Dr Paul Allsop joined the Carey staff in 2003 and has since taught mathematics throughout all levels of the Senior School. His primary focus is VCE higher mathematics, and this is where he shines.

During his tenure he has studied and completed a PhD in the discipline, his major emphasis being on statistics. Curiously, but felicitously, he chose to centre his studies on cricket records: a fecund source of material. To most of us, the subject is recreational and recondite (even to avid cricket aficionados), but to Paul it combines a love of the game with a profound exposition of statistical principles.

There is an urban legend that suggests that 87 is score that bodes ill for the success of Australian innings, and a collective sigh of relief is palpable as the score is passed without the loss of a vital wicket. (The English teams dread 111 for the same reason). Paul has triumphantly debunked this superstition through sedulous research, but I don’t suppose that will have any effect on the belief.

Paul is one of that rare breed: someone of whom no-one speaks Ill. He is a humble, honest and decent man devoted to his students, his colleagues and his family. His nickname at his previous school was ‘the beast’. This was applied, as Charles Dickens once noted, for its utter want of application. There is only gracious and gentle friendship offered – and always reciprocated.

Paul’s other great sporting love was cross country running, and he could often be seen pounding out the laps and the kilometres, sweating a little, but invariably smiling and cheerful.

He is a master of his subject, and a true and trustworthy friend and colleague.

Written by David Morgan
5 May 2024