A Fond Farewell

In the RGS Times this week, we bid a fond farewell to staff leaving RGS Worcester at the end of this term. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and commitment and wish them the very best for the future.

 Ms Li Appleby, Teacher of Art

Before arriving at RGS, Ms Li Appleby taught at Malvern College and was Artist in Residence at The Elms School and Snowshill Manor. From there, she brought her considerable expertise in printmaking and a boundless creative energy. Never afraid to get her hands dirty, literally, Li took the helm of the Gardening Club and led pupils to interpret themes with imagination for the RHS Spring Festival last summer.  However, Li isn’t just a brilliant artist; she is also a Sixth Form tutor and a participant in the CCF. She is known for her sensitivity, understanding and great ability to connect with students.  Li has been a vital creative sounding-board for the Art Department, and we wish her every success as she leaves the classroom to return to her own studio practice.

Mrs Jo Hunt, Head of Art

Step into the Art Department and you’re instantly met with a joyous burst of creativity – a vibrant reflection of our pupils’ passion and the incredible guidance of Mrs Jo Hunt, Head of Art. Jo joined RGS in 2014, taking the helm as Head of Department in 2019, and quickly established herself as an artistic force. She has completely transformed the Department, championing greater diversity in mediums, including impressive 3D work and captivating printmaking. Jo’s dedication has developed a remarkable confidence in our GCSE and A Level artists. Their technical brilliance in portraits, landscapes and sculptures is a direct testament to her ability to guide pupils, helping them embrace their uniqueness and become the artists they aspire to be. Beyond the classroom, Jo has enriched our school life with engaging annual art trips and impactful partnership initiatives, from stunning Cathedral exhibitions to poignant Holocaust Day projects. Let’s not forget that she produced every single charming RGS elephant, giraffe, and penguin for St Richard’s Hospice in each of their animal parades! Jo has truly cultivated a culture where creativity thrives, and our pupils have grown immeasurably under her wing. We will miss her dearly and wish her a wonderful, richly creative, retirement filled with all the artistic pursuits she loves.

Mrs Laura Bond, Teacher of English and Assistant Head of Year (Lower Sixth)

In saying farewell to Mrs Laura Bond, the English Department loses a very popular and highly-regarded teacher. Laura joined RGS in 2016 and went on to become Second in Department the following year, as well as Assistant Head of Sixth Form in 2022. As Second in Department, Laura has made an enormous contribution to English at RGS. In particular, she has led the A Level course at a time of unprecedented academic success. Along with Mrs Vincent, Mrs Bond has also run the enormously popular Lit Soc. Famed for its abundance of tea, coffee and cake, Lit Soc has also enabled a great many pupils to develop their interest in and love for books and writing. The range of events and trips Mrs Bond has organised during her time at RGS is truly remarkable. Particular mention must be made of the annual London Gothic Tour, a three-day trip around London’s theatres, galleries, bookshops and graveyards! Her own love of literature and ability to inspire the same devotion in pupils will leave a lasting impression upon the School. Laura has also played an important role in the Sixth Form, guiding and supporting students and ensuring that they really enjoy the final two years of their formal education. She will be greatly missed by colleagues and pupils alike.

Mr Andrew Webster, Head of Computing and IT (RGSW) and Digital Learning Coordinator, Senior House Leader, Officer i/c RAF Section (CCF)

Mr Andrew Webster departs RGS Worcester, leaving a significant legacy as Head of Computing and IT. He has adeptly steered the department through a period of change, as the School successfully integrated digital learning and proactively embraced emerging challenges like AI. Beyond the classroom, Andy’s enthusiasm shone as a dedicated House Leader for Ottley and Senior House Leader, orchestrating a vibrant and extensive House programme that enriched pupils’ experiences. His leadership of the RAF section of the CCF has also been instrumental, providing invaluable opportunities for young people to develop crucial skills and explore new horizons. We wish him all the best as he moves on to a promotion.

Miss Rebekah Airey, Professional Netball Coach

Miss Rebekah Airey is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional who has consistently brought positivity, energy and warmth to our workplace. Her active involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly Netball, reflects her strong sense of teamwork, commitment, and leadership. Rebekah is widely respected for her approachable manner and her ability to build strong, genuine relationships with both colleagues and pupils. Her natural communication skills and vibrant personality have contributed greatly to creating an inclusive and supportive environment within our School community. Her professionalism and spirit have made her an invaluable member of our team, and she will be deeply missed. We extend our warmest wishes to Rebekah as she moves North and embarks on the next chapter of her journey.

Miss Erin Cameron, Sports Graduate Coach

Miss Erin Cameron has been an outstanding member of the PE department over the past two years. Alongside her work at RGS, she impressively balanced the demands of an MSc in Sports Performance Coaching. Erin now moves on to a salaried PGCE with the United Teaching Alliance, based at a school in Warwickshire in order to become a fully trained teacher. We have no doubt she will continue to inspire pupils and the school gaining her is very fortunate.

Mr Joshua Wall, Professional Football Coach

Mr Joshua Wall was asked to “hit the ground running”, beginning as our Football Professional Coach immediately before the Lent Half term. He has come with a range and depth of coaching experience which has seen him deliver detailed, technical sessions as well as adding depth to the pupils’ knowledge of the game throughout his coaching sessions and interactions with all pupils during games, clubs and fixtures. Josh has worked well as part of the team, and he has also contributed valuably to the day-to-day running of a very busy Sports department. We wish to thank him for all his hard work at RGS and wish him every success in the next chapter of his coaching career.