Mr Jonathan Cook

Life before Stowe

I moved into teaching after a number of years working in commercial property and specialist business appraisal - it seems a different lifetime now. I started teaching in the state sector, but independence is more the natural mindset for an English teacher!

What do you enjoy most about your subject?

As I suggest to students, literature presents us with the carefully crafted responses of some very eloquent minds to something that bothers them deeply. Those things tend to be eternal aspects of the human condition so literature not only impresses us, but warns, inspires, and moves us.

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

The students have a real sense of ownership and pride about their school.

What is your favourite lesson?

I looked at a Graham Greene short story with a Third Form class recently. One of them had a wide-eyed moment of realisation about how the symbolism all worked and what Greene was really discussing. The mental connections happened so massively and simultaneously as the story cane alive, his mouth couldn't form all the necessary words fast enough; priceless. I like lessons that let me get to the words via pictures - it's surprising how often Turner's paintings model exactly what you want people to learn about a poem.

What do others say about you?

Hmm...Lear's example would suggest that asking others how much they love you tends not to end well!

Other hats at Stowe

I am part of the Service @Stowe team, facilitating a group working with a local Primary School - massively worthwhile in both directions.

Passions

I enjoy cycling and also run regularly, completing a half marathon this year.