Welcome to Reigate Grammar School. I am delighted that you are joining our community as a new Reigatian. You will very soon make new friends, feel looked after by teachers and know that the older students are on your side.
You will meet students in your year group and in other year groups in the course of your daily learning as well as in House activities and at other events. You are embarking on an RGS adventure and I promise you we will look after you every step of the way.
I wish you a happy and successful time at Reigate Grammar School.
Shaun Fenton Headmaster
@rgsheadmaster
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM
At RGS we understand that moving to a new school, even in the Sixth Form, can be a daunting experience. The purpose of this booklet is to ensure that your induction and settling-in process is as seamless as possible and that you find the Sixth Form at RGS a friendly and welcoming environment. It is also designed to give you some helpful, practical advice about starting your A Level & BTEC studies so that you know what to expect and when to expect it.
We would like to wish you the very best of luck for your time with us. It is a hugely important time in the transition to adulthood and independence and we want to make sure that we help you realise your potential and provide you with all the skills, motivation and qualifications necessary to take the next step. Good luck!
Mrs Elizabeth Taylor Director of Sixth Form
INDUCTION DAY
Where do I go on my Induction Day?
Your first day at school will be an induction day which will give you an opportunity to start to get to know your way around the school. Details of when to arrive and where to go will be communicated separately.
If your parents bring you by car, on the first day they can use the main school entrance and park in the playground, behind the main school building. After the first day please ask to be dropped off nearby (taking account of parking restrictions) and walk the rest of the way. It may help to practise your journey and drop off/pick up during the summer. There are a number of entrances to the school site and on a normal day your parents cannot bring their cars into the school grounds. Students are asked not to use the main school entrance, instead using other entry points around the school site.
The day will include an opportunity to get to know fellow students, your buddies, your form and Heads of Sixth Form. There will also be opportunities to socialise and meet other people in the school.
What is a Buddy?
Each Sixth Form student will have a buddy who will be in the same tutor group and also share some of your extra and co-curricular interests as you. They will introduce you to the school and the arrangement of the school day. They will also act as a social mentor and encourage you to get involved in as many opportunities and activities as possible.
What should I bring to school on the first day?
Please bring a bag and a pencil case.
Lunch is provided for you on your first day. After the first day, you will need to bring your packed lunch or use the biometric system to purchase lunch from the dining hall or Sixth Form Café.
Where shall I eat my
lunch?
For the first few days of term there are special arrangements, which you will be told about on induction day. All Sixth Form pupils may have their lunch in the PMH from 1:10pm or in the Sixth Form Centre Café.
Assemblies
Each week you will attend three assemblies, one of these takes place in St Mary’s Church, one will be with your House and one will be with the rest of the Sixth Form. On those days when you do not have assembly you will spend time with your Form Tutor.
What is the School Calendar?
This small book is full of information about our daily life at school and it tells you when special things are going to happen, such as sports fixtures, plays, concerts and trips. Read it carefully and don’t lose it!
What are Houses?
Everyone at RGS is in one of four Houses: Bird, Cranston, Hodgson or Williamson Each House meets each week. Throughout the year there are inter-House competitions and challenges, including the House Sports Day in the summer term.
What should I wear on the first day?
Please wear smart own clothes for your induction day. Thereafter please wear business suit.
Where do I meet my parents after school?
After your first day, school finishes at the normal time of 3:50pm. If your parents are going to meet you, please arrange with them to pick you up nearby (taking account of local parking restrictions).
What is the Homework Planner?
You will be given a Homework Planner where you will write down any homework which is set. It is also useful for jotting down other reminders. Because of the more independent nature of Sixth Form study it is hugely important that you use it carefully. There will be more explicit guidance about this during induction.
LESSONS
What lessons will I have?
You will be given your timetable on the first day of term. All A Level lessons consist of eight periods (lessons) per subject. Sometimes students attend Assisted Supervised Study to support their learning. Further to this we also have our own bespoke co-curricular programme called 6Plus, which is part of the Henry Smith Diploma. You will learn more about this during induction day.
The timetable runs from Monday to Friday and is repeated each week.
There are seven periods each day.
There are no lessons on Saturdays but there are sports fixtures. If you are selected for a team this is an honour as you have been asked to represent the school. If you are unable to attend you must let the sports staff know in plenty of time. You can check if you are in a team by looking on reigategrammarsport.org
There are seven periods (lessons) each day:
MORNING
8:35am Registration
8:40am Assembly/Form Period 9:00am Period 1 9:45am Period 2
10:30am Period 3
11:15am Break 11:40am Period 4
12:25pm Period 5 1:10pm Lunch
AFTERNOON
2:15pm Registration in Period 6 2:20pm Period 6 3:05pm Period 7 3:50pm Finish
SPORT
What do I bring to the first games session?
There are a range of games options in the Sixth Form. The Director of Sport will be talking to you about these and asking you about your choices on your induction day.
Your games session will be every Wednesday afternoon. Please refer to the school uniform list for what you should bring.
School Teams and Clubs
There are school teams in most sports with fixtures throughout the week, including Saturdays. If you want to be in a school team you will be expected to attend training sessions, some of which are after school. If you are not selected straight away, don’t give up.
There are many academic and co-curricular clubs and activities on offer at RGS, both at lunchtime and after school. Please do try out the different clubs and societies, see what you like and what will help you most in your academic enrichment. A typical Sixth Former will attend at least one society during the course of a normal week such as History and Politics Society, The Philosophy Academy or the TSI (Thank Science It’s Friday) Society.
HOMEWORK
There is no specific rhythm to when and how homework is set in the Sixth Form because of the more independent nature of A Level learning. However it is expected that most successful A Level students will work for approximately two to three hours per evening and over the course of the weekend. During induction and through the Henry Smith Studies curriculum we will be giving you specific advice on how to structure independent work.
Getting yourself organised
As new A Level students it is very important to be well organised from the outset. There is a specific academic induction process at the start of the year as part of the Henry Smith Studies curriculum but below are a few tips on how to get started.
• Always write your homework in your diary when your teacher sets it;
• It is advisable to attempt to complete the homework on the day that it has been given. Don’t leave it all to the weekend as you will find that the homework begins to pile up and becomes unmanageable;
• If you need to, write a checklist of what you need each day and stick it to your fridge or your bedroom wall. Tick off each item as you put it into your bag. It won’t be long before this becomes second nature;
• At the end of each day make sure you have the correct books which you need in order to do your homework;
• In A Level study most subjects use a file system not exercise books. It is recommended that you organise your files according to a clear system and using file dividers. We strongly suggest that you use a specific file for each subject and unit and that you use dividers to separate the topics. However, each department will give you specific advice on this.
What happens if I have a problem at school?
You are not the only new person in the Sixth Form – there are dozens of new students in the school. You will soon find your way around, get to know people and make friends. You will have a buddy who will be in your Form to help you get to know the school and help you out with any problems you may have. If you get lost, you can ask an adult or a fellow Sixth Former. If you feel worried, angry or upset by something be sure to speak to your Form Tutor, Mrs Mitchell, Mr Verdon, Mrs Taylor or your buddy, or to any teacher you feel happy to talk to. We will help you as much as we can.
When you get home, talk with your parents about any problems you have. If they want to, they can contact your Form Tutor or the Heads of Sixth Form by calling or emailing the school.
RGS DIGITAL
Students joining new to Lower Sixth will join the RGS Digital programme, where having a laptop will become part of the normal school equipment.
RGS Digital is a gradual evolution in the way that we use the technology in school. It is the selective and appropriate use of technology at home and in school to support students in their learning.
You can find out more about RGS Digital by reading our FAQ.
You can also access the school web shop via this link
Orders placed before 30 July will be available in school before the start of the new school year in September.
If you can have any question place get in touch with: bps@reigategrammar.org
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I...
...need to buy food?
On induction day you will be required to scan your finger print so you can use the biometric payment system in the PMH. This can be topped up through the RGS Parent Online Payment system. Food can be purchased at break and lunchtime in the PMH or from the Sixth Form Centre Café.
...need to leave during the day?
Sixth Formers may go off-site during the lunch break only and, as a privilege, the Upper Sixth Form may go home in the afternoon if they do not have lessons or any other school commitments. If you do go off-site you must sign in and out at the School Office. Other than this you are not allowed off the school site during the school day.
...arrive at school late?
Go to the School Office and sign in; then go to assembly or your form room. You will then need to see your Form Tutor, Mr Verdon or Mrs Mitchell Heads of Sixth Form, or Mrs Taylor (Director of Sixth Form) to let them know you are in school. If you arrive after assembly has finished, go to the School Office to sign in.
...feel ill at school?
Tell your teacher straight away. You can then sit quietly in the lesson or your teacher may send you to the Wellbeing Centre. If you feel ill during break or during a study period tell a friend or the Head of Year in the Sixth Form Centre, or go to the Wellbeing Centre. If you are really unwell your parents can be contacted.
...can’t find a lesson?
Talk to your buddy about familiarising yourself with the school site, otherwise try to stick together with people from your A Level class. If you do get lost, look carefully at your timetable and your map, or ask somebody. If you still can’t find where you are supposed to be don’t worry! Go to the School Office in the Wellbeing Centre and they will help you find your classroom.
...am upset?
If you are upset about anything during the school day you should see your Form Tutor, Mrs Taylor, Mr Verdon or Mrs Mitchell. Your Form Tutor and the Heads of Sixth Form are always there to listen to you, no matter how big or how small the problem.
...need to stay at school after the day’s lessons have finished?
Although school finishes at 3:50pm you may stay on the premises until 6:00pm and, unless you are in a supervised club, you should go to either the library or the Sixth Form Centre. The library is a good place to visit after school has finished, or during break and lunchtime. You can use the library for doing homework as well as for borrowing a wide range of books. The library is open and staffed until 6:00pm each day. Students should be collected by 6:00pm.
...have been absent from school?
Your parents must complete an Absence Request Form, which is available on the Parent Portal. This should be sent to your Form Tutor and absence@reigategrammar.org
Always try to catch up on missed class work and homework if possible; teachers are very happy to photocopy work you have missed, which you can then stick into your book, or to spend a lunchtime going over anything you don’t understand.
REWARDS & SANCTIONS
Rewards
In the Sixth Form Centre we have a café serving coffee, sandwiches and cakes. Café Rewards, which is our own internal commendation scheme, are given when a student goes above and beyond their role as a member of the Sixth Form community to help or support a fellow student or member of staff. Café Rewards are not given for academic success or extra-curricular performance.
Detentions
If you commit a minor offence such as repeated lateness to lessons, not handing in your homework etc., you will receive an after school detention. For a more serious offence you may given a Head of Section after school detention. In all cases the Heads of Year or Heads of Section will contact home to discuss any issues with parents. All Heads of Year and Heads of Section detentions are on Thursday evenings and will involve performing duties in the Sixth Form Centre and silent supervised study.
Finally a Headmaster’s Detention on a Saturday morning is for the most serious offences.
Will my parents be told how I’m getting on?
They will if you tell them! Let them know each day what you’ve been doing – what you’ve found easy or hard, what you’ve enjoyed or disliked. The school will get in touch with your parents to let them know about your progress. You will also get regular reports.
GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL
How can I get ready for A Level study over the summer?
As Sixth Form students, it is very important you get used to thinking and reading about your subjects independently, beyond the curriculum and purely for your own intellectual enjoyment, enrichment and inspiration. In addition to the bridging work you will receive, we strongly recommend that you read, watch films and conduct work experience beyond the curriculum. However, most of all we recommend that you go out and see the subjects that you are intending to study in action. Please see below some suggestions:
Art
Visit the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern.
Biology, Chemistry and Physics
The Royal Institution holds a range of public talks and events on all aspects of the sciences over the course of the summer, most of which are free to attend.
Classics
Visit the British Museum, which has free admission.
Design Technology
Visit the Design Museum in London. Admission is free and there is a range of free talks and exhibitions you can attend.
Economics
The Bank of England Museum is free and gives a fascinating introduction to Economics and the changing role of the bank in the UK’s economy.
English
Visit the British Library and view the Donne, Milton and Shakespeare work and resources. Take a special look at the ‘Shakespeare in Ten Acts’ exhibition.
Geography
The Earth Science Gallery at the Natural History Museum is well worth a visit for information on earth science and tectonics.
History
The Imperial War Museum in London is an outstanding look at conflict and conflict resolution. It is free admission.
Maths
The Greenwich Time Museum is a fascinating look at the practical applications of Maths, as is the Maths Gallery at the Science Museum
Theatre Studies
Visit the Royal National Theatre on the South Bank to see a play and to take a tour.
Mr Pruvost Director of Outdoor Education abp@reigategrammar.org WHO’S WHO?
Mrs Taylor Director of Sixth Form eet@reigategrammar.org
Mr Verdon rhv@reigategrammar.org
Miss Arthur Deputy Head sja@reigategrammar.org
Deputy Head responsible for pastoral care. You can talk to her about anything to do with life at RGS.
Mrs Mitchell ejm@reigategrammar.org
Heads of Sixth Form
Mr Verdon and Mrs Mitchell are the Heads of Sixth Form. They will be ensuring that you settle in well at RGS. If you are upset about anything, or want to talk to someone, their door is always open for you.
Mrs Smith School Counsellor gms@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Papadopoulou Pastoral Support vxp@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Harvey School Nurse nch@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Tyson Mrs Shaylor Mrs Dewar Mrs Hollister
schooloffice@reigategrammar.org
You may also need help from the staff in the School Office from time to time. Mrs Tyson, Mrs Shaylor and Mrs Dewar are first aid trained and will give you any medical assistance that you may need.
Miss Branston Director of Drama skb@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Bardell-Roberts SEN kbr@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Burns Director of Art ejb@reigategrammar.org
Miss Korzinek Director of Music jmk@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Briggs Bursar hmb@reigategrammar.org
Mr Browning Director of Sport gjb@reigategrammar.org
Rev Jackson Chaplain pmj@reigategrammar.org
HOUSE SYSTEM
The House system at Reigate Grammar School aims to develop student leadership and vertical integration across all year groups. Students are placed in Houses when entering the school. Siblings are always placed in the same House.
There are four Houses named after previous headmasters of the school:
• Bird (Rev John Bird MA 1708-1728)
• Cranston (Rev Andrew Cranston MA 1697-1708)
• Hodgson (Rev Joseph Hodgson MA 1800-1842)
• Williamson (Rev John Williamson MA 1684-1697)
The Houses are led by a team of Upper Sixth Form students who are guided by Heads of House and House staff. Assemblies take place each week and are a mixture of whole House assemblies and those held in House families. House families are vertical groups created in each House with around 20 students in each. New students are allocated a buddy from their House family and all First Form students have an Upper Sixth Form mentor. Houses aim to increase the student voice at RGS. Many ideas are discussed and put forward as students feel able to have discussion in the small family groups. Within the House system students are encouraged to view leadership as consisting of multiple qualities, including:
• Compassion
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Resilience
• Reflection
• Respect
• Responsibility
Students have the opportunity to display these qualities in the vast range of House events which aim to include all who want to take part. Events include: Sport, House Singing, Drama, Art, Gun Run, Bake-Off, Debating/ Public Speaking, Chess & Quizzes.
Each House sponsors an endangered animal, supports a nominated charity voted for by students and has its own mascot.
Mr O’Donnell
HODGSON
BIRD
CRANSTON
Miss Peel
Mr Skarratts
Ms McGreggor
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Life at RGS isn’t all about academic work, and students are encouraged to make the most of the vast range of opportunities available to them.
The RGS extra-curricular programme is the heartbeat of the school and we hope that parents will join us in encouraging students to get involved in whichever club or activity appeals. It is never too late to try something new, and staff are always keen to hear from students themselves about starting up new clubs and ventures.
RGS SPORT
Watch our Vision for Sport film here
The RGS Sports department delivers a programme that promotes excellence through sport for all and creates good people through sport. We are extremely proud to provide opportunities for excellence and lifelong participation, through a student centred approach, within a varied sporting programme.
Find out more by downloading the RGS Sports booklet Follow the action: reigategrammaractive @RGSSport
RGS MUSIC
Music plays a vital part in the life of RGS. The Music department values all students who are interested in music, whatever their experience and whatever style of music they are interested in.
INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL LESSONS
Whether you are new to music or an accomplished player, RGS Music lessons are a fantastic opportunity to develop your talent, learn something new and have fun! With numerous instrumental ensembles and choirs, concerts and overseas trips, there is always something going on and plenty of opportunities to develop and perform.
Lessons are offered on all orchestral instruments as well as piano, organ, singing, drums, saxophone, acoustic guitar and electric guitar. Lesson duration is usually 30 minutes, charged at a rate of £23.50. Applications for lessons can be made via rgs.to/musiclesson
RGS SATURDAY MUSIC COLLEGE
Places available for violin, cello, double bass, singing, guitar, clarinet, sax, piano as well as choir, string ensemble and wind ensemble. There are regular concert opportunities and visiting masterclass experts.
Saturday mornings during term time in the RGS Music department. Register via rgs.to/saturdaymusiccollege
Contact Keri Smith, Music School Manager via kes@reigategrammar.org for details.
Find out more by downloading the RGS Music booklet Keep up with the latest music news: @rgs_music
RGS DRAMA
Extra-curricular drama is a great strength of RGS, with a busy programme of annual theatre events.
There are usually three or four major productions each year in addition to evening showings, competitions, performances of examination pieces and visiting shows.
There are strong links with the Music department with musicals staged regularly. Productions in the last few years have included: Oliver!, Monstrous Stories, Hansel + Gretel, Treasure Island and Marmalade Atkins.
Find out more by downloading the RGS Drama booklet Follow the action on Twitter @RGSDrama
THE RGS PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
Welcome to the RGS community! The PFA is your organisation and we always welcome new faces and fresh ideas – all parents are members while they have children in the school.
• We run social events to bring the RGS parents and friends together
• We fundraise to provide students with additional resources and opportunities.
It is run by a committee of volunteers from the parent body, organising a series of events at school during the year, including:
• New Parent's Drinks (11 October 2024)
• Christmas Fair (20 November 2024)
• Sale of Christmas trees (collection 30 November 2024)
• A Ceilidh (1 February 2025)
• Quiz & Curry Night (8 March 2025)
• Termly nearly new uniform sales
• Other social events including a Ball will be held in the Summer Term (June) and the committee is open to ideas as to the types of event you would like to attend
Becoming involved with the PFA is a great way to meet other parents from across the school, and to feel part of the school community. You can provide support by:
• Attending events to meet other parents and have fun
• Joining the committee
• Volunteering to support the running of events
UPCOMING EVENTS
NEW PARENTS’ DRINKS
Friday 11 October 2024
7:00-9:00pm,
RGS Old Library
The PFA together with the RGS Foundation would like to invite you to the ever-popular New Parents’ Drinks for all new First, Third and Sixth Form parents joining RGS in September 2023.
Come along to this informal evening to meet other new parents and share a few drinks and nibbles. Further details on how to book will follow.
NEARLY NEW SALES
AUTUMN TERM DATE TO BE CONFIRMED
Nearly New Sales are run by the PFA and provide a termly opportunity to buy good quality second hand uniform and games kit at very reasonable prices. There will be one soon after the start of the Autumn Term. The sales give parents a chance to recycle their children’s uniform when they grow out of it, as well as making some money from selling the items if they want to. It is best to arrive early as stock sells fast.
For general information on the sales and how they work please visit rgs.to/nearlynewsales
RGS FOUNDATION
ONE REIGATIAN COMMUNITY, STRONGER, TOGETHER
As a new parent of a Reigate Grammar School student, we welcome you to our vibrant Reigatian community (current and former parents, former pupils, staff, Governors, friends of the school), and we encourage your connectivity and involvement.
There are so many ways to get involved:
• Join the Reigate Grammar School Professionals group via LinkedIn and become part of a connected networking group of 2,000 like-minded members. We hold industry-specific events as well as social activities
• As your child progresses through RGS, the Foundation can help connect them with members of our community for work experience placements, or to seek advice on career path decisions. We are here to help and to do that we need your involvement!
• Can you offer work experience, careers advice or become a mentor to current and former RGS pupils?
• We offer student leadership roles when your child reaches the Sixth Form. Our Foundation Ambassadors attend Foundation events, deliver their own fundraising campaigns within school and help create content to support our initiatives
• Over 400 Reigatians are currently studying at university. We can draw upon this huge resource to give your child the inside track on university life, degree courses and even university choices
• This is a global community! Reigatians spread far and wide. We can provide business links both in the UK and overseas. If your child is looking to travel or work abroad, we can assist, connect and support your child with their exciting plans.
The RGS Professionals Group was set up back in 2012 as a way to connect and reach our wider network of alumni, parents, supporters and businesses. Now with over 2,000 members, we continue to drive focus to strengthen and grow our community. With events from golf days and school trips to overseas gatherings, we are fortunate we have established strong foundations within our network.
Inspiring Minds is just one of the many events we host throughout the year. We are so grateful to have a broad wealth of experience to draw upon and we recently invited five individuals to join our esteemed panel from across our Reigatian community to share advice that helped them to achieve in their chosen field.
From mentoring to coaching, hosting to work experience, advice or networking, there really is something for everyone to benefit from or add value to. If you would like to join our Professionals Group, please scan the QR code.
Target for 2025 – The School’s 350th Anniversary
The award-winning Changing Lives campaign launched in 2014 and has supported 92 bursary students to date. To celebrate the school’s 350 anniversary in 2025, we set ourselves a target of having 50 fully-funded Changing Lives bursary students in the school at any one time.
Thanks to our amazing community, we achieved our target 3 years early!
For more information visit rgs.foundation/changing-lives or scan the QR code.
Download the latest copy of The Reigatian magazine
@foundationRGS
Reigatian Community
Reigate Grammar School Professionals
@rgsfoundation Stay connected via the new RGS app
QUICK LINKS
the QR codes or click the links in the digital version
