SPOTLIGHT – JASON HOLT
Spotlight takes a look at our adventurous forest fanatic – Head of Outdoor Pursuits, Jason Holt.
Jason left school to join the Armed Forces, a career that began in the Junior Leaders at Shorncliffe. He seized the opportunity to join the boxing team as well as get stuck into all the adventure training on offer. Jason settled into military life in the Devon and Dorset Regiment a year later, experiencing tours to several countries including the USA and Kenya, before moving to Germany. On returning to the UK he held various jobs within the military, including that of physical training instructor and cadet training, before ending his career in recruiting. On leaving the Army, Jason had a stint working in security, but was lured back to what he does best! Jason joined Warminster in 2012 and has been organising opportunities beyond the classroom ever since. He’s arranged everything from battlefield tours, UK-based bushcraft trips, community and wildlife project trips to Tanzania and marine conservation visits to Cuba. Also included in Jason’s remit is the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's kayak expeditions. In addition to all of this, Jason has also established a successful forest school at Warminster, which is enjoyed by all pupils and staff.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
3 years.
What’s the best thing about your role?
I enjoy teaching a subject that I feel passionate about and giving pupils the opportunity to develop outside the classroom in an environment that for many, is quite alien. The Forest School, trips and the likes of the CCF, provide a life experience that they can hopefully use in the future. My role enables me to set up and organise events and also make use of the Forest School with all the various year groups from the youngest, to the oldest pupils at Warminster. This facility has not only allowed the usual activities to take place, but also affords teaching staff to think outside the box and use the forest to combine the educational syllabus, in a fun and different learning environment. I also get to be a big kid and play with lots of cool stuff!
Describe a typical day?
The great thing about my job is that I don’t have a typical day and I’m always looking at other ways of changing the subjects and elements I teach.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
The School has a great feeling about it. With a friendly working and learning environment it gives all pupils the opportunity to develop their full potential.
What would surprise us about you?
I was a heavy metal fan whilst at school and loved to go to the Monsters of Rock Festival every year.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A soldier or a farmer.
What did your school reports say about you?
Jason needs to concentrate in the classroom as much as he does when he is outside.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Don’t believe the recruiting sergeant when he says “Join the Infantry, it’s easy to transfer to the Military Police from there”.
Biggest bugbear?
People who think they are right all the time!
Favourite musician/group?
AC/DC.
Guilty pleasure?
I never feel guilty, life is too short.
If you were on Masterchef what would your signature dish be?
Mixed seafood with squid ink pasta.
Last book you read?
Sharpe's Eagle by Bernard Cornwall. The story is set in July 1809 at the Battle of Talavera during the Peninsular War.
Last movie watched?
The Revenant.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Daniel Craig – if he beefed up a bit!
Favourite tipple?
Definitely a gin and tonic.
Favourite place/city in the world and why?
Arizona. I always wanted to move there and become a cowboy.
Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook.
We are delighted to announce that Jason has been nominated as one of the finalists for the first ever School Trip Champion Award.
The School Trip Champion Award is set to be one of the highlights of the School Travel Awards. It’s been designed to recognise an individual who goes above and beyond when it comes to delivering school trips and learning outside the classroom.
If you think our very own 'Daniel Craig' deserves to win this accolade, which comes with a £1,000 prize for the winner’s school to spend on a school trip of their choice, please vote for him here.