In this edition of our Q&A interview, we had the pleasure of catching up with Prep Old Boy Rolf Sims (1979), who is currently living and working in Norway. Rolf shares fond memories, influential teachers, and advice for current ‘Cliftonian’s’. Discover what led him to where he is today, his future plans, and his passions.
I moved to Norway due to my mother’s Norwegian roots. I qualified as a lawyer from the University of Oslo and spent 22 years as a public sector lawyer and policy adviser for the Norwegian Government, focusing on gambling regulation. In 2018, I transitioned to the private sector and now serve as the Head of Corporate Affairs at Kindred Group, one of Europe’s largest online gambling companies. I plan to continue working for another 10-12 years before retiring, possibly spending part of my retirement in KZN.
It’s impossible to talk about my Clifton years without mentioning Tim Sutcliffe. He was a ‘bauta’ of a man and a monumental figure who shaped the school’s ethos with his generosity and fair discipline. His legendary Shakespeare classes, especially recitals of Julius Caesar and The Merchant of Venice, often ran over time, to the chagrin of our math’s teacher. Et tu Brute!
Our music teacher, Derek Fockens, orchestrated plays and musicals like My Fair Lady and The Wizard of Oz with professional flair. Lunchtimes were filled with touch rugby games, eagerly planned during classes, and marble season was a competitive highlight each year. Everyone would gather on the tennis courts to compete for smokies, ironies, allies, and oilies. It was probably the most competitive activity at school, with even teachers using marbles as rewards for good performance in class. In Standard 5, a memorable trip to Umgeni Valley Ranch included sleeping in treehouses and night watches to protect food from monkeys. My Clifton years were filled with happiness and joy, always eager to start each day, I still remember eagerly nagging my father to drive me to school early every morning to make the most of each day.
The teachers at Clifton had the biggest impact on my life. Jenny Hands, Rose Visser, Rod Lamont, Craig Sinclair, John Eppel, Derreck Fockens, Libby Bonnet, and, of course, Tim Sutcliffe were instrumental in shaping my education and future. They encouraged us to have open minds, master our abilities, and embrace individualism, inspiring us to succeed with confidence.
Clifton’s progressive teaching methods and high standards of education created an environment where both staff and students thrived. I recently learned that Tim Sutcliffe was very selective in choosing teachers, ensuring they fit well within the school’s ethos and with each other.
Throughout my schooling and university years in South Africa and Norway, Clifton remained my foundation, reference, and compass. The teachers I had at Clifton made a lasting difference in my life. Tim Sutcliffe’s quote perfectly sums it up:
“The spirit of mutual trust and confidence which exists between pupils and teachers at this school is one of its most precious features.”
The friendships I formed at Clifton have stood the test of time. Through various reunions in South Africa and overseas, I’ve realized how much the close-knit environment and ethos of Clifton defined us, giving us a shared identity that endures despite living all over the world.
At Clifton, I developed a strong interest in music, thanks to the school’s emphasis on arts and culture. This sparked my creativity and led to a lasting passion for making electronic music and attending concerts.
Clifton also honed my skills in articulation and presentation. Our English teachers were meticulous about this, making us hold presentations and write compositions. These skills have been invaluable in my career, particularly in handling media and public speaking at conferences and events.
I believe that there are no problems in life, only solutions. Find what you are good at, both professionally and personally, and pursue it with mastery and passion.
Travel the world with an open mind and embrace new countries and cultures. There’s so much to see and experience, and it puts your own country into perspective. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from traveling is to appreciate your upbringing and where you come from.
Looking back, I would tell my younger self to enjoy every moment at Clifton. Seize every opportunity, whether it’s in rugby, soccer, the arts, academics, or any other area. Find what you excel at and master it.
Forge and maintain friendships. These school years are unique and shape the foundation of your life. The friends you make now will be there for life and will likely be the ones who truly understand you.
Acquaint yourself with the school’s history and make the most of every day, contributing in any way you can. Every pupil is an asset.
To other Clifton Boys: Clifton is a unique school that laid the foundations for our lives. We owe it to the school to be involved in the Old Boys’ Association. We can share our experiences and stories, contributing to Clifton’s history for current and future pupils.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your Clifton journey with us, Rolf! We wish you well until your retirement. Clifton has certainly left an indelible mark on your life as you’ve said,
“It is with the greatest pride that I can say I attended Clifton, once a Cliftonian, always a Cliftonian!”
