Michael Truss

Head of Mathematics, Bedales

MPhys (Hons.) Physics, Balliol College, Oxford
PhD in Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Leicester
Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society

 

What makes a good teacher at Bedales?
Absolute, uncompromising passion for your subject and a quirky sense of humour.

What are you trying to encourage and instil in the children?
The wonderful pleasure of finding things out and an appreciation of the beauty of mathematics for its own sake.

Apart from your teaching role, what else do you get involved with at the school?
Lots - Sixth Form Maths Society, Extended Projects, Gifted and Talented, Oxford and Cambridge university applications all come within my sphere of responsibility, as well as various committees and other roles. You’ll sometimes see me on a hockey or football pitch too. I have fun with my Sixth Form tutor group and really enjoy my duty night on Boys’ Flat.

In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?
The unique student-teacher dynamic here, which is entirely typified by Handshaking: it is unquestionably my favourite thing about the school.

Who or what inspires you?
Anyone whose interest and determination drives them to do extraordinary and unexpected things. This often happens when I see a student do something outside of the context of my day-to-day experience with them: usually in the Theatre or at a concert.

Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
When I was sixteen, I was a four-time champion on a popular TV show called Blockbusters. You’re not seeing the tape!