James returns to Hymers

We welcome back James Windeatt to Hymers as Lead Teacher of BTEC Sport, Director of Cricket and teacher of PE and Games.
James studied at Hymers College from 1991 until 2001 before returning in September.

What do you remember of being a student at Hymers?

I have fond memories of my time at Hymers. From the early years of the Junior School, playing football and cross country with Mr Gibson, to swimming competitions and lessons with Mr Glenville and Mr Raspin. I had Mrs Sinkler and Mr Taylor as my class teachers, and I really did enjoy their lessons. The trip to Normandy in the Junior School was a highlight, although I didn't particularly enjoy the additional French lessons we had to do before bed time!

Moving into the senior school, I must say that I enjoyed my experiences out of the classroom, although Mr "DJ" Thompson (Physics) was one of the most inspirational teachers I had. Mr "Sid" Nicholls was a major influence in me playing cricket outside of school as he introduced me to Old Hymerians Cricket Club, and I am proud of my achievements since, representing the county, Devon U21s and playing the highest level of cricket in the region.

As I moved through the senior school, we had great fortune on the rugby field with Mr "Fitzy" Fitzpatrick, Mr Guy, Mr "Billy" Exley and Mr "Stevie" Walmsley playing key roles in that. Several of my year group went on to represent Yorkshire and North England which helped our team massively.

We had an extremely successful number of years as a tennis team, led by Mr Taylor and latterly Stevie, where we were Yorkshire and North of England champions, finishing in the top 4 at the Nationals. I took great pride in captaining the 1st XI cricket team, becoming the first team for over a decade to beat the MCC.

The absolute highlight for me however was the 1999 Sports Tour to Barbados. I was just 15 years old, representing the 1st XI and managing to be the highest run scorer against some Bajans, including Tino Best and Fidel Edwards, who went on to represent the West Indies, something I haven't forgotten. The experiences and life memories from that trip are priceless and I encourage any student from the school to experience trips with their peers.

I was also fortunate to be able to travel to Sunday River in Maine on a ski trip. I had never skied before so it was a bit daunting having to trek across a mountain with the teachers on the first afternoon and attempt to ski in tandem with a partner down what seemed a black run with moguls! I am not sure we would get away with that these days, but the memories from this trip with my best mates from the school was again, amazing.

What did you do after leaving school?

I gained an unconditional offer to study Chemistry (don't ask me why - maybe Mr Sutton's influence) at Loughborough University, much to the shock of Mr Bell. I enjoyed two years of fantastic sport in cricket, water polo and intermural football before having to return back to Hull unfortunately, following illness with viral meningitis - maybe a blessing in disguise as I didn't particularly enjoy my Chemistry course!

From there, I went on to study Sports Science at Hull University gaining a 1st class honours. I then completed my Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) through Malet Lambert School (a bit of an eye opener to teaching in the early 2000's!) before taking on a PE and Sports teaching role at Hull Collegiate School (Tranby). I enjoyed nearly 17 years at the school leading sports tours and ski trips all over the world including Switzerland, Barbados and Sri Lanka, as well as progressing through Heads of Year to Head of Sixth Form for the past 4 years. In my time at the school, I completed my MA in Educational Leadership and Management (with distinction) and also successfully gained my NPQSL.

Sporting wise, after leaving Hymers, I have represented the county in cricket, swimming and water polo. Latterly I have enjoyed a number of years playing cricket for Welton.

What is your role at Hymers College?

We have introduced Level 3 BTEC Sport into the Sixth Form curriculum this year. I am leading this at Hymers College, having previously been responsible for introducing and driving the BTEC in my former role, where as a department we achieved incredible success.

I have also joined the PE and Games department, teaching across all key stages in the Senior School, as well as A Level PE. I currently take the U13 rugby team and am looking forward to coaching the senior cricket in the summer term. It is also very refreshing to go back to being a form tutor (after 10 years without having my own form) for 9D.

I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take on the role of Director of Cricket, a sport I am extremely passionate about. I have been fortunate to have played local and representative cricket to the highest league in the area for a number of years and I am looking forward to not only help to develop the skills of the children and young adults at the school but also share on my experiences in the game. My aim is to raise the level of cricket at the school which I was lucky to play, as well as providing opportunities for regional, national and international competitions and tours for all age groups.

What are your memories of former teachers who are now your colleagues?

It is amazing that there are still a number of teachers who taught me all those years ago (although I am sure they won't want to be reminded that it was at least 22 years since they taught me) as well as cleaning, ground (Graham and Anthony) and clerical staff (Mrs Thompson).

With regards to teaching staff, there is Mr Hickman in the maths department who I was extremely grateful for in helping me achieve top grade at GCSE, although A Level was a little bit more difficult! Mr Quick (music), Mr Gaynor-Smith (Sixth Form), Mr McTeare (Sixth Form), Miss May (taught me English) and then junior staff in Mrs Exley and Mrs Walmsley. My wife (Kaysie née Howes), sister (Claire) and brother-in-law (David Howes) are also Old Hymerians, and several staff have asked after them and remember teaching them.

I have a number of fond memories of trips and sporting successes with "Stevie" as previously mentioned, but also our away fixtures on Saturday mornings. It would be a regular theme that on the return trip, Stevie would love to get on the mic and blast out "Time flies by when you're the driver of the train". That used to get the whole bus chanting and banging on the windows! I am certainly looking forward to my first "away day" with him and hearing that again on the coach!

How does it feel to be back at the school?

I feel incredibly proud to be back teaching at the school that gave me so much opportunity, not just academically but also allowed me to learn life lessons, which I know sounds a bit cliché. A number of staff have asked me how it feels to be back, and although there has been a lot of investment and change, it does in a strange way feel like I've never been away!

Although perhaps not always feeling it at the time, I have learnt to appreciate exactly how lucky I was to be a student here at Hymers College; to be provided with the countless opportunities to represent the school at sport and on trips. Unforgettable memories which I am ever so grateful for.

It is fantastic to also see the number of Old Hymerians working at the school in an array of capacities.