David Powell knows how to help students keep their eye on the ball, both in the classroom and on the table tennis court. As Deputy Head of Mathematics (Years 7–8), Head of Table Tennis, and a double Olympian, we asked David to shared how he inspires students to excel in both academics and sport.
What inspired you to be a teacher?
My sister inspired me. She taught me Biology and watching her made me realise how rewarding teaching could be.
What are some of the activities or programs you are involved in at the School?
I’ve been involved as the Head of Sport (Table Tennis) since joining Haileybury in 2019. We’ve always had a strong program, and I’ve been fortunate to help build on that success. Outside of school, I’ve also worked with Table Tennis Australia, supporting our National Junior Squads, several of whom are Haileybury students. Being able to share my experience with them has been incredibly rewarding. In fact, Haileybury has now won the past 22 APS titles at firsts level, a remarkable record.
What was it like to be an Olympian?
I feel so lucky to have been part of the Australian Olympic Team in both 2016 and 2020. Competing on the biggest sporting stage was something I’d dreamed of since I was a kid, and getting to share that moment with our incredible team is something I’ll never take for granted.
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
The most rewarding part of my role is working with the young people. They are full of optimism and energy, and always bring a fresh perspective. I also value my role in Maths leadership and having the opportunity to help shape the direction of our department and make a meaningful impact on the learning experience of our Middle School students.
What advice would you give to students who want to pursue their dreams?
Set clear, specific goals, then map out strategies to reach them. Hard work and dedication are key but remember that progress is not always linear. Most importantly, find the joy in what you do. If you’re enjoying the process, everything else falls into place. In the words of gymnast Simone Biles: “At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day.”
Do you have a favourite maths topic?
I love teaching quadratics and graphing parabolas! There are so many real-life examples that bring these concepts to life, from the design of suspension bridges to the arc of a water fountain, or even the flight path of a table tennis ball. It’s one of those lessons where maths meets the real world in a visual and fun way.