The power of an inspirational teacher

The power of an inspirational teacher

Peter Foy remembers a man who inspired him to realise his dreams with tales of Colditz and an infectious love of mathematics

When I was at school we followed a programme of mathematics called the School Mathematics Project (SMP). I mean no disrespect to the people who developed it, but it was awful – or at least it was for me.

    We were supposed to be learning maths, but his tales of Colditz were far more interesting.  

This is my story of how I escaped SMP, fell in love with Prime Numbers, and learnt to pursue my passions.

A cool Yule

My story starts with Lieutenant-Colonel Jimmy Yule. He taught me maths up to O level, which is GCSE in today’s money. If the class was bored with maths, we knew we could distract Mr Yule by asking him about Colditz. He had been a Prisoner of War in that infamous camp and the BBC was running a drama series about it at the time.

We were supposed to be learning maths, but his tales of Colditz were far more interesting. He told us in vivid detail what it was like in the camp and identified inaccuracies in the TV programme’s depiction. It was all a welcome distraction from wrestling with vectors and sets.

As a class, I suppose we thought of Jimmy as a bit of a dodderer, an old man who was easily distracted.

How wrong we were.

One day, he called me aside and said that although the class was not the best he had taught he thought that four of us – me included – had real potential as mathematicians.

    “If you have a passion, you must follow it,”...  

“Listen old man,” he said. “I would like to coach you through the O level so you can take it early. We won’t use this SMP stuff. We’ll do proper maths. Fancy it?”

I did fancy it. So, did David, Sue and Ann. We became Jimmy’s protégés.

A passion for learning

In the following months I learnt mathematics from a man who was a famous captive in Colditz castle, using his knowledge to set up a clandestine radio receiver in the prison. Jimmy introduced me to Poincare and Riemann, to Prime numbers and differential calculus. His passion for maths infected me and has stayed with me ever since.

After the exams I was cast in the school play. Jimmy had been responsible for staging plays in Colditz and directed musicals at my school. After my first performance he came up to me and said that maths and the theatre were equally valid career options.

“If you have a passion, you must follow it,” he enthused, gripping my arm and looking me straight in the eyes. It’s a conversation I’ve never forgotten.

Finding inspiration

Looking back, I realise that Mr Yule taught me something important. Not just to follow my passions, but also that inspirational leaders don’t want you to follow them. They want you to realise who you are.

Today I still struggle fully to understand Prime Numbers, but the struggle is a hobby not a chore. I suppose you could call it a passion, imparted by a man who saw his role as helping others become more fully themselves.

Thanks, Jimmy. I owe you.

Published: 1 May 2020

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you liked this article you may like to read: Ten of the most common “neuromyths”

You may also like to read: The knowledge: find out what you stand for

Jobs currently available

Forklift Driver - Counterbalance (10am - 8pm)
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC5
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business in Earls Colne with the recruitment of a Forklift Driver, due to increased workload.

This is a permanent opportunity!

To be considered for this role, you must have a Counterbalance licence that is valid and up-to-date — previous experience operating these trucks is required.

This is a busy and varied role where you could be working in the yard, moving goods, stock checking, or loading and unloading trucks throughout the day.

This is a great company to be part of — offering further progression and development.

Hours: 10am to 8pm.

Overtime is also available (subject to business requirements).

Free parking is available on site, as well as further company benefits.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Forklift Driver - Bendi (8am - 6pm)
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Location: Earls Colne, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC4
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business in Earls Colne with the recruitment of a Forklift Driver, due to increased workload.

This is a permanent opportunity!

To be considered for this role, you must have a Bendi/Flexi licence that is valid and in date — previous experience operating these trucks is required.

This is a busy and varied role where you could be working in the yard, moving goods, stock checking, or loading and unloading trucks throughout the day.

This is a great company to be part of — offering further progression and development.

Hours: 8am to 6pm.

Overtime is also available (subject to business requirements).

Free parking is available on site, as well as further company benefits.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Counterbalance FLT Drivers
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £13.50 per hour
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-HAD-FD-0825
About the role

Just Temps seeks reliable and hardworking Counterbalance FLT Drivers for a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, within a well-established food manufacturing company, based in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Heavy lifting – regularly handling up to 50kg
  • Ripping and tipping of raw materials
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment
  • Working in a dusty environment with appropriate PPE
  • Supporting general production and manufacturing tasks

Role requirements include:

  • Comfortable with heavy lifting on a continuous basis
  • Previous experience in a factory setting is desirable
  • Good attention to detail and strong work ethic
  • Reliable and punctual

What’s on offer:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Consistent Monday to Friday hours
  • Long-term opportunity with a reputable local employer

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a vital role in the food production industry, we want to hear from you.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Secretary/Office Support Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Sudbury
Role: Part Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JRG0102015
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded and long-standing business based in Sudbury to recruit a Secretary/Office Support Administrator.

This role is available on a part-time basis for a minimum of 20 hours per week – those hours must include Wednesdays and Fridays.

Key duties include:

  • Supporting the Director with diary management, correspondence, minute-taking, audio typing of various documents and travel arrangements
  • Managing office admin, including filing
  • Answering the phone and handling queries in a confident and professional manner
  • Meeting and greeting visitors to the office in a friendly manner
  • Maintaining and updating the company database
  • Producing reports and other documents as required
  • Assisting other secretaries and receptionists as needed
  • Attending meetings and ensuring accurate documentation
  • Upholding company policies and contributing to a flexible, team-oriented environment

What you'll need to succeed:

  • Previous experience in an administration/secretary-based role
  • Audio typing experience
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Highly organised with the ability to manage your own time effectively, meeting any deadlines set
  • Computer literate with proficiency in Excel, Word and database packages
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • High levels of accuracy with good attention to detail

This is an excellent opportunity to join a local business in an exciting period of growth. This role is being offered on a permanent, office-based basis.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more