Paul Thompson

Life before Stowe

I began my teaching career in 2003 at Mount Albert Grammar School (MAGS) in New Zealand. There I taught physics and electronics to all levels. I was also heavily involved in the hockey programme, coaching the 2nd XI. I left MAGS at the end of 2009 on a year’s leave so that I could work in England and spend a year travelling, before going back. I started a teaching job in England in 2010 where I became Head of Physics and met my wife. Clearly plans have changed and I decided to stay in England since moving on from my previous post to teach Physics at Stowe.

What do you enjoy most about your subject?

I enjoy the way Physics can be used to explain everyday situations and to introduce new more abstract possibilities. To quote an ex-student ”it explains the universe in a fairly rigorous fashion”. 

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

The environment around Stowe and the opportunities available to Stoics.

What is your favourite Lesson?

I have lots of favourites, any lesson that excites or ignites the imagination of students.  Subjects that expand understanding like quantum and particle physics or subjects like Newton’s laws of motion that allow students to explain what happens around them every day.

What do others say about you?

Imaginative, creative and hopefully other good things.

Other hats

Hockey coach, DoE leader, Fifth Form Tutor in Cobham and MiC of Robotics.

Passions

Family life, the outdoors (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking), playing and coaching hockey, motorcycling, drawing/painting, woodwork and building.