When did you join the RGS? June 2022

What’s the best thing about the RGS?  The best thing about RGS is the people; super friendly and always willing to help, if they can.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? I love the team I work with; they are the best! Also that every day could bring new treats as well as challenges.

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? Be kind and pay it forward – there is always someone worse off than yourself! 

If you could change your name to anything, what would it be? I love my name I wouldn’t change it; my name is my journey.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Music in some form.

What animal most reflects your personality? A cat -They are independent, graceful, clean, love to be fussed over, not scared to show their emotions; walk with purpose or saunter; can be playful and inquisitive but also like their own company! There are also very happy to curl up in front of a fireplace and rest.

If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? I would love to fly (without the aid of a plane )

What’s your favourite film and why? My favourite film is Shawshank Redemption – I love a good prison drama / film, but this film really touched me the with the struggles of justice; fairness, and finally redemption. The scene where Tim Robbins locks himself in the warden’s office and plays classical music to the whole prison is a fantastic representation of kindness without worry of the consequences for himself.

What would your autobiography be entitled? My autobiography would be called ‘Flavours of Ramona’

Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Halle Berry – very positive, petite and powerful woman.

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Anything insect related freaks me out!

When did you join RGS Prep? 2022

What’s the best thing about the RGS Prep? The pupils and their curiosity, kindness and sense of humour.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? Learning something new myself, whether it is a book recommendation or an interesting fact from a pupil, or teaching a lesson on a subject I was not that familiar with.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Either the ability to fly or to tidy things up just by looking at them.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? I would like a surfboard or an endless supply of ice cream.

If you could change your name to anything, what would it be? I wouldn’t change my name because I like the alliteration!

If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? I wouldn’t mind being Spiderman for a few weeks or part time.

William is a film director, having previously built a career as a successful theatre and opera director in the UK and abroad. His short film ‘Best’ won the Sundance London short film competition 2013 and was screened at Sundance 2014. William’s first feature film, ‘Lady Macbeth’, starring Florence Pugh, premiered at Toronto International Film Festival 2016 and was subsequently chosen as a top ten pick of the festival in both Variety and Rolling Stone, winning international acclaim. His latest film ‘Eileen’ was premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023.

Simon is best known as the main anchor for Sky Sports Formula 1 coverage. He read Biological Sciences at Durham university, and after an early career covering rugby union and cricket for Sky Sports from 2002, he took over the hosting of Formula 1 and now broadcasts to 83 countries to an audience of over 30 million people globally. His time is spent on the Formula 1 international circuit, and he returned to give a fascinating and insightful King’s Lecture at the RGS about life behind the scenes in this exciting sport.

Paul is a comedian and scriptwriter who made his name writing scripts for the award-winning BBC series ‘’Miranda’, in which he also had a brief cameo, and as co-writer of ‘Not Going Out’ for BBC1 starring Lee Mack. Paul was a regular on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 ‘Pause for Thought’ and worked on the return of ‘TFI Friday’ and ‘Top Gear’. He continues to tour stand up on the comedy circuit and solo shows, but now spends more time writing (scripts, podcasts, children’s books, a novel in 2023 on the BBC’s origin story) and is also a lecturer at the University of Winchester. He regularly hosts the RGS ‘Stand up to Cancer Comedy Evening’.

Bret is a multi-award-winning wildlife photographer who has photographed in some of the world’s most remarkable wilderness regions and seen some of the planet’s finest species. In 2017 he won the ‘Birds in Flight’ category in ‘Bird Photographer of the Year’ with an exquisite image of a pelican landing on water. He also recently won the ‘Birds’ category in the prestigious ‘Montphoto’ competition. Bret is also a busy photographic tour leader for ‘Wildlife Worldwide’ and has given inspiring talks at the RGS about his career in wildlife photography. His work is full of vibrant colour and detail, and his close-up photo of a baby gorilla is simply mesmerising.

When did you join the RGS? January 2022

What’s the best thing about the RGS? How wonderful the school community is.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? No two days are the same! Also, getting to see and work with such great people.

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life?  The grass is always greener where you water it.

 If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A personal chef.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A music system.

What animal most reflects your personality? Definitely a cat. I like being warm and cosy in the winter and out in the garden in the summer.

If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? The ability to fly. I could nip off to the sunshine for the weekend, see family and friends or explore new places, whenever I wished.

What’s your favourite film and why? I have a few favourites: Casino Royale for the action, Gladiator for the life of ancient Rome and the fantastic soundtrack, and Beverly Hills Cop for childhood nostalgia and comedy.

What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? Mint chocolate chip.

Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Kate Winslet.

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Seafood – I even give the fish counters in the supermarket a wide birth.

If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Agnes from Despicable Me.

Michelle is part of the development team raising funds to support the Bursary Campaign. If you would like to find out more how you can help a bright local boy attend the RGS please email Michelle on mse@rgsg.co.uk.

What’s the best thing about RGS? Excluding the school gym and the school lunches, I’d have to say the welcoming environment.

What’s your life philosophy/motto? Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

What excites you about coming into work? Knowing each day will bring something new to learn and also working within a team who is not only great at tackling all tasks efficiently, but who can also have a laugh!

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? More of a condiment but Mayonnaise… egg sauce doesn’t sound right to me.

If you were allowed one dream perk? A season ticket for Chelsea FC.

If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? To fly, rush hour isn’t my favourite and I wouldn’t mind a free trip to Spain.

What’s your favourite film and why? Interstellar, mainly because of the last few scenes but I won’t give any spoilers.