The Chronicle, No. 668, September 2015

26 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Jeremy Mather What do you do atTeddies and how long have you been at the school? I took over as Housemaster of Cowell’s this term, and teach both A Level and IB Economics to the Sixth Form. Prior to becoming a Housemaster I was Head of Economics and a tutor in Kendall House. I coach 1st XV and 1st VII rugby, 1st XI hockey, and A team cricket in the lower school. This is my fifth year at Teddies. Where were you before? After completing my Economics degree I didn’t feel ready to move into teaching so I worked in Corporate Banking in London. I completed a five year leadership programme and hit a crossroads – continue with a career in the city or pursue a dream of being a teacher. I remember the MD of my division saying to me late one evening ‘I’m going to need that contract signed tomorrow’. Needless to say he was a bit surprised when he got my letter of resignation instead! That was a very sleepless night. I returned to Oxford to do a PGCE, and play some rugby, and then the following year I was appointed as a Teacher of Economics at Teddies. What do you most enjoy about your role? I’ve always enjoyed working with people and building relationships. Having an opportunity to support our pupils’ development and have an impact at such a formative stage is a real honour. I am very proud of their achievements and they are a joy to work with… almost all the time! What has been your favouriteTeddies moment so far? It’s too difficult to choose one…I don’t think anyone forgets their first results day. I am always as nervous as the pupils, but being part of that experience and witnessing them achieving their targets is amazing. Obviously beating the Radley XV on their own ground last year comes a very close second! Favourite menu item from theTeddies kitchen? The formal dinners continue to impress, in particular when there is steak on the menu. What was the naughtiest thing you did at school? On my last day at school, I was involved in a group that herded three sheep into the school labelled 1, 2 and 4! Who was your most inspiring teacher – and why? My GCSE Biology teacher – impressive combination of enthusiasm, humour, and challenge. If you could embark on a wild adventure of your choosing, what would it be? It would be great to be able to time travel and go back to see if the modern interpretations of historical events are accurate. However, if we are sticking with reality, perhaps a ski tour in Alaska. What would be your Desert Island book? Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss – it reminds me of my sons. Best advice you’ve ever been given? Closing a big deal, I said to my MD in my previous career that I was very lucky that it all came together. He replied: ‘You make your own luck’ – that has always stayed with me.