James Peppiatt
Department
English
Qualifications
MA Edinburgh
Contact information
Telephone: +44 (0)1280 818151
Email: jpeppiatt@stowe.co.uk
Life before Stowe
On leaving Edinburgh University in 1996, I went to Guildford Law School for two years and then spent four years in the City as a commercial contracts solicitor. While I enjoyed the work (and the money….) I decided that my real passion lay in English Literature. I therefore took a PGCE course in 2003-2004, and taught at Ibstock Place School in Richmond for five years. I’ve hugely enjoyed every aspect of English teaching, and haven’t looked back since leaving the City.
What do you enjoy most about your subject?
The fact that it’s so open-ended – there really is no right or wrong answer, and this can stimulate some fascinating (if at times bizarre…) responses from pupils at all age levels. I also love the fact that English Literature exposes you to so many aspects of the curriculum and life in general – a thorough interpretation of a text means you will need to consider not only the language, but other areas such as the political, historical, religious and social context as well.
What do you enjoy most about Stowe?
The space and tranquillity – it’s a far cry from the hectic, claustrophobic world of London. I also think the pupils are fantastic – they are confident, inquisitive and polite.
What is your favourite Lesson?
Has to be teaching The Great Gatsby at AS – the novel is a personal favourite of mine, and I am a great fan of F Scott Fitzgerald’s style of writing and modern American literature in general.
What do others say about you?
I hope the pupils I teach would say that I am strict when required, but also approachable, and that I make English both accessible and challenging as a subject. It would be nice if they thought I had a good sense of humour too, but I fear that might be a bridge too far…..
Other hats
I currently run the Chess Club and the Debating Society, which aims to meet once a week. I am also involved with the CCF, taking part in weekly activities and termly Field Days. From September 2012, I shall be relinquishing my role as Head of English to take on the Housemastership of Cobham House, which my wife and I look forward to with great excitement (and a little trepidation!).
Passions
Church, family, hill-walking, golf and fly-fishing, although the order varies depending upon the time of year. I have three small children, who keep me both active and exhausted, and love to catch up with them in the holidays. My wife and I see our Christian faith as important, and we try and keep this at the heart of our daily life. I also enjoy drinking fine wine, on the rare occasions I can afford to get my hands on it…