September 15th 2023
Introducing Mr Batchelor, Mr Firth and Mr Stone, as well as Mr Skinner and Mr Corbett
Name: Tom Batchelor
Area in the school you are mainly working in: Year 3 & 4 Academics and Year 3 - 6 Sport
Where were you previously at school / university?
After leaving Moulsford I went to Abingdon School and I have just graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Geography with a Year in Computer Science.
What did you do over the Summer?
I went abroad with my family and friends, as well as summiting Snowdon in torrential rain and a howling gale!
What has changed since you were last here?
Since I left Moulsford the outdoor classrooms, next to the swimming pool have been built, as well as the Pre-Prep which looks like an amazing teaching and learning space. The activities programme has also expanded which is fantastic to see… I remember only having hobbies on a Thursday!
Which teachers most inspired you during your time here?
Mr Weeks - instilled a ‘can do & believe in yourself’ attitude with me and other boys he taught, which has stuck with me since my Moulsford days.
Mr Symonds - My enthusiasm for Geography must have started somewhere!
Do you have any lasting Moulsford memories that you would like to share with us?
There is plenty to choose from! However, one that I will always remember is our unbeaten U9A Rugby season.
What is your main reason for spending time as a JTA during your gap year?
Having left Moulsford a long time ago I still remember the positive influence the JTAs had on my experience at the school. I wanted to emulate this for the current students, supporting them in the classroom and encouraging them with their other interests.
What are you most looking forward to during your time at Moulsford?
I am looking forward to getting to know the boys and witnessing their progression over the academic year. I have also missed Moulsford lunches, so I am looking forward to these too!
What are your plans after Moulsford?
My plan is to travel to Australia and New Zealand - if anyone has any travel tips I’d be more than willing to hear them!
Name: Jamie Firth
Area in the school you are mainly working in: Year 3, Year 4 and Sport
Where were you previously at school / university?
After leaving Moulsford I went to Abingdon School, and left there in July.
What did you do over the Summer?
I went to Finland and Scotland on holiday, and played lots of cricket!
What has changed since you were last here?
The new Pre-Prep has been built and sport has become much more about opportunity rather than always putting out the best teams, as well as there being many more students.
Which teachers most inspired you during your time here?
Mr Noble and Mr English
Do you have any lasting Moulsford memories that you would like to share with us?
The whole of the Summer Term after everyone had finished scholarships or CE in Year 8
What is your main reason for spending time as a JTA during your gap year?
I wanted to have a break from education and to gain some experience before university, and to be able to come back to Moulsford.
What are you most looking forward to during your time at Moulsford?
Helping in the Sports Department, working with all my old teachers and the cricket season!
What are your plans after Moulsford?
To study Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University
Name: Henry Stone
Area in the school you are mainly working in: Year 4 and on the sports pitches
Where were you previously at school / university?
I used to come to school at Moulsford before moving to Bradfield College and completing my A Levels there in the summer.
What did you do over the Summer?
Over the summer I went abroad with family and also with my friends. I also enjoyed spending lots of time out on the river when the weather allowed me to!
What has changed since you were last here?
The new Pre-Prep building over the road is the main change but other than that, there have been a few smaller changes such as staff turnover and classroom upgrades.
Which teachers most inspired you during your time here?
Mr English was one of my favourite teachers during my time as he always managed to make learning enjoyable even if it was last period on Friday. Mr Orgill who has now left was also one of my favourite teachers as he was always fun to be around as he managed to bring lots of humour out to the sports pitches.
Do you have any lasting Moulsford memories that you would like to share with us?
My favourite memory from my time at Moulsford is the Ardeche trip in Year 5, it was one of the most memorable parts of school for me because it was a full week of constant fun travelling down the river in France.
What is your main reason for spending time as a JTA during your gap year?
I enjoyed being at Moulsford so much because of the JTA’s who were there at the time and so firstly I wanted to try and give that experience back to the new students at Moulsford but also because I was wanting to take a short break from full time education, yet staying in a different aspect of full time education!
What are you most looking forward to during your time at Moulsford?
Getting to enjoy this school from a different perspective but also making new friends and playing some good quality staff football on Friday nights.
What are your plans after Moulsford?
After Moulsford I hope to go travelling over the summer around southern America before attending Swansea University for a business degree.
Name: Todd Skinner
Area in the school you are mainly working in: Year 4.
How long have you been at Moulsford?
Nearly three years in February.
What did you do over the Summer?
Played far too much golf and spent time with my family.
What has been your favourite part of working at Moulsford so far?
That every single day is different to the last and I get to try and make a positive difference in young children’s life no matter how small.
What are your long term plans for the future?
I’d like to train to be a teacher and pursue a career in education within the UK.
Name: Ollie Corbett
Area in the school you are mainly working in: Sports Department
How long have you been at Moulsford?
This is my third year working at Moulsford, and I was a pupil here a while a go!
What did you do over the Summer?
I went to Greece to see my brother as well as a cricket tour down to Somerset.
What has been your favourite part of working at Moulsford so far?
Teaching different sports at all levels as well as getting to see the pupils develop through their time at Moulsford!
What are your long term plans for the future?
I would like to become a Sports Coach either in cricket or rugby and run my own sports coaching business. However, before this can take place I am hoping to travel the world!
