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 Keshav Prashar, EPQ Co-ordinator, Teacher of Maths.
When did you join Merchant Taylors’?
I joined Merchant Taylors’ in January 2020 and again in January 2022, following a brief stint at Wycombe Abbey.
Tell us about your subject. What excites you about it? How did you get into it?
My journey into mathematics began with a love of solving puzzles and problems, which led me to pursue it further in my studies. A good grasp of mathematics is a doorway to understanding the world around us. A mathematically oriented mind also helps in many other fields, from logical reasoning to problem-solving.
In my second year of university, I got involved in various programmes, including mentoring younger students, supporting sixth form students from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop skills and experience to assist in university applications, and establishing a society that designed and ran outreach workshops in primary schools. Through all of this, I came to realise how much I enjoyed mentoring, educating, and supporting others.
Transitioning into teaching, I enjoy sharing my love for mathematics with students. What I enjoy most is the opportunity to inspire and guide students on their own journeys of discovery. Witnessing their “aha” moments, when complex concepts click is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to help students build confidence in their mathematical abilities and to see them develop critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
What are you most proud of outside of your work at school?
Outside of my work at school (aside from my ever-expanding Lego collection) I am most proud of my running. Starting in lockdown, I’ve been training consistently since then (with a few breaks for injury recovery) and have hit a few targets, including a sub-20-minute 5K. I am also running the London Marathon this year to raise money for Phab.
What did you study at A-Level?
At A-Level, I studied Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Economics, and Philosophy and Ethics (AS Level).
What piece of media would you recommend and why?
I would recommend “Dune” by Frank Herbert. You may have seen the films, but they don’t convey the depth of the world that Frank Herbert built. The book combines complex themes of politics, religion, culture, and ecology, making it a thought-provoking read. It has inspired many other works of sci-fi, including Star Wars. I was lucky enough to visit the Oregon Dunes, which sparked Herbert’s initial interest. They were awe-inspiring!
I’d also recommend the manga and anime series “Attack on Titan” and “Demon Slayer.” Both are gripping series which feature surprisingly deep themes.
