and this term we have taken part in several regattas. I am really looking forward to the National Schools’ Regatta at the end of this week.

You’re a newly appointed geography teacher and rowing instructor; what are your aspirations for our geographers and rowers?

I hope our students develop a genuine enjoyment of both the subject and the sport. Taking on the challenges and working towards goals is always rewarding and builds ambition. I also hope students recognise how their individual efforts contribute to the success of the wider team. Ultimately, I want to inspire a lasting passion for geography and rowing that continues beyond their time at school.

What is a day in the life like for Mr Poynter?

My day starts early; there is no need for an alarm with young children at home! I arrive before lessons to get organised with emails, planning, and marking. The day itself is full and varied, with teaching, coaching and meetings with pupils. I also enjoy working with my colleagues and keeping up to date with developments in geography and rowing. After lessons, it is down to the river. Taking crews out from the Davies Centre in the early summer sunshine here has been a real highlight of this term.

What do you do in your free time?

‘Free time’ is a somewhat distant concept as a parent within a large family. I enjoy spending time taking my own children on adventurous expeditions, up mountains, down rivers and along the coast. This half term, we are hoping to explore the Carpathians, perhaps even sighting Europe's largest mammals the bison, bear or wolf!

What does the future hold for Mr Poynter?

I am really looking forward to all of the exciting opportunities ahead, including taking trips to Jersey and Iceland in the near future. Developing geography, fieldwork opportunities and supporting rowers to achieve their goals is something I feel very fortunate to be involved in.