Mr James Peppiatt

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 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 pupils I work with – they are courteous, inquisitive and confident, but without any air of arrogance or entitlement.  They are also an extremely diverse bunch in terms or talents and interests, which makes every day stimulating!

What is your favourite Lesson?

Has to be teaching The Great Gatsby at  A Level – 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 am the Houseparent for Winton, the boys’ Day House, and assist with cricket coaching, golf and fishing.

Passions

I enjoy any and all outdoor pursuits and sports, including fly-fishing, running, cricket and skiing, and am also an avid supporter of Northampton Saints rugby club. I am married to Jo and we have three children, Barnaby, Olivia and Flora, who are all, or have been, at Stowe. We also have three dogs, Rocket, Digby and Gus, who are a great stress relief after a long day of teaching!