Chronicle 687

32 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Charles Wallendahl You became Director of Teaching and Learning in January having taught Theology, Philosophy and Ethics at St Edward’s since 2020. Tell us about your career so far. I entered the profession in 2012 as soon as I left university through the training scheme, Teach First, which places graduates into disadvantaged state schools. Unusually, my first year of teaching at Archbishop Lanfranc School in Croydon was filmed as part of a BBC documentary Tough Young Teachers . Learning to teach is hard enough and the added complexity of a film crew in the classroom made it both a memorable and challenging experience. For the remainder of my twenties, I worked in two other Teach First eligible schools in London, serving disadvantaged communities. The colleagues I worked with continue to inspire me, especially their tenacity, ingenuity and authentic compassion. Since I joined Teddies during the pandemic, I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of work and the friendly community. Conversations about philosophy and pedagogy with pupils and colleagues are a source of joy and fascination. What inspired you to become a teacher? Inevitably, my own teachers when I was pupil at Charterhouse kindled a passion for the subject which is still burning brightly. When I was at university, I felt as though I had been contained in a bubble of society and Teach First struck me as a brilliant opportunity to burst that! Which three words would you use to summarise the teaching at Teddies? Evidence-based, groundbreaking and relational. How do you think Teddies’ location in Oxford benefits our pupils? Oxford as a university city is an especially attractive place to live, work and study. The history, culture and reputation are appealing and enriching to both colleagues and pupils alike. Our Oxford Days, Oxford Lectures and recruiting of St Edward’s Fellows, graduate students at the university who come and teach at the School for a few hours a week, could not happen without our extraordinary location. Do you have a favourite place in Oxford? Probably the lawns of Trinity College, where I was lucky enough to spend many an afternoon playing croquet in the summer when I was studying for my Theology degree. Trinity has just about finished digging up the lawns for significant building work, so they are being restored to their former glory. What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or other passions? Much to my wife’s dismay, I am a cyclist! I particularly enjoy exploring the bridleways around Oxford, bikepacking around the country and entering events in the Cotswolds and Chilterns. Do you have a favourite quote or piece of advice? ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens’ Ecclesiastes 3:1. What are three things you can’t live without? A gravel bike, a coffee machine and nature. Which book do you think everyone should read? Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention by Johann Hari. It will help you to re-evaluate your relationship with devices and consider the role of tech companies in education and our changing brains. Without focus, education is a futile pursuit.