TEACHERS gradually get used to saying “goodbye” to students they’ve known for quite a few years and experience a pang of regret as they wave off their year 11s or 13s. Occasionally, an ex-student comes back to the school as an employee.

Currently we have a few ex-students on the staff at Wolverley incuding Ms Buzzing and Ms Monger. Mr Brazier was also taught at Wolverley and he returned to us as a cover supervisor. He is currently in joint charge of the mentoring programme.

Another Wolverley returner is Laura Cooke – also a cover supervisor. Having completed college studies, Laura worked in Spain for a year before returning to take up a career caring for adults suffering from brain damage, helping them to become more independent.

Two years ago, Laura returned to Wolverley as a teaching assistant, before becoming a cover supervisor. “I love working with the students. Every day brings different challenges and rewards,” she remarked. Laura plans to embark on a part-time university degree course in English and psychology and hopes, in time, to become an English teacher.

Scott Mobley is another past student who has found success after leaving Wolverley. After appearing in many productions he was spotted by Models 1 Agency and spent the next two years travelling the world doing campaigns for Abercrombie & Fitch, Top Man and Calvin Klein, among many other renowned designers.

Scott then decided to study for a BA in musical theatre and auditioned for The Arts Educational School in Chiswick, London. The training includes all dance disciplines, singing and acting. In December last year, Scott was chosen to appear in a show called Christmas in New York, where he found himself performing alongside a host of West End stars.

Scott’s mother, Alvia, has worked at Wolverley for the past four years, the last two as head of house. “Scott’s teachers encouraged his ambitions and were understanding about him taking time off for auditions and shows – making sure that he kept up to date with his academic work at the same time,” Mrs Mobley said. Rob Delahay left Wolverley in 2002 and took a degree in outdoor adventure leadership and management at the University of Worcester. He has been accepted to study for a PGCE. in September. Rob is trying to decide whether to teach PE or DT, both of which he enjoyed at Wolverley.

He certainly proved popular with the students when he came into Wolverley for a couple of weeks recently on a taster programme.

“I really enjoyed it”, said Rob. “It made me realise how hard the teachers work, but it hasn’t put me off teaching as I liked working with the students. They’re very keen and enthusiastic so I’m sure all the hard work is worthwhile.”

Another successful student, of whom we’re all very proud, is Will Parry. Will left Wolverley in 2007 and is just completing his first year at Lancaster University where he is studying for his B.Eng. in sustainable engineering.

Ultimately, the 20-year-old wants to design and create environmentally friendly transport – so, to give himself a taste of what’s to come, he set himself the challenge of building his own kit car! A difficult enough task in itself, but Will made it even harder for himself by adapting the original design to include a diesel engine rather than the traditional petrol engine. He started to build the car in March 2008 and, incredibly, by September that same year, he was whizzing about in his custom-built MEV Rocket!

Asked why he went through the hassle of building his own car instead of doing what most of us do – stroll into a car showroom on a Sunday morning and pick a car in a colour we like – Will just grinned.

“I did it for the satisfaction of actually creating something myself. Plus, I wanted a car that was as environmentally friendly as possible – and unique. I’m going to enjoy driving it over the summer and then there’s always modifications and improvements that I can get my teeth into.”

So, no intention of ever selling the car? Will laughed: “ I wouldn’t say ‘never’. I’m always open to offers.”

Having had the privilege of being a passenger whilst Will drove around Kidderminster, I can assure you that if you’re looking for a totally unique car then the Rocket is the one for you. It certainly lives up to its name!