Simon Gabbatiss
Department
I C T
Qualifications
BSc Oxford Brookes
Contact information
Telephone: +44 (0)1280 818325
Email: sgabbatiss@stowe.co.uk
Life before Stowe
I did quite a lot before Stowe! I began life working in the Printing industry. In the ‘80s I joined Linotype, the market leader in typesetting systems, as an Applications Specialist. After three years in Cheltenham I began to work out of the company’s flagship headquarters in West London, where I ran the product showroom. My nine years with Linotype included several enjoyable foreign trips to Australia, America and various parts of Europe. In the early ‘90s I worked as a Sales Executive selling computerized publishing systems into the Printing and Graphic Arts industry. During this eight year period, I witnessed the enormous changes throughout the industry, including the advent of computer to plate technologies. I then decided to change direction completely. I had always enjoyed the training aspect of my work, and so decided to retrain as a teacher. My wife supported me through a degree in Information Systems and Education at Oxford Brookes University, and then a PGCE. This led to my first teaching post at The Henley College, where I became Subject Leader for A Level ICT, and then to Stowe.
What do you enjoy most about your subject?
Being involved in ICT keeps you on your toes because of the changes in technology. Nothing ever stands still. There is always the challenge of keeping up with the technology as well as planning interesting lessons with varied activities.
What is your favourite Lesson?
Sometimes it is the Stoics who aren’t high fliers in the traditional academic subjects who show the most flair for the subject. Favourite lessons are those where the whole group is fully engaged for the entire lesson, and show me they have learnt something at the end!
What do others say about you?
An approachable member of staff who is wearing well for his age (?!).