Link to Matheson's News

George Pounder, Housemaster

"There's always a positive and happy atmosphere" was how one boarder described Matheson's to a visitor recently. In Matheson's, we achieve this by encouraging and rewarding each individual success, teamed with promoting community spirit and mutual respect and support. We aim to enable a feeling of family where every boy has a voice in the running of the house.

I returned to Matheson's in 2007 when, as an OG, I took over from my old Housemaster. I am also employed by the Boarding Schools Association as a tutor on academic courses for aspiring and current house staff from across Britain.

I teach Classics, referee rugby at Society level, play the organ and flute, and enjoy sport, good food and wine. My wife Julie is a primary teacher and we live in Matheson's with our two sons Thomas, 4 and Oliver, who is almost 2. As an OG and an Old Mathesonian, I do hope you will come and visit us soon. 

3^rd Form – Mike Davies

Mr Davies is Director of Sport and coach of the 1^st XV rugby and 1^st XI hockey. He is an experienced member of the team, having run a boarding house at a previous school. He is a keen cricketer and plays regularly; I understand (from his loyal son) that he went on a tour last summer down in England and managed to pull both his hamstrings!

4^th Form – Patrick Erdal

Mr Erdal has been a tutor in Matheson's in two of his previous lives, and we welcome him home to Matheson's this year for a third time following a spell as a tutor in Home. He teaches Maths and Economics and is a very experienced yachtsman. He is the brains behind the Island Peaks Race, a qualified ski instructor and a connoisseur of malt whisky

5^th Form –  David Armitage

Mr Armitage is Head of Chemistry. He was a housemaster at his previous school and is a keen and experienced rugby player (but hates cricket, despite being a Yorkshireman). He and his wife Sarah have a 2 year old son Benjamin and a baby daughter Rosie.

Lower 6^th – Dr Byrom

Dr Byrom has been a tutor in Matheson's since 1997. He ran the English Department at Glenalmond for 10 years and is currently the President of the SCR. He has taught in many places from prisons to public schools and universities, from Strangeways to Norway. He was a Housemaster and Head of English at Marlborough College for 16 years before coming to Glenalmond. Dr Byrom also has a cat who speaks Norwegian.

Upper 6^th – Mr Gower

Mr Gower is Director of Music and Senior Tutor. He was housemaster of Skrine's before his translation to Matheson's. He runs the William Bright Society for academically able pupils and oversees applications to Oxford and Cambridge.

House Matron

Rachael McGuire, has worked loyally in Matheson's for a number of years, and has seen several generations of boys through the House. Aside from the laundry (you should see the piles of dirty kit on a Monday morning), Rachael is a vital part of the pastoral team in Matheson's, and attends our weekly tutor meetings.

And finally?

Julie and I extend our thanks to all the Matheson's team (boys, Tutors, Matron and cleaners). I'm sure that life in Matheson's will continue to go from strength to strength in the 2009/2010 academic year.