Your full name:

Robin Andrew Kemp

Where did you grow up?

Bedfordshire.

Education:

I attended Bedford Modern School and then St John’s College, Cambridge to read History. After a three-year degree, I completed a MPhil in Modern European History, before training to be a History Teacher.

Your previous role and place of work:

For the past four years, I was Deputy Headteacher at Moulsham High School in Chelmsford, focussing on the academic life of the school. Before that, I was a Deputy Headteacher in Suffolk.

What are you most looking forward to about your new role and working at King’s Ely?

I am excited to become a part of a close-knit community, and to help bring the best out of some wonderful, talented students. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Similar to many children (my two included!), I dreamt of playing professional sport: a professional footballer, then cricketer. But, having accepted the limits of my talent, I really always wanted to teach. I loved school – its routines, rhythms, and its community, and I want other children to have a similar positive experience to mine.

Hobbies/interests outside of school:

Sport was my focal point growing up, and I was lucky to play cricket for Cambridge University. Nowadays, I am mostly watching from the sidelines, and have, fortunately, passed my passion on to my daughters. I did, however, begin playing cricket again last summer, after a ten-year hiatus. 

Any pets?

One dog – a Labrador/Retriever cross. 

What is your favourite meal/food?

Any type of Thai curry.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?  

Flight, I suppose. I have always loved aerial maps to understand the geography of my surroundings.

Who is your hero?  

Of all figures from history, I hugely admire Franklin D Roosevelt. I know that any politician will have a chequered past, but his sheer determination not to be defined by disability is inspiring. You do not have to be a president to be heroic, however. Spoiler-alert, but one of my favourite assemblies is about August Landmesser (look him up). Ordinary people can be heroic through their day-to-day actions too.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My family.

What was the last book you read?

Victory in Australia, The Remarkable Story of England’s Greatest Ashes Triumph, 1954-55 by Richard Whitehead. I am not normally one for sports books or biographies, but this book said as much about the post-war social history of Britain and Australia, and was engaging from the start.

What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke?  

I would try to avoid it! Nearly two decades of teaching have eroded what singing voice I once had. But, if pushed, I might opt for The Gambler by Kenny Rogers. Country music can mask a lack of vocal talent, and there is more philosophy to the lyrics than meets the eye. 

What is your favourite film?  

The Pianist. Not an easy watch, but unforgettably moving whenever you do.

Do you have any phobias or fears?

Not that I am aware of! 

If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?  

This is a particularly tricky one for a History Teacher, so please excuse the essay... Firstly, FDR (see above), and I also think he would be good fun. As a historian, I am drawn to controversial figures, whose characters are open to interpretation. I am fascinated by Cromwells, both Thomas (1485-1540) and Oliver (1599-1658), but I am not sure either would be great company. So, I will opt instead for Richard II, subject of my favourite Shakespeare history. I would also invite journalist Nellie Bly (1864-1922), who travelled around the world in 72 days in 1889-90, as I have always loved travel shows, having watched Michael Palin religiously as a child. Finally, David Olusoga, historian, whose TV work I enjoy, as I would like to talk afterwards about what he thought of the other guests.

Name three things you would want with you if you were stranded on a desert island for a week:

I completed my Gold DofE Expeditions, so I feel I could survive a week (assuming some shelter, fresh water, and vegetation to eat!). In terms of ‘luxuries’, a pen and paper would be important, because I tend to think best when writing. A wind-up radio for long-wave Radio 4, including Test Match Special, would also be nice.