The Wykehamist
DTR
It would not be overstating the case to claim that the experience of every Wykehamist studying – as well as that of every don working – in Winchester College over the course of the last five years has been influenced and enhanced by DTR’ s unceasing labour and dedication. This is, in part, because DTR has held a dizzying array of school posts, generally concurrently. Indeed, assuming one views the roles of Undermaster, Head of Mathematics, and Assistant Housemaster of Kingsgate House individually as positions of privileged responsibility, the idea of holding all three at the same time is difficult to view as anything other than a rather unusual punishment.
As Head of Mathematics DTR has overseen, in his single year in the post, a broad array of operational changes to the way in which Mathematics is offered in the college. Whether in changing A Level exam board, navigating recruitment processes, or in promoting his colleagues’ professional development, DTR’ s time in the role has been characterised by calm but decisive action. Very much an outward looking Head of Department, colleagues and pupils will have noticed the significant increase in the number of visitors, placement teachers, and colleagues from other schools in the department over the last year as DTR has welcomed them to the college and put the Mathematics department on display. By colleagues however, DTR will perhaps be most fondly remembered as an empathetic and constructive mentor, one always with an eye for how to bring the best out of his colleagues, whether in their introduction to teaching, in their preparation as incoming Head of Department, or in their wider development.
If this role has shown DTR to be a decisive leader and empathetic mentor, it was in his role as Undermaster – not to mention as Head of Socials – through which his skill and efficiency as an administrator has perhaps been most clearly illuminated. If the role is an easily undervalued one, it remains the case that his guiding hand behind the smooth operation of school events and trips has nonetheless been of immense practical benefit to colleagues and has greatly enhanced the experience of students through their experiences off-site, whether on educational trips, school social events, or cathedral services. Perhaps the most impressive of all such acts of administrative sorcery was his prominent role in the organisation of the most recent school photo. One did not have to look for long to see hallmarks of his practical and common sense approach to such events, together with his keen anticipation of possible problems and pitfalls.
Given his varied roles in management and leadership, it certainly should not be overlooked that DTR has been a highly valued teacher and tutor of a great many pupils at the college during his time here Whether in supporting pupils in eighth set toward their GCSEs, or working with the college’ s A level Further Mathematicians, his deep understanding and experience of the profession have been of great benefit both to pupils and staff, including via lesson observations and feedback to staff on their own practice. If further evidence were needed of his interest and expertise in teaching, he was recently awarded an MSc in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford while holding his varied and demanding roles in the college.
It would only take a glance at the charity calendar – for which DTR provided many photographs – or for that matter a brief look at his LinkedIn page, to appreciate DTR’ s affection for the campus and grounds of Winchester College. His appreciation of the beauty of the college has found expression in a variety of ways, surely the most commonly experienced by pupils being his habit of politely but firmly requesting any pupil attempting to cut the corner across the lawn toward Angel Gate retrace their steps and walk around the long way, promoting a respect for our grounds and surroundings in the process.
The common theme, underlying these roles, whether as Mathematics teacher, as Head of Department, as Tutor in Kingsgate street, or as Undermaster, is of course his unwavering professionalism and profound dedication to the college and its pupils. While he will no doubt be a great asset to his new school, which he joins as Deputy Head Academic, those he leaves behind will collectively not only have to work rather harder, but do so in the absence of a much respected colleague and friend as we move into the next academic year.
TMP
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