A chemist who's fizzing with enthusiasm

Our new head of chemistry, Chris Shortman, considers himself lucky to be alive and hopes he can inspire students at RGS, just as his old chemistry teacher inspired him

Q: What attracted you to apply to RGS?

I wanted to take the next step in my teaching career and found RGS one of the very few schools that still had heads of subject within science, something I have always valued. I was also impressed by how well-rounded RGS students are – they are committed to their education and work hard but also recognise the importance of enrichment outside the classroom.

Q: What was your previous job?

I was an assistant curriculum leader for science at another school. I also took a temporary position as head of science at this school and acquired a real thirst for leadership.

Q: What inspired you to go into teaching?

I was always fascinated by chemistry but struggled with my confidence around the subject at GCSE and A-level. My chemistry teacher was so supportive and approachable, and made me believe I could do anything if I had a genuine interest in it. She worked incredibly hard with me so I could study chemistry at university. I completely owe my master’s degree to her! The legacy teachers leave, and the impact they can have makes for a very rewarding career. I hope that I can do the same for my students.

Q: What is the best/worst bit about the job?

Best: When students get those ‘Eureka!’ moments in lessons and everything clicks. Also, just talking about my subject with an audience which listens (most of the time!)

Worst: It’s difficult to ‘shut off’ from the job. There’s always something more you could be doing for the students, which can feel overwhelming at times. It’s important to get the balance right.

Q: What was your first impression of the staff and students at RGS?

Staff: Incredibly supportive and helpful. Also, very sociable! Couldn’t have asked for any more really!

Students: Delightful and enthusiastic. They say ‘thank you’ in abundance, which I really value.

Q: How does the environment compare to your previous workplace?

It is a similar environment – one of the reasons I applied for the job.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face?

Taking over such a well-established, successful department and learning how to sustain this reputation.

Q: How would you describe the RGS school community in three words?

Supportive, caring and professional.

Q: Who or what inspired you when you were at school?

My chemistry teacher (as mentioned earlier) and all the awesome demonstrations/explosions she performed!

Q: What subject did you struggle with at school and how did you overcome this?

I remember finding maths challenging and I never really overcame this until I had to apply it to understand aspects of physical chemistry (such as quantum mechanics) in my degree. Only then did my confidence grow in it, and discovered I wasn’t too bad. I didn’t see the value in maths until I applied it to things I was interested in.

Q: What do you do to relax in your spare time?

In terms of keeping active, I hike regularly, go to the gym and I am a member of a squash club.

I also love to cook (baking in particular).

I am quite keen to take up cycling this summer too.

Q: What is your favourite TV programme/book/record?

TV programme: Breaking bad or the Office (US). Can’t decide.

Book: Dracula – Bram Stoker

Record: Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend

Q: What would be your ideal holiday?

An all-round US road trip to see as many states as I could.

Q: What would you choose for your last supper?

Pork and halloumi gyros, lemon potatoes and an Oreo milkshake.

Q: What would you have done if you hadn’t become a teacher?

Most likely research or working for a pharmaceutical company.

Q: What are your ambitions for the future?

I am not entirely sure – I am very happy with how things are but always keen to try new things or challenge myself. When I don’t feel challenged, I know I need to step up and explore what’s out there.

Q: Tell us something about yourself which might surprise people

I had a catastrophic accident a week before my GCSE exams. I jumped through a patio door (thinking it was open!) and suffered a near-fatal blow to the leg, resulting in four cardiac arrests. Very lucky to be alive!