With deep regret BGS announces the passing of Old Bradfordian Robert West (1948 to 2018)
A man of “refined learning” (eruditio politior), known for “good taste in his choice of words” (sermonis elegantia), who had a “clear, gentle and melodious speaking voice” (vox liquida, suavis et canora) and “unravelled problems in the poets and orators with clarity and elegance” (lucide explicuit et lepide) and was a teacher whose pupils “held him in affection, and the teacher likewise his pupils” (discipuli magistrum charum habuere, magister discipulos)
Robert West first came to Bradford Grammar School (BGS) in 1971, straight from his PGCE at the University of Bristol. He was appointed by Kenneth Robinson to a large and flourishing Classics Department. Before Bristol, Robert had been educated at Dulwich College, one of seven Surrey County scholars awarded places at the school on the strength of their 11+ performance. Inspired by some outstanding Classics masters, including Philip Vellacott and OB Geoff Tomlinson, Robert settled on Classics as his specialism in the Sixth Form, although he was a gifted mathematician who could readily have chosen that road instead. The Head of Dulwich at this time who wrote Robert’s reference for BGS was another Old Bradfordian (OB), Ronald Groves.
Robert’s 41 years at BGS were important ones for the Classics Department. The 70s, 80s and 90s were not easy times for Classics teaching in schools all over the country, with competition from new subjects arriving on the curriculum, pupil numbers falling and departments in many schools dwindling or being axed. Throughout these years, quietly, eloquently and effectively, Robert fought his corner, and the good health of Classics at BGS today would not have been possible without his 17 years in charge of the department.
A First Year Form Tutor under Derek Butler from 1973 to 1987, Robert later became a Sixth Form tutor, much valued by his pupils for his guidance and support in those important years, not least his advice about choosing a degree course and applying to university. His reference writing was second to none, and he had a talent for capturing the essential qualities of a pupil and presenting them in lucid, elegant prose. Five years as Assistant Higher Education Adviser (2006 to 2011) gave him the chance to use these skills to great effect, turning into silk purses the sow’s ears provided by less gifted colleagues.
Robert contributed widely to school life over the years, singing in the bass section in school choral groups (he had a fine voice) and supporting musical life generally; he served as a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) officer between 1972 and 1984, mainly in the RAF section, and helped with the school Scouts, especially at their Summer Camps. For a number of years he was treasurer for the Drama Society, and in the latter part of his career was a timekeeper at swimming races. Teaching and non-teaching colleagues increasingly called upon his skills as a proof-reader as he was a perfectionist whose keen eye for detail and thoroughness meant that any task undertaken would always be performed to the highest standard. A Head Boy towards the end of his career, whom Robert had painstakingly coached in his reading of the List of Benefactors for Founders Day at the Cathedral, referred to him in a piece written for ‘The Bradfordian’ (2009) as the “marvellous and meticulous Mr West”, which – as epithets go – is not so wide of the mark.
Robert had a razor-sharp mind to the end and he could polish off the Times crossword in twenty minutes and the killer Sudoku often in less. Robert remained a firm supporter of BGS in his final years, often returning to the School to support its musicians; he kept in touch with a number of former colleagues and was always eager to hear of the school’s fortunes and of the successes of its pupils and staff.
Robert’s funeral is Friday 2 February, 10.30am at Wakefield Cathedral, followed by interment at Outwood Cemetery and a wake afterwards in a local hotel.
“Robert had a razor-sharp mind to the end and remained a firm supporter of BGS in his final years, often returning to the School to support its musicians.
He kept in touch with a number of former colleagues and was always eager to hear of the school’s fortunes and of the successes of its pupils and staff.”
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