When did you join Taylors’?
I’ve been here a little while. I worked in the Pre-Prep as a classroom assistant just after the end of the Crimean War and then re-joined the school a few years later, in 2001, and have been here ever since. I’m approaching my 25th year here, which means I’ve worked at Merchant Taylors’ Prep for half my life. I think I’m probably due a carriage clock any day now.
What most excites you about your role and what got you into it?
I often think I fell into teaching by mistake, but I console myself with the knowledge that it’s been one of my better mistakes. I started my career as a Year 1 teacher and if you can handle that you’re well on the way. I always liked Geography as a boy and so when I was asked if I’d like to do something useful with my degree it seemed silly not to give it a try; it’s a great subject and it covers so much ground.
To understand the relevance of Geography is to appreciate and reflect upon your place in the world, and as a subject, with the way of things as they are, it has never been more relevant or vital. My colleagues occasionally try to belittle Geography as a glorified colouring exercise, but I know it’s only because they’re foolish and jealous.
I love being Head of Wren House and I’m very proud of our Bowvember charity appeal. I like the idea that every once in a while, I might just impart something that resembles wisdom, and working with children is great because they want to learn (even if they pretend that they don’t) and they absorb so much new stuff all at once. Teaching is also great because childhood is meant to be fun and if you can have a giggle while you’re teaching then it can’t all be bad.
What are you most proud of outside of your work at Taylors’?
I like to define myself by a robust lack of ambition, so on a day-to-day basis I’m just happy to be happy. I haven’t climbed Mount Everest yet or been up in a hot air balloon, but I did get my DofE Gold expedition qualification. Sadly, I never got around to mastering Mandarin and I can’t play any of the musical instruments that I’d like to, but on the other hand I like to think I set a pretty high standard in sartorial aptitude and if you ever need a sarcastic comment in an emergency, I’m happy to oblige. Oh yes, when I was eleven, I played Aslan in a production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Pinner Village Hall; someone asked me for my autograph and surely that is worthy of a little pride (pun not intended).
What did you study?
I have 7 GCSE passes and 3 A Levels (you must remember that exams were much, much harder back then) which means I did better than my brother and considerably worse than my sister. I have a degree in Geography from Portsmouth University and a teaching qualification from Leicester. I can also swim over 25 metres without a float or arm bands and I’m pretty sure my first aid certificate has still got a few months left on it.
What piece of media would you recommend and why?
I truly believe that filmmaking peaked with ‘Jaws’ in 1975 and that it is as perfect a film as you’ll ever see. I am an obsessive music fan (and snob) and could list dozens of albums that make me glad to be alive and still have my hearing, but today I’ll go for ‘No Other’ by Gene Clark and ‘Spirit of Eden’ by Talk Talk. I suspect that the reason so many musicians feel compelled to collaborate these days is because they are all equally rubbish and just don’t want to take the blame by themselves. I have no idea what Ed Sheeran is for, but I wouldn’t mind his cash.
