Gavin McCormick

Life before Stowe

Teaching in London, Bedford and Oxford, at school and university level.

What do you enjoy most about your subject?

The intellectual challenges it presents, the enormously rich and diverse range of subject matter it encompasses, the fact that there is always more to learn and appreciate. I sometimes suggest to pupils that Classics is a subject for life, not just for school (or university).

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

The beauty and history of the place, which demands humility and wonder in equal measure; and the friendliness of the people, both pupils and Staff. The sheer range of things one can do to contribute to the life of the community is also a highlight.

What is your favourite Lesson?

Any lesson in which a pupil really grasps something they had previously found challenging - and enjoys doing so - ‘Eureka moments’ I suppose you might call them. In terms of subject matter, there are many topics and authors I love to cover in class: the politics of ancient Athens, Greek theatre, Homer and Virgil are amongst them. And no good Classics lesson is complete without some sort of reflection on the longue durée.

What do others say about you?

I haven’t done any canvassing, but I hope they would say I am someone who tries to do the best I can for the people around me, and who tries to do my small bit to make the world a slightly better place.

Other hats

I have the privilege of acting as Senior Scholars co-ordinator. I am a Sixth Form tutor in Grafton. I coach sport - especially rugby and football. When I have the chance, I like to write, both as a complement to what is happening in the classroom, and for a wider audience. I started a classical blog, before co-founding and editing a website, Antigone Journal, which covers all matters Greek and Roman for people around the world. I have also written for various journals and magazines.

Passions

Above all, my wife and three young children, with whom there is rarely a dull moment. The arts - most of all, music: everything from Palestrina to Rachmaninov to the jazz piano of Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. Carole King’s Tapestry album. The voice of Etta James. I could go on. And sport - especially football - now, mainly, from an armchair or a touchline. I am a long-suffering supporter of Southampton FC.