BA(ECU)

Alec started in his teaching role at Christ Church in 2001, and in 2005 became Head of House. Prior to joining Christ Church, Alec taught Design and Technology at Guildford for two years. He also had a teaching role at Wyalkatchem District High School.

As Head of House, Alec looks after the pastoral needs of Romsey’s 120 students. He helps the boys deal with peer relationship issues, academic issues and family issues. “Generally, it’s about looking after their wellbeing and making sure they are supported, when required, across all those areas,” Alec said.

He believes it is a very important role in the boys’ schooling. “It gives the boys a belonging to a specific group within the school and helps them identify with each other,” he said. “It also gives parents a channel to access information and support their boys.” Romsey House is the first point of contact for parents of our boys.

“It’s a very rewarding role,” Alec said. “Particularly once you have gone through with a group of boys for five years. You see Year 12s who have developed and grown and achieved, in a lot of cases beyond what they thought they could.

“Of course there’s also the difficult situations to deal with, such as when boys are going through difficult times at home. But it is very rewarding because you can make a difference.”

Alec is equally passionate about teaching Design and Technology as he is about the Romsey boys. He teaches Years 8 to 12 and is currently acting Head of Department, for six months until the end of term.

Design and Technology is split into two streams. Systems, which leads towards engineering and architecture, includes such things as working on air-driven engines, electric vehicles and beach buggies, for example. Materials, which leads towards materials technology, is based around furniture making, building everything from beds to dining tables and outdoor furniture. Systems and Materials are both TEE courses and Materials also has a non-TEE course.

“With the Year 8s to 10s, soon to include Year 7s, we try to give a broad exposure to Systems and Materials so the boys can make informed decisions leading into their TEE,” Alec explained. “The boys love it. And the motivation is already there so there are less management issues in the classroom. It’s great to see the boys in a dynamic environment where lots of things are going on. Boys like the ‘doing’ part of things.”

Alec said Design and Technology was a very important part of the curriculum. “It provides an opportunity for the boys to put into practice what they’ve learnt in other subjects – Sciences, Mathematics and English. It brings it all together.

“I love this learning area. Whatever direction my teaching career takes, I will always see myself remaining involved with Design and Technology at some level.”