The People Behind Ipswich High School – Mr Aaron Wheatley
At Ipswich High School, each week we will focus on celebrating one member of our community. This initiative will highlight the diverse contributions of both teaching and support staff, offering students, parents and colleagues a deeper appreciation for the people who make the school flourish. This week, we learn more about Mr Aaron Wheatley, who is our Head of History and Politics at Ipswich High School.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT IHS?
I’m now into my second year at IHS.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN THE IHS COMMUNITY?
My decision to join the IHS community was motivated by a desire to contribute to the school’s ongoing legacy. I have always been aware of the school and its prestige – the opportunity to work here was too good an opportunity to turn down.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT IHS?
I genuinely love pulling/cycling/running into the school’s driveway each morning. I work with a fantastic staff body and an equally fantastic student body. I am thoroughly grateful, every day.
TELL US ABOUT A PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS STORY THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF?
I find it difficult to speak about ‘success stories’ but I am always thrilled to see how well young people engage with the past and with current politics. It fills me with optimism for the future.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM WORKING AT IHS?
I have several favourite memories already. Difficult to pick one – and so, I’d probably say that taking our pupils to conference at the Model United Nations events that we’ve done and seeing them engage as well as they have done, has been a particular highlight for me.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?
If I’m not at home with my young family, I’ll be pounding the running trails or riding my bike. Bizarrely, I enjoy pushing myself to my physical and mental limits (weird, I know).
WHAT IS A DREAM THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE COME TRUE ONE DAY?
I dream that one day I will have a pupil who I once taught, working either for the UN or in British politics.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AT IHS?
I am looking forward to seeing our pupils flourish and head onward to Further Education, hopefully pursuing a career in a history or politics-related field.
WISE WORDS: IS THERE A QUOTE OR SAYING YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE BY?
Be interested in everything, all the time!
YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL:
History (and PE).
WHAT TYPE OF BOOKS/MOVIES DO YOU ENJOY?
I love historical and non-fiction books and films.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH AT IHS?
Mac & Cheese
