Mr Stephen Whitby

Life before Stowe

I studied Engineering at Kingston University and loved investigating problems and then trying to solve them. I have worked in retail management and for the motorsport companies Bridgestone and Pirelli on the British and World superbike series. Traveling around the country and the world has left me with great memories. I have worked as a mechanic at the Isle of Mann TT motorcycle races which was both thrilling and terrifying!

What do you enjoy most about your subject?

It's great fun, isn’t it?? I really enjoy exploring a pupil’s creative side. This may be coming up with alternative products for ‘Bricky’ (ask the pupils) or drawing aliens! If I can help the Stoics realise that sideways thinking is the pathway to a richer more creative solution, then we are winning!

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

For me, it’s the ability to get to know the Stoics in far greater depth. In my previous schools the pupils all go home in the evenings. We have so much more time to explore, learn and grow. With the mix of day and boarding, I can build up relationships that weren’t possible in the past.

What is your favourite lesson?

I enjoy having fun, so playing word games to enhance understanding or being creative and designing would be my favourites.

What do others say about you?

If they can get a word in, I’d hope they’d say I care about the individual and am committed to the pupils' wellbeing.

Other hats at Stowe

Pastoral care has always been a passion of mine and I enjoy helping the boys in House to solve issues and find the role both stimulating and challenging. I recently completed the BSA Certificate in Boarding Practice. I lead the CCF (RAF) section and run the Stowe Trials Motorcycle club. Within the Design department I have worked with a group of pupils to recommission a classic Mini and am about to start a custom build, turning a Honda PY50 into something individual.

Passions

I enjoy learning and am currently reading for an MPhil in Educational Leadership & Improvement at St Edmunds College, Cambridge.

My family! Both Clara and Elsa are part of The Stowe Group and my wife Meike is very much involved.

I am a keen road cyclist and raced once in Albi, France as part of the Great Britain Masters team. I can often be found making a racket on a Sunday morning riding one of the School's Gas Gas trials motorbikes! I play golf, getting down to a 12 handicap when 16, although I'd like around 18 now! I rowed through university and Captained the boat squad in my final year. I have been known to play the odd game of cricket, but this may have been during the last century!

I also have a passion for aviation and am a member of the Shuttleworth Veteran Airplane Society, a wonderful museum in Bedfordshire.