Fond Farewells
In the RGS Times this week, we bid 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.
Academic Admissions Manager and Head of Rounders, Mrs Cia Swingler
Mrs Cia Swingler (nee Duckworth) started at The Alice Ottley School in 2005 as a part time teacher of Lacrosse. She quickly became Head of Physical Education and was appointed Head of PE and Girls’ Games in the merger in 2007. Cia was a veteran of coaching at RGS Worcester. While her elite sporting days are behind her, her passion for sport is still there.
Cia went on to become Head of the Creative Arts Faculty, establishing our Creative Arts evening and raising the profile of the Creative Subjects. Since having her two children, Cia still plays an active role in Sport at the School whilst also working in our Admissions Department. In April, Cia participated in the 2023 London Marathon to raise funds for Spinal Research, inspired by her experiences with both her husband and a close friend who have both benefited from spinal surgery.
After 18 years, Cia is leaving RGS to embark on a new adventure with her family in the United Arab Emirates where she is taking on the role of Director of Sport in an English School.
Teacher of Textiles and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Catherine Matthews
Our departing colleague Catherine, as she embraces a new challenge, leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a wonderful colleague. Serving as the Assistant Head of Sixth Form, she exhibited unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in her role. Her exceptional work in developing the Sixth Form PSHCE programme and overseeing the Leavers’ Committee has left a lasting impact on the fabric of our community. However, it is her unparalleled support and guidance that truly set her apart. Her dedication to the well-being and growth of our pupils created a nurturing environment where they thrived. While her departure will be felt deeply, her contributions will be valued for many years to come by those she worked with closely. – Head of Sixth Form, Mr Mark Evetts
The support and guidance that Catherine has provided within the Textiles department has been exceptional. Her professionalism and her knowledge have brought out the best in our pupils in all key stages through challenging and engaging lessons and, particularly within the Sixth Form where she has supported many of our pupils going on to study Fashion and Textiles at University. There is no doubt that the positive, calm and nurturing atmosphere, the key essence of the Textiles department, is largely due to the welcome and warmth that Catherine always gives to both pupils and colleagues alike. After eleven years in the department, she will be greatly missed by Mrs Bishop and by all of her pupils; many of our alumni who keep in touch, always remark on the lasting impact that she has had and of the contribution that she has made to their fond memories of RGS. – Head of Textiles, Mrs Jo Bishop
Head of Biology, Mr Robert Henderson
Mr Rob Henderson has been an integral part of our School for the past five years. His passion for Biology has brought life to our classrooms, fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
With insightful and engaging lessons, Mr Henderson illuminated the intricacies of Biology, captivating our minds and fuelling our curiosity. From exploring species adaptations to his love of plants, his teaching style turned learning into a voyage of discovery. He also left an indelible mark through hands-on experiences, dissecting various specimens and fostering our understanding of anatomy. There were several memorable Billingham Society evening dissection discussions.
Beyond academics, Mr Henderson excelled as a Form Tutor, providing unwavering support to our Sixth Form students. His empathetic nature and genuine concern for their well-being made him a popular tutor, shaping their personal growth alongside their academic pursuits. Mr Henderson’s enthusiasm extended beyond the classroom, as he shared his love for Marvel movies and board games, sparking lively discussions and memorable Form Periods.
His involvement in coaching Rugby and Hockey teams showcased his commitment to nurturing young talents and fostering teamwork. Moreover, his participation in House competitions, such as Rowing and tug-of-war, exemplified his competitive spirit. His support of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme also benefited many pupils.
Mr Henderson’s dedication to enriching the learning experiences of pupils continued through academic trips, including the annual Biology Field Trip and the Bristol Zoo visit, expanding our connection to the natural world.
As Mr Henderson embarks on new endeavours, moving to a school nearer his home. we are grateful for his impact at RGS. His enthusiasm and knowledge have inspired many to pursue Biology with passion and curiosity.
Teacher of Philosophy and Religion (PR), Mr George Martin
Mr George Martin’s contribution to the department has been significant. His wealth of knowledge from his Master’s degree was essential in helping the department launch the demanding Philosophy A Level, and his care and attention to detail with planning and preparation, will be sorely missed. As well as his academic expertise, George has developed such rapport and understanding of our pupils and his calm manner, balanced with his high expectations of pupil behaviour, have meant he has been a great influence and role model to both pupils and staff. To think of how much he has contributed in just three years, whilst also completing his Master’s in Education, is phenomenal. We all wish him the very best for his new adventure as he moves to take up a teaching post in London.
Teacher of Classics, Miss Tamsin Benns
We bid ave atque vale to Miss Tamsin Benns at the end of the academic year 2022-23. Miss Benns’ period of time at RGS has only lasted two years, but she has made a real impact on the way Latin and Classics are taught at the School, and on the RGS Community as a whole. She has brought particular experience in Latin love elegy, which she has used in her A Level teaching and in her mentoring of university applicants and those completing EPQs or essay competitions. She also instituted a Lower School Classics Club, which has seen keen interest amongst the Year Sevens and Eights, and has been an invaluable mechanism for bringing alive the ancient world. We wish her all the very best in her new role, and are sure she will make the same lasting impression there as she has done at RGS.
Teacher of PE and Assistant Head of Year Ten, Mr Michael Garden
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Mike Garden, as he embarks on a new journey as the Head of PE in the British International School of Washington.
Mike joined RGS Worcester in September 2021 having taught at a school on a UK Military base for four years. Mr Garden’s dedication, passion, and expertise have greatly enriched our PE and Games provision throughout his time here and he will be missed greatly. In particular, Mike has had a significant impact on our Academic PE including the GCSE PE, A Level PE and BTEC Sport courses. Furthermore, he has supported a range of sports such as leading fixtures as Head of Golf and Basketball as well as D of E. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has also been a valuable member of our pastoral team, serving as the Assistant Head of Year Ten.
Teacher of Mathematics, Miss Isabel Tudsbery
We wish Issy Tudsbery all the very best as she moves to Marlborough College to teach Maths after 2 years at RGS, during which time she has taught Maths across the School.
Cricket Coach, Mr Thomas Fell
Tom Fell joined us in January as our Cricket Coach and has also taken on the challenge of developing Girls’ Cricket this season. Tom is taking on the post of Head of Cricket at his own former school, Oakham School. We wish Tom all the very best.
Graduate Sports Assistants, Cerys Dolloway and Oliver Allsopp
We also say goodbye to our Graduate Sports Assistants, Cerys Dolloway and Ollie Allsopp. Thank you to Cerys and Ollie for helping during what has been a superb year for Sport at RGS. They have worked hard and provided opportunities for the pupils; we wish them all the very best.
Gap Year Students, Ethan Farmer and Grace Moseley
We also say goodbye to our Gappies, Ethan Farmer and Grace Moseley. Both have been exceptional and we cannot thank them enough. Ethan and Grace have done a huge number of Tours of the School and have become a major part of our Admissions and Administration teams.
