David Camp – Head of English and Library

Each month, we find out more about a nominated staff member. 

SPOTLIGHT ON … DAVID CAMP

What is your role at Emanuel School? 
Head of English

What roles have you held before that you enjoyed/ led you to this point?
I have mostly taught English here and at other schools. I did enjoy a brief stint as Acting Director of Studies, but I much prefer Head of English!

What inspired you to become a teacher? 
I had some wonderful teachers when I was in High school and they showed me the importance of passion for helping others and for your subject area. As someone who has loved reading and writing for my whole life, I found myself gravitating towards trying to share that passion with others.  

Is there a lesson/s that a student taught you in the past you feel you have carried forward/ currently apply in your teaching or every day life? 
Many students have taught me that we need to look past our preconceptions about others. We don’t know what they’re capable of until they show us. I try to keep that in mind with my students every day.  

Do you have a favourite memory from teaching? 
I have many favourite memories of teaching, from small moments when a student finally ‘gets it’ to helping a student find a passion for reading or writing. A couple of ex-students have connected with me to let me know that their career in writing was inspired by my teaching of English, and those moments are a real joy. It is nice to feel that I have made an impact.  

What are your impressions of Emanuel School? 
I have been here for 15 years and find that Emanuel School is a warm and caring community, filled with people who are looking out for each other. There are so many wonderful teachers here, who always offer to help each other out, not to mention the students and their families. Emanuel to me is a place of caring and nurturing, with a real focus on ensuring students can develop as people, not just in their academics.  

What do you do to unwind/ what do you enjoy doing outside school hours?
 I am an avid reader, of course! I also love to watch movies and play video games. I have been a Crossfitter for 10 years and absolutely love working out (something I never thought I’d say!). Mostly, though, I love to spend time with my family. 

Mr Camp’s family selfie 

What song do you know all the lyrics to? 
Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice – It was the first cassette tape that I owned… 

Do you have a hidden talent and, if so, what is it? 
Not really! I can touch my nose with my tongue – does that count?

What do you wish you could tell your 12- year-old self? 
He was a pretty chill guy, so I don’t think he’d need any life advice. Maybe just remind him to appreciate his youth – it passes way too quickly! 

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
 I think our students need to remember to follow their hearts. They are often led astray by doing what they think they should be doing and forget to ask themselves what they would like to do.

Find the passion within you and work hard at that – then you will find success!

Mr Camp at CrossFit