Five minutes with... Leon Ip, Key Stage 2 Teacher at King's Ely Prep from September 2024

Mr Leon Ip has joined King's Ely Prep as a Key Stage 2 Teacher.

As we do with all new staff joiners, we fired our 'Five Minutes With...' questions at Mr Ip as a fun way for you all to get to know him a little better. Enjoy!

Your full name:

Leon Ip

Where did you grow up?

St. Albans, Hertfordshire. 

Education:

Verulam School, University of Southampton, and St Martin’s Teaching College (I think it has another name these days). 

Your previous role and place of work:

Last academic year, I was working at Morley Memorial School in Cambridge as a Year 2 Teacher. 

What are you most looking forward to about your new role and working at King’s Ely?

I am really looking forward to working alongside all the lovely members of staff I am beginning to get to know. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. I also cannot wait to build a relationship with my new class. With the small class sizes here, the potential for learning and the opportunity to really know each child as an individual is so much greater. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Probably a fighter pilot. 'Top Gun' made it seem a very exciting lifestyle. Sadly, I never had the eyesight (I wear contact lenses!) or the stomach for it. Time in planes as an air cadet always made me feel sick! 

Hobbies/interests outside of school:  

I love to cook, usually food with a good deal of spice, such as dishes from Asia, Mexico or the Carribean. I enjoy road cycling and I also try to play five-a-side football once a week. I also enjoy a nice trip to the theatre and have a soft spot for a good old musical.   

Any pets?

Yes, a 6-year-old working cocker spaniel, named Scout.

What is your favourite meal/food?  

I love a good curry and Asian food in general. My favourite restaurant is Dishoom. 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To be able to fly. Although I think Spiderman has the coolest powers and is definitely my favourite superhero!  

Who is your hero?

David Attenborough. I find his passion for the natural world, gentle nature, and achievements really inspiring.

What is your proudest accomplishment?  

Having two incredible little daughters. They make me extremely proud every day.  

What was the last book you read?

'The Golden Mole: and Other Living Treasure'.

What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke?

The idea of karaoke is my worst nightmare - this will NEVER happen. 

What is your favourite film?

Too many to choose from but some of my favourites include 'Jurassic Park', 'Toy Story 2', 'My Cousin Vinny', both 'Top Guns' and 'The Goonies'.  

Do you have any phobias or fears?

I am not a big fan of spiders. I was moving a box in my new classroom last week and an enormous house spider gave me quite the fright! 

If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

David Attenborough, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Taylor Swift.

Name three things you would want with you if stranded on a desert island for a week:

Sun cream, a good knife, and a water purification system!