Rhubarb 2024

An interview with JAMES MACDONALD SMITH (Sing’s, 1981-1985) President of the OSE Society

INTERVIEW

J ames was a pupil at Teddies between 1981 and 1985 and reengaged with the School in 2011 when he attended an Open Morning with his daughter Annabel, (Corfe 2014-2019), subsequently becoming a parent at Teddies. committee, becoming President in 2023.As well as working as a financial advisor, he is studying for an Honours degree in Philosophy with Psychological Studies. He has just qualified as a Rock Climbing Instructor and Mountain Leader. Earlier this year, he ran the London Marathon, completing it 25 minutes faster than his previous time, 10 years ago. Here, we talk to James about what he has been up to, his love for all things Rhubarb and his plans for the OSE Society. Congratulations - you have had a busy year.Tell us about the degree you are working on. I have just started my fifth and penultimate year studying for a BA Hons degree in Philosophy with Psychological Studies through the Open University. It’s all remote learning, which has its challenges, but I find the subjects fascinating. If you had He joined the Friends, the parents’ committee, in 2014 and then the OSE

told my 22-year-old self I would be choosing to go back to essay writing and study deadlines, I’m not sure I would have believed it, although I’m still pushing deadlines to the absolute max, and I’m the master of requesting extensions! I was always science-focused at school. I intended to study medicine after Teddies, but unfortunately my laid-back approach to learning at the time and generally having too much fun (and freedom) led to poor grades – maybe that is one of the reasons I have gone back to study now. You have also recently qualified as a Rock Climbing Instructor and Mountain Leader. Where did your love of climbing come from ? I’ve always liked the mountains and moorland. I find them relaxing and I like the physical challenge, a contrast to working in the City. I recently spent a week climbing in Chamonix – one of my favorite places – with Climb2Recovery, for which I also raised money running the Marathon.The charity supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick veterans through climbing.

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