Taylorian

TAYLORIAN 2024

111

Edmund Gazeley Edmund Horatio Gazeley joined MTS in 2017 as a (lightweight) heavyweight academic, and quickly introduced plenty of modern teaching techniques to the Classics Department including, amongst others, virtual-reality-assisted tours of Ancient Greece. Perhaps his greatest modernisation of the department, however, was the introduction of the Classical Civilisation course for the Fourth Form. Edmund’s relentlessly modern approach to Classics is counterbalanced by his exceptional dedication towards not modernising his wardrobe. Inspired by Alcibiades, his penchant for gowns, tweed and the representation of scholarly societies through the medium of ties and blazers goes some way towards repairing the damage his modern curriculum might present to an impressionable pupil. He even appointed himself Head of Academic Gowns, much to the chagrin of his colleagues. Edmund spent a year as Assistant Head of Upper School in which his sanctions advice was most welcome. He values academic prowess above all and imparts his wisdom on those lucky enough to study the Classics with him. Indeed, since 2023 Edmund has taken the reins as Head of Department, during which time he has provided mentoring for ECTs, planned and led popular trips, and maintained strong numbers in Latin, Classical Civilization and Greek. His impeccable manners and polite nature have fostered a welcoming environment in the department for staff and students alike.

Edmund has spent every Wednesday evening since 2020 in officer training for the Royal Navy Reserves and has brought much valuable knowledge to bear in the CCF. Most importantly, Edmund acquired his ultimate accoutrement – an officer’s sword featuring a gold-plated brass hilt, white fish-skin grip and a gold pommel in the form of a lion. His approach to cricket in the staff team, the Trumpers, is just as tired as the dusty books which now lie unloved in the Classics Office bookcase. Inspired by the Emperor Nero, over seven years he has achieved no wickets, one boundary and a flock of ducks, yet always raises a great deal of cheer from within the team. It was on the Trumpers tour that he introduced the much-coveted Trumpers Presidential Blazer to be worn by the elected leader. Few can fit the gold-and-green-striped blazer, and although it would fit Edmund perfectly, he has been unable to wrest it from me for the last six years. Aided by his exceptional lack of mass, Edmund is an excellent cross-country runner, although he makes sure to be beaten by exactly one pupil each year – he always puts the pupils first. Indeed, Edmund and I bonded through running, long distance cycle touring and our extraordinary lack of talent on the cricket pitch. He is an amicable and affable socialite who will be sorely missed by staff and students alike. We wish Edmund and his fiancée Jessica every success as they move to St Edward’s in Oxford. Mr G. A. Willson