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Jeremy Le Poidevin

Born August 16th 1954 – Died November 13th 2016, age 62

MTBS 1980 – 1986

jeremy-photo

Although his tenure at MTBS was relatively short, “J Le P” is well and fondly remembered by colleagues and pupils alike as an inspiring and dedicated English teacher, hockey coach and producer of some outstanding school plays.  In the words of one of his brothers “He was a warm-hearted, generous, enthusiastic and insanely active person” and from a member of staff “One of the most valued colleagues I ever had”.

In 1980 he was convalescing after knee surgery and arrived at school a few weeks into the term.  He was walking on crutches, unfortunately billeted on the top floor of the boarding house, but immediately threw himself into life at MTBS.

He will be particularly remembered for the plays and musicals he produced, including:

The Ghost Train – a comedy suspense thriller with eerie sound effects

Hamp – a gripping and compelling drama set during WWI; Jeremy himself took the lead role of Private John Hamp, a shell shocked and trusting young man from Lancashire who is court-martialled for desertion

Smike – a pop musical with a time-travelling theme, an adaptation of an extract from Charles Dickens‘ Nicholas Nickleby

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – memorable for the choreographic workouts, given to the cast by Margaret Mann, said to be more exhausting that a 1st XV training session; and for the gold painted Sinclair C5 electric three-wheeler used as the chariot in the finale and test driven by Jeremy up and down the main corridor in the dead of night.

He also inaugurated the Staff Revue persuading colleagues to take part in a surprise performance of various comedy sketches to an audience of the whole school.  Jeremy performed in a sketch in which he shaved, using a cut-throat razor, accompanied by the accelerating music of “In the Hall of The Mountain King” and ever increasing volumes of theatrical blood.

Jeremy was born in Derby, raised in Uttoxeter and educated at Smallwood Manor Prep School and Repton before reading English at the University of York.

Prior to joining MTBS he taught for three years at Colston’s School in Bristol and from MTBS went on to Silcoates in Wakefield.  He met his future wife Cheryl while in Crosby and conducted a long distance courtship from Wakefield before proposing and marrying in 1991.

Towards the end of each stage of his teaching career he would get “itchy feet” and look for new challenges beyond teaching.  In 1995, Jeremy finally realised this long held desire for a new adventure.  He and Cheryl bought a small and run down business called Practical Magic; essentially a mail order business supplying props to children’s entertainers, in reality a name and a garage full of plastic accessories.

Sixteen years ago, after starring in the BBC’s Escape to the Country, he and Cheryl moved to Gadlas, near Ellesmere in Shropshire.  From here they built Practical Magic into a premier dealership for children’s entertainers worldwide, designing and manufacturing many unique tricks and effects. They travelled throughout the UK and ventured to Europe and the USA to attend and lecture at trade shows and conventions.  His video demonstrations of products and routines have been invaluable to both aspiring and experienced magicians and along with his hilarious Fireside Chats are still available to view by following the videos link on the menu bar of the website www.practical-magic.com.

To try to sum up Jeremy’s all too short time with us is difficult. Teacher and Magic Dealer … this is not even the tip of the iceberg.  Polymath is a label that sits comfortably upon Jeremy, for he truly was a man of wide knowledge and learning. He had interests in stamp and coin collecting, literature, art, the natural world, football (as a lifelong Stoke supporter) and  music – notably Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen and Thea Gilmore along with Gregorian chant and the more standard classical repertoire; in the last few years he had become a competent guitar player, accompanying himself to his favourite songs.

Gone too soon and sadly missed, but those of us who knew Jeremy are all better off for having known him and he will certainly live on through our memories.

Stephen J Williams

MTBS, Mathematics and Computing, 1979 – 2008

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After a brilliant morning with our Infants, the fu After a brilliant morning with our Infants, the fun continued yesterday afternoon with our Junior Sports Day! 🏃‍♂️🎉

Well done to all our Year 3 to Year 6 pupils for showing such determination, enthusiasm and team spirit in every event 💪👏

A big thank you to all the families who came along to support and cheer from the sidelines and to the parents who joined in the races, keeping the energy high right to the end!
What a fantastic morning at our Infant Sports Day! What a fantastic morning at our Infant Sports Day! 🏅

Well done to all our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils who gave it their all with smiles, teamwork and brilliant energy throughout every race and activity.

A huge thank you to our wonderful parents for coming along to cheer everyone on, especially to those who took part in the parents’ race! 👏

And not forgetting our amazing staff who joined in the fun with the staff race, thank you for helping make the day such a memorable one.
Yesterday, our Lower Sixth pupils enjoyed a brilli Yesterday, our Lower Sixth pupils enjoyed a brilliant day at the Concordia Connects Conference, featuring a range of expert guest speakers, including some of our inspiring alumni.

From exploring purpose and squiggly careers to mastering presentation skills, workplace behaviours, and digital networking, the day was packed with practical advice and meaningful conversations.

Concordia Connects is our alumni mentoring programme, run by the Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Associations, supporting pupils and alumni alike - whether it’s internships, mock interviews, life coaching or career advice.

A huge thank you to all our mentors who gave their time to support the next generation yesterday. Your guidance is invaluable. 👏
Earlier today, our Year 1 pupils visited the Harri Earlier today, our Year 1 pupils visited the Harrison Site for a fascinating introduction to the history of Merchant Taylors’.

As part of their learning, the children explored key areas around the school site, discovering how it has changed over time and the role it has played in our community for over 400 years. 

A particular highlight was the chance to study our newly installed school timeline, which helped bring the story of Merchant Taylors’ to life through important dates, events and figures from the past.

To round off the visit, pupils even got to try on some old school blazers from the archives, a fun and memorable way to step back in time!
Yesterday, our Year 2 and Year 3 pupils enjoyed so Yesterday, our Year 2 and Year 3 pupils enjoyed some extra playtime together as part of Year 2’s transition into the Juniors.

It was lovely to see new friendships forming and plenty of smiles as they played, explored and got to know each other better. 

A small step that makes a big difference in helping our younger pupils feel confident and excited about the move up! 😊👏
We’re not saying the queue was long for ‘Spong We’re not saying the queue was long for ‘Sponge the Teacher’… but let’s just say some pupils came back more than once! 🧽💦

Huge thanks to Mr O’Brien, Mrs Wynne, Mr Gill, Mr Roberts and Mr Houghton for being such great sports at the Summer Fair, you definitely took one (or several!) for the team! 😅
A perfect summer evening full of fun, smiles and f A perfect summer evening full of fun, smiles and fantastic community spirit! 😊☀️

Yesterday’s Summer Fair was a huge success – thank you to our amazing PA for organising such a fantastic event, and to everyone who came along and helped us raise over £2,000! 💛

Special thanks to @nannyagency1 and @bakesbynelly for bringing their brilliant stalls and being part of the fun.
Earlier this week, our talented musicians had the Earlier this week, our talented musicians had the incredible opportunity to take part in a piano masterclass with Martin Roscoe, one of the UK’s most distinguished concert pianists 🎹✨

Each performer received personalised feedback and expert guidance, gaining valuable insight into technique, expression and musical interpretation. A truly inspiring session and a real highlight for our musicians!

These professional masterclasses are just one part of our wider programme of creative enrichment at Merchant Taylors’, helping pupils develop both their technical skills and love of performance.
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