The Chronicle 682

35 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Michael Bunch What do you do at Teddies and how long have you been here? From September I will be HM of Kendall. I have been at Teddies for five years as a member of the Theology, Philosophy and Ethics Department, and during that time I have been Head of Middle School, run the Badminton Club and supported the Peer Listeners. Tell us a bit about your education and career so far. I moved to Oxford aged 11 when my father became vicar of St Giles and St Margaret’s so I am very much a local of North Oxford! I went to school at Lambrook and Marlborough College, before studying Theology at Durham University. I stayed on at Durham to complete my PGCE then returned to Oxford and taught at St Gregory the Great School for seven years prior to joining Teddies. What made you want to be a Housemaster? From my own time at school I know how much good quality pastoral care can impact a young person’s progress. As strange as it sounds, I think I knew even at the age of 19 that I wanted to be a teacher and have the opportunity to work with pupils and support them in their academic and personal development. What are your ambitions for the boys in Kendall? Kendall already has a culture of care well established. I will seek to continue that, working with the boys to ensure that every member of the House feels at home. Outside of the House, it is my desire to help the boys achieve their full potential in everything they do, whether that be in the classroom, or on the stage or sports pitch. What do you see as the benefits of boarding at a school like Teddies? Boarding allows pupils to learn so much more about themselves and each other! Secondly, pupils get to work with and support each other, irrespective of age, which is a valuable lesson for life. Finally, creating a home environment

Did you enjoy your own schooldays?

at School enriches the pupils’ lives and allows them to take up all the opportunities available. How does the community benefit from being in Oxford? Being in Oxford presents pupils with a range of opportunities, from performing at wonderful venues to attending academic events. Being in a city also allows pupils to stay in touch with the real world and equally importantly visit the shops of Summertown! Name some of the highlights of your Teddies career so far. Being a Tutor in Tilly’s for five years and supporting my tutees was hugely rewarding. On the sporting front, it has been wonderful to see the rise of Badminton over the last few years. Finally, I particularly enjoy the School Steeplechase, when House pride is always fully on show.

Despite a few teenage wobbles I really enjoyed by own school experience. Singing was my passion and I was heavily involved in the musical life of the school for five years. As a result, I had some incredible experiences, developed great friendships and grew in confidence. Best advice you’ve ever been given? I’m not sure one piece of advice stands out, but Matthew Syed’s discussion on failure in ‘Black Box Thinking’ has had an enormous impact on me during my professional career. We all make mistakes; the ability to engage and learn from them can significantly impact the progress we make.