Wing House

Paul Coates– Houseparent

I came to Sidcot in 1996, as Housemaster of Wing House, to teach Geography and IT. Mikki, my wife, initially was Matron of Wing and on becoming a teacher in the Junior Department became Deputy Head of Wing House in September 1998. Our three children, Victoria, Emily and Sam have all attended Sidcot School.

Prior to coming to Sidcot I taught Geography, to International Baccalaureate Level and PE at the United World College for South East Asia, one of the premier Schools in Asia, based in Singapore. I was Housemaster for a middle school boarding house of 70 Boys between 13 and 16 years old, from 15 different nations. 

From 1981 to 1985 I taught in Papua New Guinea, working in two Government High Schools in the Sepik Provinces. I was the Senior Subject master teaching Social Sciences and Mathematics. Mikki was Head of Girls Boarding at Aitape High School prior to taking on the role of Head of the Wewak International Pre-School.

I think that the job of Houseparent is one of the most enjoyable roles in a School such as Sidcot. Although very demanding, it provides considerable opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. Essentially you must support, listen and advise the pupils as they go through the “difficult” teenage years, encouraging them whenever and wherever possible. It is with enormous pride that you watch young people growing up into fine young adults who are ready to take on the different challenges that face them beyond the school environment, and always a delight to hear news of the successes of former pupils.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of working in Sidcot is the international flavour, the mix of cultures. Having a mixed House Team helps this enormously, whether it be Mikki or I, with our overseas experience, or Sally Bayley, our Matron, with her wonderful ability to be always objective or with the variety of overseas staff we have had in Wing.

I really enjoy listening to the overseas pupils discussing the differences between cultures and the challenges that are created; there are so many things that we all have still to learn about each other - dress, language, food, music being just a few. Young peoples’ culture has changed considerably over the past 20 years and I hope that trying to keep pace with these changes keeps me young!

Naturally I hope that Wing House offers a lot to the boys in our care. After learning to live with each other and handle each other’s idiosyncrasies, hopefully the boys grasp the opportunities we offer in their quest to become confident, caring young adults, who can make a difference. I like to think that a pupil in Wing House can develop a sense of humour and tries not to be self important or pompous.

Wing House has a reputation for having an awareness of those less fortunate than us; we raised over £200 for various charities in 2006. We encourage our boys to be actively involved in school life, many take part in the school’s excellent Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and we expect involvement in school events such as the Wessex Walk, Children in Need and Comic Relief. Our Christmas parties are second to none and the “Wednesday Night is Supper Night” when Mikki makes a special treat for the boys, is always looked upon as a highlight.

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