Desert Island Discs: Mr Smith

On this week’s article for desert island discs, we turn back to the maths department for Mr Smith’s feature:

Early Childhood – Growing up, The Lion King was on repeat and is still probably my favourite film now. Circle of Life was always the standout, easily one of the best openings to any film and as a maths teacher now, I really do appreciate a good circle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GibiNy4d4gc&list=RDGibiNy4d4gc&start_radio=1

Teenage Years – By Year 9, it was all about In Da Club by 50 Cent. Absolute tune then, still an absolute tune now. Realistically, my experience was less “party in da club” but more “listening to it far too loudly in da bedroom.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qm8PH4xAss&list=RD5qm8PH4xAss&start_radio=1

University – It was about a five‑minute walk from the student union to my halls, and that was rarely a quiet journey. More often than not it involved a group attempt at Wonderwall by Oasis. No one knowing all the words, and even fewer of us hitting the right notes, but everyone convinced it sounded decent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hzrDeceEKc&list=RD6hzrDeceEKc&start_radio=1

Teaching Career – Shortly after qualifying as a teacher, we went into lockdown and TikTok somehow found its way into my life. Savage Love by Jason Derulo was everywhere at the time, and I can confirm I do know the dance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQR2-Q-k_9Y&list=RDsQR2-Q-k_9Y&start_radio=1

Present Day – These days, I’ve fully embraced my inner Swiftie, so it has to be Anti‑Hero by Taylor Swift. According to my Spotify “All Time Top Songs”, it’s sitting proudly at number one (shout out to Hebe and Sophie for showing me how to find this!).