Archives: Staff
Mr J Muchmore
When did you join the RGS? September 2021
What excites you most about coming into work each day? Teaching storytelling feels ancient – like something we have done since we lived in caves. I love having conversations about good stories with curious people.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? Make your own meaning – take in as much as you can and have fun.
What animal most reflects your personality? The noble heron.
What would your theme song be? “You’re the Voice” by John Farnham.
What would your autobiography be entitled? Somehow I Manage.
Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Michael Caine, in his Educating Rita years.
Mr G Cover
When did you join the RGS? 2015.
What’s the best thing about the RGS? The curiosity and ‘spark’ that pupils demonstrate in lessons. There is a hunger for learning that exists in no other school I have worked in.
What’s your life philosophy/motto? ‘respect time and make every day your masterpiece’ (Stolen from legendary basketball coach John Wooden).
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A lifetime membership to Augusta National Golf Club.
What’s the best place you’ve travelled to and why? Sri Lanka – wonderful people; cricket everywhere; sunny weather; stunning beaches; delicious food and beautiful landscapes inland!
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Access to all sporting events across the globe.
Do you have any phobias? I am not a big fan of snakes!
Mr A Gyford
When did you join the RGS? 2015 (and again in 2021)
What’s the best thing about the RGS? Staff and students at the RGS are a really passionate and interesting group of people. Whether its Warhammer or Linguistics we all have an outlet to pursue our interests.
What excites you most about coming into work each day? It may be cliche but the students are what makes the RGS such a fun place to work. They enjoy being challenged and often come up with things I’d never have thought of.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? Challenge yourself, keep a sense of perspective and have fun.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? I’d settle for a bacon roll on a Friday morning.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? The complete works of Terry Pratchett.
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? Teleportation seems the most useful, though I’m sure it would be pretty risky.
What’s your favourite film and why? Back to the Future – probably as much for nostalgic reasons as anything else.
Do you have any phobias? No, I’m quite easily spooked though…
What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? Mint choc-chip.
Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Michael J Fox.
If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Miss Frizzle – think of all those school trips!
Ms R Jones
What excites you most about coming into work each day? Listening to the students and working with an amazing team.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? “This too shall pass”.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Re-visiting past times.
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? Being able to control time, so I can slow it down or speed it up as I need it.
Where is the best place you’ve travelled to and why? Canada, without hesitation, great nature, great people.
What would your theme song be? With humour in mind I think my theme songs range from R.E.M.’s “It’s the end of the world as we know it” all the way to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” (because I’m having such a good time).
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge at the moment? I hope it’s not my bike-lock keys, I have been searching for a while but not checked the fridge yet.
Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Sandra Bullock, she’s been my favourite actor for as long as I can remember…if only!
What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Eggs.
Mrs B Rathmell
When did you join the RGS? 2001
What’s the best thing about the RGS? There are many so I’m going to pinpoint two; my First Form Tutor Group and the chance I have to do so many things as well as teaching the languages I love.
What excites you most about coming into work each day? The community in general and the support staff and pupils give each other. I’ve never worked anywhere else with such a sense of community.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? If you can make a difference, do so. You will reap the benefits yourself too!
What luxury would you have on a desert island? My running shoes.
What animal most reflects your personality? A Springador (cross between a springer spaniel and a labrador) – overenergetic, slightly bonkers but kind and committed!
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? I would love to be able to fly. I had a favourite book as a child called “Cranmer the Crocodile” and he kept persevering until he could fly…
What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? I can’t eat dairy products but I love the chocolate Swedish Glace.
Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Paula Radcliffe because she can run really fast and I’d love to be able to!
What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Steak – I just don’t understand why people love it so much!
If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Penelope Pitstop – she loves the colour pink and I love the way she runs!
Mr T Fishpool
When did you join the RGS? 2018
What’s the best thing about the RGS? The people make the school what it is – students and staff.
What excites you most about coming into work each day? Every day is different… and the lunches.
What animal most reflects your personality? A dog.
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? To be able to speak any language.
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge at the moment? Some bonsai tree seeds.
What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? Magnum double caramel.
If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Michelangelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles.
Ms C Bottari
When did you join the RGS? 2022
What’s the best thing about the RGS? The commitment to excellence in education. And also Friday cake!
What excites you most about coming into work each day? The opportunity to inspire and empower students through literature and knowledge. Good books can really change lives and I hope to be able to make a positive impact on our students’ future one book at a time.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? 一期一会 Ichi-go ichi-e, “one opportunity, one encounter.” – each moment and each encounter is always a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Free gelato everyday.
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? The power to control time: slowing it down when I am happy and relaxed, speeding it up when busy with boring stuff, and even traveling through time!
What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? While living in China, I tried jellyfish and coagulated duck blood, so I should be ready to face anything. However, I strongly dislike cinnamon.
If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Pikachu
Mr I Rossiter
When did you join the RGS? January 2022
What’s the best thing about the RGS? The friendliness of the community, the love of learning – whether it’s in an academic or extra-curricular context – and the variety every day brings.
What excites you most about coming into work each day? Knowing, fundamentally, I’m doing something I love and being challenged by it every day.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? (To paraphrase…) “Love God, love others!” – Jesus.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Free season ticket to the City Ground.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? A body board.
What animal most reflects your personality? Labrador.
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? Flying. 100%.
What’s your favourite film and why? I don’t know about all time favourites, but I recently saw a film called “Lion” – about adoption, identity, loss, searching for family roots – so, so powerful. Moved me deeply… Watch it!
Do you have any phobias? Nothing paralysing, but I’ve got very little time for snakes.
What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? Mango
Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Eddie Redmayne.
If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Sonic…. (Grew up playing it on my Sega Megadrive in the 90’s… which is also where my gaming days ended!)
Miss L Shires
When did you join the RGS? November 2022
What’s the best thing about the RGS? The boys! They are exceptional. We are lucky enough to hear their music practice and performances from our office all the time.
What excites you most about coming into work each day? The team that I am a part of and the Old Building – it is a real privilege to work with such great colleagues in a beautiful setting that is so rich in history.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? Work hard every day!
What luxury would you have on a desert island? A bodyboard and/or surfboard.
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? Teleportation – I would love to skip all the travel time and have instant, in person connection to events, friends and family.
Do you have any phobias? Unpopular opinion incoming – I am really afraid of dogs but definitely a fan of sharks and snakes – their strength, stealth and speed fascinates me.
What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? It has to be mint choc chip.
What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Baked beans – hot or cold, on toast or not, there is no amount of money that I would eat these for.