Introducing Mr. Mcclory
Robert College students are getting to know a new face on campus this semester, as Mr. Philip McClory, the school's newest AP World History, ASL, and AP Comparative Government teacher, looks forward to inspiring students to love the subject they are learning.
Mr. McClory has a very impressive educational background. He first went to a school in Northern Ireland, then went on to Oxford University for a BA in Ancient and Modern History, and completed a master's degree (MA) at King's College London in Ancient History. He also did a teacher training qualification (PGCE) in Northern Ireland.
Mr. McClory is 35 years old and married to his wife Zara, whom he's been with for 8 years. His wife's post to the British Consulate in Beyoğlu sparked their move to Türkiye. Mr. McClory lived in Çekmeköy for a couple of months before moving to his current location of Osmanbey because that was where his wife was posted. This move also meant that Mr. McClory now needed to find a job here in Türkiye. Before joining Robert College, Mr. McClory taught English Literature and Language at Sezin Okulları, Çekmeköy, for 2 years. When a position opened at RC, he "jumped at the chance" to come here. "Every Turkish person I asked about schools would immediately mention Robert College," Mr. McClory recalls. "They all said how hardworking the students are and what a wonderful community it is. It seemed like the perfect place to teach."
Although new to the school, Mr. McClory has already joined numerous activities here. Besides being an LP advisor, teaching one class each of ASL and AP World History, and two classes of AP Comparative Government, he is also the MUN club advisor. He stated that he noticed how hardworking RC students are not only with academics but also with their extracurricular activities, something he observed from his time as a chaperone. He was "very impressed with how students ran clubs themselves as well as how hardworking they were."
One way in which Mr. McClory stands out–besides his unique Irish accent–is through his teaching philosophy. He is "always trying to make learning active," aiming to make the lesson in a way that students are happy to attend. He states that rather than relying on a passive approach where the teacher lectures and students take notes, he prefers that students come to class already familiar with the material so that it can be discussed in class among peers. This, he believes, results in better learning, higher marks and creates an environment where the thoughts, inputs and ideas of students are valued.
Outside the classroom, Mr. McClory shares a hobby that many of us are familiar with and enjoy as well: going to the "halı saha" to play football. Twice a week, on Monday and Thursday nights, he joins a mixed group of friends of Turkish, Libyan, Irish, Italian, and English heritage for friendly matches at Star Halı Saha in Feriköy. "It's a brilliant way to socialize with people from all over Istanbul," he says. "Over time, it became this really lovely friend group." Occasionally, Mr. McClory joins staff football games on Fridays as well. Position-wise, Mr. McClory plays mostly back. "I need to improve my passing skills in particular," he says. "When I try to play forward, it tends to go very wrong," he jokes. "I'll cause less damage in defense, but it's all part of the fun."
Reflecting on the words of his friend and the organizer of the bi-weekly football games, "I don't watch football; I support Beşiktaş. It's a way of life." Mr. McClory sees the passion for football as one of the many glorious aspects of Turkish culture, appreciating how it unites people from all walks of life.
Mr. McClory also enjoys trying the large number of restaurants and cuisines Istanbul has to offer. He tries everything from traditional Turkish meyhanes to seasonal specialties like palamut during bonito season, as well as local favorites such as çiğ köfte. In addition, he enjoys the city's international restaurants and recommends Galaktioni, a Georgian restaurant known for its great food. He says there is always something new to discover in Istanbul.
On behalf of RC, it is a pleasure to welcome Mr. McClory to the school.
