We were delighted to hear that Mr Barlow, Teacher of Maths, recently received an intriguing letter in the post stating he had been nominated as an inspiring teacher by former students. The letter was sent from Trinity College, Cambridge, and included an invitation to a celebratory lunch at the university.
Despite initially wondering if the letter was an April Fool’s joke, Mr Barlow then received a second letter. In his own words:
“The second email revealed more details: there were ten teachers invited from schools around the country and we were to be treated to fine dining and the delights of the wine cellar at Trinity College, Cambridge. However, I was still none the wiser as to the origins of the nomination.
“Later that day, the mystery resolved when George Ogden – one of last year’s Upper Sixth – revealed that it was he who had been the primary author of the nomination. Replying to George, I explained that while I felt entirely fraudulent in accepting a place on the shortlist, I was not going to turn down some tasty food, the chance to catch up with former students and the possibility of a Cambridge evensong.
“The meal turned out to be as delicious as expected and it was good to hear the current generation of admissions tutors explaining their take on the newly revised UCAS system. More than anything it was good to spend time in the company of George, Isaac Flanagan, Daniel Warren and Kiran Patel and to hear how much they were enjoying and making the most of university life – thank you to them, and to the university, for their generous hospitality.”
Trinity College Cambridge launched the Inspirational Teacher Award in 2017. Every year, first-year undergraduates at Trinity are invited to nominate a teacher or careers adviser who particularly inspired their passion for a subject, encouraged them to apply to Cambridge, or supported them through the application process.
We are thrilled that Mr Barlow’s efforts have been recognised in this way – well done!
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