Archives: Staff
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.
Mr P Palmer
What’s the best thing about the RGS?
The best thing about the RGS is the people, both staff and students. There is a courtesy, friendliness, and academic curiosity built into the ethos of the school that originates from and is consistently implemented by the people within the walls of the RGS.
What excites you most about coming into work each day?
There’s nothing better than seeing the penny drop for a student and witness their confidence grow as a result.
What’s your life philosophy/motto in life?
Che sera sera.
If you could change your name to anything, what would it be?
Socrates. It would make more sense why I ask my students incessant questions.
What luxury would you have on a desert island?
Definitely a very full kindle, so that I would have enough reading material to last me while I am marooned.
If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be?
Teleportation. So much time saved and so many travel opportunities, without having an environmental impact!
What is your favourite ice-cream flavour?
Salted Caramel. It is vanilla for the more adventurous.
Mark Hill OG 1993
Antiques Expert
Mark is an author, publisher, TV presenter, and the leading specialist dealer in post-war Czechoslovakian glass. He has been an expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow since 2007, and co-presented four primetime TV shows on antiques, collecting and interiors for BBC2, including two series of Collectaholics. Mark lectures widely and is an Arts Society (NADFAS) accredited lecturer, a member of The British Antiques Dealers’ Association, and a Freeman of the City of London.
Nick Stylianou OG 2008
As a Specialist Producer for Sky News, Nick focusses on people stories. He is currently in Ukraine reporting on how communities survive and hold onto their spirit through unimaginable circumstances. He previously won a BAFTA for his broadcasts during the Hong Kong protests in 2019/20 reflecting Nick’s passion for getting the ‘little man’ stories matter on the bigger stage.
