Fond Farewells
We say ‘good-bye’ to some long-standing staff this summer whose combined service amounts to over 20 years. We would like to thank them for all their hard work and commitment and wish them a lovely summer and the very best for the future.
Mrs Sarah Cooper
Sarah leaves RGS after 15 years of outstanding service to the School and wider community. Originally starting as an RS and Philosophy teacher, Sarah’s skills and abilities were quickly recognised and she went on to hold numerous posts, including introducing and then being Head of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and latterly as Assistant Head of Sixth Form.
Whilst Sarah is an outstanding and unbelievably enthusiastic and passionate teacher of RS and Philosophy, it is perhaps in her Pastoral role that she shone most brightly. Caring, compassionate and considered, Sarah has supported the Sixth Form students with aplomb and helped them navigate the trials and tribulations of late teenage life. That said, Sarah also had tremendous strength of character, as was witnessed on many occasions as she challenged the Sixth Formers as regards their interpretations of the RGS Dress Code!
Always immaculately turned out herself when in school, Sarah was never afraid to ‘have a day off’ and ‘rough it’, as she demonstrated on her many CCF Army camps. With a laugh and sense of humour that would light up any room, Sarah will be greatly missed. However, she leaves us, for more gentil pastimes, in the full knowledge that the thousands of pupils she has taught over these past 15 years will be forever grateful for all her hard work and dedication and perhaps most importantly, for the warmth and care she displayed to them all. We wish Sarah and her husband, Matt the very best for the future.
Mr Richard Houchin
Assistant Head (Academic), Director of Admissions & Partnerships
Mr Dan Morgan
Over the last 8 years at RGS, Dan has had a huge impact in all areas of school life as a Drama Teacher, Assistant Head of Year and Head of House. Within the Drama Department he has inspired and led his students to success – he is meticulous about his planning and organising, and has also organised three international trips, countless trips to the theatre and A Level research and devising weekends in Cornwall.
Dan is passionate about the subject and is the life and soul of every gathering, as well as being a die-hard Liverpool FC fan, a regular Friday night football player and there is nothing that he does not know about Star Wars or Marvel!! Dan will be a huge loss to RGS and very sorely missed, but we wish him every success as he takes a well-deserved Head of Department role in his new school.
Mrs Jill Witcomb
Director of Drama
Miss Laura Semmons
Laura Semmons leaves RGS this summer having spent two years in the Geography department. Laura joined RGS from Priestlands School in the New Forest, and immediately impressed with her thorough organisation, enthusiasm for Geography and the ability to create a productive rapport with all her students. She has proven a very popular and committed Year Seven Form Tutor, helping her Form with transition into the Senior School seamlessly. She has also found time to assist with the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award section, enjoying the outdoor experiences and particularly supporting the less confident pupils. We wish her all the best as she moves on to teach Geography at the Swan Free School in Oxford.
Mr Phil Newport
Teacher of Geography, Head of Cricket
Miss Darcey Chambers
After working at RGS Worcester during her Gap Year, Darcey now leaves RGS Worcester to continue her study of English at the University of York.
Darcey said: “It’s really been a jam-packed year! I’ve done in
numerable tours of the school; for staff, prospective pupils, alumni. Alongside these I’ve gained lots of experience; I have been an invigilator, assisted with the Schools’ Mass ‘Covid Testing’, been a group leader on a school trip, a photographer, a receptionist, a reprographics assistant, part of many welcoming committees for events, and even a cover Latin and Form Teacher!
It was certainly strange adjusting to calling my old teachers by their first names, but it’s been really interesting getting to know them as colleagues and friends instead of teachers.
Aside from transferable workplace skills and an increase in confidence when talking to new people, I’m walking away from RGS having met some amazing people, and have definitely made friends for life!”
Mr Tom Ehlers
Tom leaves RGS Worcester to continue his studies, reading Physics at the University of Edinburgh in September.
Talking about his Gap Year working at RGS Worcester, Tom said: “The variety of projects has kept the job interesting and I definitely have far more experience for my CV than I could have hoped! I now have a much greater appreciation for how much work goes on behind the scenes at school. There are always more tasks to do and problems to solve, and it’s given me a wealth of experience across a range of areas. I definitely have far more confidence in myself and feel much more prepared to tackle my next steps.
One of my highlights definitely has to be joining the DofE Expeditions as a member of staff. I really enjoyed completing my own expeditions as a student, and it’s been great fun to help out from the other side. I’ve loved seeing the pupils’ progress, and have had a huge amount of fun getting to know them over the year.
I’ve absolutely loved my time at RGS, and I feel that it has set me in good stead for the future. It is strange to finally be heading off – but I’m sure that I’ll keep coming back to visit in the future!”