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.
Mrs Kate Hyndman, Teacher of English and Environmental Officer
We warmly celebrate Mrs Kate Hyndman as she leaves RGS after a wonderful tenure, having joined the English department in 2017. Kate has been a dedicated and highly valued member of the team, known for her meticulous organisation and consistent delivery of excellent lessons across all key stages. As an avid reader herself, she has been a passionate advocate for fostering strong reading habits among pupils, reflected beyond lessons in her superb clinic provision and engaging sessions at LitSoc.
Beyond her contributions in the classroom, Kate co-led the Environment Committee with great enthusiasm and vision. Under her leadership, the committee launched impactful initiatives, including a clothes swap, a food waste awareness day and the design of environmentally friendly, reusable RGS-branded water bottles. These campaigns have made a lasting impression on our school community and helped to embed a greener ethos among pupils.
Kate has not only been an asset to RGS but also an incredibly kind and considerate colleague. We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her all the very best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life, raising her young family. She will be greatly missed and we hope to see her return to us in the future.
Mr Jonathan Soman, Director of Music
It is with a mixture of sadness and immense gratitude for all he has achieved that we bid farewell to Jonathan Soman, who leaves RGS Worcester as our esteemed Director of Music. For six years, Jonathan has enriched the lives of many pupils and the wider School community with his passion, dedication, and innovative vision.
Under his dynamic leadership, RGS Music has flourished. Jonathan has overseen a significant expansion of our musical programme, fostering a vibrant environment where pupils of all abilities can discover and develop their talents. Memorable performances in school and at prestigious external venues have become hallmarks of his tenure, captivating audiences with ambition and superb musicianship.
From inspiring collaborative concerts across the RGS Family of Schools to guiding individual pupils to achieve remarkable accolades, Jonathan’s impact has been profound. His commitment to nurturing talent and pushing creative boundaries has truly transformed music at RGS, leaving behind a legacy of growth, innovation, and “pure gold.” We wish him every success as he leaves RGS to work with his church community as a Pastor.
Miss Deborah Gold, Teacher of Physics and STEAM Co‑ordinator
After eight years in the Physics Department at RGS, Miss Deborah Gold is retiring from teaching. Her enthusiasm, exactitude, and commitment to student success have left a lasting impact. Drawing on her previous engineering career, she offered valuable guidance to aspiring engineers and inspired many. As STEAM Coordinator, she successfully led the stimulating Faraday Challenge, an outreach event preparing students from RGS and local schools to tackle real-world problems. She also founded the STEAM Café, promoting leadership among Sixth Formers by encouraging them to mentor younger pupils. Deborah’s passion, vision and dedication will be deeply missed by colleagues and students alike.
Mr Jonathon Downe, Teacher of Chemistry
Mr Jonathon Downe joined in 2020 and brought a wealth of experience and a calm presence during the challenging COVID-19 landscape. As a seasoned educator and A Level examiner, his expertise was invaluable, particularly in guiding our Sixth Form students to success. Mr Downe consistently shared his deep knowledge, enriching the learning experience for all and significantly contributing to their achievements. Beyond the classroom, he generously supported our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participants, demonstrating his commitment to broader student development. As Mr Downe retires, we wish him immense joy and relaxation. We are sure he will thoroughly enjoy those well-deserved long walks along our beautiful coastlines. He leaves with our sincerest thanks and best wishes for a fulfilling retirement. He will most certainly be missed by the Chemistry Department.
Mrs Kate Sewell, Assistant SENCO Pupil Screening, Assessment and Exams Support
Mrs Kate Sewell joined the Learning Development team as Assistant Learning Development Co-ordinator, bringing a rare combination of skills which immediately added value to the team. Her genuine enthusiasm for pupils and for inspiring them to believe in themselves has been evident from the moment she stepped into the role. Kate’s impact has included enabling our Ukrainian pupils to achieve phenomenal successes at GCSE and A Level; researching and facilitating access arrangements for pupils, especially those with complex needs; and even providing consultancy for an external exam board to improve the accessibility of their papers for colour-blind pupils. She has also introduced Sociology A Level to RGS Worcester, further extending the Sixth Form provision. Given the level of her impact, she will leave a legacy far greater than many will ever realise.
Mrs Hannah Clarke, Director of Learning Development for the RGSW Schools
Mrs Hannah Clarke leaves RGS Worcester having made an indelible mark as Director of Learning Development. A passionate advocate for every pupil, she championed the support of SEND across the family of schools, instrumental in introducing vital screening processes to ensure no individual is overlooked. Hannah’s dedication extends beyond her role; her extensive personal research into holistic pupil support, culminating in writing her book which was launched on Monday this week, exemplifies her commitment to helping all students exceed. She has cultivated an outstanding Learning Development team and provided invaluable support to the exams department, embodying a collaborative and forward-thinking spirit.
Mr Joshua Joyner, Teacher of Chemistry and Assistant Head of Year
Mr Joyner joined in 2020 as an Early Career Teacher and quickly demonstrated remarkable adaptability, navigating the complexities of online lessons and limited practical’s during the COVID-19 pandemic. He went from strength to strength, excelling across all Year groups. An exemplary colleague, Mr Joyner, was always ready to support the Department, embodying a selfless and collaborative spirit. His talents were quickly recognised: he was appointed Head of Whiteladies House after just two years, and after four years, he became Assistant Head of Year in addition to his House responsibilities. He has also served as a Football coach, ran the badminton club and assisted on CCF trips. The Chemistry Department and the wider School community will greatly miss Mr Joyner’s commitment and positive impact. We wish him every success in his new role at King Edward’s Five Ways in Birmingham.
