Over 150 years of King’s service
Steve Gray
38 years
A Tribute to Mr. Gray, by Charlotte Mason
Mr. Gray, having been appointed as Mr Gray’s achievements of note include In response to being asked about
a physics teacher in September 1975, an unbeaten season with the SCB any advice he would pass down to
has been at King’s for thirty eight rugby team, various pupils following more recent additions to the teaching
memorable years. During this time he in his footsteps to study at Keble staff, Mr Gray replies: “Don’t try to
has thrived in the Science Department, College, Oxford to read sciences as change the ethos of the school. Realise
filling the roles Head of Physics and well as eighteen out of nineteen pupils that, although teaching is the most
Head of Science before moving to the accomplishing A* Grades in his final important aspect, you must contribute
position of Assistant Director of Studies.
to the extra-curricular (especially
This led to his current position at King’s
sporting) and boarding aspects. Keep
as Director of Studies which he has held
a sense of humour and try to laugh at
for fifteen years.
least once a day.”
When asked about his favourite
In complete awe of his thirty-eight
memories of King’s, amongst them
is apparently, being a “fairly hopeless years spent in King’s, I ask him what
pirate,” in last year’s school play (I is so special about King’s. Alongside
personally thought he was excellent, for mentioning the companionship
one thing the beard was more realistic amongst the colleagues, shared aims
than the other, far younger pirates)! and friendly parents, Mr Gray replies:
Countless incidents with a Headmaster “Thinking on a bus on the way back
from the, “early days,” Mr James Batten, from away cricket or rugby fixtures, that
also spring to mind. According to it was a good school, but not as good
Mr Gray, he used to set his views out as King’s.”
clearly when speaking to staff at break.
As a King’s pupil myself, when I look
A favourite memory was a reference
at all the basic necessities that are
to an edition of the Aluredian, where
Mr Batten apparently stated that lack GCSE class, with emphasis on the fact imperative in the running of a school
of pupil input made it, “absolutely that the nineteenth was a mere two from timetables to Parents Evenings, it
hopeless… it has been completely marks away. Amongst these, becoming becomes apparent that Mr Gray was,
written by Michael Rogers.” Mr Gray Director of Studies and the school and is, instrumental in making all of
then explained to me that Michael triumphing in over 70% of pupils these things happen and, without him,
Rogers was, “the editor and the much obtaining A* to B grades at A Level are King’s would certainly not be the well-
respected Head of English at that time!” also highlighted. oiled machine it is today.
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