Humanities
Gary Zawadzki - Head of Humanities Faculty
Gary Zawadzki teaches Economics at Harris Westminster. After having studied philosophy with some economics modules at Nottingham University, he went on to teach philosophy and sociology in North London. He then converted to teaching economics and has never looked back since. Gary has worked an EPQ co-ordinator as well as a careers lead with a focus on banking and finance. He is a keen participant and coach in the LIFB’s Student Investor Challenge and has regularly seen the teams he has mentored vastly increase the value of their (sadly) virtual investment portfolios. In his spare time, Gary loves to travel and fly his drone to capture the sights along the way.
Christopher Ware - 2ic and Teacher of Politics and Philosophy
Christopher Ware teaches politics and philosophy at Harris Westminster. After studying philosophy and theology at the University of Bristol, Christopher began his career teaching these subjects in a South London school, going on to serve as a sixth form pastoral lead at the same institution for four years. It was here where he was given the opportunity to teach politics- a chance grabbed with both hands, with his long held passion for American culture finally given space to bloom. Outside of work, Christopher is passionate about poetry, where he considers himself incredibly fortunate to have had some of his homespun elegies published, and Arsenal Football Club, who give him reason to write elegies almost every season.
Eddie Letcher - Teacher of Geography
Eddie Letcher teaches Geography at Harris Westminster. He studied Geography, Maths and Physical Education at A Level and went on to study Geography and Sports Science in a joint-honours at Loughborough University. There he developed an interest in climate change and the melting arctic sea ice and the wider global implications that it brings. He also travelled to Ghana to take part in fieldwork exploring how businesses, families and communities operate within the ‘global south’. With a passion for sport and particularly cricket, he completed his Level 2 cricket coaching certificate while at university, taking advantage of the excellent facilities Loughborough has to offer. Away from school he likes to spend time outdoors, hiking, cycling and doing a spot of yoga when he has the chance.
Colin Whitefield - Teacher of Geography
Colin chose Durham University for his Geography degree which he describes as a ‘beautiful cathedral city and near Newcastle too’. After this he has had varied teaching positions including working as a tutor at St. Christopher School in Letchworth Garden City as well as a great year in Tanzania teaching English in a rural school near the capital Dodoma. After gaining his PGCE from Cambridge University, Colin stayed in the city to work at Hills Road Sixth Form College for 8 years (and did an MEd too). He has spent more recent years travelling and teaching English, both abroad and in the UK – with so many great countries to visit! Four of his favourite countries that he recommends are Mexico, Iceland, Japan and Romania.
Al Grant - Vice Principal and Teacher of History
Al Grant is Vice Principal at Harris Westminster and teaches History. He studied Classics at Oxford University, and while this remains one of his enduring passions, he has mainly taught History and Philosophy. Before joining Harris Westminster he served as Head of Year, Head of History and then Assistant Headteacher at London secondary schools. His love of History encompasses Classical, Early Modern and Modern History. He holds a particular interest in China since the nineteenth century Opium Wars, what he describes as a “something of a roller coaster ride of triumphs and disasters, under the leadership of various spectacularly flawed individuals".
Richard Ogden - Teacher of History
Richard Ogden teaches History at Harris Westminster. He studied Classical Archaeology & Ancient History at Oxford University where he was a Choral Scholar. Richard began his career teaching music at an independent school in Oxford before moving into government contracting, where he supported the Department for Work & Pensions and the Ministry of Justice in the delivery of national welfare programmes. Before returning to teaching, Richard worked as a consultant for a performance-improvement company run by former British Olympic and World Champion rowers. An enthusiastic sportsman if certainly no Olympian himself, Richard has had the peculiar privilege of singing for three Grammy Award-winning choirs.
Jacob Pitts - Teacher of History
Jacob teaches History at Harris Westminster. He read History at the University of Leeds, writing his final year dissertation on the issue of masculinity during the conscription era of apartheid South Africa. His passion for gender studies has led to his role as a volunteer facilitator for the Good Lad Initiative, delivering workshops which promote gender equality and discussions around modern-day masculinity. At university, Jacob hosted a weekly music show on Leeds Student Radio, conducting interviews with various upcoming artists. He also has a keen interest in public affairs, listening to LBC and subscribing to The Week. His late evenings are always reserved with a slot for the latest BBC dramas.
William Warren - Trainee History Teacher
Will is a trainee History teacher at Harris Westminster. He read History at Oxford Brookes, specialising in his dissertation on the impact of the Internet on Terrorist radicalisation. He continued his studies by completing an MA in Violence, Conflict and Security at Queens University Belfast, where he focused on the ramifications of Russian and Chinese hybrid warfare on future International Relations. Prior to becoming a teacher, he spent several years working as a headhunter for a global Executive Search firm. Outside of his work, he is a keen amateur rugby player, choral singer and cook.
Lizzie Skeaping - Teacher of History and Art History
Lizzie Skeaping teaches History and History of Art at Harris Westminster. She studied History and Culture at the University of Warwick, specialising in Renaissance Italian art and modern Irish history. Before joining Harris Westminster, she taught at The National Archives, home to some of the UK's most iconic historical records, and completed a Masters in Museums and Galleries in Education. Her fascination with different lives and cultures prompted her to teach abroad in Vietnam and Spain. She enjoys sport and dreams of playing cricket for England.
David Sokalu - Teacher of Economics
David studied History, Politics, and Economics with a focus on Central and Eastern European studies at University College London. He specialised in Politics and Economics, writing a dissertation on whether EU conditionality had caused rises in populism and democratic backsliding in the region. After graduating, he worked at a social mobility consultancy. In his spare time, he enjoys football, fashion, and perfumery.
Tiffany Thompson - Teacher of Economics
Tiffany Thompson teaches Economics at Harris Westminster. She studied Economics at the University of the West Indies. Before joining Harris Westminster, she taught Economics and Mathematics at various secondary and post-secondary schools in Jamaica. She also completed a Masters in Adult Education at the Mico University College. Prior to becoming an educator Tiffany worked in the banking sector. In her leisure time, she enjoys karaoke, dancing and golfing.
