The Chronicle, Summer 2019

26 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Celia Hodgson OSE

Dr Jonathan Burbidge What will you be doing at Teddies from September? ​I will be Housemaster of Sing’s, and teaching Geography and Classical Civilisation. Tell us a bit about your career so far. ​Having worked in the City after leaving Durham, I moved to the USA to train as a teacher. After qualifying, I chose to fulfil a personal goal and pursue a PhD, staying in the US for a further few years. On moving back to the UK I began work teaching Geography at North London Collegiate School, where I enjoyed a wonderful two years. Following that I moved to Dulwich College, where my wife worked as a Chemistry teacher. Whilst at Dulwich I have spent the last three years teaching Geography, working as an Assistant Housemaster, and coaching both rugby and cricket teams.  Tell us about your family.  ​My wife Lizzy is a Chemistry teacher currently working at Emmanuel School in Clapham. On June 13th our family grew to three people with the arrival of William, so we are currently operating on rationed sleep! What made you want to work at Teddies? ​I work with several OSE who have always spoken with warmth about their old school, and having visited and got a flavour of the atmosphere I can say that it seems like the perfect place to move up a gear professionally and settle as a family. What are you most looking forward to in your new role? ​Meeting everyone and getting to know the boys. What other areas of school life will you be involved in? ​I am hoping to get involved with the sports, preferably coaching some rugby (I am currently nursing my playing career into old age!), and perhaps helping out with swimming.  What are you looking forward to about being in Oxford? ​Walking the dog in Port Meadow. Getting to know the city properly, and having the odd “quick” drink in the Bicycle Shed.  Did you enjoy your schooldays? ​I had a wonderful time at school. I was a full boarder in Wargrave House at Eastbourne College. I had a spell of homesickness in my first year, but after that the friendships and fun meant I didn’t want to be anywhere else.  Naughtiest thing you did at school? ​Among other things, my friends and I were avid explorers of the Victorian rooftops of the boarding house - making sure to leave our names scratched into the brickwork. VERY silly behaviour!  Best advice you’ve ever been given? Asking for help and apologising are often misconstrued as weakness, but are in fact signs of strength.  Which book would you take to a desert island?  Waterlog by Roger Deakin.