Old Novo Visits to RGS

In November, the school was fortunate to have a visit from Old Novo Steve Munby (67-74), theChief Executive of the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services.

After meeting the Headmaster, attending an impromptu fire drill and being given a tour of the school (to which he had not returned since the 1980s) he met with a group of sixth form students. Steve and Michael Pain, his special advisor, spoke for a few minutes each about the role of the quango in UK politics, leadership and the role of the special advisor. The latter was particularly pertinent given the reports in the news in the preceding weeks.

The floor was then opened up to the students to ask questions. After some initial reticence the questions began to flow; and what questions they were! Searching, perceptive, probing and challenging, both Steve and Michael were put on the spot on anumber of occasions as our students kept the pace going. Steve was particularly impressed with the quality of the questioning and it really showed that our students have an active interest in this field and are quite prepared to challenge senior people.

In the evening Steve returned to deliver the Taylor Lecture, on leadership in schools. To the small, but very engaged audience this was a fascinating insight into his thinking about the way leadership can drive improvement and progress in institutions such as ours. To those in the business it was inspirational. After the lecture Steve was accompanied to dinner by four sixth form students who had the opportunity to talk to him at more length. For all concerned it was an excellent day and one that will stay with us for a long time; we hope it will for Steve too. Richard Harpin (76-83), founder, and Chief Executive, of the multi-national company, Homeserve, quite literally dropped in by helicopter this morning, to address upper and lower sixth students regarding his experience of starting and developing a business. When Richard was at RGS, he had already begun his first moves into business; producing flys for local fishermen –a business which led to further success designing and manufacturing fashion ear rings!

During his sessions with RGS students he demonstrated how Homeserve has grown and developed over the years –his talk providing excellent information for those doing A Level economics, and providing some useful illustrations for our own would-be entrepreneurs amongst the student body. We are very grateful to Richard for taking the time to share his thoughts with us.