Introducing: Orchard House

Apologies for this being a little late in the term; if you don't know who's in charge of Orchard House by now then there may be a distinct lack of communication from our end! But I thought I would just do a little informal introduction of those people you should know and hopefully be seeing from time to time; Also to help me - of course I have lived on site for 5 years now with Mr Curtis, but I don't have anything directly to do with the house so all this is welcome stuff!

Housemaster - Richard Curtis

Richard took overall responsibility for Orchard House in September . He lives at 2 Rose Garden with his wife, Rosie, and their two sons, Jack, 2 and Billy 8 months. He also has a very friendly white Staffy called Jessie. He has fulfilled a variety of academic and pastoral roles at Shiplake since arriving in 2006 and also has twenty-five years of teaching experience behind him. He is also Head of Mathematics at the Shiplake College.

Assistant Housemaster - Doug Seymour

Head of House - Ollie Smith

This is my final year at school before I go off into the big wide world. Although I've spent my whole school life wishing I didn't have school, I must admit I know I will miss it once I've left. I am currently studying Media, Biology and Theatre Studies.

I'm hoping to have a year out before continuing my education at University, where I want to study wildlife conservation. On my year out I want to travel round the world hopefully going to Madagascar for a while where I can actively follow my dream of becoming a wildlife photographer. 

I am currently involved in the College production of Coram Boy, which we will be performing a before we break up Christmas.

Chapel Warden - Zahra Govani

I’m currently in year 13 and am a chapel warden for Orchard House. I’m studying French, Music and History – and hope to read Law with French Law at University. Being a singer and musician, Orchard is a great house as it’s quite musical and we always win the House Music Events. Also, the house is really welcoming (the girls’ house is separate) and there is lively, yet close-knit atmosphere.

 

Mr Seymour has been the Assistant Housemaster for the past twelve months. He is married to Charmaine and is also a father of two boys, Dennison, 4 and Gabriel 18 months. Originally from Durban, South Africa, Mr Seymour loves the outdoors and coaching sport; rugby and cricket are his areas of expertise. Doug's specialist subject is English and he will also be in charge of that department for the forthcoming year.

House Matron - Jane Burtt

Mrs Jane Burtt plays an integral role in the running of Shiplake College. Not only a long serving and much loved Matron for many years, she is also the College’s Domestic Bursar, helping sort out staff accommodation, fixtures and fittings. She has an office in the House which is often full of boys at break and lunchtime; a measure of the affection in which she is held. She is on duty in Orchard from 0810-1400 Monday to Friday and 1030-1200 on Saturdays. Jane is there to provide care and concern as well as the odd piece of spare games kit whenever the necessity arises. She also keeps the boys fed with extra chocolate spread, jam and a small tuck shop. Fanatical about cricket, Jane is a key member of Harpsden Cricket Club.  In addition, she sings in both her church and the College’s choirs and we often hear her in fine voice practising in the corridors of Orchard House…

House Football 2011 - now this is serious competition!