SE CHRONICLE 684

22 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Nick Coram-Wright What do you do at Teddies and how long have you been here? I came to Teddies in September 2000 as Head of German and then MFL Coordinator before becoming HM of Cowell’s in 2004. Upon leaving the House in 2015, I became Assistant Head Co-curriculum and from the start of this term I am our first Deputy Head Co-curriculum. What did you do before? After university I spent time working for Air France and then moved to London to open the French and German desks for a computer research company. A change of career and the PGCE led to my first teaching post at St John’s Leatherhead. What are you looking forward to about your new role as Deputy Head Co-curriculum? This is definitely an exciting time to be leading the co curricular programme in the School. Above all I’m looking forward to being able to spend more time out and about taking in our pupils’ achievements outside the classroom. How important is the co-curriculum at St Edward’s? For me the co-curriculum is as important to the personal and social development of our pupils as their academic progress. Both go hand in hand and it’s the sheer breadth of opportunity for all ages, irrespective of the level of talent, that makes Teddies such a special place. Are there any new developments on the horizon? Absolutely – our developing plans for Field Side will improve the sporting experience for all, particularly for girls. We’re looking forward to the introduction of football across all year groups in the Spring Term. Away from the sports field a major expansion of our service programme for the Lower Sixth (to be launched this term as Teddies Collaborates) recognises the benefits to our pupils of the service element of the IB and aims to provide all Sixth Formers with the same invaluable experience of life beyond School. Best advice you’ve ever been given? When I was in Cowell’s we ran a mindfulness course with the Upper Sixth. One of the key pieces of advice I remember was ‘stop and be’, stop being an acronym for ‘stop, take a breath, observe then proceed’. Sometimes it’s good to take a step back from our busy lives and take stock. What book would you take to a desert island? If I were allowed to cheat slightly, I would take a boxed set of all the George Smiley novels by John le Carré. Set against the backdrop of Cold War espionage, you have to keep your wits about you as the plots twist and turn but you are never left disappointed. I’ve never forgotten my first visit behind the Berlin Wall back in 1989.