Meet The Team at Fraser Youens
Jon Scourfield Director of Boarding Fraser Youens Boarding House employs a number of staff who help the boarders in their daily lives. BoardingHouse Staff Jon took up the position of Director of Boarding over a decade ago. Jon is married to Sarah (who is also a Boarding Co-ordinator and tutor) and they have two daughters, who are both at a local grammar school. Jon is an avid reader when he has the time, and is passionate about most sports. Jon went to school in Yorkshire before studying a Physical Education degree at university. Initially after leaving, Jon juggled professional rugby league with his teaching career, however a knee injury put paid to the rugby and he joined RGS as Head of Year 7. He has also been Master in Charge of Athletics, Head of Rugby and a Head of Year in the Sixth Form. As well as Director of Boarding, Jon is an Assistant Head in the Main School. Jon loves travelling and has led numerous overseas trips and tours visiting North and South America, Australia, New Zealand and Africa. If you have any queries about any aspect of Boarding, Mr Scourfield will be able to point you in the right direction. There are three resident house staff who permanently live at Fraser Youens. Mr Jon Scourfield, the Director of Boarding, Mr Christopher Richardson, the Academic Housemaster and Mr Sam Clark, our Pastoral Housemaster. All three staff have specific roles within boarding, along with the responsibility of a small tutor group of boarders. The ethos of boarding is about allowing boarders the opportunity to develop in an environment where they feel safe and respected. We want to provide opportunities and activities that are stimulating and we want the boarders to live in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect for one another and their surroundings.
Mr Christopher Richardson Academic Housemaster SamClark Pastoral Housemaster BoardingTutors There are eight Boarding Tutor groups within Fraser Youens House. Boarding Tutors in addition to the Housemasters and Housemistress are teachers at RGS who, in the main, are resident on site but not within Fraser Youens House. They have different subject specialisms and this helps support the boarders both academically and pastorally. Lee Rowe-Elliott Lee joined the RGS in September 2018 as a teacher in the Biology department. He is now Subject Leader for Biology. His main background is Human Physiology and Sport Performance after studying Sport and Exercise Science with a year abroad (Minnesota, US) at the University of Hertfordshire. Sport is one of his main passions competing at a high level in high jump and being involved in England U18 and U21 development squads for Hockey as a goalkeeper. Lee grew up in the local area and went to the rival school John Hampden Grammar. Lee’s hobbies include playing the bass guitar, playing niche board games and building, crashing & repairing FPV racing drones when he can! Sarah Scourfield Sarah lives in Fraser Youens House along with Jon and their two daughters and Mardo, a cockapoo. She studied International Politics and Strategic Studies at Aberystwyth University and a few years later completed her PGCE at Oxford Brookes. Sarah has travelled around the world, is an enthusiastic runner, has fulfilled a childhood aspiration of running the London Marathon and more recently enjoys the challenge of running local 10k trail races which involve lots of hills. Sarah has worked in the corporate events and conference industry and spent a decade teaching primary school children. Sarah’s top priority in boarding is to create a warm and friendly environment for the boarders while they are studying and living away from home. As well as being a Tutor, Sarah works alongside Debbie as a Boarding Co-ordinator. Christopher completed his PGCE at Durham and joined the Royal Grammar School in 2018. He has been part of the boarding community since 2019, serving as a boarding tutor and most recently stepping into the role of Senior Boarding Tutor in 2023. Christopher is set to take over as Boarding Master in September 2024. A passionate sportsman, Christopher has played cricket at the district level in Ashford, participated in football with the RGS staff team, and enjoys playing table tennis. He is also a keen chess enthusiast. As a dedicated geography teacher, he delights in leading field trips to the Lake District and Skern Lodge in North Devon. In his new role as Boarding Master, Christopher will oversee academic matters within the boarding house, ensuring that all students are supported in reaching their full potential. He will coordinate the mentoring program, assist A-Level students with their university applications, and manage responsibilities related to Day Boarding and the boarding pocket money account. Sam started at RGS in 2016 and is Head of Hockey. Sam grew up and went to school in Oxford and comes from a family of teachers. He studied Psychology & Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University before getting his first taste of life in a boarding school in his first job post-graduation in Lancashire. Here, Sam completed his teacher training while working as a hockey coach and Deputy Housemaster before moving back to Oxford to join RGS and play hockey for his childhood club. Alongside his day job, Sam has a number of coaching roles outside of school, including with England Hockey where he gets to work with a number of RGS boarders including a couple of current Boarders. In his spare time, Sam enjoys reading, is a huge music fan but most importantly is always up for a game of table tennis, pool or football. Sam lives in Fraser Youens with his wife, Emily, and their young daughter. Emily is an engineer at Dyson and is also a hockey player and general sports enthusiast. Whenever they can, they like to get away and find any beach in North Cornwall but equally enjoys hiking trips in the Lakes, Wales and Scotland. Sam manages the boarding prefects, the House Blog and runs the house activity system. If you have any suggestions for activities, speak to Mr Clark.
Bhavin Thakkar Bhavin has a rich background in bio-innovative startups, where he worked as a Chemical Engineer focusing on the sustainable circular economy and developing alternative materials to plastics. After completing his PGCE at Middlesex University, he joined the RGS as a Chemistry Teacher in 2023. Bhavin leads an active lifestyle, having grown up playing cricket and being selected for Middlesex County in his youth. He is also an avid golfer who frequently travels across the UK and Europe to play on various courses. A passionate chemist and engineer, Bhavin enjoys the problem-solving aspects of STEM and takes pride in Chemistry’s real-world applications. His passion for education, rooted in his own student experiences, drives his commitment to positively impact students’ lives and help them become the best versions of themselves. Eric Phillips Eric joined RGS in 2023 as a maths teacher. Before becoming a teacher, Eric worked as a lawyer in the City for 20 years, specialising in finance and capital markets. Eric is local to the area; he grew up in Aylesbury and went to Aylesbury Grammar School before studying at Cambridge University. Eric loves travel and foreign languages and has lived in Italy and Japan. Eric follows athletics and when he was younger ran the London marathon in 2 hours 36 minutes. He would like to get fit again! In school Eric is proud to be head of Kensington House. Shannon Tanya De Alwis Shannon joined RGS in December 2021 and is currently a teacher of Psychology. She studied Psychology and Criminology at university, graduating in 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to working at RGS, Shannon worked for the NHS within the field of mental health healthcare, both in supported living as well as on an acute psychiatric unit. This experience led to her returning to university to specialise with a Master of Science in Psychology of Mental Health. Growing up in suburban London, Shannon swam competitively for her district swimming club. Shannon is also a qualified swimming instructor and accredited mindfulness teacher. In her spare time she enjoys swimming and yoga, is an active volunteer for Mind charity and an ardent traveller. Since joining the education sector, Shannon has undertaken a Diploma in Education and Training, to complete her qualification in teaching. Fergus Butler Fergus joined RGS in 2021 as a fresh-faced recently qualified teacher of Mathematics. He studied Maths at the University of Durham and completed his PGCE at the University of Oxford. Formerly a keen rower, Fergus has competed in prestigious events such as Henley Royal Regatta. He is also a qualified rowing coach and has led many crews to some success. Fergus lived and worked in Japan for two years where he taught English at a small rural secondary school. There he picked up a passion for the culture and the language and would appreciate any and all conversation partners! Local to South Buckinghamshire and an Old Wycombiensian himself, he will be able to point you in the right direction in school life and around the area. Olivia Caesar Olivia joined RGS in 2020 as a Graduate Athletic Development coach and has since completed her teacher training and is now Subject leader for PE. A local girl, Olivia attended Beaconsfield High School and went on to complete her undergraduate degree at the University of Bath in Sport and Exercise Science, with a placement year at Silverstone. After graduating, Olivia continued her studies, obtaining a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology and a Research Masters in Sport, Health and Applied Science. A keen runner, Olivia has represented England in 400m and 4x400m and won BUCS titles whilst at University. Since joining RGS, Olivia has taken up rugby and is now part of the local women’s team as well as the staff touch rugby team. In her spare time, Olivia also enjoys outdoor activities, reading and socialising with friends and family.
Senior Prefects Raymond Mafeni Since stepping into Fraser Younes house in Year 7 it has been a home from home for me. Boarding has given me some of my closest friends and the opportunity to pursue my academic, musical, and sporting aspirations. I am currently studying Politics, Economics and Geography and looking to study Law at university. I enjoy playing rugby for the school’s 1st XV, singing in the choir and playing the tuba. I am always around the boarding house to help answer any questions you have and support you in any way I can. Billy Ray My name is Billy and for my A levels I am studying Geography, Business and Sport. I am hoping to further my studies in Human Geography or Business Management at university. In my free time, I enjoy playing rugby and have been lucky enough to represent the 1 st XV. I love every second of my boarding experience and consider my move here to be one of my best decisions. Boarding has taught me the importance of work-life balance, how to lead a productive life whilst having fun and I have made some close, lifelong friendships across the year groups. I am always happy to answer any questions, especially those about joining our community as a new boarder, as I was in your shoes not that long ago. I can normally be found in the gym or on the rugby fields as well as the boarding house. Olly Fleming I joined Fraser Youens House in Year 12, having been a day student since Year 7 and could not have been more warmly welcomed into the Boarding community. I am currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science and Psychology and hope to do Computer Science at university. Boarding has allowed me to pursue my passion of music alongside a high academic standard, supported by the wonderfully attentive Boarding staff who help whenever and wherever possible. I wish to ensure everyone’s experience of Boarding has been as positive as mine, as I am sure it will be. Toyosi Aranmolate I joined boarding in Year 7 and am now in the sixth form studying History, Politics and Ancient History at A Levels. I aim to pursue Law at university and in the future. In my free time, I enjoy playing Basketball and Hockey for school as well as playing the guitar. I often tend to delve into the economic and political state of the world as well, at times. For me, the community here at Fraser Youens has always been warm and inclusive of everyone. Whether that be from playing football on the field with mates, to competing in full House dodgeball or softball tournaments, or even just a competitive game of table tennis in the foyer – boarding has always provided an enjoyable and happy atmosphere, where I am confident to say I have made plenty of lifelong friends. My years here have been nothing short of memorable, and I hope to help support you in any way I can to make yours memorable too.
For most of our younger boarders, many of this teamwill be ‘unseen’, in that the dorms and common rooms are cleaned whilst the boarders are in lessons. None the less, these staff are vital to ensuring we maintain the very highest standards, so that Fraser Youens House is a great place to live in. If you are wondering who magically cleans your dorm, or helps to tidy your personal area, these are the people: DomesticTeam Melanie Wheeler is responsible for the laundry and works hard to get through the daily mountain of dirty washing from 70 boarders, trying to re-unite all the socks, pants and shirts with their rightful owners! She is also the person to see if you can’t find your tie, PE shorts, lab coat or your school blazer. Melanie has three grown up children of her own and four grandchildren. Salecha Peters started working in the boarding house in 2017 after working as a carer. She has a daughter and hobbies include swimming, shopping and baking. Karen Standen has been a member of the team since 2010 and assists in the laundry room. She has two children of her own and four grandchildren. Her hobbies include horse riding and gardening. Marion Greenlee joined the boarding domestic team in 1999. She is married to Rick and has one child and four grandchildren. Marion enjoys listening to music especially Reggae! Jackie White previously worked as a carer before joining the team in 2023. She has one son and interests include football and foreign holidays.
Support Staff Debbie Mynett Boarding Co-ordinator Debbie left Keele University in 1998 and started her career as a retail graduate management trainee with Sainsbury’s. She enjoyed managing people so much she pursued a route into a HR team in a store. Whilst working as an HR manager she gained a postgraduate diploma in HR with the CIPD. A long career followed but, after 19 years, she decided to change her work life balance and join the team at Fraser Youens House. Debbie is married with two daughters. She enjoys travelling and highlights include skiing in Canada, exploring New Zealand and the Caribbean. Debbie is a busy mum who enjoys running, baking and gardening. Gina Barry Matron Gina qualified as a paediatric nurse in 2003 and spent the following three years working on a children's ward. In 2007 she completed a degree in Community Health Care Nursing and has since worked for Bucks Healthcare NHS Trust. Her role as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse enabled her to support children and young people in schools in the High Wycombe area. Gina passionately believes in the importance of treating the whole person and will look at the physical, mental and emotional health needs of everyone in her care. Gina is married to Kieran, a Chartered Surveyor, and has four children - two boys and two girls. In her spare time Gina enjoys baking and swimming. She brings a wealth of experience to the Boarding House and is a friendly face if you are feeling unwell. James Young Independent Person James is currently Head of Chemistry at Wycombe Abbey. He has worked in the boarding sector for over a decade and was a Senior Boarding Tutor at RGS. His experience and knowledge of boarding equips him with the skills to help anyone living in boarding who may have any issues. Mr Young will be visiting Fraser Youens termly. Baz Malcolm Chef Baz is the Executive Head Chef for Boarding. His passion for food is reflected in his seasonal nutritious termly menus. Baz is very aware of how important food is to a boarder and works hard to ensure everyone is well fed. He knows every boarder by name, including their birthdays when they receive a sweet treat! Outside of the kitchen, Baz coaches the Y7-10 school handball teams, and enjoys being in the countryside where he takes part in the pastime of falconry, a passion he shares with his wife, Nicola. Jaro Ilski Maintenance Jaro joined the maintenance team in early 2024, having previously worked in the hotel industry. Jaro enjoys fixing and repairing, making improvements and ensuring a safe environment for the whole house. If you notice something is broken or damaged, report it and Jaro will fix or replace it! Jaro is happily married with a gown-up son and family pet dog. In his spare time, Jaro enjoys day trips to Sandbanks beach and walking.
IF YOU WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE We would like to help you whether your problem is in or out of School or the Boarding house. What if you just want to talk to someone? Remember, you probably have friends who may be able to help you or an older boy to whom you feel you can turn to. The Director of Boarding, the Housemasters, House Tutors or other members of staff always want to help. Turn to anyone you feel you can talk to comfortably. There may be times when you feel you cannot talk to a member of staff – this is perfectly alright. Talk, telephone or write to any of the following people: 1. Priory Doctor’s Surgery (High Wycombe) 01494 448132 2. Child Line 0800 1111 3. The Samaritans 116 123 4. Cruse Bereavement Line 0808 808 1677 5. Mr James Young (Independent Person) 6. Children’s Commissioner Help at Hand 0800 528 0731 7. LADO (Child Protection) 01296 382 070 8. CEOP: Child Exploitation and Online Protection command ceop.police.uk 9. SHOUT 85258 text support service There are specific members of school staff responsible for Safeguarding: DSL David Durning Assistant Head ADSL Jon Scourfield Director of Boarding ADSL Gina Barry Matron ADSL Stephanie Herath Student Development Officer
Fraser Youens House Ridgeway High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 5LH + 44 (0)1494 551405 boarding@rgshw.com www.rgshw.com
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