Campion

Campion House is the boarding house for the Sixth Form boys at New Hall. It is a thriving house that has been incredibly successful since the introduction of boys into the school in September 2006. Campion House boasts a very close community, yet one that brings together boys from all around the world. The boys take on many different activities in the house, from 5 a-side football, 7 a-side rugby and table tennis. The boys also have the opportunity, in conjunction with the rest of the Sixth Form, to take part in Oxbridge conferences and seminars that are held in school.

The ethos of Campion House is informed by a philosophy of trust, loyalty and respect; the staff of Campion House believe strongly that these characteristics are fundamental for the development of young men. It is important for the boys both to work hard and to be given the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves. We arrange various social events throughout the year to help with this.

The Sixth Form boys’ boarding house has been exceptionally successful since it was first opened four years ago, having produced two head boys in the last three years and successful Oxbridge candidates. We are proud of this and we are dedicated to building on this success for many years to come.

Housemaster - Mr Paul Curran
Mr Curran grew up in a seaside town called Porthcawl in South Wales, where he went to a Catholic grammar school. He studied ICT, Physics and Biology at A Level and then read Computer Science at Reading University from 2002. After completing his degree, he undertook a year’s work experience teaching in his old school. This convinced him that teaching was the perfect career and he went on to study for his PGCE at Swansea. In 2007, he was appointed at New Hall as an ICT teacher and Assistant Housemaster in the boarding house. He is now in his third year at New Hall and says that he is really enjoying all aspects of his responsibilities, especially since taking on the role of Housemaster for Campion House. He says that ‘ New Hall is a great place to live and work and I am proud to be the Housemaster of such a successful house’.

Assistant Housemaster- Mr Gareth James
Mr James’ passion from a young age has always been sport. Cricket rapidly became a major part of his life, and he played his first county fixture by the age of 7. Through the help and support from a loving family and friends, and from a father who drove up and down the country and always offered the right advice, he went on to receive an academy contract at Essex CCC and a sports scholarship to Anglia Ruskin University to complete a BSc(Hons) in Sports Science, which led to him captaining the Cambridge UCCE side. Throughout this time, he also played over 70 games for Essex CCC 2nd XI and 13 first class games. Mr James was then fortunate enough to receive another scholarship to complete his PGCE at Exeter University. He has played for some of the most prestigious sides, such as the MCC at the highest level in countries including Sri Lanka, South Africa and the West Indies. He is delighted to be a part of Campion House.

Assistant Housemaster - Mr Ryan Briggs
Mr Briggs is the Head of Rugby at New Hall and has always enjoyed participating in sport. Most of his success as a competitor came in rugby. As a front row forward (loose, tight or hooker), he played three seasons for the University of Bath 1st XV whilst studying Sports Technology, and was part of the Bath Academy for several seasons. Mr Briggs was chosen to play for England Student but unfortunately he was unable to play due to injury. Recently he has played less competitive sport due to a serious ankle injury, but he still enjoys keeping fit and active. He is now in his 5th year of teaching and took up the post of Head of Rugby and Teacher of PE & Games at New Hall School in the Michaelmas Term 2009. Mr Briggs is a great supporter of the boarding tradition, being familiar with it from his own schooling. He has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Campion House boarding team thus far and is sure he will enjoy it even more as time passes by.

Assistant Housemaster - Mr Matt Strachan
Mr Strachen wasborn in Johannesburg and was brought up in a town called Stellenbosch, just outside Cape Town. His family emigrated to England where he went to boarding school to study A Levels. Mr Strachen travelled to Canada for a Gap year, where he worked at a preparatory school in Toronto. He then went to the University of Durham, where he read Natural Sciences for three years. During his time at Durham, Mr Strachen played university rugby, cricket and tennis. He was also a member of the Christian union, history of art society and Caledonian Society. After his studies at Durham a Mr Strachen was accepted to Oxford University to study for a Masters and a PGCE at Magdalen College. His interests and hobbies include travelling, skiing, cooking, sports, the country side and music.