Staff

Following a doctorate in medieval art history at Oxford and a research post looking at the use of digital tools in museums, I am fascinated by the powerful potential of object-based learning. To observe this with a collection as diverse and remarkable as Winchester’s is really exciting.

As Director of Sport at Winchester I want the boys to experience and enjoy the elation of winning, but also to recognise the lessons that can be learned from committing to a common goal and overcoming disappointments and defeats. Such attributes will continue to shape and influence our pupils well into their later lives.

James came to Winchester in 2018. Starting his career as a solicitor he moved from the law to take up the position of Head of History at Ludgrove School, where he, and his wife, Holly, were also houseparents. He teaches History, Div and plenty of sport across the school, and is a lay chaplain. He is a committee member for the Crown and Manor club and a school governor. James and Holly have a young son, Jonty. James enjoys playing a number of sports, reading anything by P.G. Wodehouse and trying to outwit the trout on the River Itchen. The family are actively involved in their local church and enjoy visiting family in Devon. James will take over as Housemaster of Turner's (Hopper’s) when Chris Good finishes his term of service in 2023.

Our drama ethos is in many ways a reflection of the values of the school as a whole: mass-participation is encouraged, excellence is sought and achieved, and a lot of fun is had by boys and staff alike!

When people ask what I teach, they often say ‘I don’t know much about Economics’, but it is, of course, not the case. Anyone who works, goes shopping or provides for their family – so everyone – is engaging with Economics.  

There are many different facets to boarding life, which means that dons have diverse responsibilities and environments in which they can get to know the boys.

In my time at Winchester College, I have seen lots of changes but the one thing that has not changed is that the boys love their food, appreciate trying different recipes and will soon let you know if it’s a thumbs down.

In addition to teaching Physics, Maths and Div, I also run Faith Circles, a weekly meeting of all the boys from non-Christian traditions. I’m also Master in Charge of all martial arts.  

Our team of paediatric nurses know that teenage years can be a challenging time for some so we spend a lot of time getting to know the boys.  

My experience in teaching English, in both the private and maintained sectors, is perhaps a more orthodox background to being Second Master than my conducting and my work in music education. Both have proved invaluable in encouraging our pupils to listen and to develop their own convictions.

Not every boy is enthused by the intricacies of Greek and Latin grammar – especially during the last lesson on Wednesday afternoons!  

Together, we prepare four weekly services alongside a number of extra engagements such as special services, concerts, tours, recordings and broadcasts.

A typical day might involve teaching a class about 16th century maps, discussing medieval manuscripts with a visiting researcher, and helping pupils to plan an exhibition in the school’s museum.