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Roundhay School deputy head retires after 38 years
When newly-qualified teacher Ian Rothbury joined Roundhay School in 1972 he only planned to stay for two years.
Instead he stayed almost four decades.
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The 61-year-old, now deputy head, is the longest-serving teacher there and is regarded as "the father of the school".
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As former captain of the University of Leeds judo team, he is perhaps best known for running the school judo teams throughout the 1970s and 80s.
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Mr Rothbury, who lives in Weetwood, Leeds, said: "The older boys, that's often what they remember."
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But he has taught thousands of youngsters over the years, including many children, nieces and nephews of former pupils.
He said: "For years, parents have come in who I taught and their kids are now coming to school. I always said I would retire when their grandchildren started coming and it's getting very close to that, so I think it's about time to go."
While his work attire has progressed from loud jackets, kipper ties and platform shoes to smart suits with braces, he has also seen four headteachers pass through the school.
And he is proud to have played a part in its evolution from all-white, middle-class grammar school into the huge, successful multi-cultural comprehensive it is today.
He said: "Hopefully I've not been a stick in the mud. I've seen lots and lots of incredible changes. I've really loved it here... obviously, otherwise I wouldn't have stayed."
The father-of-two, originally from Essex, came to study geography at Leeds University in 1968 and remained there after he graduated, to complete his Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
He met future wife Angela there, now vice-principal at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, Leeds.
Mr Rothbury started out as a geography and economics teacher, the year Roundhay School for Boys merged with Roundhay High School for Girls and the comprehensive system was introduced in Leeds.
Despite initial ideas of moving on, there was always a new role and new responsibilities to keep him happy where he was. He introduced sociology to the school in the 1980s and has also taught history, religious education and business.
He has been head of careers and vocational education, senior master and was acting headteacher from 1990 to 1991.
As well as continuing to teach sociology, he took on his current role as deputy head in charge of senior school in 1997.
Mr Rothbury, a judo black belt, said he would miss his colleagues but he would be pleased to wave goodbye to "constant interference by national and local government".
And he expects to be busy during retirement, indulging his love of gardening and his other main hobby, philately - the study of stamps.
Headteacher Neil Clephan called on former students to write in to school with memories of Mr Rothbury, before mid-July.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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