SPOTLIGHT – RICK CLARKE
The spotlight falls on our cool, calm and collected Deputy Head, Rick Clarke.
Rick was born and raised in South Africa, and spent much of his teaching career in the UK. Rick has a degree in English and Psychology and cleverly combined his love of literature with working with people. He was a Head of English for 8 years, both in South Africa and in the UK, and before coming to Warminster, he was a Housemaster at Wellington College in Berkshire.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
Just over two years now.
What’s the best thing about your role?
Working with people, solving problems and having a direct impact on the running of a vibrant and exciting place like Warminster School. I love it.
You lead the Prefect Team at Warminster. What makes a good prefect line-up?
A willingness to put others' needs before your own, and a desire to make a difference.
Describe a typical day?
Hmm, tricky. Every day starts the same way, with breakfast and some kitchen dancing with my 7 year old daughter and 2 year old son at 6.30am, and that sets me up perfectly for whatever will come my way, because there is no such thing as a typical day!
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
The people, without a doubt. There is a lovely warm and supportive atmosphere here which we love being a part of.
What would surprise us about you?
I had reconstructive surgery on my face a few years back after an injury on a hockey field.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
Head of Catering. The kitchens here do an amazing job, and I would fascinated to spend some time seeing how Alex Rall pulls it all together.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
For a long time I wanted to be a doctor, but then I realised I wasn’t good enough at Science.
What did your school reports say about you?
When I was in prep school, they said I was energetic, lively and prone to play the class clown! Thankfully I settled down a bit, but the energetic and lively part stayed.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Stop worrying so much about what other people think of you…
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
Just keep swimming – Dory
The unexamined life is not worth living – Socrates
Hidden ambitions still to achieve?
I would like to hike to Anapurna or Everest base camp in Nepal. I nearly made it to Anapurna base camp in 2004, but I got altitude sickness when I was only hours way and had to turn back.
Most treasured possession?
My family – nothing I have is more valuable than them.
Biggest bugbear?
Dangerous driving. It is inexcusable.
Favourite musician/group?
Stevie Wonder and The Killers.
Guilty pleasure?
Monster Munch crisps.
70s disco music.
Signature dish if you were on MasterChef?
I consider myself a bit of a dab hand in the kitchen. My daughter would say my best dish is my spaghetti bolognaise. However, if it was Masterchef, it would have to be rack of lamb with pistachio crust, dauphinoise potatoes and a crisp green salad.
Favourite TV programme?
Hard to choose as I have a number I am enjoying at the moment. BBC1’s ‘Apple Tree Yard’ and Sky’s ‘Fortitude’ are both superb. Compelling viewing.
Last book you read?
‘Albion: the origins of the English Imagination’ by Peter Ackroyd
Last movie watched?
Money Monster.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Tom Cruise, as he’s just about the right height!
Favourite tipple?
Good quality G&T or Aberlour single malt.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa. My parents live there. It is simply beautiful, with spectacular beaches, an amazing tidal lagoon, great restaurants and laid back atmosphere.
Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter – @rickclarke72