Our pupils achieve amazing things every single day, but behind those achievements are the hardworking staff here at Merchant Taylors’ School. In Staff Spotlights we explore the diverse backgrounds and skills of the people who make Taylors’ such a great place to be. This week, we hear from Alfie Collins, the newest member of the Physics Department.
When did you join Merchant Taylors’?
I first joined Merchant Taylors’ as a student back in 2014, entering the Fourth Form from Northwood Prep (now known as Merchant Taylors’ Prep). As a member of staff, I recently joined the School in September.
Tell us about your role. What excited you about it? How did you get into it?
I am currently a Physics Teacher. I was excited about the opportunity to work alongside some of the very teachers who originally inspired my own love of Physics, while also hoping to offer the same support and inspiration to today’s students who are now in the position I once was.
I initially studied Engineering, but after completing the course I had a change of heart and pursued a PGCE, largely thanks to my passion for swim teaching and tutoring. I’ve always felt most at home in roles with a strong social and pastoral element, so teaching seemed the perfect way to put this to good use – supporting pupils as they navigate many of the same steps I once took myself.
What are you most proud of outside of your work at school?
Outside of school, I have three main areas I’m most proud of. First and foremost are my relationships with my family and friends. Second, winning the British Swimming Nationals in the 1500m freestyle and competing in the Olympic Trials. Third, attending Cambridge University to study Engineering, where I also had the privilege of captaining the Cambridge University swim team.
What did you study at A-Level?
I studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science.
What piece of media would you recommend and why?
I’d highly recommend the Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy, which has been my favourite set of books since I was 13. A standalone book I’d recommend is Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières, which contains some of the most moving descriptions of emotion I’ve ever read.
As for films, my top recommendations are The Cat in the Hat, Intouchables and The Lorax.
