Martin Hugall (left) answers questions.
Martin Hugall – dedicated service
Roly Fischer-Vousden and Jess Dickinson interviewed a long-serving staff member on his retirement
Why did you apply to teach at Friends’ School Saffron Walden? My university tutor was a Quaker and I was impressed by him and when this job came up I just knew that it was right for me as I particularly wanted to work in a school with a Christian foundation. Friends’ School has a soul and that is very important to me. Have you taught any notable pupils? A pupil that I am very proud to have taught is Martha Holmes who went on to produce a number of BBC wildlife programmes, including Sea Trek and Life in the Freezer. There are many other pupils that I have taught who have gone on to do great things. I have always had an interest in the medical aspects of Biology and several pupils I have taught have become doctors. I have had recent contact with one who is an eminent eye consultant and another who is a brain surgeon. Many others email me to let me know they now have PhDs. Some make a lot of money but many have very worthwhile and caring careers and I can’t help feeling that they have been influenced by their Friends’ School experience.
What memories will you take away with you when you leave?
The Biology department will always have a place in my heart, and in my early days I spent a lot of time helping to develop it.
The many colleagues that I have had the privilege to work with including Denby Allen who taught me so much about teaching Biology in my early years. The late Richard Wright, who was senior master when I arrived, and who I would love to have emulated to some small degree – a Quaker saint if ever there was one.
The numerous Biology field trips, and trips to France and Holland at the end of the summer term. And a special mention of the six sixth form working parties I took to La Coûme, a small commune-based school of Quaker origin in the French Pyrenees.
I have fond memories of Assemblies and in particular Meeting for Worship when the school can really feel like the family community it is.
Which aspects of your job over the last thirty-seven years have you enjoyed the most?
Well – all the things I mentioned earlier about happy memories. However, to those I would add the enjoyment I have had in being able to take lots of photos of school activities. I hope that pupils will appreciate this when they look back in the archives on the website in years to come.
Teaching the children of parents who I have taught in the past. I have also taught three members of staff and several governors. Developing School Council – I have been involved with this ever since I started at Friends’ and we have had some major achievements, such as the abolition of lessons on Saturdays. I have also very much appreciated the thrill of being a member of the Senior Management Team and being able to attend Governors’ meetings for many years where the excitement of being at the cutting edge never seemed to wane.
What will you miss the most?
Working with young people – especially now my own sons have grown up. The companionship of the colleagues that I have worked with at all levels throughout this school. Popping in to school – it has become like a second home.
This article appeared in the avenue newsletter, Summer 2009.
