Rae Wilson Announces Retirement from Kingsley School Devon
Rae Wilson Announces Retirement from Kingsley School Devon
Kingsley School Devon bids a fond farewell to a dedicated and cherished member of staff, Miss Rae Wilson, who will be retiring after an impressive 33 years of service – a remarkable 99 terms.
Miss Wilson's life has been steeped in education. Born in Dorking in 1968, she practically grew up on school grounds. Her father was a maths teacher and housemaster at Christ's Hospital, where she spent her early years. At 12, she moved to The Duke of Kent School, another boarding school, where her father became Headmaster.
Following a challenging experience at a local comprehensive school, Miss Wilson found her academic haven at Hurtwood House, an international boarding school. There, she thrived, excelling in various subjects and completing her O-Levels and A-Levels in record time.
Her academic journey continued at King's College, London, where she earned a BA in History, delving into fascinating periods ranging from the Middle Ages to the Pacific War.
After graduating, Miss Wilson embarked on an adventure to America, working as an archery teacher at Camp America in upstate New York.
Returning to the UK, she completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education and began her teaching career at Edgehill School in 1990. Over the next two decades, she took on various roles at Edgehill, teaching different year groups, coordinating the curriculum, and even serving as Acting Head of the Prep School on multiple occasions.
In 2009, when Kingsley School Devon was established, Miss Wilson seamlessly transitioned, continuing to teach Year 5 and 6 students while demonstrating her leadership skills by acting as Head of the Prep School twice more.
Her dedication remained unwavering even during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a brief furlough, she returned to the very same classroom where her teaching journey had begun, but this time to teach a new generation of Year 4 students. This return truly completes a remarkable full circle. It's worth noting that when Miss Wilson began teaching Year 2, classrooms were a far cry from what they are today. Back then, blackboards ruled supreme, the banda machine provided musical accompaniment, and photocopiers were a rarity. Computers were just starting to make their way into schools, with only a handful available. Now, Miss Wilson’s classroom boasts a modern whiteboard, an entire ICT suite, and readily available photocopiers – a true testament to the educational journey she has witnessed and been a part of for over three decades.
Miss Wilson's passion for education and her genuine care for her students have undoubtedly shaped countless young minds at Kingsley School Devon. The school community expresses its deepest gratitude for her immense contributions and wishes her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
