Clare Talks

Director of Community Service and Geography Don

Winchester is paradise for a geographer; its world-class chalk stream, rolling Hampshire downs, ancient heritage and dynamic urban environment inspire a life-long appreciation of the world. Fieldwork opportunities throughout Hampshire, Sussex and Dorset bring the subject alive. Wykehamists are hugely rewarding to teach; their discursive ability and knowledge of geophysical and contemporary socio-political issues are second to none, and they enjoy contributing to lively and topical debate. 

As Head of Community Service, it is a joy to lead a committed team of 50 talented and resourceful dons, all of whom bring the very best out of our senior boys. Community Service is a journey of self-discovery.  Our boys are encouraged to work out of their comfort zone, whether helping actors with learning difficulties or supporting pupils with special needs. They learn to become self-reliant in challenging situations, to engage and empathise with others, and to give unreservedly and wholeheartedly of their time and talents. 

Each day is varied; in one day I might be supervising boys on a hospital ward, leading interval training for the British visually impaired para marathon champion at Winchester Sports Stadium, meeting the Curator at the Winchester Museum or spending an hour with boys on a conservation project with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. There is nothing more rewarding than to see our pupils using their many talents for the benefit of others.