When Brian Wickham became a teacher at the newly opened Bishop Anstey Trinity College East (BATCE), his focus was always on developing the whole child—not just the academics. Almost 25 years later, as acting head of administration, his vision remains the same.
“For me, it’s always been about the child who came to us on one level and the child who left here with a greater understanding of what the world really is like out there. And in particular with the young men; no offence, no bias with the girls; but we know in society we have an issue with the males. Getting them to a point where you can say you’re producing a good future father, a good future leader, a good future husband.”
Wickham told HE he had always been a teacher in some capacity—a Sunday school teacher at 12, “teacher for a day” at primary school, a competitive swimming coach for over 25 years, including for members of the national swim team. He was also the musical director of the Hillview College Steel Ensemble and the Curepe Presbyterian Church Steel Band. But his intention was never to make teaching a career. He was going to study law, then changed his mind to political science, and eventually settled on teaching.
“I remember the admin assistant in UWI telling me I’m a confused young man,” he said with a peal of laughter.
“But these experiences—spanning sports, education and music—have shaped my belief in discipline, creativity and the power of mentorship; principles that guide my leadership today.”
After graduating with a BA in literature, he began teaching English at Northgate College in St Augustine in 1999, until he saw an ad in the paper for vacancies at BATCE.
“And seeing as I’m an Anglican, I found it was a fitting way for me to give back to the church that had given me so much from a child. So I entered here in 2001, and within the first few weeks, the principal at that time, Mr David West, asked me to consider being one of the deans.”
He said that at the time, the school was seen as a “glorified junior sec” because there were Form One students whose parents had not even considered the school as a choice, and Form Four students coming from junior secondary schools.
“And we had to grapple with students who had serious socio-economic problems, we had students with serious psychological problems, we had those with severe learning disabilities,” all of which led to behavioural challenges.
The school now boasts a lower girls’ and boys’ school and a Sixth Form, all housed on the same compound, with a culture that balances academics with a wide variety of co- and extra-curricular activities. Wickham beamed as he recalled the role he has played—and continues to play—in transforming BATCE into one of the most sought-after educational institutions in T&T.
“For me, it’s never been about getting all these scholarships that we do at the Sixth Form level or getting students with all these great results in both CSEC and CAPE. We’ve been able to give these students balance, and these are the parts in education that talk about the hidden curriculum. These are the parts of education that excite me the most.”
Wickham, 47, taught English A, literature and social studies at Trinity College East (TCE) and was appointed vice-principal in 2010. In 2017, when the principal of Bishop East retired, the board asked him to take the position of acting principal at the girls’ school.
“I’ve always stated, wherever God puts me, I’ll work.”
One year later, he was officially confirmed in the position. But when the principal of TCE retired in 2021, he was again asked by the board to head the boys’ school.
“And I continued with the same mantra: ‘Wherever I’m placed by God, I’ll work.’”
In 2022, he was asked to serve in a different capacity—acting head of administration.
“And I’ve been here since then.”
And although his vision for the institution has not been fully realised, he is pleased that much of what he hoped for BATCE has come to pass.
“We’ve reached the point that I’m happy, I’m impressed, I’m elated. But I know we could do so much more, especially with those students who come to us with a lot of baggage. One of the most impressive things for me is that we’ve been able to create a space where children feel safe, loved, and appreciated.”
His commitment to his students and his craft, he believes, stems from the spiritual and familial foundation he received as a child.
“The Anglican Church has had a great impact on me. And I must add, that is because of my mother, who—whether we wanted to or not—made sure we were in church, especially that fourth Sunday in those days at St Mary’s Anglican, which was family Sunday.”
He embraced the church culture, having been a member of the choir and even doing a brief stint playing the organ. So even though he does not attend church every Sunday now, the standard was set.
And the proud father of three said that because his wife, Janelle, understands and appreciates how important his work and spirituality are to him, he is able to draw strength from her when the demands become daunting.
“She understands and appreciates that at times she has to share me with school… She likes the fact that I am in tune with my spiritual side.”
Wickham believes it is important for men to remember that although society expects a lot from them, they’re human.
“Sometimes men feel that they need to be perfect; they need to be the best father, the best husband, the best breadwinner. We are human and anytime there’s a drop or sink in what we do, we feel judged. As men, we make mistakes, we learn and we grow.
“It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about showing up with purpose and trying to do better each day.”
As an educator, he said, he has seen that real strength comes from empathy and honesty.
“My faith reminds me to stay humble and my family keeps me grounded in love, patience, and forgiveness. Men, give yourself grace. Keep learning. Stay true to your values even when you find it’s tough out there.”
