The Kerr Prize 2023
What do nuclear energy, bodybuilding, Japanese culture, and brachycephalic dogs all have in common? Well, this year, they were all essay topics submitted by students at Loughborough Grammar School for the Kerr Prize 2023.
The Kerr Prize, named after Bob Kerr who taught Modern Languages at Loughborough Grammar School between 1990 and 2021, encourages independent learners to write an essay on a topic of their choice to demonstrate their love of learning. Pupils select a topic of personal interest that excites them and about which they are motivated to read in depth. They are encouraged to be adventurous and imaginative in their topic selection, so they will be enthused by thinking beyond the curriculum and cross-curricular themes can be explored.
Funded by Tom Owen (LGS, 2007) in dedication to his German teacher, Mr Kerr, the 2023 prize was award to Matthew, whose 12-page essay focussed on ‘the Aesthetics of Mathematics’.
Matthew said: “I have loved mathematics for a long time, and it has many longstanding links with philosophy. However, I have never particularly seen it discussed as an art form before, despite how much beauty I could see in it; hence, I chose to do some research and discovered an area of inquiry mostly abandoned in the 20th century, which piqued my interest. This became the topic I eventually chose, looking at the different ways in which mathematical beauty could be expressed to what extent they meet various philosophical criteria.
It is extremely gratifying to know that the efforts I put into research and writing have paid off and that I have as a result made something truly valuable. In addition, Mr Kerr is a teacher for whom I have the utmost respect and whose legacy is practically inescapable; his knowledge and teaching are simply incredible, and I consider myself lucky enough to have been taught by him. I’m honoured to receive a prize linked with such an incredible man.”
We were delighted to welcome Mr Kerr and Tom Owen (LGS 2007) back to the Sixth Form Centre to present the prizes.
Mr Kerr said: “Being offered a post at LGS was one of the most fortuitous and significant events of my life as it gave me the opportunity to be involved again actively in the teaching of modern languages, especially German, after I had spent most of my professional career up till then involved with TEFL. More importantly still, I was able to develop my knowledge and skills in an intellectually inquisitive but always friendly and respectful environment, my dear wife and I quickly realising that we had become part of a larger caring family.
When I discovered that Tom Owen wished to name the award after me, I felt very humble indeed because I had worked alongside so many committed teachers who put me in the shade. Attending the award ceremonies has given me the opportunity to meet up with erstwhile colleagues and some of the boys I taught not that long ago. During what has been a difficult two years or so in my life Tom has offered my children and me incredible help and support and it has been a privilege to meet up with him and his family.”
