Taylorian 2020

13 Ed James Ed joined Merchant Taylors’ in 2014 from Pimlico Academy, a graduate of Exeter University, via a Master’s at University College, London and quickly became Head of Politics. Ed was an instant hit both in the classroom and beyond it. His relaxed yet engaged style drew many to the Politics department, and boys were often in his room after class debating the latest political update or scenario. Ed garnered huge interest in the subject and was keen to help the boys understand the world of politics, with a particular eye on the place of the UK in the global order. Ed led the way in taking the study of Politics out of the classroom environment too. He engaged the boys to invite speakers and present at the Alfred Marshall Society; during his tenure we saw pupils presenting on topics ranging from the Politics of the North of England to Machiavelli’s The Prince. Visiting speakers included Lord Stirrup and David Gauke, and large numbers of boys were often crammed in to engage with these public figures and ideas. Ed organised an all-nighter in the Lecture Theatre to witness the unexpected victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 election, and took boys to North America for a Politics and History trip which included Washington itself. The Backbench publication flourished under his tenure, with boys writing articulate and thoughtful analyses of current affairs, often managing to bag interviews with leading politicians as ‘scoops’. Ed also led the Model United Nations society and could often be found at a weekend supporting the boys as they argued from committee meeting to Security Council. This culminated in the excellent 2019 Merchant Taylors’ MUN event, which was a huge success, seeing rooms themed by era as well as nation. Beyond Politics, Ed led the Judo team and supported boys at training and with fixtures. He also took part in CCF and was a wholehearted advocate of holistic education. In the SCR, Ed was a hugely popular colleague. His charm and easy manner made him an unexpected but extremely effective treasurer for the SCR. That same charm also seemed to allow him access to the extra portions at lunch and priority access to the coffee machines in the Lun. In 2017, Ed took on the role of Assistant Head of Upper School alongside his existing role of Head of Politics. He threw himself wholeheartedly into this role which suited his skill set admirably. The Sixth Form looked up to him, sought out his advice, appreciated his sense of balance, and enjoyed his company. He oversaw the Sixth Form council, helped to train the JCR, organised travel awards, and raised awareness of the different options the boys could choose after school. It was only natural that he would secure a promotion quickly. Ed moves on to Millfield School as Head of Sixth Form, back in his beloved West Country. We wish him, Daisy, Tommy, Olivia, and Erin the very best for the future. Mr R C Garvey James Innes James joinedTaylors’ inSeptember 2013 as a young, inspirational teacher of Geography. He quickly became an important member of the Geography Department, working tirelessly to help the students within his classes and aiding across the whole department. It was clear from early on that he really cared about the progress of the boys and wanted to make sure that every geographer did the best they could. James has especially enjoyed teaching A Level Geography, where his approachability and wit has made him a favourite amongst students who value both his intellectual insights and his ability to recite lyrics from his favourite rap artists, learnt during his time living in Brixton. He fully immersed himself in school life. He poured his extensive knowledge and experience of rugby into coaching his teams, affectionately known as the ‘Honey Badgers’, an animal he admires for its unwillingness to back down or give up. These are traits that he has certainly adopted over the years. Having already visited over 50 countries before arriving at Taylors’, and having a deep fear of flying, he has made the most of domestic fieldwork opportunities. He thoroughly enjoyed his annual trip to Devon and even commented that Swanage was ‘actually alright’. We look forward to seeing his family holiday snaps from the arcades this summer. He also put his military experience to full use, rising through the ranks of the CCF. Once again, his natural affinity for order was a huge benefit when contributing to field day expeditions. It was clear at this point that he was more than capable of leading a team with great enthusiasm and dynamism and that the next step in his Taylors’ career would be just around the corner. As Housemaster of Hilles House he was known for his high standards and for teaching life skills; rules for being gentlemanly and polishing shoes will no doubt be remembered by all at some obscure moment in life. Tutors have said of James in this role: ‘He was such a great Housemaster. He was fair on the boys, and they really responded to his enthusiastic nature.’