Staff Spotlight: Giselle Hazan, Joint Head of Phab & Teacher of Mathematics
Our pupils do amazing things every single day, but behind those achievements are all of the hardworking staff here at Merchant Taylors' School. In Staff Spotlights we look to explore the diverse backgrounds and skills of the people who make Merchant Taylors' a great place to be. This week we hear from Giselle Hazan, Joint Head of Phab & Teacher of Mathematics.
When did you join Merchant Taylors'?
September 2016
Tell us about your subject. What excites you about it? How did you get into it?
"Mathematics is the queen of the sciences," Carl Friedrich Gauss once said, and I couldn’t agree more. For me, Mathematics is more than just a subject—it’s a perspective, a tool that brings patterns, logic, and structure in focus. My brain has always been wired for it. From the moment I could count, I enjoyed puzzles, patterns, and the thrill of solving problems. Whether it was cracking the code behind a tricky puzzle or uncovering the logic behind a problem, I found it fascinating.
Teaching Mathematics feels like the perfect fit for me, as it combines my love for the subject with the joy of sharing it with others. There’s a magic to witnessing the moment a student’s face lights up with understanding. It might come from mastering a complex algebraic equation, decoding the mysteries of a geometric proof, or finally appreciating the beauty of a concept they once found daunting.
Each of these moments reminds me why I love what I do. Mathematics isn’t just about numbers and formulas; it’s about unlocking a new way of thinking. And for me, there’s no greater privilege than guiding students through that journey of discovery, watching them grow in confidence and curiosity with every step.
What are you most proud of outside of your work at school?
Like many, I am immensely proud of my three sons and the remarkable young men they have grown to be. However, one personal achievement that stands out as a defining moment in my life is the journey I embarked on at the age of 16. Leaving behind the familiarity and comfort of my homeland, Trinidad, I moved to England to pursue my A-levels at a day school.
This transition was nothing short of life-changing. I had to say goodbye to my parents, friends, and the way of life I had always known, stepping into an entirely new school environment, culture, and climate. Supported by my siblings, I had to take on responsibilities I had previously taken for granted—cooking my own meals, doing my own laundry, and managing my daily life independently.
It was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve faced, testing me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yet, it shaped me in ways I could never have anticipated. It taught me resilience, strength, and a host of skills that continue to guide me on my journey. Looking back, I’m proud of how that experience moulded me into the person I am today.
What did you study at A-Level?
Mathematics, Economics and Geography
What piece of media would you recommend and why?
I’m a huge fan of Audio Books, and I highly recommend it. Spending at least an hour and a half in the car each day, I’ve found it to be the perfect way to transform otherwise unproductive time into an opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of reading. Audio Books allows me to immerse myself in captivating stories or insightful non-fiction, all while on the move.
What’s more, it turns what can sometimes be a stressful commute into a calming and enjoyable experience. Audio Books have become an essential part of my daily routine.