STAFF LEAVERS Rajesh Datta
the satisfaction gained from sowing
Aside from his significant contribution
seeds with his students to start to
to the Maths department Rajesh
develop a similar passion.
has found the time to get involved
Early on Rajesh recognised that provision for our most able students was rather ad hoc amongst all age groups. He was already involved at that stage with helping those capable of applying to do Maths related subjects at Oxbridge via the STEP programme. But he felt that starting this in Year 12 was too late, so he created the STEP-Lite programme to identify and develop students with potential in maths as early as possible. ‘Perhaps we could involve
Rajesh joined the Maths Department 8 years ago as a Newly Qualified Teacher. He had already done two terms of teacher training with us the year before so we knew how energetic and enthusiastic he was, but what struck us very early on was how totally dedicated he is to getting the best out of every single student. From then until now he
three or four students’ in this STEPLite scheme,’ he thought.
more broadly in school life, including accompanying French and German trips, helping to raise money to improve the squash facilities with 24 hour squash marathons, and assisting Dr Smith with writing the school timetable. The Maths Department are going to miss Rajesh in many ways as he moves on to promotion in a new school in Surrey. We will miss his tenacious approach to all that he does, from writing well thought out and challenging A level tests (though the boys don’t always
Today the STEP-LIte programme
appreciate this at first!), organising
is so popular amongst the boys
the Maths Challenges, helping us
in the school that there are now
with our maths when we get stuck
about 60 taking part. The time
(yes, this happens), always having
commitment from Rajesh involved
a story to tell, not to mention all
in setting, marking and providing
the excellent lessons he teaches
feedback has been immense but so
and the commitment he shows to
appreciated by the boys involved
the Department, the school, and
who are realising their potential and
ultimately to the boys. We wish him
enjoying their maths so much more
well in his move to Surrey, and the
has committed time and boundless
as a result. From STEP-Lite also
same school as Harriet Rowling, and
energy to raising the achievement of
came the Weekly Challenge which
we hope they will come back to see
all those he teaches, but particularly
is accessible to all students in Year
us now and then..
the most able boys in the school. His
7 - again organised by Rajesh for the
energy and commitment stems from
benefit of the boys in the school, who
J M Smith
a genuine love of his subject and
enjoy taking part.
C P Smith
10
The Aylesburian 2018/2019
