Taylorian

VALETE 109

Martin Powell After thirteen illustrious years, it is time for Merchant Taylors’ to bid farewell to the legend that is Martin Powell, arguably the best Head of Chemistry since 1561. Martin joined MTS in 2011 after reading Chemistry at Jesus College, Oxford and completing Teach First training at Burlington Danes Academy in West London. He knew from an early age that he wanted to be a teacher and I think the young Martin would be proud of all he has achieved so far: he has established a towering reputation amongst pupils and staff for impeccable organisation, an irrefutable knowledge of chemistry, and an immutable sense of justice. Martin’s passion for chemistry has been infectious. Under his leadership the number of Chemistry A-Level sets has grown, while the number of students opting to study Chemistry at university this year was so large that there were too many for one UCAS group. The number of students participating in the Chemistry Olympiad and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge has also increased steadily; where we used to have a handful of students in a lab, we now fill the Exam Hall. Martin himself assiduously completes the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (often under exam conditions), and he has had to contact Cambridge University on two separate occasions to point out errors in their published mark scheme. And yet, there is so much more to Martin than just ‘the brain’, as he is referred to in the Chemistry Office. He possesses that rare hallmark of true leadership – of being able to touch hearts as well as minds. Martin recognises, appreciates and celebrates the diverse strengths and talents of every member of his team, making for a harmonious and collegiate working environment. His pupils have often described him as the GOAT (they tell me that this is a compliment), and that they aspire to be like him. However, speculation about Mr Powell is also rife amongst the student body. Some suspect him of having a computer for a brain; of having played for the Ajax youth team; of having knocked out a boxing opponent with a single punch; and of his middle name being ‘Protactinium’. The man himself will not be drawn on any of these allegations, except to hint that the P might, in fact, stand for Praesodymium. During his thirteen-year stay, Martin has been involved in many aspects of school life beyond the Chemistry Department. He has, of course, been an exemplary tutor. He was appointed Assistant Head of Upper School in 2014 before relinquishing the role when he became Head of Chemistry in 2017. It was a source of pride for the whole

department when we noted that our new HoD was being replaced by not one but two new assistant heads of section. He has also made a sizeable contribution to the Games programme over the years, having helped to staff the hockey, football and cricket options, as well as running boxing sessions in the gym. He has been responsible for organising both the Robson League hockey and participation cricket, a task that he has undertaken with a military precision that the CCF would envy. He has also participated in various DofE expeditions, which invariably culminated in an attempt to relive his Ajax youth team days by engaging the boys in a game of footie after a long day of trudging through the Chilterns. On a more personal note, it was whilst working at Taylors’ that Martin met and married Ana. To any that know him, it won’t come as any surprise that Martin learned Brazilian Portuguese to better converse with Ana’s family in Brazil. A couple of years later, Martin and Ana were delighted to welcome their daughter Georgia to the world, and a group of his former pupils returning to school to present him with a gift for his new baby is perhaps the fondest memory that he takes with him. Following Georgia’s arrival, the Powell family moved to East Drive, and Martin will sorely miss the sense of community that he has enjoyed with his neighbours, not to mention the barbecues and evening drinks. As well as having a human mark scheme to refer to and an incredibly supportive boss, I will also miss Martin’s sense of humour. Who can forget his cameo in the Sixth Form Leavers’ film, advancing menacingly down the corridor, Terminator style, to check for pupils missing assembly? It is indicative of Martin’s reputation and the respect he commands from all pupils that the excuse given by one of those who had been hiding was, ‘just doing a titration, Sir’. Martin leaves us with just as many questions unanswered as answered. However, after working with him for ten years, I think I have managed to solve one mystery; the middle P of MPP surely stands for ‘people’. As much as Martin loves chemistry, people have always come first for him – his family, his colleagues, and the many pupils fortunate enough to have passed through his lab, my own son included. On behalf of the entire Taylors’ community, I would like to wish Martin every success and happiness for the future as he embarks on his new role as Director of Science at North London Collegiate School; I cannot think of anyone who deserves it more. Dr M. Lomas