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Mr Simpson's GTX Review

Autumn Term 2010

One of the things Merchant Taylors' can take great pride in is its commitment to allocating precious curriculum time to non-examinable activities in the quest to engage and challenge our boys. I am conscious of the fact that taking charge of GTX makes me the curator of a very precious artefact. To that end, I have thoroughly enjoyed a roaming brief, dropping in on every one of the activities offered to our Year 7, 8 and 9 boys over the course of the term's Friday afternoons.

GTX is more than simply an additional Games afternoon, although such is the passion for sport across the School that it never ceases to amaze me how keen many of our boys are to participate in rugby, hockey, rowing and cricket. More impressive still is the speed at which our expert staff are able to assess ability and potential and to improve the skills of serious sportsmen while allowing those for whom sporting activity is merely for pleasure to thrive. For those who prefer other physical challenges, climbing remains a popular option under Mr Irvine's stewardship,

For those interested in cerebral and strategic pursuits, Mr Fawcett Strategy Games group is a new addition to our range of activities, although the rules and protocols were rather too complex for me, and the Lego Robots students continue to design and create diverse machines of a Heath-Robinson variety. We are also fortunate to be able to call upon the services of very talented individuals from outside the Merchants' community and are delighted that Tim Quinn, former editor of Marvel comics, continues to work with a number of boys on the production of magazines.

The creative side of life at Merchants' is very well catered for through GTX. The Drama groups are entered for the Arts award, while Mr Crawford's musicians have been using the Audacity program to great effect. New technologies co-exist with the traditional in the Art department, where film animation and the more serene pursuits of painting and drawing are being practised. Those boys keen to acquire another language have been taking advantage of the chance to get to grips with German.

The more unusual of the GTX options include Shooting and Beekeeping/Horticulture. Mr Turner's enthusiasm for and expertise in apiculture has attracted a lively group who have enjoyed the hands-on processes (quite literally) that are required to produce our own Merchant Taylors' honey.

For a newcomer getting a feel for life at Merchants' I can think of few better ways to spend Friday afternoons than wandering around the GTX groups and reflecting on the stunning variety of activities on offer.

Mr R Simpson