Introduce yourself in one sentence, please

Hi, I’m Mr Croft and I teach English Language, Literature and Theory of Knowledge in High School.

How long have you been at AAS?

I joined AAS last August in 2021. My daughter Eliza and my son Joe are also at AAS – my youngest son, Jack, joins us next year.

Share something we do not expect to hear from you?

Ok, here are three things: my Grandma’s brother fought Rocky Marciano; one of my ancestors survived the sinking of the Titanic; Frozen 2 makes me cry floods of tears.

What do you love most about your job?

I’m one of the luckiest people in the world in that I do a job that I love every day! (I could never work in an office.) For me, the chance to support young people in an environment where relationships and development are paramount is a privilege. It’s also a lot of fun!

What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?

Hmmm, I’ve been asked this before and I always struggle because I really wouldn’t do anything else. If I was forced, maybe I’d be a computer games reviewer or designer. Or perhaps I’d try to become a professional musician, (although I’d probably need to work in a cafe or a bar to fund my musical dreams.) In 2008 I was offered a job driving overland touring trucks around the world – although I turned it down to return to teaching. I often wonder where I would be now if I had taken the job…

What is the most important thing one has to learn at school?

For me, it is one of the IB learner profile’s key features: balance. A lot of students think that study is about cramming as much academic learning into the day as possible. Instead, learning to balance work, relationships and leisure time with good sleeping and eating habits is one of the most important things in life. Also, being a balanced person means that you have a variety of strengths and interests, not just one thing that you focus on. School is, therefore, a great place to explore new subjects, ideas and activities.

What would you say to your 13 year old self?

Calm down, think about what you are doing, and find some balance!

Please recommend a book to read

I have a lot of favourite books, but my favourite changes daily. So today I’d recommend “A Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula K. Le Guin. Science Fiction and Fantasy (my favourite genres) are often dominated by male writers. Le Guin’s novel, however, is one that I keep reading and re-reading even though I first read it over 25 years ago. I love it so much I’d even put it up against The Lord of The Rings! (There isn’t a much higher accolade than that.)