Matheson's
|
|
|
George Pounder, Housemaster
|
Link to Matheson's News
About the House
Matheson's lies in Front Quad in the heart of the college and within a stone's throw of the library. Matheson's has the reputation of being a small friendly House with a genuine warmth in which each boy can develop in a safe, secure, happy environment, acquiring a good set of values and high self-esteem. They are encouraged to set themselves high standards and respect and appreciate the different qualities and interests of others.
About the Housemaster
George Pounder is an OG and old Mathesonian. He studied Classics at Oxford, and PGCE at Glasgow University. He tutors boarding staff for the Boarding Schools Association.
George came to Glenalmond from Rugby School in 2006 where he was an Assistant Housemaster. He teaches Latin, Greek and Ancient History, and is involved in both Sport and Music across the school.
George runs Matheson's as an extension to his family home alongside his wife, Julie, who is a primary teacher, and his sons Thomas, 5, and Oliver, 2
What the boys say
What's the best thing about being in Matheson's?
- The housemaster and his family, tutors, matrons, cleaners and everyone else are all really friendly.
- The community and family-like feel.
- The cinema room!
- How easy it is to socialise across the years.
- Everybody is happy
- Made to feel instantly part of the group
- The gaming room is a home from home
- People are friendly and always help me
- It's an easy-going house.
- There is a warm family spirit that sees even the chaps in Upper 6th chat with and help the Juniors
- Being so central and close to everything from classes to the dining hall.
- Being able to roll out of bed and be within 20 paces of the dining hall!
- There is a lively buzz around the house in the evenings with lots of things going on to keep you from getting bored
- We are a small house yet so many school events are dominated by Matheson's boys.
How do the boys help each other to adapt to boarding life in Mathesons?
- They look after you and make you not feel homesick
- They wake me up so I'm on time!
- There are lots of people who are willing to comfort you if you need it.
- When you are new they come to you and do something with you.
- We all take care of each other like a big family. We go through ups and downs together
- In Matheson's, everyone is a friend. Even 6th formers look out for 3rd formers!
- Everyone is friendly to everyone and talks to each other
- They try to see if everybody is happy and help people who are not.
- We all chat and interact well.
- They have given me loads of support with everything and make a real effort to make you part of the group.
What are the most important things to ensure that boys are happy in a boarding school?
- You are allowed to have a personal identity to a certain extent.
- Having things to do like pool, table tennis and TV
- To feel welcomed
- Security, freedom, individuality
- A place to relax and chat with other people
- Make it feel like home
- They have people they can confide in the house if they are having a few problems
What were your first impressions of life in Matheson's and have they changed?
- It's accepting of anyone no matter how sporty, clever or otherwise you are.
- My first impression was positive – nice people and a sense of care and it's not changed.
- From an overseas student "At first I thought my room was small and everyone was speaking English so quickly. But now, I think the room is small but warm and the others are friendly and always talk to me even though they have to repeat several times so I can understand them!"
- I thought the house was in poor condition but it does get repaired and the Pounders and Matron try to make it homely.
- Everybody has been so welcoming to me.
- I was a bit homesick at first, but then I made some quality friends and after a week it felt like I'd been here for a year (in a good way!)
- Not only did I like the housemaster and his family but I especially liked the boys. Matheson's goes from strength to strength for me.
- I thought it was rough, but it turns out it's really fun and amazing.
- Fun, friendly atmosphere.
- Friendly laid back house.
Matheson's Tutors |
| 3rd Form |
Mr Bing Wang |
| 4th Form |
Dr John Byrom |
| 5th Form |
Mr Lewis Rattray |
| L6th Form |
Mr Patrick Erdal |
| U6th Form |
Mr Robert Gower |
| House Matron |
Rachael McGuire |
|
Joint Head of House and College Prefect |
David Dalrymple |
|
Joint Head of House and College Prefect |
Gavin Morgan |
|
House Prefect |
Robert Zervas |
