OSA, PJ Gibbons, talks pizza, peas and legendary teachers

Parent and OSA, PJ Gibbons, attended St Andrew's between 1993 and 2001. Here, he shares his memories of what school life was like in the 90s, which senior school he then moved on to, and how since further education, his career has played out.

Which Section were you in at St Andrew’s?

Yellow section, I pre-date the house names. 

Sum up your time at St Andrew’s in one sentence.

The absolute best school experience any child could have wished for.

Favourite school meal?

I will never forget the emotional rollercoaster of excitedly accepting a huge slice of ‘pizza’ only to bite into it and find out it was quiche. When pizza eventually did happen, it was pizza #1. 

I also quite liked the peas at school. My mum told me that one time in Pre-Prep, I brought home an entire pocket full for her to try for herself. So thoughtful(!)

Who was your most inspirational teacher or subject at St Andrew’s, and why?

We had so many wonderful teachers, and I think our perceptions and appreciation for who they were and what they did has only grown over time.

Mr Outram, was a great teacher. He was also my tutor for tutor groups, head of the yellow section and a bit of a legend for many who walked the halls of St A’s. I feel like he always looked out for you and for your best interests. I received my fair share of ’30 minutes’ and ‘have a detention’ but I always learned something. A good guy.

The other was Mr Embury, who taught history. We also found out he was an ex pro ice hockey player back in Canada, so convinced him to start teaching us street hockey for activities. It's thanks to him that I ended up playing ice hockey and inline hockey and will be coaching myself this summer.

What was your favourite game in Progressive Games?

I seem to remember there was a paper aeroplane game that was fun.

Did you have a favourite rest activity?

Always going to the woods. They felt so big and mysterious, exploring as far as one could go… it was wonderful. Building a fort or climbing a tree. Just generally having fun, getting muddy.

Proudest sporting moment?

I have a couple: - a win at long jump in my final year and some solid wins in cricket (I was wicket keeper).

What were your best memories? 

My final term when I opted to become a full boarder. It was the most awesome experience. Long, warm, summer evenings spent outside with your best friends. Exams were finished, it was just the best. It was such a great time and it lives on in my memories. 

What's it like now being a parent?

I absolutely love it! When people find out I'm an OSA, they ask me what it was like to be be here and love hearing my stories. I still feel a strong sense of nostalgia despite being here for every drop-off, sports fixture, concert and now, the inline hockey club. I have nothing but fond memories, and I know my girls will feel the same about St Andrew's too.

Finally, what piece of advice would you give your 13 year old self?

Honestly, I think it would be to slow down, don’t worry about what people think of you, just be you. Do your best and don’t be afraid to fail, there is no shame in failure, it is part of growing up and we need it to learn who we are. Stay true to yourself, keep an open mind but don’t be afraid to speak up. Be kind. 

Quick fire questions:

Monkey base or Jungle Gym?

Honestly the ‘bomb pit’…but that was out of bounds. Let’s go with Ghost Town, because it always had that spooky vibe. 

Rugby, Football or Cricket? 

Hockey or inline hockey. Then Football, Cricket and Rugby (in that order). 

Choir or The Ball Wall?

Um? Neither? I don’t know what the ball wall is and no one needs my singing.

COMS, GOMS, or BOMS?

‘Everything in moderation’… 

Day boy or boarding?

Both.

Dolman or Detention?

Neither please. 

Life after St Andrew's

PJ went on to Pangbourne College after St Andrew's, where he discovered a love for Film Studies. This followed by studying Film and Media at Newbury College, and enrolling at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles to study filmmaking. Later, he took an advanced cinematography course at Ealing Film School.

From the stage at St Andrew's to photography, filmmaking and events

Having worked for over a decade as a photographer and filmmaker in multiple sectors, his speciality is in automotive journalism. PJ also runs automotive events including Classics at the Clubhouse and West Berks Cars and Coffee held at the Renegade Brewery. He hopes one day to write a book. We can't wait..!