Howlett, Andrew

Andrew Howlett

Dates at Bournemouth School: 1994 - 2001
House: Elgar
  • Prefect

Andrew at school Andrew today

Andrew studied: Mathematics, Physics, Electronics and Computing
Andrew received the following accolades whilst at school:
  • Year 8 prize for effort in 1996
  • Drama club productions in years 7 and 8

After school, Andrew went to: University of Birmingham to study Engineering

Andrew's biography:

After gaining my degree I worked in IT for various organisations including the NHS and Bournemouth University, then in 2016 I joined a large engineering firm. In 2021 I became a Chartered Engineer and am now a Technical Authority working in product development. Alongside my day job I am a trained Mental Health First Aider.

I’m married with one son, who started in Year 7 last year. Despite being hopeless at music while at school I now play piano and guitar and prior to the pandemic was a member of a band.

What was best about Andrew's time at Bournemouth School?

Sixth form was my fondest memory; a taste of freedom! Lots of fun was had with multiplayer Duke Nukem 3D in the sixth form computer room (whilst “studying”, of course) and stopping off at a friend’s house every Wednesday on the way to PE (we never did quite make it all the way to squash at the Littledown Centre!)

Who does Andrew remember most fondly?

Mr Worden (Physics teacher) who let me get away with far too much sarcasm in lessons – in hindsight I feel slightly guilty!
Mr McCabe’s explosions of anger, punctuated with “SHUT YOUR GOB, BOY!” reverberating around any classroom he was in still make me chuckle to this day.

What would Andrew change about their time at Bournemouth School?

Ban mandatory Cross Country – an utterly pointless, miserable pursuit that put me (and others) off running for life! Let those who want to take part do so, the rest of us could spend the time doing something productive!

What is Andrew's favourite anecdote/most vivid memory?

Morning assembly, 1995. A thousand boys stood in silence, waiting for the headmaster. As Mr Petrie walked slowly towards the stage, the opening riff of “Eye of the Tiger” rang out over the speakers, completely unexpectedly. Mr Petrie carried on as if nothing had happened, but was clearly incandescent with rage! The culprit was brave, but had impeccable comic timing!

Andrew's final thoughts

Sixth form students were asked help out at the opening of the Sir David English leisure centre, serving drinks to the distinguished guests. Alas, many of the alcoholic drinks got “lost” en-route to their intended recipients. In hindsight, leaving a bunch of 18 year olds with access to free alcohol might not have been the best plan!