Simone Rossouw, Howe 2016.
What do you do now, and what does a typical day look like?
I am now an ESG Manager at Formula 1 working to ensure Formula 1 leaves a positive impact wherever we race. A typical day looks like meeting with race hosts around the world and Forumla 1 teams to support planning of the races, working closely on logistics, energy and even the fuel for the cars.
What co-curricular activities did you participate in, and which was your favorite?
Oh goodness I definitely threw myself into anything and everything! I played a lot of sports at school, was part of chapel choir, big band and the debate team, but I think my favourite was definitely being a part of the school productions.
What do you think makes the school unique compared to others?
So many schools prepare you for university, however I truly believe RHS prepares you for life. It teaches you skills far beyond the classroom and creates such a special, well rounded individual who understands human relationships so deeply.
What do you miss most about your time at RHS, and what are the memories that stand out the most?
RHS weekends! A Saturday of playing sport, frantically polishing shoes for divisions the following day, creating a very creative outfit for a school disco, a Sunday of divisions and singing ‘til your throat hurts in chapel and an afternoon hanging out with your friends. There is nothing like it!
What path did you take after RHS? (University, Apprenticeship etc.)
After RHS I went straight to university to study Geology and then a masters in Environmental Geology. After which I worked for 4 years in Fashion before joining Formula 1. A very non-linear path some would say.
How did your experience at RHS help prepare you for life beyond RHS?
RHS taught me how to form my own path. It taught me the skills to truly value what is around me. It taught me gusto, for lack of a better word. To conquer a fresh day with enthusiasm, initiative and confidence. All things taught far beyond the classroom.
What achievements from your time at RHS are you most proud of?
Probably singing with the BBC Big Band in my final year, running straight from the hockey pitch into the assembly hall to sing with the great Barry Forgie.
What achievements since RHS are you most proud of?
I think having my post-grad research on microplastic pollution selected to present at the European Geoscience Union as well as being a part of the biggest move for sustainability in Formula 1, seeing all F1 cars using Advanced Sustainable Fuel from 2026 onwards.
What skills did you learn at RHS that you still use today?
The one that sticks out the most is public speaking. From presenting in boardrooms to being the MC at the company Christmas quiz, to presenting in front of the entire company. RHS taught me how to capture an audience from my first chapel reading in Year 7.
What advice would you give to current pupils?
Never say ‘when am I ever going to use this in real life?’ You become a product of every challenge in front of you no matter how small. I even still catch myself using standard deviation every now and then.
Anything else you would like to add?
You are never lost, you just haven’t laid your path yet. When I left school I had no idea what I wanted to do, I just knew who I was. My field did not even exist while at school, so just do what you love and you will end up loving what you do.