Meet our pastoral support officer Emma Hewison

Pastoral support officer Emma Hewison is part of a team of RGS staff working hard to make a positive difference to students in our warm and welcoming Pastoral Centre 

Q: What attracted you to apply for a job at RGS?

A: My eldest daughter was thoroughly enjoying sixth form at RGS at the time the position was advertised and when I read the job description, it sounded like my ideal role. However, the thought of working in a secondary school was terrifying to me as I had worked at primary level for almost ten years, but I decided if I was going to make the move then I might as well aim for the best state secondary in the North. I took the plunge to apply and the rest is history!

Q: What were your previous roles?

A: After graduating in management sciences from the University of Manchester Manchester, I worked as an actuarial trainee then human resources consultant for a life insurance company in London. My husband and I moved to North Yorkshire just before the millennium and, after having my children, I worked for ten years as a teaching assistant and forest school leader in a primary school.

Q: What does your role in the pastoral centre entail?

A: How long have you got?! It's impossible to describe in one sentence, especially because no two days are ever the same, but essentially, I'm here to help students with almost anything, and to try to make life a little bit easier for the heads of year, who do an incredible job of balancing their pastoral responsibilities with their teaching commitments. As a pastoral team, we continually strive to create a secure, welcoming environment where all students feel valued, and can be happy and successful.

Q: What is the best bit about the job?

A: There are so many best bits and although it's undoubtably the busiest job I've ever done, it is by far the most rewarding. Best bits include:

1. Knowing that when we get it right in the Pastoral Centre, we really can make a positive difference to a student.

2. The amazing team I work with - they gave me the warmest welcome from my very first day here, are so supportive and constantly make me feel valued too.

3.The privilege I have every day of working with the young people at RGS.

Q: How would you describe the RGS school community in three words?

A: Supportive, inspiring, hard-working

Q: What is the achievement you are most proud of?

A: My children; it's wonderful to see them each starting to carve out their own path through life, gaining in confidence and independence.

Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside work?

A: Spending time with friends and family and walking the dogs in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. Music has always been important to me and I enjoy listening to a range of musical styles as well as going to concerts, from classical to pop. I sing in a choir, love going to watch musicals, and occasionally I dust off my clarinet and enjoying playing!

Q: How do you de-stress?

A: Going for a long walk with my two dogs and one of my friends followed by good food in a local pub with a roaring fire. Perfect!

Q: What is your favourite book/film/TV programme/record?

A: I don't really watch TV, other than Strictly Come Dancing in the run up to Christmas! I love going to the cinema, reading psychological dramas and I've lost count of how many times I've seen Robbie Williams in concert!

Q: Tell us something about yourself which might surprise people

A: The summer that I graduated from university, I completed the 210-mile-long John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. We hiked for 19 days, carrying everything we needed, with one re-supply of food, and most of the walk was above the tree line in bear country (and yes, we did encounter a few!). It was very challenging but an absolutely incredible experience.