DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT’S WELCOME SUSAN BECK

WELCOME

BY SUSAN BECK DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

I can’t help but be inspired by the sporting successes of Old Novos, whether or not they made it into the coveted Sporting Hall of Fame.”

As I read the pages of this fantastic new edition, I can’t help but be inspired by the sporting successes of Old Novos, whether or not they made it into the coveted Sporting Hall of Fame. It has also prompted me to consider those who, quietly behind the scenes, have made ONs’ participation in sports a possibility. I am thinking of the parents of ONs who have tirelessly taxied RGS students to sports fixtures and have –in rain, hail and shine – stood on the touchlines offering encouragement.

Of course there are also the sports teachers who, like the recently retired Jim Pollock (67-77 & 02-19) have for decades, gone ‘above and beyond’ to support the young sportsmen and women in their charge, as well as the support staff who, without fanfare, maintain RGS’s sprawling sportsgrounds or provide after match refreshments.

In terms of other news from the school, if you haven’t already seen them, I urge you to review our summer 2019 academic results; the school proudly continues to lead the way in the region. I was especially pleased to see that a number of our 100% bursary students achieved straight A*s in their A Levels, evidence that we are continuing to direct our finite bursary funds to the brightest boys and girls who demonstrate the greatest financial need.

This autumn, we were thrilled to open the school’s brand new Library and Art Suite, built in the space once occupied by the old Swimming Pool and Lecture Theatre. The old Library is in the process of being transformed into an expanded Sixth Form Centre, due to be completed later this year. ONs are super welcome to make an appointment to come back and see the new spaces and hopefully a few familiar faces.

We have also recently re-established an old tradition, a Founder’s Service. At the event, which took place in Newcastle Cathedral, we honoured Thomas Horsley and welcomed all of our new Year 7 (11 year olds) to the ‘RGS Family’. We very much hope to repeat the event in 2020 and extend the invitation to ONs who are interested in joining us.

Finally, I do hope that ONs enjoy the more ‘thematic’ approach to the ONA Magazine, please do let us have your feedback. In a future edition we are keen to feature ONs who have enjoyed a career or hobby in any creative art. We are also looking for ONs who might have collaborated with other ONs to build a business or launch an initiative, in part to demonstrate to our current students the value of the ONA network.

Please enjoy this magazine and do keep in touch!

Photograph by Ruth Gibson