Fond Farewells
In the RGS Times this week, we bid a fond farewell to staff who are 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 Chloe Bishop, Teacher of Geography
After nine years at RGS, we bid a fond farewell to Chloe who leaves us to take up a new post at her alma mater, Bromsgrove School. At RGS, in her first teaching job since attending Sheffield University, Chloe was a trailblazer, being the first full-time female member of the Geography Department. Chloe accompanied students in 2019 to Iceland where they experienced text book Geography for real. Throughout her time at RGS she has brought a calm professionalism and dedication that has inspired and developed a passion for Geography to all of her students whether they be are in Year Seven or the upper Sixth Form, with numerous students going on to study Geography at University as a result.
Within the wider School community, Chloe has also been a key member of the Senior and Chamber Choirs as well as contributing to numerous Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. Latterly, she has also been Head of Academic Enrichment, assisted in Oxbridge interview preparation and, notably, has led the Billingham Society organising many stimulating lectures for pupils. During her time at RGS, she has also experienced the joy of getting married and having her son James. We certainly wish Chloe all the very best and we are sure she will keep in touch.
Mr Julian Deeks, Teacher of Physics
We reflect on the invaluable six years Mr Julian Deeks has devoted to RGS. His impact has been considerable, serving as a key member of the Physics department and in the role of Lower School Science Coordinator, making significant contributions to the teaching of Lower School Science.
Throughout his time at RGS, Julian’s commitment to advancing learning has been consistently evident. His dedicated efforts have elevated our Oxbridge preparation to new heights, providing crucial guidance to those aspiring to explore the fields of Physics, the Natural Sciences and Engineering. There are many students who have benefitted from his expertise. At the critical time before interview, when pupils became ever more nervous, Julian was always available to offer sage help and guidance.
Beyond traditional academics, Julian has infused enthusiasm into our pupils through the Lower School Science Club. Under his guidance, the Club thrived as a hub for stimulating and engaging activities, sparking curiosity and a passion for scientific exploration. From organising summer trips to the Cheltenham Science Festival, to the more recent links he forged with Cambridge University, where an online seminar engaged pupils with the wider world of the Physical Sciences, Julian always strived to provide opportunities for pupils to develop their minds.
His organisation of trips to the Observatory housed at RGS The Grange must also not be forgotten. Julian was always enthusiastic when he led groups from RGS Springfield, RGS The Grange or the Lower School to observe the night sky. In the last months before his departure to pastures new, Julian continued to be committed, to improving provision for the Astronomy Club by trialling the new telescope.
As we bid farewell to Julian as he embarks on his new adventures at Hanley Castle School, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his dedication, transformative contributions, and the lasting impact he has made to our School community.
Mrs Leanne Bennett-Howells, Head of Hockey & Head of BTEC Sport
After fourteen impactful years, we bid a fond farewell to Leanne, our Head of Hockey at RGS Worcester. A driving force behind the Hockey programme, her dedication shaped not only victories on the field but the character of every player. Leanne’s coaching prowess, motivational skills, and vibrant spirit extended beyond Hockey, leaving an indelible mark on school life.
Leanne started as a part-time PE Teacher at RGS Springfield and gradually moved across to RGS Worcester where she taught in the classroom as well as PE and Games. She took on running the BTEC (National Diploma in Sport) from its inception and has overseen its growth and success in providing pupils with an alternative route for Sixth Form. She heads off to King’s Gloucester and we wish her every future success.
Mrs Lily Racic, School Receptionist,
Lily Racic started at RGS in 2001 as part of the Reception team. Lily has been the full front-on reception for over 22 years; it is with deep sadness that we are losing such a great member of the Support team. Lily has been the first face you meet in Reception for all these years; she is warm, welcoming and full of knowledge. She has been so supportive for staff and pupils and no matter what arises, Lily has dealt with it professionally, promptly, attentively and gets the job done!
Here are a few words her colleagues have shared about Lily:
Jill Gaynor-Smith, Headmaster’s Executive Assistant, says, “I met Lily for the first time some 16 years ago when RGS Worcester merged with The Alice Ottley School. We were all a little sceptical of meeting and working with each other to begin with but there was no need to be, it was as if we had known Lily for the longest time.
Lily jumped right on board and has supported me and the School ever since I have known her. A quick call and she would come in on her day off, stay to help get the countless letters, reports and enclosures out to parents (before IT) along with everything else she has had to deal with on Reception on a daily basis.
She has certainly seen staff and pupils come and go over the years but she has always been our constant. As well as a great Receptionist she is a loyal, caring and loving friend to all of us lucky to be around her.”
Cathy Bates, Registrar, commented, “Lily has been a wonderful colleague to me over the last ten-plus years. I was thrown in at the deep end of Reception years ago, and she was so helpful and supportive of me. Lily has had a tough few years personally, and I really do hope that the next chapter of her life is filled with the happiness she deserves: she is a lovely, warm person. “
Anna Haines in the Bursary said, “It will be hard to say goodbye to Lily. She is an amazing colleague and friend who is very thoughtful and kind and she will be greatly missed by us all.”
Helen Kirk, Foundation & Careers Assistant, added: “Lily, you will be so very missed. You have welcomed all visitors with a smile and a kind word and treated the pupils with kindness and compassion. Your colleagues enjoy working with you and we will miss your wealth of knowledge, patience, and calmness. Enjoy your new chapter and keep in touch!”
