The Pilgrim Review Spring/Summer 2021 by RGS

REVIEW THE PILGRIM

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

SCHOOL OF THE YEAR TATLER SCHOOL AWARDS 2020-2021

School of the Year 2020-2021

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HEAD GIRL AND HEAD BOY’S MESSAGE ...IT IS IMPORTANT, NOW MORE THAN EVER, TO APPRECIATE THE POWER OF OUR ACTIONS IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS TO ENRICH OUR EXPERIENCES WHEN NORMALITY RETURNS. FROM THE HEAD GIRL AND HEAD BOY

’d like to begin by wishing everyone a happy New Year! The beginning of a new year provides us with an abundance of new opportunities, but the start of 2021 will not instantly diminish the hardship that was endured throughout the events of last year. It is important to reflect on 2020 and in amongst some of the darkest moments of the year the best and brightest of humanity shone through. The amazing men and women of the NHS have worked, and continue to work, tirelessly to keep our friends and family safe. They are the shining light on our nation and deserve our heartfelt gratitude and respect. The Reigatian community has been a constant throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and going through such challenging experiences together can undoubtedly strengthen established relationships and help lay the foundations for currently undiscovered friendships. It is these friendships and the way we treat one another that will have a lasting impact on our lives and our society. In the words of American poet Maya Angelou “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." So as the next 12 months unfold let us all be kinder, more patient and empathetic towards one another. As we embark on a rather unique spring term and begin RGS online our supportive community will be more important than ever before. We are lucky to be connected through this unusual period of time – let’s make the most of it. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2021. Best wishes to all, Jess Bates Head Girl

he start to this year has not been the clean break from 2020 that we were hoping for: faced with the agitation of another lockdown, it may feel like more of the same. This does not have to be the case. Even as the past year strained communities around the world, it offered some object lessons in how to live with kindness, courage, and resilience – values which will undoubtedly enrich our Reigatian community as we tackle the new year. “The past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it” – The Lion King Whilst it may feel unfitting to quote The Lion King amongst a global pandemic, I believe its charming fiction may be required given the challenges we all currently face! Although the restlessness and restriction brought by the past months may remain, our capacity to grow within the structures of our lives persists. It is important, now more than ever, to appreciate the power of our actions in difficult situations to enrich our experiences when normality returns. Turning a new page on a calendar will not magically erase the hardship 2020 has brought the key to making 2021 a better year is a fresh mindset. The past year truly revealed how important our collective experiences are to health and wellbeing. In our collective nostalgia of pre-pandemic classrooms and appreciation for our teachers in online settings, we saw just how much we depend on others. Ultimately, our common experiences have enabled us to understand better the feelings of others and form stronger relationships within our Reigatian community. I hope this empathy is carried in our actions in the coming months to make for a kinder, more compassionate year. All the best, Charlie Jenner Head Boy

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HEADMASTER’S WELCOME ...THESE, AND SO MANY OTHER EXAMPLES OF SELFLESS GIVING IN THE RGS COMMUNITY, REMIND ME THAT BEING A PILGRIM, BEING ON LIFE’S SPECIAL JOURNEY WITH A GOOD PURPOSE, IS MORE THAN JUST A SCHOOL SONG: IT IS THE REIGATE WAY.

FROM THE HEADMASTER

write in the middle of RGS Online 2021, during the third national lockdown, as RGS Online continues to bring our community together, providing social, academic, extracurricular and other opportunities. Technology allows us to keep in touch with each other and remember our priorities and values as a Reigatian community. At RGS, school has always been about more than ticking off lessons. Each day gives us another opportunity to develop a vocation in young people, to commission them to make a difference to the lives of others, to try to add some value to the world. I would urge Reigatians to “Show up, speak up, look up, team up, never give up and lift others up.” I think that could have been the message to Reigatians at any time since the school opened in 1675: the same year that Sir Christopher Wren laid the founding stone for St Paul’s Cathedral in London. However, more now than ever before, I would emphasise – on part of that message – the importance of collaboration and interdependence, of working together, of teaming up. It seems evident that whether it is a global vaccine roll out, for post-Covid economic prosperity, for education that enables empathy and understanding as a bulwark of peace in an uncertain world, to build bridges of understanding that can knock down walls of mistrust and ignorance, we need each other now more than ever. We need friends, family, neighbours and community. We need international co-operation and we need to work together. I hope that we are preparing today’s Reigatian students with our key messages in assemblies, the example of the #RGSWeCare programme, the opportunities emerging from our global village of RGS international schools. I hope we are preparing them to go and work with others to make the world a better place, to go as pilgrims, on a special journey with good purpose – the world has never needed this fine generation more than it does now. This Pilgrim Review captures some highlights that have continued at Reigate Grammar School, even in these difficult times. It is super to see students engaged in sports, arts, extra-curricular, co-curricular, charity fundraising and community action – there

is so much more to a great education than the goings on of the classroom (virtual or real). The #RGSWeCare programme has continued to grow and is very much a part of the RGS way now. Recently we reached out to offer RGS as a vaccination centre or as a distribution hub for the vaccine. We have offered our minibuses to the local efforts, raised money for charities, distributed much-needed laptops to children in the wider community, collected for foodbanks, continued to support Loveworks, Stripey Stork, Mind and other charities. Our community members have volunteered to run testing and to roll out the vaccinations. These, and so many other examples of selfless giving in the RGS community, remind me that being a pilgrim, being on life’s special journey with a good purpose, is more than just a school song: it is the Reigate way. Our international partnerships continue to grow and there are exciting days ahead as we embrace a changed world – a world where collaboration and interdependence will be more important than ever. We are working with partners in China, South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa and are working to develop more partners, for example in South America. We have opportunities to learn from the educational practice and rich cultures and as a result our students will benefit from a richer world-wide Reigatian community both at school and in the future. These are exciting times, building bridges of understanding and empathy for a new generation. I hope that you enjoy this edition of the RGS Pilgrim Review. Shaun Fenton Headmaster

School of the Year 2020-2021 2

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SCHOOL NEWS HEADMASTER, SHAUN FENTON AWARDED OBE FOR SERVICES TO EDUCATION RGS Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, has been awarded the OBE for Services to Education, a great honour for him and something for the whole Reigatian community to celebrate. Mr Fenton immediately pointed out that the award can only be a testament to the talented students, hard-working staff and supportive parents of RGS. Mr Fenton’s career has seen him work in schools serving disadvantaged communities and he was also part of a local authority team that was sent in to help failing schools. He is the only person in the country to have been head teacher of a state comprehensive school, a state grammar school, an academy and now a leading independent school. His last headship at Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham saw that school named school of the year; he has been a National Leader of Education; Chair of the Grammar Schools Heads’ Association; Chair of HMC; and he is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teachers. At RGS, he has led the school to multiple awards; integrated Chinthurst into our family of schools; pushed hard to develop our bursaries and local community partnerships; and had the vision to pioneer our international schools programme that now sees us with partners in China, Morocco and Vietnam. About his award, Mr Fenton summed it up as follows (quoted in the TES and other national media): “The important thing is the positive experience of children in our care every day and the impact of our partnership work on the local community. It is a privilege to be a teacher. I will remember forever the moment I was able to share the news of my award with my children.” Of course, we know Mr Fenton won’t stop there and will continue to improve RGS, to push ahead with our sports hall and school theatre plans, to strengthen further our pastoral care, to build our capability for online learning and he has a long and urgent list of so many other areas where he will focus his energy for the good of current and future RGS children and adults for years to come. We are very fortunate to have Mr Fenton as our Headmaster.

"I will remember forever the moment I was able to share the news of my award with my children.”

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SCHOOL OF THE YEAR Reigate Grammar School has been named School of the Year in the prestigious Tatler Schools Awards. The announcement was made at a special online event, hosted on Tatler Schools’ IGTV. The Tatler Schools Guide is one of the most prestigious school reviewers operating across the sector and we are proud to have been listed in their 2020 Schools Guide and named as the top school in the country. The review is testament to both the hard work, dedication and talent of RGS staff and students and to the support of RGS parents. It says Reigate Grammar School is a “caring and inclusive school… producing down-to-earth yet highachieving all-rounders.” Adding that RGS has a sense of “community at its heart”.

RGS is a “caring and inclusive school… producing down-to-earth yet highachieving all-rounders.”

Headmaster Shaun Fenton said: “I am delighted that Reigate Grammar School has been announced as School of the Year by this prestigious school reviewer and magazine. Of course, it is the experience of our students and staff on a daily basis that trumps any award but it does help to see how the school is held in high regard by external and respectable sources. I see these nominations as testament to the quality of our teachers, the support of our parent body and to the credit of the fine young Reigatians in our care.”

RGS has also recently been awarded ‘School of the Year – Pastoral Care and Wellbeing’ by the Times Education Supplement and was shortlisted for ‘School of the Year’ in the Independent Schools of the Year 2020 awards programme.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Introducing Artaca Artaca are Third Form students Oscar L-D (vocals, rhythm guitar), Omar A (lead guitar) and Annis W (drums). They are first and foremost RGS friends Omar and Oscar came together at the start of the First Form, drawn by their shared passion for music. Oscar has been entering singing competitions and attending open mic nights for years. Omar picked up a guitar aged nine and has barely put it down since.

Their journey started with some covers but nothing excited or inspired them. Their bond really began from an unexpected song-writing collaboration. Oscar started writing songs to express his emotions. His heartfelt lyrics, melody and catchy riff united with Omar’s chord progressions, iconic tremolo and guitar solo to produce their first ever song, Negative. The pair worked in earnest to prepare for their first ever performance – an RGS Informal Concert. They were hooked – within a month they had written more songs, including their title track, Invisible. Annis came along towards the end of the First Form and in her own inimitable style showed the boys why they needed her in the group. She is a fourth generation drummer in her family, and so the unique sound of Artaca was born. The group enjoys hanging out in the RGS Music department, at each other’s houses and jamming at any venue that will take them. They have played at school concerts and plays, at the Americana festival in Horsham, New Music Nights in Reigate, and the boys have busked in Kingston, with their takings going towards their dream of recording an album! 5

In 2020, Artaca recorded its debut EP at Panther Studios, Reigate. Shortly after, Levitate Me was selected as BBC Introducing’s Track of the Day and played on BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey. Everything on the EP is written by Artaca and it is easy to hear the influence of their diverse music tastes: Oscar – pop ballads; Omar - heavy rock; and Annis - pop rock. In October, Artaca won Horsham’s 28th annual Battle of the Bands. The only children to enter, they met fierce competition and were judged on originality, stage presence, content, musicianship, audience reaction and potential. They won by unanimous decision from the judges and at age 13 are the youngest ever winners. Their prize included a photo shoot, a recording studio session and a single release with record label AWAL whose other artists include FINNEAS, The Kooks, Moby and Neneh Cherry. Artaca’s EP Invisible is available to download on all major music providers including Spotify, iTunes and Amazon music.

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Remembrance A wonderfully moving and emotive live virtual service brought together the entire Reigatian community to commemorate Remembrance Day, in person, at school and online from around the world. Countless messages of thanks were received from Reigatians of all ages who watched from their homes and places of work in the UK and abroad. Fifth Form student Edward C wrote the below poem as his own personal tribute to Remembrance 2020.

We ask not for money, nor glamour nor glory. All that we ask is that you remember our story. The story of men who fought side by side To keep you all safe, fought till they died. Remember the brothers and fathers we lost, Cherish your freedom, but remember the cost. Remember as you all go your separate ways, For all that you love, there was a price to be paid. Edward C

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SCHOOL NEWS D&T HEROES The American graphic designer Saul Blass once said, "Design is thinking, made visual." The recent experience of the Design & Technology department in producing over 1000 visors for NHS staff for hospitals and medical practises in the local community resonates strongly with Saul Blassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; words. With clever thinking and the opportunity to help NHS heroes as motivation, under the #RGSWeCare banner the department, along with Upper Sixth Form students and other departmental staff, was able to provide a quick and successful visor solution during the peak of the pandemic. The product galvanised the community and showed how innovation and technology can make any idea become a reality. The many stories of the plight of medical staff spurred the team on to produce as many visors as possible, and all involved rightly feel immensely proud that they were able to help in this way.

"As a former RGS student working in a community pharmacy not far from the school, thank you for all your innovative ideas." Vicky S, Facebook "THANK YOU RGS team. Very useful to all Acute care doctors and nurses in SASH." Kamal V, Facebook "An absolutely amazing contribution - well done to everyone at Reigate Grammar School." Beth R, Facebook 7

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The new RGS App

Keep up to date with Reigate Grammar School Prospective Reigatians, current parents and members of the Reigatian community can now download the new RGS app for on-the-go, up to date information, stories and resources. The RGS app provides an interactive mobile platform that:

Connects members of the Reigatian community Answers all of your admissions needs Keeps you informed about school and RGS Foundation news and events Live streams RGS events Updates your tailored news feed with school community information

For prospective Reigatians, the RGS app offers the opportunity to visit RGS virtually, via an interactive tour. It also allows you to sign up to open events and apply online. You can view all admissions publications, including the school's online prospectus and view guidance to help you with your application. For the Reigatian community, encompassing current parents, former pupils, former parents, staff and friends of RGS, the app provides a wealth of content from the school and the RGS Foundation. For current parents the app offers school news at your fingertips, as well as the school calendar and other important information and resources. You can view school updates and events on your tailored news feed just as you would with other school social media channels. It also offers an interactive mobile platform for members of the Reigatian community to connect with each other as well as receiving Reigatian news on-the-go. You can view information about the RGS Foundation and their work, receive push notifications for upcoming events and access live streams of Reigatian community events. To access the app, simply scan the QR code and set up your account indicating whether you are a prospective parent or a member of the existing Reigatian community. 8

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RGS INTERNATIONAL NEWS Given the considerable impact of the pandemic and the global challenges that it has created, RGS can look back on 2020 with some satisfaction, with significant progress made in its international business and education activities. Encouraged by the growing strength of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic results and the RGS brand, along with the worldwide reputation of British education, RGS has been exploring options for international expansion. Reigate Grammar School International (RGSI) Limited was established in 2017 to develop the school's international footprint and to identify partners who would enjoy a long-term collaboration with RGS. This began in 2018 when a multi-school deal was signed with Kaiyuan Education and the location of the first school was identified in the ancient city of

Nanjing. Having initially established the kindergarten, 2020 saw the emergence of the primary school. Phase two will see the middle school completed and operational by September 2021. Meanwhile, rapid progress has been made with school two, based in the free-port city of Zhangjiagang, near Shanghai. Currently under construction, with the junior school almost complete, the whole school will be fully operational by September 2022. RGS International is now looking forward to officially announcing the launch of RGS Shenzhen, near Hong Kong, to be its third school in the territory which will open with a senior school. Meanwhile, in February, RGS signed a non-commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zhixin High School, one of the highest-rated schools in China and based in

Nanjing primary school opened in 2020

In January, RGS signed an agreement to open a school in Morocco

An artist's impression of RGS Zhangjiagang primary school

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Guangzhou, with the aim of developing educational collaboration through cultural exchange and joint initiatives involving children and staff. There has also been progress with other projects in other countries, to broaden RGS's portfolio and relationships. It is hoped that RGS will be the first British school brand in Morocco, having signed an MOU in January with the British International School of Casablanca, as part of the UK-Morocco trade agreement. In June, a further MOU was signed with the International School of Vietnam, based in Hanoi. Again, when completed, RGS will be the first UK school to establish formal links in the country. It has been important to welcome overseas visitors to Reigate and share educational ideas and perspectives, whilst

promoting our ethos. The RGSI team is extremely grateful to all RGS staff and students who demonstrate all that is excellent about the school and create such positivity to visitors and partners. By developing international links and perspectives, the RGS community will be further enriched through exchange opportunities for students and staff. It will open up cultural and educational links across continents, which is crucial in the increasingly global world in which we live. Children and staff in Nanjing and Reigate are already enjoying active collaboration. Finally, let us remember that income generated by the international schools helps to fund RGS bursaries for disadvantaged students. The school is committed to an ambitious drive for social mobility via its Changing Lives campaign. Sean Davey, Managing Director, RGS International Ltd

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WORKS OF ART RGS students consistently produce a plethora of beautiful and thoughtprovoking works of art using a wide range of creative techniques and media. This small selection provides a taste of the impressive array that has been produced so far this year. To see more, join us for the RGS Art and Design Technology Exhibition in June, a visual feast featuring art from the talented students across the school.

Bella P

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Rayann K

Eibhlin G

Issie B

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ART

bugs First Form students have been studying insects, learning about entomology and its importance in protecting wildlife and habitats. Looking at the work of artist Kate Kato, they based their work on her style and techniques using watercolour paints and wire to produce collaged beetles and moths.

Portraiture These four watercolour portraits were produced by Second Form students, based on the work of American artist Joanna Barnum. The portraits illustrate how a calm exterior can hide our inner emotions. The paintings show an inner emotion, such as anger, trying to burst forth through the mask.

Ella H

Isabella R

Riya N

Sophia W

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First Form students created characterful pinch pots in response to a project studying portrayal of the human form. These pots are designed to hold a small plant, creating a fun and dynamic mini planter.

CERAMICS

The Second Form studied the work of artist Peter Randall Page who works with natural forms and enjoys exploring the texture, pattern and form of natural objects. Here the students have been portraying form, texture and pattern by manipulating clay.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Lower Sixth Form students working on their foundation project have been introduced to many different photographic techniques ranging from historical and alternative dark room processes to modern digital methods. Upper Sixth Form students chose their own themes to develop into their main projects, creating a very exciting diversity of work.

Antonina T Photogram over negative

Antonina T Chemigram 15

Antonina T Photoshop Collage

Lizzie B Uneven development with applied colour

Jemima B

Oliver L Experiments with shutter speed

Marie G Solonisation and turning the negative image into a positive giving a light shadow around the edges. 16

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ELECTIVES CREATIVE DRAWING The Creative Drawing elective provides students with the opportunity to investigate different ways of recording what we see. Whether exploring with bleach and ink, drawing with light and photography or exploring optical art techniques and life drawing, the students enjoy working in a diverse and experimental manner.

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PROSTHETIC, MAKE-UP AND CASUALTY EFFECTS Students applied a variety of readymade prosthetics based on themes such as science fiction, mythical or aquatic creatures. After a demonstration on applying the prosthetics, students used painting techniques to achieve realistic results whilst also thinking about the colour and detail in their own designs.

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COMPUTER SCIENCE CYBER EPQ Six RGS Upper Sixth Form students have successfully completed the Qufaro and City & Guilds Cyber Security EPQ. At their virtual graduation ceremony David H, John O, Max C, Tae K, Harrison B and Ahmad H were all awarded A* grades and in recognition of their achievement, they have all been given honorary membership to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Information Security (CiiSec). David H’s project on Bitcoin security and Harrison B’s project on the part humans play in creating security risks were both awarded additional prizes by the course sponsors, Deloitte, with David H being awarded second prize nationally.

Students from L-R: Max C, David H, John O, Ahmad H, Harrison B, Tae K

Other project titles this year included: • • • •

How safe is it to use public WiFi? How effective are free penetration testing tools? Can a system ever truly be secure? Digital Forensics: How easy is it to actually recover deleted data?

“I chose to do the Cyber EPQ because I have always had an interest in cyber security and it let me further explore areas of the topic that I otherwise never would have thought about. The MOOC preceding the essay went into depth about the history of computing, forensics, penetration testing and other related topics. I decided to write my essay on the viability of free penetration testing tools, and I tested these tools against a secure server with built-in vulnerabilities. I was happy to have received an A* for my project, and I believe it provided valuable insight into the style of research that you’d perform for a project in university. I highly recommend it. “ Max C

The CyberEPQ is a level 3 qualification worth up to 28 UCAS points, certified by City & Guilds and is completed in the Lower Sixth Form as part of RGS's Henry Smith Studies programme.

“I took the Cyber EPQ because, in my opinion, it was the most interesting of the choices presented. The cyber industry has always been one I enjoy reading about as it affects most of our lives every day. For the EPQ, I chose to study digital forensics and data recovery, as during one of the modules of the online course, I was greatly interested in this topic. During the research portion of the course, I had the opportunity to interview the lead digital forensics investigator at a global satellite company. I also had the opportunity to use military grade data recovery tools to recover data from an external hard drive. The EPQ opened many doors to me and was one of the most interesting research projects I have been a part of. “ John O

“I wanted to explore beyond the Computing curriculum and learn more about cyber security. The structure especially appealed; the online course showed me the breadth of subject areas available and helped me come up with a project title I was interested in and motivated to write about. I wrote my project on How Secure are Cryptocurrencies and, as well as learning a great deal about cryptocurrencies, I gained invaluable experience in writing and researching a longer form essay. I was delighted to hear my essay had been shortlisted and was awarded second place nationally!” David H

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FOOD AND NUTRITION Food and Nutrition at RGS focuses on nurturing practical skills to provide a strong understanding of nutrition. Lessons are taught through food science experiments, investigations, practical activities and individual project work, with opportunities to visit food establishments and masterclasses by professionals in the food industry. The First Form's first term at RGS focussed on healthy eating and nutrition, along with basic practical skills learnt through cooking in the kitchen. The Second Form meanwhile investigated food safety and ethical considerations when purchasing foods and continued to develop their practical skills. Challenges included designing and creating a pizza and cooking and presenting burgers. Third Form GCSE students created a dish for an ovo-lacto vegetarian, a diet excluding meat, fish and poultry products. This was the first time they had ever cooked on their own and they excelled themselves. In addition to this task, they created mincemeat tarts for a Christmas practical. Creating a dish for a teenager, high in vitamin D and calcium, was the subject of Fourth Form students' lessons which produced amazing results. As the festive period approached students were challenged to create a product for a religious celebration. Perhaps unsurprisingly, chocolate logs were a popular choice! The focus of Fifth Form students' time has been on their controlled assessments in preparation for their GCSE practical. Outside of normal classes, Cookery Club has been as popular as ever, with sessions running virtually. Students cook at home and share photos of their wonderful creations with the rest of the group. The Duke of Edinburgh's cooking skills module has proved particularly popular in the current climate, with students enhancing their cookery skills at home for Bronze, Silver and Gold sections.

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PUBLIC SPEAKING WORLDS FIRST VIRTUAL MUN CONFERENCE RGS has proudly engineered the world's first ever online Model United Nations (MUN) conference. On the day, the Harrison Centre's virtual doors opened at 7:00am, ensuring everything would be ready to welcome guests from across the country and ensuring there was enough time to eat a few doughnuts before it began! Advanced filming of some regular ReiMUN staples included the keynote address and the ever-thorough Chair's briefing, executed by laudable veteran, Mr Sergeant. This year’s keynote speaker was Alan Bates, a top junior barrister working in competition law in London, who left RGS in 1996 to pursue studies in Law at Cambridge University. Alan shed light on topical issues, including the making and breaking of international law. He also keenly encouraged participation in MUN at RGS, an organisation he himself was involved in as the first ever Secretary General at ReiMUN in 1995. Welcoming 16 schools to the all-day virtual conference, we were deeply impressed by the quality of debate on topics spanning issues such as gender pay equality, the sharing of water resources and the colonisation of Mars. Secretary General Ved N was delighted, saying that: “In terms of the level of debate around these complex issues, I don’t think I have ever heard better!” Impressively orchestrated by our very own think-tank, Alex C, we were able to direct students to different committees over the course of the day, as well as hosting Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Further speeches were given by Max S-P who gave a review of the incendiary politics that have dominated 2020, in particular the Black Lives Matter campaign. MUN Director Mrs Fullalove said, “I have never seen such dedication in a group of young people. We were initially told that we had to cancel our MUN conference as all the other schools had. But the team was determined to find a way to make it work and this has been a hugely impressive collaboration. RGS has kept the MUN flag flying for all the schools, and we have

“In terms of the level of debate around these complex issues, I don’t think I have ever heard better!”

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been advised that other schools will follow our model meaning there will be more online MUN conferences popping up later this year. This will give our young people many more opportunities for fun and fruitful debate.â&#x20AC;?

OTHER MUN NEWS Outreach across all year groups has increased this year thanks to an increase in the number of MUN clubs on offer. These are led by student volunteers from the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Form, enabling them to develop skills in training as well as honing their own skills in debating and presenting current events. The US election has had everyone riveted, along with the rest of the world. It has been an interesting endeavour to persuade people to follow viewpoints which may be contrary to our own!

DEBATING Following on from the long-running success of the Junior Debating Society, RGS has now launched the Senior Debating Society. Students are learning how to debate parliamentary style, with each week featuring a mini-debate in the style of the House of Commons, with a Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team and opposition. Heated topics have covered legalising performance enhancing drugs in sport and also whether debating itself should be a mandatory, curriculum subject.

TED TALKS Following this popular online format, RGS is delighted to be launching our own programme of TED Talks training for students at RGS. We are currently seeking licensee status and hope to have some TED Talks online for the summer term.

"RGS has kept the MUN flag flying for all the schools, and we have been advised that other a will follow our model"

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DofE The Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award scheme continues to be a pivotal part of RGS life, dedicated to creating memories that will last throughout a student’s school years and beyond. Each year, hundreds of students dedicate themselves to many hours of volunteering alongside learning new skills and getting involved in sporting activities. Perhaps most importantly, the expeditions continue to be a huge success and are consistently a greatly enjoyable aspect of the scheme.

BRONZE The year's first Bronze hike, led by the Upper Sixth Form from afar, allowed Third Form students an opportunity to learn basic camp craft and navigation skills in the beautiful setting of the North Downs. Being their first DofE expedition, it was inevitable that some got a little lost but the giggles about it later at camp and the sense of accomplishment at the end, not to mention the new friendships formed - made it all worthwhile and a brilliant experience for all.

SILVER It was incredibly uplifting to once again see RGS DofE students enjoying activities in the great outdoors as they trekked over 50km along the South Downs from Lewes to Arundel. They enjoyed calm weather and pristine views across the English Channel and the Weald, navigating extremely well and improving their camp craft. Day coaches returned students to Reigate where they camped in back gardens in fantastic Covid compliant fashion. Families embraced the DofE spirit and helped groups cook their food outside with the teasing lure of bedrooms just a few metres away! When the groups reached the Arundel finish line with pride, they jumped on the train home, refreshed after some much needed time in the great outdoors.

GOLD Despite turbulent times, the Gold DofE students were able to venture deep into the heart of Wales. With mild weather and challenging hills to climb, it was great seeing the students’ hiking spirits shine. The expedition was the perfect opportunity for students to perfect their camp skills as they crossed different terrains and encountered new challenges and, as always, they exceeded everyone’s expectations. Although Covid-19 has presented challenges, the Gold students have clearly shown that with proper planning and organisation and with the skills and experience gathered over their DofE careers, anything is possible.

"DofE is a fantastic opportunity for anyone and everyone. Through hikes I have hardened bonds with friends as well as developed my persistence - creating some very fond memories. I would encourage everyone to sign-up, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regret it!" Millie W

"DofE is definitely challenging but most certainly rewarding. Some of the walks were brilliant and we saw some amazing views. I would recommend signing up with some friends to try something new and of course for a bit of fun!" Kanika K

"In spite of Covid, DofE was demanding and exhausting but great fun and definitely worth the effort" Michelle O 24

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DofE RGS Sixth Form students Harry B and Lucy R joined the DofE scheme in the Third Form and have been enthusiastic members ever since. They are now working towards their Gold award through volunteering, physical, skill and residential activities. Harry and Lucy were keen to share their experiences to provide anyone thinking about signing up with an insight into what DofE is all about. What did you find most enjoyable about the expeditions? Lucy: They gave me the chance to form strong friendships outside of the classroom, by sharing tents and campsites with people I don’t ordinarily get the chance to interact with during the school day. Harry: For me, it was all about the hiking and making new friends whilst overcoming new challenges. What new skills have you learned through the Duke of Edinburgh Award? Lucy: DofE gave me the opportunity to explore wider curriculum interests such as drawing sketches from some of my favourite renaissance artists and learning how to cook dinners for my family and friends to enjoy.

Harry: I learnt how to pack my backpack properly to spread the weight evenly - it makes a big difference on a long hike! What did you do for volunteering? Lucy: I delved into various volunteering activities, starting with working at the Children’s Trust, helping the townspeople that worked and shopped there. I then moved into the closer community of Reigatians in the school library, and currently I am undertaking DofE Award Leadership training which involves mentoring the Bronze DofE students through their award and going on practice hikes with them. Harry: I did conservation with a local charity in Reigate. How was the organisational side of DofE? Lucy: As long as you remember to record how many times you’ve partaken in your chosen activities it really isn’t an area of concern. If you pick activities you enjoy then you’ll be all the more motivated to stay on top of it. Harry: At first it was different and quite challenging, but by the end of the Bronze section it was like second nature. Did DofE give you an opportunity to find new hobbies? Lucy: During my Gold award I decided to try kick-boxing and have enjoyed every session since, even the ones over Zoom! It’s

been a fantastic opportunity to try different sports I had never considered before. Harry: I learnt to play guitar after a few years thanks to DofE and it has encouraged me to continue to this day. Do you have any stand-out memories from your expeditions? Lucy: I particularly remember on my Silver canoeing expedition when we had an incredibly scenic route down the River Thames and even got to go through a stretch of the Royal Henley Regatta. Harry: Arriving at camp on the last night of our qualifying hike and spending the evening with friends during my Silver hike was my personal favourite. What did you find the most challenging? Lucy: Personally, it is always the second day of the hike that’s hardest for me as I’m not used to the early start, especially one in a rain-soaked tent! But, once you get a brew on the go and have conquered the first few kilometres of your day you tend to get back into the hiker's mind-set.

What are you looking forward to for Gold? Lucy: I’m really looking forward to the challenge of long, mountainous hikes and the feeling of accomplishment when it’s all over. I remember being in the first year thinking I would never be able to go hiking up ominous mountains but now I cannot wait to just put my all in and go for it. Harry: I’m looking forward to exploring Wales and challenging myself. The terrain is tough and it's going to be hard work but it will be amazing. Any advice for students thinking about joining the DofE Award? Why should they join? Lucy: If you’re anxious about the hiking I would just say that you won't be on your own. You will have six other people with you alongside a Sixth Form mentor, all pushing you to the finish. Your friends will be going through the same thing too; it’s the camaraderie that makes everything easy. The development of character that will be subliminally achieved is what makes DofE so special. Harry: Be organised, prepare and everything will be great.

Harry: The physical challenge is hard but the mental challenge is even harder. I had to really push myself to keep going at times but it is always worth the effort.

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CCF The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) staff have been incredibly keen to find a way to keep CCF training alive despite the challenges and restrictions in place. This has been a delicate exercise, balancing Covid restrictions with training capabilities, but has been a conundrum embraced by the whole contingent. The CCF has mobilised Covidsecure action-packed parade nights including icebreaker presentations, competitive command/leadership tasks, rifle-drill training, timed inter-detachment cannon runs and even skill at arms training with many cadets now at weapon handling test level. The Corps of Drums has flourished in numbers, rehearsing marching displays along with mastering the art of slow marching with the musical support of the massed bands of the Guards Division, ending the term with a virtual presentation from WO2 Bugler Phil Hawkins - Royal Marine Band. The CCF has also introduced a competitive element to triservice inter-detachment rivalry, with points being gained throughout the training year. In the season of remembrance, RGS commissioned a prize for the leading service detachment, awarded to the section with the highest points scored at the end of the training year. This has been named the David Ive Trophy and commemorates the life of the first Reigatian to fall during the First World War at Ypres, just 10 weeks into the conflict.

David Ive was a member of the school's Officer Training Corps (very much the equivalent of the modern day CCF) bringing a real sense of current belonging to the past sacrifice made. David was one of 50 Reigatians to pay the ultimate sacrifice during World War I and many of these lives were involved in the school cadet system which was formed in 1908. Over 100 years later, the RGS CCF parade on almost exactly the same spot with the common aim to instil the very same core military values and standards. This was perfectly expressed by Geoffrey E Cragg (Reigatian 1899-1904), Chairman of the Old Boys Club, who died 17 October 1915 during the Mesopotamia campaign, aged 37: "As a community we desire to foster and encourage - in every way we can - the prosperity of the old school, from which we have ourselves received so much benefit and to ensure that those who follow in our footsteps receive equal, and it might be, greater benefits". To end the term, a thrilling Activities Day was planned for the CCF including orienteering, climbing and team-based command tasks. All training concluded with a full contingent promotions parade (for the first time streamed live via social media channels). This included over 20 tri-service individual promotions up to Warrant Officer/Chief Instructor level and an acknowledgement to those who really stepped up during lockdown in order to keep the CCF alive via online/virtual training. The RGS CCF continues to go from strength to strength, with many exciting activities in the pipeline for 2021. 27

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PO CADET ESTHER W BECOMES FIRST SEA LORD CADET From thousands of cadets in the country, PO Cadet Esther W was nominated to become one of just eleven cadet members of the First Sea Lord Board. In the build up to her investiture, Esther looked understandably pleased as Cdr Gavin MacDougall read out the events she will be attending in the future: being guest of honour on a passing out parade at HMS Raleigh having lunch with the First Sea Lord visiting No 10 Downing Street spending a day on a warship, joining a war simulator, doing battle control, and fire-fighting, for a 12-hour day First Sea Lord, Admiral Tony Radakin, addressed Esther directly to congratulate her: “Esther, well done for being somebody who is so clearly willing to help others and willing to lead others. There is something fundamental about having the confidence to put yourself forward because sometimes that means that you are in the firing line. But, actually, we need leaders at every level and we need leaders all the way through our country, all the way through this amazing nation, and for our society. The fact that you are also stepping forward and are willing to help others is very special. I think we have heard from many people today, that sometimes it can be draining but other times it gives you energy. I hope that that is what you are starting to understand, that helping others can be incredibly fulfilling. And, well done also on the Corps of Drums. It is so impressive. The speed at which people do it and the fact that it never seems to go wrong amazes me. Again, it takes real skills and attributes. Esther well done for all that you are achieving and congratulations.” The CCF wishes to congratulate Esther once again and look forward to welcoming WORN WO1 Steedman, the most senior Non Commissioned officer currently serving in the Royal Navy, to a future school parade. 28

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MUSIC

n these difficult times, RGS students have been extremely fortunate that the Music department has been able to keep music-making alive. There is much evidence surrounding the positive effects on mental health for those engaged in musical participation and that has certainly been proven for students and staff in the department. It has been lovely to hear the familiar soundtrack of students playing and singing all day long. Obviously, it looks rather different, however, the changes to the way we have to live have provided new opportunities, new ways to explore and to celebrate the musical talents of RGS students. There have been more rehearsals than ever (32 each week and counting!) and in all parts of the school. It’s a very different experience in so many ways but one which has made everyone value the importance of music in our lives all the more. The first week of term saw the launch of the virtual performance series, RGS Sounds, showcasing students’ solo and ensemble performances each Friday on the RGS Music YouTube channel. Performances included Yuni C and Jun C (guitars), Isobel R (clarinet), Third Form band and BBC Introducing stars, ARTACA, Polyphony member Sereena P (voice) who has been awarded a choral scholarship to Queens' College, Cambridge. The channel also celebrated the school ensembles in socially distanced performances from, Symphony Strings, Swing Band, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and the Horn Ensemble. The lead up to Christmas was as much of a musical celebration as ever despite the challenges. In their debut RGS performance, the new First Form recorded John Legend’s All of Me in October. It was wonderful to see and hear so many voices performing at the same time. A fabulous virtual RGS Unplugged concert demonstrated a fantastic display of student talent, enhanced further by creative production techniques. It really illustrated the positive aspect to the new way of sharing musical output and events. Polyphony and the Brass Ensemble gave a moving performance of Abide With Me as part of the school’s Remembrance Day Service. The virtual Vocal Showcase was a short concert of classical pieces sung by students of all ages. For some, this was their first concert, while others were seasoned performers. This was a new concept designed to highlight some of the lovely work students have been doing in their singing lessons and embracing the new virtual world of performances. Hundreds of you tuned in to watch the three virtual Informal Concerts which featured over forty soloists from across the school. The most recent event was shared with local care homes as part of the RGS outreach programme and offered students the opportunity to talk to residents online about their musical experience and plans for Christmas. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) introduced remotely-assessed performance exams as an alternative to the traditional face-to-face exams. Congratulations to all students who have gained a qualification in this way. 29

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MUSIC RGS in Concert at Leatherhead Theatre was the first live concert since March – what a treat it was to be able to share music with a real life audience! Students performed superbly: musically confident and utterly professional and responsible when it came to the precautions and measures in place. The evening was a moving experience on many levels for all involved. Live music continued to be prominent throughout school towards the end of term, with Brass Ensemble, Horn Ensemble, Samba Band, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble and a wind quintet led by Zach S performing each day as part of the Advent Playground Performances. In addition to this, there were Christmas concerts streamed to Reigate Beaumont Care Home and Wray Common Nursing and Residential Home with staff and students introducing videos and talking live to residents: a wonderful opportunity to share the music made at RGS with members of the local community. The autumn term culminated in a whole school celebration of Christmas: Carols by Candelight. The image of a lone chorister standing on the top of the bell tower at St Mary’s Church, singing the solo to Once in Royal David’s City at the start of the digital service represents something of the isolation all have felt at not being able to sing and celebrate together as we normally would. However, what follows in the film shows the other side: a collective resilience at meeting these challenges and finding alternative, innovative ways to ensure that music lives and will not be defeated! All choirs have rehearsed inW smaller, Covid-safe groups, meaning that in most cases the only time these choirs had sung together was on the day of filming. With the wonderful addition of Symphony Strings and the Brass Ensemble featuring at the beginning and end, the culmination is a joyful celebration of Christmas like no other before. Please do subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter to keep abreast of all exciting musical activity.

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NATIONAL COMPETITIONS It is so wonderful when school-learned skills open up opportunities to explore and create beyond the classroom, when music created by students is performed and realised by professional musicians. Two aspiring RGS composers, Matty O and Eleanor B separately entered a composition competition Fall to Rise run by the London Philharmonic Orchestra for which they were tasked with composing a piece to accompany silent choreography created and performed by Monique Jonas. Matty and Eleanor are two of just a handful of successful entrants

to have their compositions performed and recorded by this internationally-renowned orchestra in the new year. In a separate event, Matty O was announced as a winner of the BBC Young Composer Competition 2020 with a piece he has written for percussion and harp called Les cimes des montages. His prize is a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mentoring and a commission to write a piece for the BBC Concert Orchestra that will be performed at a special young composersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concert next year. 32

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DRAMA

s all are so fervently aware, the performing arts are suffering in the new world. 2020 was a tough year for those who work in the industry and it will be some time before normality returns. The realities of 2020 presented new challenges for the RGS Drama department, but also created an opportunity to explore new concepts, technology and ways of working. While there can be no doubt that everyone misses and looks forward to the return of the thrill of a live in-person performance, recent months have provided a plethora of performance opportunities for students and quality drama productions for all to enjoy in new ways. In what was a rare event in 2020, 150 people gathered on the red carpet to watch the film première of The Secret Diary at Leatherhead Theatre. Masks, strict social distancing, temperature checks, and track-and-trace registration were all in place to allow an excited audience to be the first to enjoy the production which was filmed during lockdown by Third and Fourth Form students. RGS Drama legend Archie Collins (OR) took on the role of director of photography for this project which was directed by Miss Hare and starred Tom C, Ruth A, Billy R, Charlie P-J, Lukas C, Edie W, Charlotte S, Hayden C, Ed B and Yoli M, as well as a talented ensemble of dancers, singers and actors. The film was a delight, transforming locations including Broadfield House, the Headmaster’s garden, the graveyard and even cast members’ houses into the 1980s. At such a challenging time, this film really showed the commitment of students and staff to completing this project which was originally scheduled to be a stage production in June, and had to be adapted into a film when that became impossible. Oscars all round!

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DRAMA The Second Form spent the first half of the autumn term devising theatre in their drama classes ready for an online premiĂ¨re at Christmas of Dare to be Different. Each class was given a real-life figure who fought against the odds in some way to make a difference in the world. They created exciting, innovative and entertaining pieces of theatre telling the story of these figures and creating an inspiring show about success through adversity which was filmed live. Drama Studio 2 was artfully converted to a live-streaming venue in order to bring the production of the Enda Walsh play Chatroom to the widest audience possible. This 2005 play felt more relevant than ever dealing as it does with issues of teenage bullying, online interactions, and the way people behave when they are anonymous. These are vital issues right now, especially as society becomes more divided and partisan through social media, and everyone is forced to communicate online.

The show was performed to a small live audience, and livestreamed each night via rgsdrama.net. The strong cast featured excellent, naturalistic performances from Doug Y, Rebecca E, Mais J, Lily F, Seb H and Billy R. The live stream was curated and directed by Morgan B, who also helped to shoot on location in Redhill. Amelia D assistant directed, in possibly her last role after seven years of amazing contributions to RGS Drama. The term culminated in an epic climax with four separate productions being released including two live performances. The Performing Arts Council staged a coup, taking over the school Twitter and Instagram accounts, to celebrate all of the Music and Drama performances on offer. The entire First Form was given the day off timetable to rehearse their new interpretation of the classic A Christmas Carol. Featuring over twenty-five separate scenes rehearsed and performed in

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bubbles, an appearance from Father Christmas and various staff elves, the show was filmed in a day and released online for the community to enjoy.

The online premiere of Dare To Be Different, featuring the entire Second Form. proved that, even in the most taxing of times, live theatre can still flourish.

The long-awaited results were released from The Monoslam: Socially Distanced Edition. Earlier in the term students, staff and families were invited to submit monologues across various categories, showcasing their acting, musical theatre, writing and choreography talents. The entries were then sent off to a panel of professional judges, including: Ben Marks (Casting Director); Elliot Norman (Reigatian - currently at Drama School); Matt Burns (Reigatian - currently on a national tour of Once: The Musical); Helen Mumby (Reigatian - Literary Agent); Fiona Clift (Reigatian - Actor, puppeteer, writer and comedian). The judges' comments, as well as two performances from members of the Performing Arts Council, were collated into a video which premiĂ¨red on YouTube.

Finally, the Lower Sixth Form A Level Drama students produced their own studio version of the Mike Bartlett play Contractions. Directed by Douglas Y and featuring Jess W and Felicity S, the play was performed to a small live audience and then filmed. The performance is the first of three plays produced and directed by students this year. The final film, as well as lots of other content, can be viewed at rgsdrama.net.

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel, visit rgsdrama.net and follow us on Twitter to keep abreast of all exciting drama activity.

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DRAMA CHARLIE A

Acting in BBC Drama Series Us Tell us about the process for casting The first step is having an agent. They go through all the current jobs and send you scripts for the ones that most suit you. You learn the scripts and then attend the auditions. If you don’t hear back from them, it means you haven’t been successful, if you do, you have! What is the worst bit about the casting process? Increasingly over lockdown you had to provide recorded auditions. When you film yourself and the camera wobbles or you make a mistake you have to do it again and again. What prep did you do as an actor before filming? I learnt all of my lines and went through them a few times, that was basically it. How did you feel when you first arrived on the set? It wasn’t as big as I expected, but there were loads of different rooms, for the actors, for design and make-up. What was the best bit about filming? Everything! From the filming to just waiting around, it was a really great experience. What was the funniest thing about filming? The amount of times they had to apply hair spray to keep my hair out of my eyes! I think they used three cans just on me! How do the studios make you feel welcome? Everyone was really kind and they helped me out a lot. What is the weirdest thing about meeting actors playing your parents? They look nothing like them! And their personalities are mostly completely different. What is the best secret you can tell us about filming? In one of the scenes, the audio is recorded completely separately to the film.

How does acting on film differ to acting on stage? The main difference is of course that you can do the scene as many times as necessary, and there is always the magic of editing! On stage, you have one shot to get it right. How do you feel watching yourself back? It's very strange seeing yourself on TV and your name in the credits. What does your agent do to help you? Sends feedback on the self tapes that I do and suggests edits. What advice would you give to actors filming on camera? Never look at the camera!

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ANNIE J

National Youth Theatre When did you first get into Drama? I was quite young, I think it was around Year 4 or 5. My school at the time didn’t provide extracurricular drama so I joined a drama group outside school. Coming to RGS was an amazing change – I went from having no in-school drama to having a huge amount. What is the best thing about Drama? Being quite lively and energetic, if I do not have something to focus my energy on, I tend to get on people’s nerves! Drama lets me channel my energy into something positive. I am quite a nervous and shy person when I first meet people, but when there is a shared interest and common ground it really helps to get the conversation going. I have met so many people through drama and made so many friends – the social aspect is amazing. You also mix with and make friends in different age groups and friendship groups. What is your favourite RGS Drama production? Les Misérables. It is unbeatable, and I would have been mortified if it had happened after I left RGS! Who are your favourite actors and why? British actress Zawe Ashton is amazing! She was in my favourite TV show and following that I have sought out some of her other work. I really admire actors like her who can play such diverse roles from comedy to horror. What is the National Youth Theatre? It’s a diverse theatre company based in London which accepts auditions from 14-26 year olds. Although in London, people audition from across the UK and shows are held nationwide. What made you want to join? Unfortunately, the theatre company I joined when I was younger closed down and despite looking, I never managed to find another one that I liked as much. A Sixth Form friend of mine told me about her audition for the NYT and said I should apply so I did! I went for the audition and loved the vibe and people there – I had a great feeling about it from the start. How did you apply/audition? I applied in December of year 10 for the auditions that were in February, so I didn’t have long to prepare! The audition involved

a pre-prepared monologue and a workshop with a group of other applicants. What did you do to prepare for your audition? The preparation was mostly about the monologue. You can choose any: I chose to do a contemporary one – Broken Biscuit by Tom Wells. Aside from that it is really just about being open minded – they like people who have an opinion, but who are also able to take on other people's views. Tell us about the experience The hardest part was the audition - it is very competitive! This year has not been ‘normal’ thanks to Covid. There have been virtual courses which have been really good, even if the experience is not the same as in person ones. I receive interesting emails all the time, I have an audition for next year already, they put you in touch with people, there are online workshops... I didn’t realise just how much they would offer! There are also lots of different pathways for you to explore. What was the most memorable part? I really remember rehearsing my audition piece with Miss Branston. Some parts of my monologue were really funny and some were really emotional and it took me a while to connect to the piece of theatre; I remember when I did because I cried! I realised that connecting with the piece and feeling the emotion was what I needed to do to make it a performance that the assessors would actually want to watch. What will you take away from the NYT? I must throw myself into things and be more confident in myself. I nearly didn’t apply because I was convinced that I wouldn’t get in! What advice do you have for anyone considering applying? Do it! Even if you don’t get in the first time you can retry – you have from the age of 14-26. What’s next for you? I have an audition early next year which will hopefully lead to opportunities. Covid permitting, I will also look to do as many workshops as I can – it’s all a bit unpredictable at the moment but I will attend as many things as I can and hopefully get to meet lots of new people. 38

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DRAMA LIBERTY T

National Youth Theatre When did you first get into drama? When I was very young, my brother and I always loved to act, dance, sing (the whole lot!) in front of my family. It was always a huge passion of mine but I only started properly acting when I was about nine and performed in a few pantomimes. My primary school didn’t do much drama at all so extra-curricular shows and clubs were how I became so interested. What is the best thing about drama? I think drama enlightens everyone and can make anyone feel free. It’s the best for teamwork and although it takes perseverance, the end product is always worth it. Drama is so real too because everyone helps, compliments and learns lessons from each other. It includes people of different ages, races, backgrounds etc. and unites them all as one big family so no one feels alone. I also love the over-the-top madness drama brings; it always makes my day! What is your favourite RGS Drama production? Personally, I think Les Misérables stands out. Being in the show myself, I was able to observe all the hard work and effort that went on behind closed doors. Seeing what it turned out to be was beyond even my imagination! Who are your favourite actors and why? I’m obsessed with Johnny Depp at the moment. I think the way he embodies his different characters is exceptional, he is just such a versatile actor. Also, Gillian Anderson is always amazing in the roles she takes on. What is the National Youth Theatre? The National Youth Theatre is an inspirational arts organisation for young people. It showcases the talents of young producers, directors and actors in the industry. What made you want to join? I’ve always wanted to be part of a community of people who share my interest of drama and theatre. Someone I know, who is an ambassador for NYT, told me it was the best thing they had ever done. They said anyone who loves drama is stupid not to apply! This really influenced me to just go and put my heart into it. Literally, the second I got to the audition I realised how at home I felt and I immediately made great friends. How did you apply/audition? I applied in December 2019 for my audition the next year so it gave me something to look forward to. The audition was in a small hall where I just brought along a prepared monologue and some confidence! Most of the audition was fun, upbeat workshop activities with the other applicants aged 14-26. What did you do to prepare for your audition? At the time when I sent my application off, I was already doing a duologue with my friend for GCSE drama. I did try out a few different monologues for my audition but my teacher and I came to the conclusion that my school piece suited me far better, so I took my dark comedy monologue from that to perform. The best part… I didn’t have to learn anything new for an audition less than two months away! In terms of mental preparation, I just drilled lots of positivity and resilience into me. I knew NYT 39

would like someone who is content and self-assured but also not close-minded when receiving fair criticism. Tell us about the experience The audition was so relaxed. From the get-go, the directors made everyone get to know each other inside and out. Everyone started off a little nervous but we soon realised we were all in the same position. The workshop was abstract, unpredictable and energetic – activities only drama can create! The aim of the workshop was to get everyone to act weird around each other. This definitely connected people and manifested a friendliness amongst the group. I enjoyed every second of it so I cannot wait to go to the auditions in my role as an ambassador! What was the most memorable part? When I auditioned my monologue at the end of the day, I had never felt so many different emotions in my life. I had just gone through such a gratifying experience, so thinking about leaving it on a negative note was a no go. So, I poured my heart out and acted what I think was my best performance of that monologue. Afterwards, I remember I couldn’t even feel my presence because I was so relieved; it felt like I was in another world. The feedback of the directors seemed too good to be true and I didn’t know how to react! What will you take away from NYT? The NYT has proved to me that hard work pays off more than anything. My audition was the number one thing I focused on for days, and although there were moments of strain, I pushed through and got the result I wanted. Since becoming a member, I have attended many exclusive interviews of NT/NYT members whose stories about how far they’ve come fascinate and motivate me. I will always try to keep a positive attitude towards the industry because I have learnt it can be very tough, but is worth the fight. What advice do you have for anyone considering applying? Go for it, what is there to lose?! Whether you get in or not, it is a great life lesson. You can really channel what you think you lacked in the last audition and reapply the next year! What’s next for you? Sadly, with the current world issues, I’m not able to do everything I desired as a new member of NYT. However, this means my determination to get anything coming my way has heightened even more! I have a virtual casting audition this February that I’m so excited for - it could open many new doors for the future. It is impossible to knows what is to come, but I’m going to work as hard as I can and cherish every moment.

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YOLI M

Royal Ballet School Senior Associate At what age did you first get into ballet? I started around the age of three at my local village hall, however I didn’t start taking ballet seriously until about the age of 10. What do you remember from your first class? Nothing because I was so young! However I do remember moments like skipping around the hall, getting sprinkled in fairy dust and learning to point my feet. What was the first ballet you remember attending? The first ballet I attended was Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty. However, before this I had attended live streams of ballets at cinemas, for example I watched the Royal Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland. I remember how, after I watched these ballets, I was desperate to watch more as I loved the style of performing. Who are your ballet role models/dancers that inspire you? My biggest inspiration has to be Marianela Nunez, a principal with the Royal Ballet School. She’s just mesmerizing to watch, from her strong stage presence to her inhuman pirouettes. Some of my other inspirations include dancers such as Yasmine Naghdi, Sarah Lamb, Beatrix Brunell, Maria Koreva and Natalia Osipova. What is the proudest moment in your ballet career? Probably getting into the Royal Ballet School Senior Associates programme after three years in Mid Associates, because I know I worked very hard for it. If you could take a lesson from anyone, who would it be? It would be absolutely incredible to have a lesson from Marianela Nunez: she is my biggest role model and it would mean a lot to me to have a lesson from one of the greatest ballet dancers in the world. However, I have been very lucky to have had lessons from some big inspirations of mine such as Zenaida Yanowsky, Olivia Cowley, Ashley Shaw, Teo Dubreuil and Itziar Mendizabal. What are you favourite ballets to dance in and which are your favourites to watch? Of the ballets I have danced in, my favourites were probably Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, the Nutcracker and Giselle. My favourite ballet I have watched is probably Romeo and Juliet because I love the drama of the story line. Some of my favourite variations to watch and dance include: The Lilac Fairy; Esmerelda; The Awakening of Flora; Aurora; Giselle; and so many more.

Tell us about the Royal Ballet Association programme? The programme consists of Junior, Mid, Senior and Advanced Associates. I joined at the beginning of Mid Associates aged 11 and then successfully auditioned and moved up to Senior Associates at the beginning of this school year. I go to weekly classes at the Upper School in Covent Garden. The aim of the programme is to provide an understanding of the Royal Ballet School system of training as well as to enhance ballet training with the vision of a full-time vocational education. It has also given me so many opportunities such as watching pre-general rehearsals at the Royal Opera House as well as workshops in other useful spectrums such as contemporary. How did you apply? To apply I had to send in an online form as well as pictures of myself in specific ballet positions. I was then invited to audition at the Royal Ballet Upper School in Covent Garden. After that audition was successful I was invited to the finals at White Lodge. How has the Associate programme developed your ballet? My dancing has matured massively over the years - my technique has improved so much through the programme as well as through the guidance of all of my teachers. What has been your favourite experience at the Royal Ballet School? My favourite experience was demonstrating for the Royal Ballet School at an audition insight day. I was very lucky to have been chosen to help those at home follow the class. Another one of my favourite experiences was when I watched the pre-general rehearsal of Firebird at the Royal Opera House with Yasmine Naghdi in the role of Firebird. Do you have any advice for anyone who is already into ballet or planning to take it up? Enjoy it as much as you can as otherwise it will be hard to put in the work that you need to do in order to improve. My other advice would be that technique only gets you so far; so it's important to work on your artistry and performance as well because that is what will make you differ from others.

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DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

he Design and Technology department at Reigate Grammar School is blessed with state-of-theart computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing facilities (CAD/CAM) which are used by the many students who study this subject. Students use this technology to design and build products that would be difficult to achieve by other means. The technology also affords Reigatians the opportunity to experience and become proficient in the types of equipment and software that are used by many leading design and engineering companies, enabling them to develop a deep understanding of the modern, hi-tech engineering that permeates the world of today and will be an important part of their future. In the First Form students design products in a 2D CAD package combined with laser cutting. This allows them to design and make moulds into which pewter is poured. providing a tangible understanding of how their CAD drawing can become a physical object in a completely different material.

Skills are further developed in the Second Form where students can flex their 2D CAD skills a little further. The clock project teaches new tools and deepens students' knowledge of the software. Such skills are also utilised in the First Form Design and Make Club where CAD/CAM has the added advantage of being easy to clean between sessions. This means that it can be made Covid secure quickly and has enabled the department to continue its extracurricular provision.

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By the time students study the subject for GCSE and A Level, they have been introduced to Solidworks allowing them to develop projects in full 3D, produce technical drawings and photo real renders of their projects. Some students even output these projects to the 3D printer to test the functionality of parts or components in solid rather than virtual format. Students are also able to take advantage of the 3D router to produce much larger projects in more resilient materials. The department's facilities were put to excellent use during the first lockdown where both CAD and CAM enabled the production of visors for NHS workers.

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ECONOMICS

MATHS

Economics students have adapted admirably to studying in different environments as a result of the pandemic. The Lower Sixth Form Economics Society has continued to meet fortnightly, with students presenting on topics of their choice, including titles such as Cartels and Collusion and The Sustainable Economy. Unable to meet the Lower Sixth Form in person, the Upper Sixth Form have found new ways to continue their leadership by starting a new enterprise called the Economics Newsletter. The newsletter is released fortnightly to all Economics students and comprises articles written by students for students on topics from the news of the day. It includes targeted questions to help students link the articles to the relevant topics from their A Level study to further their understanding. The editors are also taking readers through a history of Economics, starting with the father of Economics, Adam Smith, and moving forward in time each week to cover other notable theorists like John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich Hayek. Many students have also been participating in external lectures and competitions, such as the Royal Economics Society and Immerse Education essay competitions. Special commendations go to Jess B who won a partial scholarship to a two-week residential economics programme at Cambridge University through just such a competition entry.

UKMT SENIOR MATHS CHALLENGE The United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Senior Mathematical Challenge is a 90-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in using mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. This year, 118 Fifth, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth Form students took part with 43 achieving bronze, 24 silver and eight gold. A special mention goes to Thomas K, Nathan V, Estuardo D, Lakith G, Taewoong K, Amelie D and David H who qualified for the follow on competition - the Senior Kangaroo. In addition to this, Harrison B qualified for the first round of the British Mathematical Olympiad.

MERRY MATHSMAS! First Formers took part in the fun festive puzzle solving event, Merry Mathsmas, run by workshop organisers Think-Maths. Students were tasked with solving Christmas conundrums such as the classic cracker prize birthday game which relates to the binary number system and investigated the geometric properties of Christmas shapes.

ROYAL INSTITUTION OF MATHEMATICS CHRISTMAS LECTURES Third form students had the opportunity to join the virtual audience of the Royal Institution (Ri) Christmas Lectures 2020. The lectures have a long history, beginning with Michael Faraday in 1825. From a classroom at RGS, students had a window into the famous Ri lecture theatre and had their video feed displayed alongside other virtual audience members. They watched a segment of filming for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lectures on climate change, which aired on BBC4 in December. 43

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GEOGRAPHY

t would be easy to imagine that the global pandemic would impact the study of Geography in a major way, preventing fieldstips and excursions that are an integral part of the course. Despite all the challenges, the A Level syllabus has remained unchanged, including the requirement for fieldwork. Rising to the challenge, the projects which constitute 20% of the total marks, have required careful consideration and some inventive strategies to allow for the safe collection of data. Some of the areas covered to date include: • • • • • • •

Changes in Reigate and Dorking High Streets Beach profiles at Shoreham To what extent is Reigate a nice place to live? Infiltration on Box Hill and Reigate Hill Has Reigate become a clone town? The carbon content of trees in Priory Park and at Box Hill Environmental quality in Reigate, Coulsdon and Wimbledon

It is testament to the efforts of the department that as many as seven Upper Sixth Form students have applied to read Geography and related courses at university next year. Most have now received offers from all five applications at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions and they are looking forward to the challenges of higher education. Let us hope that the fieldwork opportunities, such an integral part of the subject

and, for some, a determining factor in choosing universities, will be possible by the time they start their courses. Lower Sixth Form students visited Gatwick Airport for the annual guided tour of the water treatment facilities and extensive flood defences – with local and very real evidence of the impacts of climate change clear for all to see. Field trips for other year groups are sadly on hold, but planing behind the scenes means that as soon as it is safe to do so, they will return. The Geography Society has, as always, provided a platform for a range of student-led talks. The quality of research and passion in delivery have provided much food for thought and, perhaps, reassurance that the future is in safe hands. The Missing Maps club has seen younger students taking responsibility for the mapping of some of the most remote locations on the planet. Through the use of technology, the department has been able to continue succesful delivery of the curriculum and learnt to adapt, adjust and develop students' sense of place and understanding of the world. When the pandemic is over, as a society we will be all the more appreciative of travel further afield, but perhaps more grateful for all of the opportunities that the local area has to offer; walks, bike rides and exploration close to home have revealed far more than we might otherwise have discovered.

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STUDENT FOCUS MILLIE W

Upper Sixth Form student Millie has applied to Durham, Exeter, Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester universities to read for a BA in Geography. She has provided some insight below regarding her reasoning behind her choice in degree and why she is so passionate about geography. Why have you chosen to study Geography at university? Because I love it: it is such a broad and all-encompassing subject. Geography never stays the same - it is constantly evolving which is why I think it will make an interesting degree and will be useful in contributing to a rapidly changing world. I love how different every topic is and how each one touches on a different aspect of life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; natural or human, it never gets boring! I look forward to further developing my knowledge in this multi-faceted subject and to applying it to modern-day issues such as the imminent effects of climate change and urban expansion issues we face. What would you like to do beyond university? Although I do not have a specific job in mind, I know that the transferable skills gained through a geography degree will support me in developing my career and that the breadth of the subject is well regarded by employers. I am, however, interested in the fields of Management Consultancy, Marketing and International Development and hope to implement my skills in one of these sectors. I know that geography will provide me with a firm base on which I can develop in any direction! Which aspects of geography have you enjoyed most? I have particularly enjoyed learning about globalisation and how the world is getting rapidly smaller due to the influence of transport network companies (TNCs), tech advancements and general development across the globe. I find it fascinating to learn about the challenges we have overcome such as war, disease and cultural issues, juxtaposed with new challenges we face such as over-population, over-extraction of natural resources and of course climate change. One of my favourite things about geography is the frequent use of case studies to contextualise the theory and bring it to life; for example, Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one child policy when regarding national population change.

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ENGLISH

nother busy term in the English department, packed full of creative writing, kicked off with National Poetry Day in September, the subject of which this year was Vision. Although the power of poetry is celebrated every day, this annual event is a good time to stop and think about how language and poetry can affect in the most profound of ways. This year's theme of vision was particularly pertinent against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic: we have all had to shift our vision and perception of how we live life to its fullest at school and during free time. There is an array of poetry to read and watch on the National Poetry Day website: nationalpoetryday.co.uk/poems. Students celebrated the day by sharing these poems in lessons through the day and sharing their thoughts on them. As ever, they captured it most poignantly: “Poetry is a beautiful play on words.” Aleenah M “Poetry is an art, if it's done right.” Tommy B “Poetry is powerful, but also grammatically and structurally interesting.” Oli F “Poetry, if done right, can bloom a flower in the greyest of graveyards.” Vjas V “Poetry is a pure and distinctive language, expressing emotions and ideas.” Zac S The first creative writing achievement came early in the term, and in such a tumultuous year, the department has been fortunate to have such a burgeoning bunch of young writers in the school. Isabella Q in the Second Form took inspiration from the pandemic unfolding around her to enter a World Beyond Your Window poetry competition, and her entry into the Through Your Eyes category has been highly commended. Isabella's commentary on the world around her in the summer was focussed on what people were doing and where they were going during lockdown. She also said she enjoyed the opportunity to take poetry as a form and express her feelings. As the term moved on, the whole school took part in the annual Drop Everything

and Read Week. Losing oneself in a book can be a wonderful way to clear the mind of everyday worries and focus on a different world – even just for half an hour. With the temptation to flit from email, to social media, to searching the internet, it can be a real treat to just set aside time for some uninterrupted reading. In the darkest evenings of November students had the chance to do just that as all homework focussed on reading and being able to become absorbed in a book. Inspired by this the First Form writers undertook an impressive challenge – to create an anthology of their own poetry. Students were invited to write and share some of their own poetry with their English teacher and three from each class were selected to be entered into the First Form Poetry Anthology. The poems presented in the anthology drew their inspiration from the past year. The pandemic, whilst dislocating students from their base here in Reigate, provided a strong backdrop for the longing for the natural world, the changing of the seasons, and the warmth of family to shine through in their writing, and the talent and skill on display was so pleasing to see. The students wrote some impressive original work and the mature use of imagery, texture and metre make this an anthology that shows off their best work. Three of these have been selected and are presented opposite. Finally, the term finished off with a range of readings from teachers to celebrate Christmas. From traditional Victorian poems to a spot of free verse exploring the plight of turkeys at Christmas and an exploration of just what happens at the North Pole on the night before the night before Christmas. Mr Fenton concluded the readings with a fine rendition of The Night Before Christmas in the final assembly of the term.

A NOVEL APPROACH From Plath’s obsessive exploration of death to Milton’s evocation of Pandaemonium with its “darkness visible”, the Literary Society has avoided taking things too lightly this year. Although approaching literature, they have been careful to observe Masque use in Shelley’s poem in response to the Peterloo massacre, and navigated the labyrinthine and infinite rules of the short stories of Borges. Students enjoyed opportunities to have some fun and travel when they could: from the farce of Hotel Zanzibar and its Shakespearean couplets, to a journey from the East with Magi poetry. But now behind screens and windows, the group has still been able to explore the hope and despair in the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, and has gone for a socially distanced walk with the writerflâneurs, Dickens, Baudelaire and Woolf. The group anticipates being able to explore the crowded streets of eighteenth century London in literature in the near future too!

"Poetry, if done right, can bloom a flower in the greyest of graveyards." Vjas V

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THY NAME IS EARTH Theodore M

Who is the mortal knocking at the door? Thy name is Earth, its body sore, It speaks of life and death of all things, To the plants it grows, and tranquillity it brings, It continues to suffer, its demise is bland, For coral bleaching, is its mainland, Its remnants we continue to reap, Yet, for its natural preservation, we seek. Thy name is Earth, It beckons and pleads, That we don’t kill its crops and its trees. My name is humanity, devoid of soul So on our own peril, we’ll continue to roll, Over your crops and shroud your breath, Until my friend is brought upon you thy name is death. Who’s that knocking at the door? It is no one, No one anymore.

GET OFF OUR LAND!

THE BARN OWL

Aniqa P

Goodbye winter, off to sleep you go Hello spring, how gently you arrive Light wind and rain softly kissing the soil It’s time for our flowers to rise from the ground and grow In a flash of a light the beast is launched An evil, the naked eye could not see A deadly pestilence in the air we breath An invisible assassin about to unleash Using our air to travel, Loving the thrill to kill You shook our world causing fear, Panic and the sheer terror you were about to unravel Taking centre stage Immediate and future plans were cancelled We felt scared, lost and alone Almost trapped in a dark and lonely cage Welcome summer, Mother Nature’s kindness steps near Radiant sun wrapping her long warm rays all around us The sweet aroma of our blooms grow and stand tall Sky blazing blue with the birds operatically singing rings in our ears Time for you to leave You lull us into a false sense of security...

Harriet C Lingering Festering away like a septic wound Bad news we were about to receive Summer stops dancing and takes a rest Greeting autumn, orange and yellow colours await Shedding of the petals and early night fall You jump out of the wings, a second huge test Savage and spiteful you return once again More pain and destruction awaits ahead Iron hearted, blood thirsty and ready to reign Attacking from all angles, causing more pain Shutting down our communities, causing darkness and anxious dread Gnawing away at our souls like a rodent seeing red But stop and listen carefully, we will escape this darkness and enter the light We will adapt, get stronger, survive and we will fight

A blood curdling shriek Woke me from my sleep. Out of the window the silvery moon Lit up the inky night. The phantom glided low Across the meadow. Passing through the air With the silence of falling snow. The pale, heart shaped face Stopped to listen and hovered. Diving to claim his prize. Then the ghost flew back to The cloak of the trees. I stumbled back to bed and another shriek erupted from the dark. I smiled knowing what it was It was a barn owl out on his night time patrol.

Together we stand Together we will destroy you No more causing pain, Now get off our land! 48

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MODERN LANGUAGES JUNIOR CULTURE CLUB

UPPER SIXTH FORM FRENCH LUNCH

We have had a great time in Junior Culture Club. We started by circumnavigating the globe and learning about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient and Modern World. We were able to identify many sites and monuments and also played a round the world game and looked into different festivals.

French Lunch is the perfect opportunity to pick up new vocabulary relevant to current affairs in both France and across the Francophone world. While watching the news together, we have become well-versed in all public health lingo, from 'in ICU' to 'mortality rate'. We tend to use the news as a foundation for a discussion or debate and have considered questions like "who should get the Covid-19 vaccine first?".

We delved into history to find out the true origins of special events like Bonfire Night and Thanksgiving and asked questions like "Why did the Pilgrim Fathers need so many pairs of shoes?". A particular highlight of the term was welcoming Miss Shah who talked about Diwali, bringing with her many colourful pictures. Finally, let’s not forget the craft and the Kahoot games, two favourites amongst members! Culture club is fun and educational. We learn a lot about other cultures and their festivals and we even do crafts for some cultures! Nicolas R

This informal and friendly set-up has been conducive to developing greater confidence in spoken French and is regularly enjoyed by all - especially when Mme Chartrain comes with a selection of French treats! Harry A

FRENCH CLUB The First Form French Club is a great way to learn extra French! Mr Costain always uses memorable ways to help us to learn new vocabulary without realising how much you are learning. We have so far covered topics such as rooms in houses, family members and food. I always look forward to the Kahoot quiz at the end of the session as it’s fast and furious! Will A Recently in Second Form French Club we studied -er, -ir and -re verb endings. This was achieved through conversational, written and fun activities. Teaching is in a small and friendly group. I have been unable to take French lessons this year due to Covid-19 but, thanks to French Club, I still have the option to take French at GCSE. Zac L

FRENCH CHAT The ability to communicate in multiple languages is becoming more and more significant both socially and in the increasingly integrated global business community. French Chat has allowed us to apply our textbook knowledge to real world context. Students are encouraged to question and to debate fully in French about any topic, expressing their true love for the subject and their thirst for knowledge. The club also reminds us that learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary. Michael L

SPANISH CHAT The challenge of answering questions and communicating with others in a foreign language can be daunting. However, the Spanish Chat sessions have helped me to be much more confident and accurate in my use of the Spanish language. As well as this, many interesting and important topics are discussed relating to Spanish culture. Callum S Hola, mis amigos! The Spanish department's Fifth Form chat has been a great experience and allowed us to say hasta la vista to tricky vocabulary. I recommend Spanish chat to any Spanish students as it will certainly improve your range of words, subjects and overall connection with the language, as well as providing time to speak to Iván, our very own Spanish assistant. It is certainly worth checking out. Samuel C 49

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LINGUIST OF THE TERM Linguist of the Term is a certificate awarded by the department to students of each year group and in all languages taught to reward enthusiasm, progress and commitment in the language studied.

FORM FIRST

Maya E

Hannah G

Monty R

Rowan T

SECOND

Orla M

Sachin V

Ada S

Anya K

THIRD

Matty O

Hannah B

n/a

Sasha H

FOURTH

Sophie H

Henry C

n/a

Anush U

FIFTH

Sara M

Henry K

n/a

Neyha K

Sam G

Steven C

Harry B

n/a

Adam L

LOWER SIXTH Candice N UPPER SIXTH

Harry A

ORIGAMI CLUB Origami Club is fascinating. We love the magic of turning a piece of paper into something useful or a toy or a pretty decoration. We develop hand-eye coordination, maths reasoning, sequencing and spatial skills, and most importantly, we learn about other cultures and Mandarin. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great fun and I take pride in my work. Amoz S

LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS A few words from our French Language assistant - Margot

I am Margot and I started teaching at RGS in October as a French Language Assistant. I come from Nancy in the North-East of France where I have just finished a degree in English. My first term at RGS has been busy and varied thanks to the fact I work with students from all year groups. The Third Form is currently working on the differences between French and English schooling which I find really interesting because there are a few important differences. The Fourth and Fifth Form students who come to me in pairs during their French lessons have been talking about holidays. For the Lower Sixth Form, cinema and new technologies are the current topics. Finally, having covered diversity and volunteering in France and the Francophone countries with the Upper Sixth Form, we are now talking about and debating voting. RGS is a beautiful school with plenty of facilities for students and teachers. I am really happy to have been placed here; it is a very stimulating environment and I am sure to learn a lot from the experience, the teachers and the students.

CHINA INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FILM FESTIVAL RGS students made a heart-warming video to wish China International Children's Film Festival a great success. 50

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CHARITY

ven in a normal year, Reigatians contribute a huge number of hours to charity work both in school and in their own time - it is a vitally important part of school life for all. The ongoing global pandemic has seen a greater need than ever throughout the community and Reigatians past and present have willingly risen to the challenge. Demonstrating the RGS values of care and compassion, many of our students have been volunteering in some way during this crisis. Shopping for those in isolation, Anna W is one of them, and has been working hard in between her studies as part of the Brockham Emergency Response Team, helping to ensure that the vulnerable in the local community are being looked after. Anna and her sister Kate help with the organisation and delivery of food to those unable to leave their homes. Another example is Hugo R who signed up as a volunteer with 3D Crowd UK and printed face shields for healthcare workers using his 3D printer.

At school, RGS has twice been transformed into a drive-through drop-off point for donations of food, toys, puzzles, books and games, thanks to a team of volunteers from St Matthew’s Church, Redhill Foodbank and Loveworks. After the pandemic hit, donations at foodbanks dropped significantly whilst demand has risen dramatically. Staff, parents, current and former students dropped off contributions to help struggling families and members of the Upper Sixth Form were on hand to assist with unloading and sorting. Donations flooded in on both days providing a huge quantity of much needed support. Speaking about the event, Kate Curtis, Loveworks Charity Officer said: “Thanks to the unbelievable support of everyone who donated at the drive-through on Saturday, we will be able to provide up to 80 food parcels to help feed local families over the next few weeks. This makes a massive difference to families who have been referred to us as being in crisis.” RGS was also utilised as a collection point for donations of nappies and stationery in support of Surrey charity Stripey Stork. Once again, the response from the Reigatian community was incredible with nearly 3000 nappies and 5000 colouring pens, pencils, notepads and more being generously donated. Torrential rain didn’t deter people from venturing out to drop off their donations and students working from home also demonstrated their support of the annual #Stripes4Stripey day by dressing for the occasion. 51

“Thanks to the unbelievable support of everyone who donated at the drivethrough on Saturday, we will be able to provide up to 80 food parcels to help feed local families over the next few weeks. This makes a massive difference to families who have been referred to us as being in crisis.” Kate Curtis, Loveworks

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CHARITY Students were asked to come as yourself for this year's BBC Children in Need event which launched a national campaign encouraging students to relax and be themselves at school. A whopping £2,704.64 was raised through the mufti-day proceeds and by voting for Mr Cooper to spend the day dressed in a Pudsey costume! The First Form, undeterred by a rather unconventional start to their secondary school careers has left no stone unturned, involving themselves in a wide range of fundraising activities. In total they raised almost £3000 for Lepra over the course of the term: they collected coins to spell out tutors' initials; they guessed the number of sweets in the jar; they undertook individual fundraising tasks such doing extra chores, selling scrunchies and polishing a neighbour's brass; they were sponsored to cover the distance from Reigate to New Delhi, India (6723km) where Lepra operates; and they concluded by taking part in an 80s themed Zumbathon. The entire CCF contingent came together to run in aid of the Royal British Legion which, like so many other charities is currently limited in terms of fund raising possibilities. The target set was for cadets and their officers to run a combined 100km in a single hour. They smashed it – not only completing the challenge, but running an additional 35km and raising £550 in the process! After five weeks of running, walking, cycling and rowing, the RGS U15 girls’ hockey team ‘landed’ in Lapland. Completing a total of 2,456.7km between them, they raised a magnificent £2665 for their chosen charity, Stripey Stork, smashing their original target of £1000. The girls finished the last few kilometres as a team, completing a lap of their home pitch at RGS Hartswood with the Headmaster and many of their year group cheering them on.

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The whole experience became very real for them when they visited the operations hub for Stripey Stork’s SantaStork2020. They met Donna Praiser (Community Ambassador) who explained the whole operation to the girls and showed them what their money would provide for children and families who otherwise would not receive gifts at Christmas. The girls did a quick calculation and worked out that their contribution would provide approximately 150 gifts for local children (an entire van full of presents!). As the end of term approached, students donated over 1000 items for the Loveworks Christmas Parcels scheme. Each year group was asked to bring in a specific item, making up over 120 Christmas parcels for families in the local area. The First Form also spent time creating their own personalised Christmas cards for the Live at Home scheme. Cards were designed, written and posted to a vast number of elderly people living alone in the local community. Over the Christmas holidays, the CCF was once again back in action, this time taking part in Operation Bletchley – Christmas in Berlin, a virtual codebreaking challenge. Inspired by the work of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, they wanted to show their support by raising money from participating in the operation. Working with the Intelligence Corp, the mission was to cover 24 miles on foot through Soviet territory, decrypt vital intelligence about the blockade, crack codes and help bring stranded contacts back to HQ. As a contingent however, they decided to take on the challenge but to make it their own. As the action was set in Berlin, they decided to cover the distance between Reigate and Berlin – approximately 680 miles; on foot. As a contingent, they covered 754 miles over twelve days, raising over £500. Whilst out on their walks the cadets took some lovely photos of what they saw as part of a CCF photo competition.

HOUSE NEWS

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he House system has thrived on the way that it mixes students from every year group in families that bring together the very youngest to the very oldest. Links and friendships have formed under the unifying common goal of participating and representing the House. In a slightly different landscape, the House leadership teams have been superb in rising to navigate this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changes and set challenges to re-imagined, year-based families through videos and livestreams, beaming their smiling faces and inspirational words from afar. From trick-shots to memory games, escape rooms to winter ice skating races, climbing Mount Everest in stairs to Family Fortunes, the House Captains and Leaders have inspired as much fun as competition to the families whose bond grows ever stronger through the House. In a show of unity, the Houses have chosen a common partner in the charity Scope to provide support to those who really need it on a local and national scale; house based fundraising events will donate all contributions to this very worthy cause. There have, of course, been more traditional House events, with the opening event being the First Form Art competition; a huge number of entrants led to a breath taking variety of New Beginnings portrayed in paints, pastels, mixed media and photographs. Meanwhile, the noble rhetoric of debate has filled the Old Library and eSports provided more modern battles for the Houses, both being hotly contested, whilst the term was rounded off with the ever successful Winter Sports Festival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; triumphing at Hartswood in the indifferent weather to cap off the term in a fantastic, if slightly frenetic fashion.

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SPORT

A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER

his year has presented challenges and opportunities like no other. When summer cricket, tennis and athletics were put on hold, the department and students became well versed in the phenomenon of online PE lessons, although rather than PE with Joe Wicks, it was PE with Miss Travis and Mr Field! As the autumn term began sport did, of course, return but with a difference. In the absence of competitive fixtures against other schools students enjoyed a more varied and creative training programme. The Sports department tasked itself with seeking continual improvement and challenging traditional thinking. Rugby teams across all age groups have shown pleasing improvement and students have adapted well to the restrictive guidelines and the focus on skill development rather than physicality. This period of time has allowed a focus on many parts of the game that may be somewhat neglected in normal

times. Whilst the competitive hiatus is a constant annoyance, #TeamReigate is well set for future successes when the posts are back up and matches in full flow. Furthermore, girls' rugby continues to grow and the challenge is to meet the demand. Hockey teams â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both boys' and girls' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; continue to progress. Girls' teams are regularly competing on a regional and national level in multiple age groups and the boys are competing well at a county level. The standard of play in the lower age groups augurs well for senior success in years to come. Competitive action will return as soon as it is permitted and the feeling is that a major senior title is on the horizon, as well as an increase in participation numbers. Netball continues to go from strength to strength and RGS is considered a leading performer. The programme has an energy and progressive culture that has provided a platform for students to thrive and have fun.

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Outside of the traditional team sports, the swimming programme is excelling. The environment fostered by Mrs Cline and the team has led to both the facilitation of excellence and increasing attendance. Whilst participation in PE has become more complex during Covid times, it has been extremely pleasing to see that the pool has remained open and busy. Students have also celebrated extraordinary national success in a number of sports including swimming, modern pentathlon, judo, triathlon and gymnastics. A number of students are on development pathways across a variety of sports including Henry R at AFC Wimbledon and Jemma F at Charlton Athletic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both are excelling at pursuing their dreams on the football pitch The current lockdown has provided an opportunity to deliver a bigger and more varied remote programme, with the aim of striking a balance between promoting physical and mental health

for all and developing the most ambitious athletes. When a fuller programme of competitive sport returns it will be exciting to continue with the growth and development of football as well as forging on with the launch of the tennis and golf academies. Current RGS scholars are now the first cohort through the revamped Athlete Development Programme in partnership with Arete performance which ensures expert coaching and lifestyle advice through bespoke sessions and a smart phone application. An enormous step forward for the school's most able student athletes. As always, despite the challenges, RGS sport continues to hit its key targets of both outstanding student performance and outstanding opportunities for all students.

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ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

2020 saw a substantial expansion of the RGS Athlete Development Programme, run in partnership with Arete Performance, who have experience at all levels of sport and have a fun and contemporary delivery style that appeals to the ethos of #TeamReigate. The programme forms the backbone of the RGS sport offering, enhancing the experience of all young student athletes and allowing them to fulfil their athletic potential, from good health through to high performance. Resident expert Kimmy Edwards has been offering weekly sessions to all young athletes in the Fitness Studio during games lessons. The focus of these sessions is on embracing the chaotic nature of athletic development and encouraging students to play and be creative with their movement and physical condition. Strength and conditioning is not the preserve of Instagram influencers or body builders - rather than focus on an aesthetic, the programme asks students to prepare their body to be able to climb a tree or complete the Ninja Warrior course: the focus is on the quality of movement and production of force, which is applicable to each and every sport. Those who show a particular interest and attend five or more sessions have access to a smartphone app which is updated with three weekly training sessions appropriate to their developmental age. As the relationship between coach and student athlete develops, the aim is to create an increasingly bespoke training experience that allows the young athlete to be physically resilient now and in the future. This is a significant step in the evolution of the RGS sports programme, seeking to develop independent thinking sports people who may enjoy the fruits of their labour long beyond their time at school.

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NETBALL

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#TeamReigate RGS's netball players have thrown themselves into everything on offer, from group training sessions to 1:1 coaching, from Saturday training to masterclass sessions; the atmosphere on the courts remained positive and uplifting throughout the term. In addition to all of their usual training, the girls were fortunate to have a defensive masterclass session with Beth Cobden, current England international and Commonwealth Gold Medallist. The event was hugely succesful, and a lot of fun for all involved.

With the return to online learning, the girls have had access to online strength and conditioning sessions, team training sessions and video analysis: having the combination of the three has really helped to keep students active and motivated whilst remaining safe at home. Despite its success, everyone looks forward to the return of face-to-face training and fixtures, for which the girls are very well prepared.

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RUGBY RGS's rugby programme has continued to thrive. Numbers playing have continued to grow and the development by the players has been first class. In place of external fixtures, there have been a series of Saturday mixed touch tournaments for every year group which have proven to be extremely popular. The increased uptake from the girls has been fantastic, with the Fourth Form once again taking the lead with just under 30 girls taking part regularly.

During the games sessions, with careful planning, it became possible to begin to introduce some contact elements to the game that went down really well with the students. Adding to the students' experience, elite player and coach Tom Mitchell (England 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Captain) and Patrick Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grady (Head of London Irish Academy) provided different challenges for the players during masterclass sessions. The link between RGS and Old Reigatians continues to grow, with the only senior

fixture played by the club this season involving current RGS captain Charlie J and his number two Jack G. It is fantastic to see the transition of players moving through the school and then continuing to play. RGS sport was also pleased to welcome Reigatian Lucas Overtoom to the department. Lucas was captain of the 1st XV when the school won the NatWest Plate in 2017. Lucas has been getting involved in all aspects of the rugby programme and it is great to see how the students respond to him.

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HOCKEY

England Hockey reacted quickly to the challenges of the pandemic and as a result many RGS players benefited from access to summer training via their club associations. As soon as guidelines allowed, RGS also opened up the pitches and coaching with a range of pre-term activities, games lessons and after school practice sessions. Taking the opportunity to coach girls and boys proved popular and has been a useful tool in extending both groups' training time.

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#TeamReigate In the absence of competitions, different formats have been utilised to encourage students, one of the initiatives being the Reigate Premier League in which players were assigned to a team and competed against one another over a number of weeks. To extend players further, masterclasses were arranged with Barry Middleton (former England Captain) and Sam Ward (team GB). These events proved to be hugely successful and provided an awe inspiring drag flicking session.

Although disrupted by the pandemic, RGS players pushed on enthusiastically with their hockey throughout the summer and autumn and many have undergone trials for county, regional and national level teams. With 31 students gaining selection, the strength and depth of hockey at RGS is clear to see. RGS sport was also pleased to welcome Brad Logan (Canadian International) to the coaching team, bringing a different style of play to the programme.

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CRICKET RGS RATED TOP 100 SCHOOL RGS has once again been selected by national magazine The Cricketer as one of the top 100 senior schools in the country for excellence in cricket. The Playing Fields of England annual report follows an exhaustive process which saw a record number of schools submit entries to be included in the guide, despite the pandemic. All entries were judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

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#TeamReigate COUNTRY REPRESENTATION Surrey County Cricket Club finalised its selections for county age group squads with a total of 15 RGS students selected. A number of students had already been involved within both the boys and girls programmes, whilst some had to join the trials to get in. All students worked hard on their game throughout the shortened club season. Players will be training over the winter (post-lockdown) within their squads, and will then have the opportunity to represent the county in the summer.

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STUDENT FOCUS TABITHA L - GYMNAST From as young as age eight, gymnast Tabitha L has competed at national and regional level. She has been crowned county champion twice and has consistently placed top three regionally. She has represented her county at the nationals for the last four years and in 2018 she ranked sixth nationally and was selected for the 2019 GB squad.

How do you prepare mentally for competitions and do you ever get nervous? Before a competition I review all the hard work that I have put into my routines leading up to that point. I tell myself to compete in exactly the way that I perform my routines to my coaches in training. When travelling to competitions I try to think of anything other than gymnastics and make the most of a bit of time to myself. What does your training consist of and what is your weekly workload? Before the pandemic I trained 24 hours a week in six sessions after school and on a Saturday morning. Each session consisted of one hour of cardio workout and conditioning, focussing on a specific area of the body. I then had a set programme each session on three of the four apparatus (bar, beam, floor and vault). I have two different programmes for each apparatus, full skills/routines and preparatory training. This is a weekly cycle, finishing each session with a general stretch and cool-down. How has Covid affected the programme of an elite young athlete like yourself? Covid has massively affected my training programme and I do not want to lose everything I have achieved so far due to the pandemic. It has been a challenging year maintaining my fitness and skills! Sadly, I have only trained for four months in the last year in the gymnasium itself. I cannot train as many hours when in the gym due to management of numbers, with reduced access to apparatus in set zones.

In February, Tabitha competed in the Women’s Artistic National Compulsory which was held at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre, home of British Gymnastics. This was her final grade, which she passed, along with only 16 other girls in the country at her age. This achievement moved her into the Espoir category and qualified her to compete at the British Championships at the Liverpool Echo Arena alongside British seniors (Olympic competitors). Unfortunately the pandemic saw that competition, along with the rest of the competition calendar, cancelled in 2020. Although Tabitha's training has been impacted by the pandemic, as an athlete she still spends 17 hours a week at the gym and trains five days a week, doing stretching and conditioning on off days. Below, Tabitha provides an insight into her love of the sport. How did you first get into gymnastics? As a toddler I enjoyed climbing everything in the park and soft play. Mum took me to a recreational class at the gym and I loved it - it started from there! What have you most enjoyed about gymnastics? I do gymnastics because it’s fun! I enjoy learning new moves and being able to do things that other people cannot do. Being one of only 16 girls in the country who are classed as elite gymnasts at my age is something I am very proud of. 69

During lockdown my club run four Zoom sessions a week which helps to keep me motivated. Training at home for two to three hours a day means I have had to adapt my programme to make the most of my own mats and apparatus. My dad built me a metal practice bar in the garden, on which I can do a limited amount of moves to keep my muscle memory and strength. Its use is restricted by height and safety, and is also weather dependent. I have an airtrack and a floor beam which I use. How do you balance academic work and sporting excellence? Do you have any tips for other students who may be in a similar situation? Balancing academic work and gymnastics is hard. I have to concentrate fully when I do my homework in between school and gym and sometimes eat in the car on the way to the gym. I have to be disciplined with my sleep schedule so I can make the most of my daylight hours and be efficient with my time. I would say to others that when you need a schedule, make the best one possible for yourself and stick to it, so your sport doesn’t get the best of you. Be grateful for the support you receive from your family, coaches, school and friends. What are your ambitions for the future? My ambitions are to be part of the GB team and to grow my skills as far as I can push myself. Being part of the junior GB squad previously makes me realise how much I want to get there again, and how great the people are when you get to the top.

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FOUNDATION EIGATE G AMMA SCHOOL

FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES Since March 2020, the RGSWeCare initiative – to galvanize help for those who needed it most – has been the main focus of the RGS Foundation. To recognise the valuable work of the NHS, the school launched The Nightingale Fund to provide bursaries to the children of frontline workers and future medics. As ever, your support has been incredible – thank you!

FOUNDER'S DAY Thank you to everyone who joined in with the celebrations for RGS's first Founder’s Day on 5 May 2020. While unable to get together with friends and loved ones due to the pandemic, the Foundation was delighted to receive so many emails, photographs, memories and social media messages from Reigatians across the globe. The school's founder, Henry Smith was committed to improving the lives of those less fortunate. The last year has shown just what can be achieved when a community pulls together, and the messages of support and actions being taken by Reigatians around the world has been truly incredible. Four years from now, RGS will be celebrating its 350th anniversary. It is in preparation for this approaching milestone that Founder’s Day was launched in May 2020. The day is intended to act as a reminder of the benefits of being a Reigatian: the sense of belonging and shared values; the friendships, and connections made through the school. Join in again this May to celebrate the life-long pride of being a Reigatian.

FOODBANK COLLECTIONS Following the successful Foodbank collection in April, RGS once more called upon the Reigatian community to help those in greatest need. As soon as the gates to the playground opened, there was a steady flow of cars, including that of Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, who brought along a boot full of donations from parents who couldn’t make it themselves! The collection was run by Loveworks volunteers, RGS staff and Sixth Form students, India R, Annie L, Lucy M and Jake H, who worked exceptionally hard in some unfavourable weather! People were so generous and in total, just under a tonne of food was collected! You were equally generous with donations of gravy, stuffing and other essentials, to help local families enjoy a memorable Christmas dinner. 71

At the time of writing, the crisis is still very much with us – if there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 07535 799344 or email rgswecare@reigategrammar.org.uk

Head of Foundation, Sean Davey, raising a glass to RGS founder, Henry Smith

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RGS PROFESSIONALS

THE NIGHTINGALE FUND

In February, Make Your Money a Force for Good proved a popular theme for the RGSP City Breakfast, presented by FLM Wealth Management.

Awed by the selfless dedication of NHS staff throughout this crisis, the new Nightingale Fund launched in the summer of 2020. This aims to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds by:

In March, Inspiring Minds to Think Big! focused on equality and diversity in the workplace. As the first RGSP event to be held at the school, Sixth Form students (and their parents) were able to attend and feedback was hugely positive. Two virtual events followed. Workplace Wellness, hosted by RGS parents, Jo and Luke Gray, highlighted that a focus on movement, nutrition and mental health creates a happier, healthier workforce. Former pupils, Martin Jacks (RGS '91) and Ed Luck (RGS '89) spoke about The Future of the Workplace. Should we go back to 'normal' or embrace remoteworking, and/or satellite offices? In October, a socially-distanced version of the annual Charity Golf Day took place. 42 players across 11 teams braved the elements at the magnificent Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club. Join the RGS Professionals group via LinkedIn or email the Foundation team: foundation@reigategrammar.org.uk.

Providing bursaries to the children of essential key worker children at various entry points throughout the school Providing bursaries in our Sixth Form for children who specifically wish to follow A Level courses to access Medicine and related studies at university In September, the school was thrilled to award its very first Nightingale Fund Sixth Form bursary place to recognise a student whose goal is to follow a career in medicine. A current recipient of a Changing Lives bursary, Loyce O is a talented scientist and an enthusiastic ambassador for the RGS Foundation and the Nightingale Fund.

“We need our special community to help us nurture the NHS heroes of the future.” Sean Davey, Head of Foundation RGS CHARITY ALE In the summer, RGS launched its very first charity beer. NIGHTINGALE was produced in partnership with Pilgrim Brewery in Reigate, which is owned by former RGS pupil Adrian Rothera (’84) and RGS parent Rory Fry-Stone. Cases (12 x 500ml bottles) sold for £35, raising an incredible £3,770 for the Nightingale Fund. Thank you to all those who placed an order.

STAY CONNECTED external-link-alt Keep up-to-date with the latest news from the RGS Foundation by downloading the new RGS app or via social media channels:

Inspiring Minds to Think Big! boasted an impressive panel of guest speakers

Facebook facebook.com/groups/reigatiancommunity Twitter FoundationRGS instagram @RGSFoundation 72

FOUNDATION EIGATE G AMMA SCHOOL

“Love that RGS is a school community with a social vision. Good luck!” Pierre and Louisa Davis (current parents) For 36 hours – between 00.00 on Thursday 24 and 12.00 on Friday 25 September 2020 – Reigatians from across the globe came together for Nightingale Giving Day. As a community we smashed our original target of £125,000, raising a staggering £144,907! There was a buzz of excitement as members of our global community helped to unlock challenge gifts, wrote messages of support and engaged with RGS through social media. As part of wider activity in school, Sixth Form RGS Foundation Ambassadors, with help from student leaders on the Charity Committee, sold 552 charity wristbands, raising £1,552. While the focus was on fundraising, this was also about engagement and participation and the Foundation was particularly pleased to have so many likes, shares, comments and video views across its Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube platforms. Indeed, social media activity achieved a total reach of 45,200! The Foundation team would like to extend a huge thank you to the 399 people who made a donation and all those who joined in with the excitement. The impact that your ongoing support has on deserving young people and their families cannot be emphasised strongly enough. What a positive and caring community RGS has. The Nightingale Fund forms part of the wider Changing Lives campaign. Work to raise funds to provide bursary places to the children of NHS and other key worker families continues. For more information, visit rgs.foundation/nightingale-fund

Four generous benefactors provided matchfunded gifts to encourage others to dig deep.

“Excellent initiative – well done RGS – proud of my old school” Alan French (RGS 1962-1969) “I am very proud of my school. As a doctor, I encourage everyone to consider a career in the NHS – such an interesting and fulfilling life. Please support this excellent cause.” Ketan Kansagra (RGS 1984-92 and current parent)

RGS was thrilled to receive a video from Foundation Ambassador, David Walliams (RGS 1981-1989), calling on the Reigatian community to get behind Nightingale Giving Day

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Launching the Pilgrim Society The Pilgrim Society is a philanthropic group which recognises the commitment of members of the Reigatian community who support the Changing Lives campaign with a regular gift. Together we can transform the life chances of disadvantaged children from our local community by providing educational opportunities and hope. To date, through the Pilgrim Society alone, we have given places to 20 Changing Lives bursary students. Support of the Changing Lives campaign is crucial because now, more than ever, the twin drivers of low social mobility, economic and educational inequality, are on the rise. “The triple whammy of the global financial crisis, Brexit and Covid-19 has not been good for current and future social mobility. Covid-19 looks set to increase the toxic mix of rising economic and education inequality. Failure to do something will store up greater problems for future generations.” Professor Machin London School of Economics

Dan joined RGS as a Changing Lives bursary recipient in 2013. He has flourished and now has the world at his feet! “I wish I could show my 11-year-old self exactly how important sitting the 11+ and meeting with the Head of Foundation was going to be. The outright joy in knowing I would learn to play rugby and go on tour to Biarritz and South Africa; have access to incredible music teachers and perform in state-of-the-art venues; meet some of the most amazing and inspiring friends and teachers; all while achieving grades at GCSE and A level that I could only have dreamed of. All thanks to the Changing Lives campaign, and the selfless, philanthropic support of its sponsors. To these people I can only say thank you for giving me, and others, the

opportunity of a lifetime, and to promise that this investment in nurturing young, talented Reigatians will be the best you ever make. Since completing my A levels (A*A*AB + A* extended project) at RGS in 2020, I have gone on to the University of Warwick to study Discrete Mathematics. Admittedly I haven’t had the typical university experience in a year as unprecedented as 2020, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the new independence, friends, and experiences I have had so far. I am enjoying further increasing my depth of knowledge in maths and computer science and hope that I can take what I have learned at RGS and apply it throughout my undergraduate studies. Looking further ahead, I hope to specialise in machine learning and artificial intelligence and to go on to study a PhD in this field. I believe the next great step in human innovation is the creation of an artificial general intelligence (AGI), and I would love to be able to apply my knowledge and expertise to help solve this problem. Once again, I would like to thank my sponsors and the RGS Foundation for all the opportunities they have given me over the last seven years, and I hope to be able to give back in some way in the future.” Dan Fitzgerald (RGS 2013-20)

Get more information Find more information about becoming a member of the Pilgrim Society and the children we have helped through the Changing Lives campaign at rgs.foundation/pilgrim-society. 74

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