Fond Farewells
In the RGS Times this week and next, we say a fond farewell to teaching staff who leave 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.
Mr Gareth Roots, Director of Sport
Mr Roots joined RGS Worcester from Brighton College and quickly set about promoting and developing the School’s Charter for Sport, so that there was a focus on values and asking pupils to be Resolute, Gracious, Selfless and Willing. He has also fostered a coaching ethos that develops ‘Need to Achieve’ personality traits through self-experimentation and guided learning, with the end result being confident and independent learners. During the various Covid lockdowns he ensured there was an eclectic mix of sporting challenges and coaching advice available to pupils, so that they could continue to remain active and engaged despite having to train in isolation at home.
Mr Roots has also been an advocate of ‘Sport for All’ and brought in measures so the School could offer a more comprehensive sporting programme for all abilities. As well as coaching Cricket, Football, Rugby and Hockey, he has also run Golf and started the Triathlon Club.
We thank Mr Roots for all that he has done for RGS Sport and wish him well as he moves to North London with his young family, where he will take up the Director of Sport position at Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood.
Mr Matthew Parker
Assistant Head (Co-curricular, Planning & Events)
Miss Rachael Wells, Head of Geography
Miss Wells departs from RGS to take up a post as England coach for Double Mini Trampoline with British Gymnastics having completed five years as the Head of Geography. Rachael Wells brought her previous experience as Head of Year Thirteen at Bishop Thomas Grant School in South London, to create an effective and harmonious department. Her organisation of Geography’s field trips both residential and non-residential and of the changes in the GCSE and A Level specification was exemplary and the subject continues to be popular to a wide range of students; next year’s cohort for A Level being the largest in many years. She was also an Acting Head of the Humanities Faculty for two years, along with contributing fully to the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. It is with great sadness we say goodbye as Rachael has proven a close friend and confidante to all in the department and we wish her every happiness in the future.
Mr Phil Newport
Teacher of Geography, Head of Cricket
Miss Julie Gidon, Head of French, DofE Silver Manager
In a recent ‘bleep’ test to raise money for charity, Mlle Gidon was the last teacher standing (or running). She saw off sports teachers, professional rugby players, anyone RGS could throw at her. She prevailed. Her formidable athleticism and competitive spirit are well known. The most feared defender at ‘Friday Night Football’ (the ball plays a minimal role in her tackling), an accomplished triathlete, a hair-raising lead climber, there is no challenge Julie will not attack (and conquer).
This is Julie’s lasting legacy at RGS. Her commitment to every aspect of school life has been second to none. Julie joined as a newly qualified teacher in September 2016. Within two years she was in charge of the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award Programme. Within three years, she was Acting Head of French. Julie’s drive, determination and sheer willingness to learn stand as a role model to all of us, not only of impeccable professionalism but also of the most effective route to success: give it your all and you will achieve.
Julie leaves RGS to become a polyglot (she will add German to her repertoire) and develop further her already impressive mountaineering skills. Or perhaps she also leaves to experience life in all its glory in regions as diverse as Germany, New Zealand and South America. For Julie Gidon will do both, wherever she may be.
Mr Andrew Hutchinson
Head of Modern Foreign Languages, Head of Spanish
Mrs Sarah Rhodes, Teacher of English
Sarah Rhodes joined the English Department in January as maternity cover for Mrs Hyndman. Before joining RGS she taught at Hereford Sixth Form College and, before that, the Dixie Grammar School in Leicestershire. During her time at RGS, Mrs Rhodes has run a yoga club and been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze). We wish her all the best in her new job at another school just down the road in Worcester.
Mr Nicholas Phillips
Head of English