Taylorian

Valete

Staff Leavers

found the time to lead the Christian Union and Diplomacy Club. These initiatives provided invaluable spaces for students to find solace, explore their faith, and develop diplomatic skills, even in a virtual setting. Furthermore, James’s dedication to sports was evident in his efforts to revitalize the Basketball Games option, introducing NBA-based mini-tournaments that added a new dimension of excitement to our School’s sporting activities. In addition to his involvement in extracurricular activities, James has been a steadfast pillar of support for his tutees. His unwavering commitment to their well being and personal growth is a testament to his compassionate nature and genuine concern for the holistic development of each student. As a highly dependable member of the Andrewes tutor team, James has consistently gone above and beyond to provide excellent pastoral care and guidance. We hope he will continue to wear his purple House top with pride as he and his family begin the next chapter of their lives at Winchester College. We wish him all the best for the future.

play a part as the soon-to-be graduate of Leeds University requested a reference from his former Biology teacher as he applied for a teaching qualification. Two weeks later and the Head of Biology called Ben to ask if he would like to come in for an interview! Five years have passed since then, and Ben has excelled. He quickly became an integral part of the Common Room, entertaining everyone with his dry wit and candid nature. Ben’s enthusiasm for the subject and pedagogy has been palpable throughout his time here; plant life and pupils alike have thrived in his classroom. Fortunately, PSHE lessons and a pandemic did not dissuade Ben from the profession; as the youngest and self-confessed ‘most techno capable’ of the Biology Department, he took to surface pros, online learning and Microsoft Teams without skipping a beat. He became a stalwart of the Biology team and was always willing to get stuck in, even if it meant accompanying pupils on soggy ecology Field Days. Ben has relished the profession’s pastoral side; treating everyone with respect and dignity lies at the heart of all Ben does. It is little surprise, therefore, that many students entrust him with helping them in times of need. Indeed, one of the largest gaps he leaves is in his support for Jaffa Cake Club, where his youthful energy and goodwill helped start many initiatives, and educate pupils and staff in areas of diversity. When not in the classroom, Ben is often found swimming or out on the lakes in the safety boat – he has been a real asset to the Outdoor Education team. A strong swimmer, qualified powerboater, sailing and archery instructor, Ben’s calm, professional and upbeat approach to life lakeside will be sorely missed by staff and students alike. He will also be missed in the CCF where, despite admitting that wearing uniform twice weekly was asking a bit much, Ben has remained a Non Uniformed Volunteer, sacrificing Friday afternoons to supervise the pupils. Ben has made a lasting impression as a member of the SCR, and it will be his warmth, humour and passion for shaping

James King James joined Taylors’ in 2019 and is recognised as a dedicated practitioner who has made significant contributions to the wider life of the School and sparked the imagination of countless pupils. His deep passion for his subject led to the award of a scholarship from the Farmington Institute, which allowed him to chair a committee of academics and teachers and propose an A-Level in Theology. James has also been responsible for conceiving and organising the Young Philosophers Conference. For three consecutive years, with the sponsorship of the Royal Institute of Philosophy, James brought 150 students together for this prestigious event, giving them the unique opportunity to present their work and engage with leading philosophers and theologians. James’s dedication to nurturing intellectual curiosity and fostering philosophical discourse has undoubtedly enriched the minds and perspectives of all those involved. James’s contributions extend beyond Sandy Lodge. His involvement in the Council of the Independent Schools Religious Studies Association

Mr R. Simmonds Ben Oxenham

Ben Oxenham returned to Merchant Taylors’ in September 2018 three years after leaving as a student. Returning had never really been on the cards for Ben, but fate would

demonstrates his commitment to promoting religious education and

fostering an inclusive environment. Despite the challenges of lockdown, James still

14

Taylorian 2023