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Rory Bishember-Thomas is our Westminster City School Alumnus of the Month for November 2021. Rory left Westminster City School in 2012. He is now a science teacher.

Please tell us a little about yourself – where do you work and how did you get to this role?
I currently work at Sacred Heart Catholic School. I got into this role because I love to help students improve themselves and become better human beings. My original passion is to help people and that passion is what encouraged me to become a teacher. 

What are some of your proudest achievements from your days at Westminster City School?
My grades during my A Levels in 2012, particularly when the then Headteacher announced that I had obtained the highest progress in my entire year group since joining in 2005, and being a maths ambassador during my A Levels.

What advice would you give someone looking to follow a similar career path?
I would advise they find what they truly enjoy. Teaching is not an easy career. It has amazing rewards, but difficult lows. 

I’d suggest choosing a degree you enjoy, then pursuing a career in teaching after. I took up tutoring first and this is when I felt that it was time to become a teacher. 

How have your experiences at Westminster City School contributed to your life and successes since leaving school?
Attending Westminster City School was one of the best experiences of my life and I made friends for life at Palace Street.

The teachers had amazing humour yet strong discipline - I can still hear Mr Link’s voice from a mile away! The Maths Department cemented my love for the subject and Mr Bossman was inspirational. 

In addition, the amount of activities offered to help students to progress was amazing. I did cricket club, science mentoring and was a maths ambassador. Mr Rees, even though he ruined my life by introducing suits, really taught us great self-discipline for the future.

Then, every year, we had an awards ceremony near Westminster Abbey and amazing Christmas carols at St Margaret’s Church. I can go on - I really enjoyed my time at Westminster City School!

Can you describe one of your fondest memories from your time at Westminster City School?
My fondest memory from my time at Westminster City School has to be all the activities provided for us: Sports Day, Christmas Carol Service, Celebration of Achievement Evening, cricket club. There was always something fun taking place. 

My fellow classmates and the teachers were amazing. Our final year at Westminster City School was so much fun and we even got to go on a cruise. 

What’s next?
I will continue to develop my career in teaching further and work my way up the ladder. Who knows, I might even try to join Westminster City School as a science teacher! A nice little plug there...

We love hearing what our alumni have been doing since leaving Westminster City School. Each month, we are inviting a member of our alumni community to share their story of life after Palace Street. If you’re an alumnus who would like to take part, or you’d like to volunteer an alumnus that you know, then please drop us an email.