Janik van der Merwe

Life before Stowe 

I was born and eductaed in Cape Town, South Africa. I have a very big sporting background and attended SACS from 2013-2017. I did my gap year in 2018 at Bilton Grange Preparatory School in Warwickshire - this made me decide that I would like to pursue a career in Education and sports. I attended Oxford Brookes University from 2019-2022 where I studied Sports Science and Physical Education and was then offered a job at Stowe in 2022 as a sports graduate. This has furthered my passion for working with children and helping them reach their potential. I am currently completing my PGCE/QTS whilst I work at Stowe, with the aspirations of working as a Sports Science teacher and specialist rugby and cricket coach in the future.

What do you enjoy most about your subject? 

Witnessing pupils and young athletes improve their fitness and technique, and understanding important sport specific concepts.. 

What do others say about you? 

I would like to hope that people will say I am incredibly passionate about fitness and sport, someone who has a very warm and bubbly personality and that I am someone who genuinely cares about the well being of others.

Other hats

I am the Under Houseparent for Chatham.