[vc_news_content news_images=”%5B%7B%7D%5D”]Testimonial – Alex Hutley

 

Originally from Surrey in the United Kingdom, I’ve been a resident in Dubai for over 13 years, working and enjoying life with my young family.

 

My career has taken me across several frontiers of disruptive innovation, from shaping the evolving world of advertising to building tech companies that reach billions of users worldwide.

 

I love nothing more than hanging out with my family in my spare time, but I also manage to squeeze in my hobbies. You may find me teaching group fitness classes, using my certification in artisan bakery, validating the latest start-up idea or furthering my education where I’m currently studying a Masters in Public Health from King’s College London.

 

  • When did you attend the RGS Guildford?

1995-2002

 

  • What did you love about the school as a child?

As an 11-year-old nerd some of the first things that excited me were the ‘futuristic’ offerings like a Mac Room (the central computer hub of the school with 50+ Apple Macs in 1995!), the link to space satellites, fantastic science and technology facilities and a healthy selection of extracurricular activities that sent the mind whizzing.

 

Being at the forefront of science and creativity was essential, but quickly as a student, you realised that what made the school outstanding was the faculty’s philosophy, which created an incredible common bond.

 

I have very fond memories of the teaching staff who were wildly eclectic all with individualistic and wildly compelling personalities. They were very engaged in their subject and as far as I can remember every single one had passionate ‘side hustle’ within the extracurricular (and house) sphere – be that as a rugby coach, housemaster, chess club grandmaster, cadet engineering core, young entrepreneur competition founder, outdoor enthusiast or dozens of other interesting passions.

 

There was always the opportunity to engage in real debate and progressive dialogue. The wonder within us was encouraged and pushed us to our limits to prove what we were capable of, across academia, sports or within the extracurricular activities.

 

  • How did attending RGS prepare you for life after school?

The quality of the academic teaching is among the best there is – putting one in an excellent position to understand the world, have the confidence to believe in your dreams and achieve whatever you set out to do.

 

Equally as important are personal values, which were heavily influenced over my seven years at the RGS. There is an immense level of respect ingrained in you, be that for your peers, elders, history, culture or yourself and importantly the evolution of all those things. This is coupled with a deeply rooted can-do attitude.

 

There was a real opportunity to constantly engage in new experiences, no matter how naturally gifted you were in a given field. For example, although never a particularly prominent athlete,  I did have the chance to captain a group of misfits in the 5th XV rugby team. This undoubtedly built confidence and contributed to my development as a leader, and was all built on the deeply rooted sense of achieving anything regardless of your background.

 

Ultimately, you leave the RGS with both purpose and passion.

 

  • Do you still have friends from RGS?

Without a doubt I feel fortunate to have the friends I made at the RGS. My closest friends are still those I met in the early years of RGS, and despite living in Dubai, I always keep in touch frequently with an extended group of about 25 fellow OGs. They are an exciting bunch spread across the globe with incredibly diverse careers and wonderful families.

 

  • What do you think children in Dubai will enjoy when attending RGS here?

As a father, I look to the schooling sector in Dubai and of course am excited that an institution so close to my heart will be a part of that.

 

From what I have observed, there is an incredible commitment to retaining RGS Guildford’s values and as always an emphasis on evolving it’s vision of the future. The campus looks fantastic. To have the founding facility built by somebody who has spent a decade and a half within the RGS community in Guildford is unbelievable and a huge differentiator.

 

The sum of the superb facilities, deep rooted history and impressive faculty should enable the next generation  in Dubai to develop with wonder at what they (and the world) will become – whilst being tooled with the knowledge and values to succeed.

 

I will always remember my time at RGS and can testify this with immense fondness. Now 18 years later, it is with great pride – Dubai welcomes a new RGS dedicated to the next generation of students from all over the world. [/vc_news_content]