Spencer Leach
Spencer Leach
Director of Sport, Bedales Senior

BSc, Sports Studies, Brunel University
MSc Sport & Exercise Psychology, University of Exeter
PGCE, PE & Geography, University of Exeter

What makes a good teacher at Bedales?

Deeply knowledgeable about their subject (you are likely to have to justify yourself!) but humble enough to know there is always much more to learn. An appreciation that motivation is complex and our skill as a teacher is to try and discover how best to inspire each individual. Someone who enjoys the company of young people, their curiosity and sense of humour. 

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

A lifelong love of being physically active and an appreciation of the physical, social and psychological benefits that this can bring. This might be the thrill of competing and testing yourself, for others it may be developing mastery of a skill or simply exerting yourself and enjoying the sensation.

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

The first half term has been crammed full of sports fixtures and left little time for anything else – but it is amazing what you learn from eavesdropping minibus conversations. I am a tutor to a great group of Block 4 and 5s who have made me feel very welcome.

In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?

The students and the relationships they allow you to build and the beautiful environment the school setting enjoys.

Who or what inspires you?

John Wooden, the great American college basketball coach who enjoyed phenomenal success on the court but always emphasised that success was a lot more than just winning -

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

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

I lived in Rome for two years teaching at St George’s English School.