Edward: Simon Goddard OW 1997

I was here at KESW between 19912 to 1997 and was Head of House in Edward House. 

Some of my fondest memories are of the awesome bunch of people in my year, both in Edward and in the other houses. The friends I had at KESW I remember well. Some I still see what they are up to through Facebook, and a couple I keep in touch with from time to time. Another memory is singing chants and songs on the sidelines at house sport. It seems a bit ridiculous looking back, but it was funny at the time. Similarly, I have great memories of hanging out playing football and other games on Culmer in the summer after dinner before prep. House dances were also crazy and fun. 

My favourite lesson, without fail, was French with Mrs Benyon. And I also enjoyed playing in any of the school sports teams; this was great. I played hockey and football mainly. 

Since leaving KESW I headed to University (Leicester) and studied Geography, completing my degree in 2000. I had a great time, with lots of going out and having a good time, playing sport, playing guitar, and not really studying, if I’m honest! 

Between 2000 and 2004, I was commissioned as an officer in the British Army, and spent a couple of years in helicopter flying training, but unfortunately didn’t complete the course. 

Following on from this, in 2005 I joined the police to become a Police Officer for Hampshire Police. I did this until 2013, and greatly enjoyed the variety of roles in the Southampton area. 

After this we made a big move and I joined the Western Australia Police Force, where I now live with my family. I spent five years on the force here, leaving in 2018.  

I now currently work in the Department of Communities (like the UK social services). At present I am on a project that aims to divert teenagers away from crime, which is pretty interesting. And I’m currently studying for an undergraduate degree in Social Work, which is not something I thought I would ever do. 

Among my achievements and successes, my wife and kids are obviously the prime ones (I have two daughters aged nine and five). I have also completed a few Ironman distance triathlons, a couple of Ultramarathons, such as the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, and the Fellsman. They were pretty challenging and a bit of an achievement if you are into that sort of thing.