The Chronicle, Summer Term 2017

17 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Andrew Grounds What do you do atTeddies and how long have you been here? I am currently Head of Middle School (Fourth and Fifth Forms), Master in Charge of Rugby and a Maths teacher but in September I will become Housemaster of Tilly’s. This is my seventh year at the school. Where were you before? I was previously at Bedford Modern School as Head of House and Deputy in the Maths Department. Where did you study? I took my A Levels at Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in Essex, my degree in Mathematics and Management Studies at Brunel University, a PGCE at the University of Bedfordshire and a MSc in Learning and Teaching at Kellogg College, Oxford. What school activities are you involved in? I am mainly involved in the rugby programme here at St Edwards as Master in Charge. I have also been Master in Charge of Squash and helped coach the 3rd XI at cricket. What do you like about working atTeddies? I enjoy the normality of the place. Pupils and staff have positive relationships with each other and the Common Room is a real strength of the School. What do you like about living in Oxford? I enjoy the balance of the historic buildings, the beautiful scenery when going for a walk across Port Meadow and the My wife, Emma, works in the Development Office. We have two young boys Elliott, 7, and William, 6, and a dog, Tinky. What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy spending time with my family, playing and watching sports, including rugby, squash and football, watching films and listening to podcasts. What made you want to be a Housemaster? I enjoy building positive relationships with pupils, creating a strong team culture and seeing their growth from Shells into young adults ready for the outside world. Did you enjoy your schooldays? On the whole, yes; I used to get in trouble with my French teacher on a regular basis due to my love for watching Sharpe . What was the naughtiest thing you did at school? We used to hide inside the CDT work-tops and then tell the teacher that the invisible pupils had just walked out of the lesson. It was like a Benny Hill sketch. Best advice you’ve ever been given? Always look at yourself in the mirror first before you blame others. facilities a city can provide. Tell us about your family.