Building cars with students was electric

STEPHEN MANN, who began teaching RGS in 2002, reflects on his time at the school, where one of the many highlights include helping students design and build their own electric cars

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: Barnsley, a mining town in South Yorkshire

Q: What made you enter teaching?

A: Positive, real life influencers; inspiring teachers, friends and family.

Q: What did you do before you came to RGS – and why RGS?

A: All sorts; hang gliding instructor, self-employment, aircraft industry. Why RGS? the job came up and I got lucky!

Q: What do you plan to do next?

A: Travel more with my wife and pursue hobbies and interests without work getting in the way.

Q: What has been the best part of your job?

A: Helping interested students to solve problems through designing and making.

Q: And the worst bit?

A: Writing reports.

Q: What will you miss most about RGS?

A: I love the old school buildings and grounds that Adrian keeps immaculate.

Q: Reflecting on your time at RGS, what do you feel most proud of?

A: Possibly the work I’ve done with the Greenpower Club, not the racing successes but the fun we’ve had designing and building our electric cars.

Q: What are the main changes you have seen during your time at RGS?

A: There was a time when boys had short hair and girls wore long skirts, now it’s the opposite.

Q: What are your main interests outside RGS?

A: Riding motorcycles and flying. I am qualified to fly hang-gliders, paragliders and sailplanes. I'm also qualified to fly paramotors and powered hang-gliders but I much prefer the challenge of flying without an engine and using rising air currents to gain height and fly cross-country. I competed in the British hang-gliding league during the 90s and flew all over Europe.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people

A: My wife and I enjoy making wine from hedgerow fruits like Elderberries and Blackberries. Not all of it is drinkable.