Chris Bott
Chris Bott
Teacher of History and Houseparent, Bedales Senior

BA (Hons) History, University College London
PGCE (History), Institute of Education

What makes a good teacher at Bedales? 

Self-awareness, the ability to engage with and empathise with young people and the recognition that you will have to justify everything to the pupils, but most importantly an enthusiasm and interest not just in your own subject but everything the school offers.

What are you trying to encourage and instil in your pupils?

A love of reading, questioning and healthy scepticism about the world and the drive to succeed in it.

Apart from your teaching role, what else do you get involved with at the school?

As Boys' Flat Housemaster I am responsible for the welfare and well-being of the boys who board in the school and this occupies most of my time. I also run a film club, a hockey activity, cricket nets, take hockey and cricket in games, do outdoor work, am a member of the Staff Welfare Committee and go on the Battlefields visit each year.

In your opinion, what makes Bedales?

The rural setting, the informality and mutual respect, the relationships and the fact that the school still manages to put the child first.

What is your best memory of Bedales?

Ullswater 2007 – camping in a marsh with ten Block 3s in a proper deluge and not one complaint all night, every leaves taking and the staff children’s annual Christmas party that is thrown by 6.2.

Who or what inspires you?

Sir Stamford Raffles.

Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.

I once recorded a Christmas single at prep school.