The Pilgrim Review - Spring 2024 Edition

PILGRIM THE

REVIEW SPRING 2024

RGS TOPS THE TABLES RGS is the South East's leading co-ed, independent day school in The Times Parent Power League Tables A DECADE OF GIVING RGS Launches 350 Campaign for Philanthropy shaping a future grounded in generosity and community impact “THERE IS NO PLACE I WOULD RATHER BE” A senior RGS student reflects on her years at RGS before she moves on to Oxford

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FROM THE HEADMASTER

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME Every day at RGS is a day full of a life worth living. This edition of the Pilgrim captures the atmosphere of opportunity and energy where children are supported to grow into their best self and to have a huge amount of fun amongst friends!

You will read of wonderful trips and excursions, academic curiosity and stories of daring-do from our wonderfully talented and courageous students. These young people embrace so many opportunities from the sports field, television studios and halls of academia all the way to the skies where they learn to fly in all senses of the word.

Imagine a future for these remarkable children: from their childhood days to university and beyond. Our Reigatian students are writing their own adventure stories already, learning about themselves and about the world they will inherit, telling of individual journeys of discovery where they develop qualities of character and moral purpose in a caring and supportive environment. Everyone a special individual, all of us part of #TeamReigate.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Reigatian life. I am so proud of these children, grateful to you as parents supporting them every step of the way and I am in awe of the amazing staff who make all of this possible.

Shaun Fenton Headmaster @rgsheadmaster

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Welcome - From the Headmaster

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School News - Highlights from the autumn term at RGS.

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English - Poetry and reporting from the English department

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Beyond the Classroom - Highlights from the RGS Outdoor Education programme and House competition

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Sport - Showcase of autumn term sporting highlights

37 The Arts - Creativity in abundance from Music, Drama and Art 55 Modern Foreign Languages - News from MFL 57 Sixth Form - Insights into autumn term activities in the Sixth Form 61

Future Plans The spring and summer terms promise further exciting opportunities where performing arts departments are looking forward to large-scale productions in the O2 Indigo, London and Leatherhead Theatre; academic trip destinations include Iceland, Holland and Portugal; and our sports teams continue to represent the school in a variety of national championships. The RGS Kindness Festival amongst other things, will ask students to nominate unsung heroes from the RGS community.

We will never put doing well above being well – happy children do great things and this commitment runs through everything we do now and in the future.

Our Students - Interviews with HOS and stories from the Class of 2023

65 Community Engagement - Local community participation and contribution 69 School Trips - Educational adventures 73 RGS Foundation - Changing Lives, Building Futures.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Reigate Grammar School named

Best Co-educational Day School in the South East

Reigate Grammar School has been included in the Sunday Times Parent Power league tables 2024 as one of the top schools in the country.

“This is the first time that performance in this summer’s A Levels and GCSEs has returned to pre-pandemic grade boundaries in England and many of the schools that triumphed this year were also those that managed to keep high-quality teaching going online during the pandemic” says The Sunday Times editor, Helen Davies.

At RGS, we believe in nurturing not only academic success but also the wellbeing of our students. In line with the findings from Parent Power, our school places a strong emphasis on fostering resilience, self-care, and mental health awareness. Through mentoring programmes, motivational talks, and inspirational visits from alumni, we are dedicated to providing a holistic education that equips our students with the tools they need for both academic and personal success. With over 14,000 individuals in our alumni network, the RGS Foundation connects our community and continues to support those at university or recent graduates with work experience, help them gain their first step into their chosen career, and connect them with those offering advice.

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Shaun Fenton, Headmaster said : "Although it is pleasing to be near the top, league tables only measure half of a great education, they do not include happiness, qualities of character, friendships, moral compass and preparedness for adult life - and these are at the heart of a Reigate Grammar School education. However, this acclaim from The Sunday Times is testament to the wonderful, kind teaching and super, supportive students in our school. Of course, these remarkable exam scores also helped open doors of opportunity as 98% of Reigatian applicants secured offers from world-class universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group, medical school or top American universities."

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SCHOOL NEWS A GLOBAL NETWORK FOR LIFE WITH RGS FOUNDATION In the autumn term we had community events such as the Remembrance Service, new RGS parents’ social, graduation brunch, RGS Professionals Golf Day and a ten-year reunion. These events bring Reigatians together, including those who left the school a long time ago or who were parents of former students: we create a connection, based upon the invisible Reigatian thread, helping friendships and professional connections to thrive. Every year this creates internships, job offers, investment decisions and crucially, helps Reigatians to feel a sense of community locally and around the world.

On an October evening, beneath London’s Waterloo Station we launched our 350 Changing Lives Building Futures project, which includes a decade of philanthropic celebrations. This allows us to focus on key themes at the heart of our values which have already been emphasised: supporting a decade of projects looking at eco and environmental work, charity and community projects, educational outreach to local schools and internationalism within a global village.

Read more about our 350 campaign on page 73.

RGS GLOBAL VILLAGE As part of the RGS Global Village, we were delighted to welcome a delegation from Reigate Grammar School Vietnam to our school. RGS Vietnam students worked with RGS UK students in collaborative music workshops, played sport together, developed friendships and performed in a joint concert - a formal event celebrating 50 years of UK-Vietnam cooperation, in the presence of the His Excellency the Ambassador of Vietnam.

This was a wonderful example of the hope we can have in young people coming together to be a bridge to a better future.

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RGS SUSTAINABILITY

ECO-SCHOOL AWARD We are delighted that RGS has recently achieved an Eco-Schools Green Flag with Merit. This accreditation signifies RGS’s commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and community engagement. Our RGS Earthshot Prefects, part of the Sixth Form Leadership team, met to raise the flag and watch it fly alongside our school flag. Achieving an Eco-Schools Green Flag recognises RGS’s efforts in taking proactive steps to safeguard our planet. We are proud of the accolade and seek to continue raising awareness of climate change as well as helping our students feel empowered in the changes that they can make through our RGS Earthshot programme.

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WILDER SCHOOLS

BUG MANSION

After months of hard work and endeavour from staff and students working together with the Surrey Wildlife Trust to create a connection with nature and improve the habitats around the school, RGS was awarded the Wilder Schools certificate.

This forms part of a long-term commitment to the Surrey Nature network.

Through Wilder Schools we learnt about the different types of beetles - there are more than 4,000 types! We discovered how beneficial they are for our ecosystems but sadly they have suffered from loss of connected habitat and populations have been devastated by the use of pesticides.

Tabitha B and Sarah K along with Tabitha’s mum as a parent helper collected their Wilder Schools Certificate of Achievement and gave a well explained and beautifully presented presentation about the work that the Elective Group have been doing.

We constructed a home for these wonderful insects by making our own bug mansion. We collected bark, stones, and deadwood to put in buckets with holes, something which is simple and easy to do at home. We hope that our RGS Wilder actions will inspire you to make a beetle bucket of your own. Get digging!

We are so proud of this group for taking action for nature in the school grounds and at home and for sharing their knowledge and passion with the rest of the school. Thank you to these two environmental representatives, you are a true credit to RGS!

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Christmas

at R GS & YOUTUBE WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO

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ACTIVITIES DAY October saw all students engaged in Activities Day which comprised: a First Form performing arts day; a Second Form rugby trip to Lille, France or a visit to Chessington World of Adventures to learn about The science of rollercoasters; Third Form went to Walton Firs for a team building event; Fourth Form undertook their DofE expedition or went bowling; Fifth Formers made the most of a study day in preparation for their mock examinations in November; the Lower Sixth Form embraced academic enrichment trips in a variety of locations; and Upper Sixth Form students completed their UCAS applications.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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First Form History students celebrated Black History Month by undertaking research projects on an individual of their choice. An impressive range or work was produced to a high standard and students showed enthusiasm and engagement. One person from each class received a highly commended award and joined Mr Fenton for a tea party to celebrate their work and talk about the inspiring individual they had chosen to focus on. Congratulations to the following whose work is currently on display in the school library: Anya M did an excellent research project on Harriet Tubman and produced a highly creative poster about Tubman’s life which was packed with factual detail;

Sam D chose Muhammad Ali. He did some wonderful research into his life and why he is an inspiration to future generations;

Xalvador W chose a less well-known person, James Armistead, and his research was very well presented with lovely artwork;

Rahul P researched Walter Tull and produced work that was original, informative, and well presented;

Anousha S chose Elizabeth Freeman, the first enslaved African American to win a lawsuit and she produced some excellent independent research; Ela S created a wonderful poster on Harriet Tubman and really focused on the reasons why she is such an important historical figure;

Phoebe B looked at Floella Benjamin. She included interesting independent research and showed how Floella’s childhood challenges were very relevant today; Kai-Amara H researched Malcolm X and produced a very creative presentation with a beautiful illustration of Malcolm; Mahi P focused on Rosa Parks and produced a very creative piece that she spoke very confidently about.

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ENGLISH THE SEVENTH EDITION OF THE CASTLE HAS ARRIVED! Welcome to the Christmas 2023 edition of RGS’ student-led magazine: The Castle. With articles ranging from the horror genre to climate change, and even Christmas, we can confidently say that there is something in here for everyone! Our team of writers has been busy creating articles, sudokus and fashion tips, alongside some insightful pieces of writing! external-link-alt READ THE FULL EDITION

YOUNG REPORTERS This year some of our Fourth Form students are taking part in the very prestigious National Young Reporter's Scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to write for a real newspaper and gain experience in journalism.

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T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W S PRI N G 2 024 Illustration by Daria Hlazatova from Chernivtsi, Ukraine

NATIONAL POETRY DAY The theme of this year’s National Poetry Day on Thursday 5 October 2023 was refuge: an apt topic in today’s busy world and one that encourages us all to think about what our own portable paradise is: the place we go to for refuge when we are having a difficult day. The Old Library was transformed into an artistic shelter linked to the theme which Second Form students visited throughout the day finding inspiration amongst the fun and varied activities.

On display were sensory stations intended to encourage students to reflect on what specific smells, sights, colours and textures make them feel safe and calm - that offer them a refuge of sorts.

In English lessons, students explored Roger Robinson’s poem, A Portable Paradise and thought about their own version of paradise and what it would look, taste and feel like if they could carry it on their person: as Roger Robinson puts it, “to trace it in your pocket."

POET OF THE YEAR We are pleased to announce the following winners of the competition: Lower School Winner Ô Immy K - First Form Upper School Winner Ô Alexander B - Fourth Form Sixth Form Winner Ô Sasha H - Lower Sixth Form

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Oil Calloused hands, rough, sandpapered, blistered from hours tending the olive grove to create this paradise –my escape.

Its authentic Greek style mesmerises the outsider.

Beyond the surface of the oiled machine, the olive press crumbles, the cogs rusted deep down.

The smile lines of the olive trees, crease into the bark, as they stretch through the grove to a time beyond the reach of memory.

The oil deceives you, a delicacy, derived from poison fruit, transformed by the magic of those hands.

The decanter sits in front of me, drips from the spout.

Once in my grasp, oil seeps into my palm.

Its earthy aroma remains comforting.

Sasha H

My Pocket Paradise Memories of countryside aromas and dewy grass warms me.

Bluebells dancing in the breeze like graceful ballerinas, and bees humming happily to the daisies.

Looking out to the glistening sea, watching boats leave the harbour, throwing pebbles for the dog on the shimmering sand.

On a frosty morning, trekking through the shrubland.

Cobbled, bustling streets and cosy, chocolate-box cottages, sunlight streaming through lush, twisted trees.

Ponies wandering, butterflies fluttering, donkeys slumbering.

Most of all, smiling.

My perfect, pocket paradise shrouds me from sadness.

My paradise brings me joy.

My paradise lifts my heart on the bleakest of days.

My paradise brings me home.

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM The RGS co-curricular provision continues to encourage and allow students to explore their passions, grow qualities of character and learn about themselves and the world.

There are over 180 clubs and activities taking place each week. These range from esports and Judo to Enterprise, flight simulators and Model United Nations, all occurring alongside our impressive Music, Drama and Sport programmes.

Students have enjoyed West End shows, developed their collaborative skills and friendships through teambuilding and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, succeeded at engineering challenges and completed important fieldwork projects. The Combined Cadet Force represented the school brilliantly at the Lord Mayor’s show.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION The outdoor education programme at Reigate Grammar School is an integral part of our commitment to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience. As Director of Outdoor Education, I am excited to present a visionary plan that not only builds upon our existing activities such as archery, axe throwing, mountain biking, climbing and sailing but also elevates the overall outdoor education experience for our students.

The outdoor education programme is designed to cultivate resilient, adaptable, and socially responsible individuals through a dynamic programme that fosters personal growth, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

A Pruvost Director of Outdoor Education 15

As we reflect upon the extraordinary accomplishments of the past term, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that we share the remarkable success of our Combined Cadet Force (CCF). The dedication, discipline and teamwork exhibited by our cadets has truly set a new standard for excellence, showcasing the spirit of leadership and service that defines our school community.

ROYAL AIR FORCE FLYING EXPERIENCE One of the standout highlights of this term was the Royal Air Force Flying Experience, an event that allowed cadets to soar to new heights, both figuratively and literally. The opportunity to take to the skies not only instilled a sense of adventure but also imparted invaluable lessons in courage, focus and precision. The Royal Air Force Flying Experience not only broadened horizons but also ignited a passion for aviation within our cadets.

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW PARTICIPATION Our CCF proudly marched through the heart of the City, participating in the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show. This grand event provided a platform for cadets to display their discipline, unity, and commitment to service. The marching contingent, in impeccable uniforms, was a sight to behold earning admiration from spectators and fellow participants alike. The Lord Mayor’s Show was not just a parade: it was a testament to the strength and cohesion of our CCF. REMEMBRANCE EVENTS The CCF paid solemn tribute to the fallen heroes of the past by organising a range of events for Remembrance. Through poignant ceremonies and heartfelt commemorations, RGS cadets honored the sacrifices made by those who served before them.

The commitment to preserving the memory of our nation's heroes was evident in every gesture, making these events not just a mark of respect but a profound learning experience for all.

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COMPETITION Competing against other CCF units, RGS cadets participated in the Epsom College CCF Competition and secured an outstanding second place. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, training and skill development that our cadets undergo. It reflects the high standards of discipline and proficiency instilled in our cadets.

CORONATION COMMEMORATION In a unique and meaningful gesture, cadets planted over 400 trees to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty the King. This eco-friendly initiative contributed to environmental sustainability and served as a symbol of our commitment to values that extend beyond the parade ground. It showcased the holistic approach our CCF takes towards instilling a sense of responsibility and duty in its members.

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Scheme is a major part of life at Reigate Grammar School and large numbers of students each year dedicate an enormous number of hours to expeditions, physical activity, helping the local community and learning new skills.

In recent years, RGS has seen more candidates receive their Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates than any other school in Surrey.

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Bronze DofE students completed their qualifying expedition around the Surrey Hills, starting and finishing at RGS. The groups were lucky with the weather and enjoyed beautiful autumnal sunshine. The students showed excellent determination, good navigation and strong campcraft skills to pass this expedition. Many of them have since chosen to continue their DofE journey.

Silver DofE students successfully completed and passed their qualifying expedition along the South Downs, travelling from Lewes to Arundel. The groups had a challenging start with a drop in temperatures and some particularly rainy weather, especially as they were ascending the first set of hills. However, they persevered and were rewarded with a little sunshine along with stunning views of the sea and National Park. Our

students are now wrapping up their Silver awards and most have completed their many hours of volunteering, skills and physical activities.

In December our regular Bronze DofE conservation volunteers were out in action again, this time helping at Redhill Common, removing large quantities of laurel that was swamping the area. After a full day of chopping down vegetation, the place was transformed, and light started to hit the woodland floor.

Impressive efforts from 25 pairs of hard-working hands.

Marshmallows by the fire definitely helped keep spirits up throughout the winter day.

Twitter @RGSdofe

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HOUSE R EI G AT E G R A M M A R SC H OO L

The autumn term kicked off with the hugely energetic House Cannon Run, bringing the whole school together on a sunny morning to watch Bird House take the win.

The high-spirited House Singing competition followed with a roar of enthusiasm in the competitive jungle of the RGS Sports Hall. Once again, committees highlighted their leadership and ingenuity by rallying their Houses to be true singing all-stars. The entirely student-led event saw some stunning performances from all Houses in their harmonies including Yellow by Williamson and Super Trouper from Bird - two songs that encouraged some stylish outfit choices including an eight-foot polar bear and some interesting blond wigs! The closeness of the competition lead to some tough judging, once again showing that we truly are all in this together. As always, there must be a winner and on this occasion Williamson walked away with the top spot.

Other competitions in the run up to Christmas included the House Esports contest which concluded with an exciting grand finale during Christmas week, Senior House Debating saw some very impressive exchanges on the topics of welfare claimants who choose not to work losing their benefits and whether or not the BBC is an outdated institution.

Over the festive period Houses decorated Christmas trees and enjoyed the very successful House Charity Christmas Market which raised lots of money for House charity, Wildlife Aid. Pin the hat on the rhino, pin ball, tree pong and hook a reindeer were just a few of the fantastic

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E NEWS T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W S PRI N G 2 024

games on offer with delicious prizes and the satisfaction of knowing the money spent was going to a great local charity.

We have some brand new events running during the spring term including a House Philosothon and House Pokémon as well as the age old House Chess, Junior Debating, Spring Sports and many more. There are also lots of wonderful fundraising opportunities ahead.

With only the spring term remaining before the current competition draws to a conclusion at Easter the leader board is as follows: Ô 1st - Bird Ô 2nd - Cranston Ô 3rd - Hodgson Ô 4th - Williamson There are very few points between first and fourth, it really is all to play for!

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SPORT

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The start of the academic year has been another busy and successful period for RGS students and we are looking forward to more of the same during the spring and summer terms.

We welcomed new colleagues to the department in January with Miss Sophie Pout joining us as Head of Girls Cricket and Girls Football, Mr Joel Ogilvie as our Lead Football coach and Miss Jasmine Strudwick taking over as our new Head of Swimming.

Sport continues to evolve at RGS with increasing emphasis on our vision to develop Great People Through Sport. We have looked to increase both student and parent voice over the last few months and now have an active Student Sports Committee who are creating a strategy to support a drive towards increasing the number of senior students playing core sports. The Sport Parent Feedback Group met recently, with the conversation focusing on the balance of participation and performance in sport and on how best we can develop communication with our community. Sincere thanks go to all those who are involved.

George Browning Director of Sport

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THIS YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR Ô Cross-Country Championships

Junior Girls finished 5th in the national competition

Ô Swim Relay Championships

Senior Girls finished 8th in the national competition

Ô Charity Runs

More than 200 junior students took part

Ô National Hockey (Girls)

U19 teams did fabulously well and are, at this time, in the latter stages. The U13s are in the National Finals!

Ô National Hockey (Boys)

All age groups are performing very well and remain in competitions

Ô Sports Tours

Hockey tours to Taunton and the Netherlands, the Rugby tour to the Rugby World Cup and a trip to the Surrey Sports Park were highlights of the autumn term

Ô Skiing

RGS skiers experienced national success and have gone from strength to strength over the last few years

Ô Golf

Our golfers saw success nationally. Participation and competitiveness continues its upward trajectory

Ô Rugby

Rugby teams remain highly competitive and involvement with the Harlequins Developing Player programmes remains high throughout age groups

Ô Netball

The seasons started strongly with 25 teams playing in the first Saturday block fixture with Latymer Upper and Wimbledon, with more than 200 RGS girls involved. Three age groups remain in the latter stages of the National Competition

Ô Visiting Speaker

A High-Performance talk from The Education Athlete, Rick Cooper on the theme of Empowering students to develop a strong collective and individual identity was a real success, adding to the seven onehour seminars run by Mr Emmerson in the autumn term

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HOCKEY Pre-season training focussed on team values and skill development along with high performance techniques for upcoming block fixtures and cup runs.

A girls’ Holland tour enjoyed matches against several local clubs and a well earned day of relaxation at a theme park. Great memories and an invaluable opportunity to develop on-pitch ability against some worthy competition.

First and Second Form girls had their first experience of touring with a long weekend in Taunton. Along with several great matches the girls enjoyed bowling and pizza and formed bonds that will last throughout their time at RGS and beyond.

Teams from U13 through to U18 have played in the England Hockey Schools or Independent Schools Hockey Club (ISHC) competitions providing an opportunity to play teams they do

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not meet in block fixture matches. Many teams made it through several rounds and it has been a very successful season. At the time of writing the U13s have made it through to the final stage and have the opportunity to play for the top spot, the U15s have reached the quarter-final stage and the U19s are into the third round of the ISHC competition. The U16 girls had a great run in the England Hockey competition making it all the way to the quarter-final.

Indoor Hockey continues to flourish with training sessions for RGS boys and girls joined by RSM players, providing an opportunity for Seniors to learn and practice skills needed for the indoor game and for Juniors to practice outdoor skills indoors. It is, of course also an opportunity for the boys to gain some pre-season training before their season kicks off in January.

This term we welcome Mr Pendell to the coaching team. He is a Junior International having been a former U18 and U16 Captain and is a member of the GB Elite Development Programme and a Premier League Player with Holcombe Hockey Club. Mr Field has been appointed Scotland Captain – a great honour – and we look forward to seeing him compete later this year. RGS is fortunate to have coaches who are at the top of their game who can bring the latest ideas and training methods from International Hockey to the playing fields of RGS Hartswood.

A number or Reigatians have been successful at a high level following a long selection process. They now progress to county or regional level which is the first step on the England Hockey pathway system.

RGS players selected for Surrey Hockey county level Ellen H, Emme H, Olivia H, Ella W, Naomi B, Harriet C, Lara G, Ava F, Alex B, Robert G, Oliver h, Rohan K, Freddie H, Artie H, Harry J, Bruno B, Charlie G, Ryan CB. RGS players selected for regional level: Regional Talent Academies have replaced the Performance Centres in the pathway system for England Hockey.

RGS players selected for Talent Academy: Samuel A (Surbiton), Felix F (Guildford), Freddie H (East Grinstead), Alex B (East Grinstead), Dan B (East Grinstead), Alexander W (Guildford), Martha C (Guildford), Lucy D (East Grinstead), Leo F (Guildford), Bruno B (Guildford)

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CRICKET 25

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RGS students continue to flourish across County and Representative Cricket pathways. Following their outstanding performances this summer, Lily F and Rosie F have been reselected for the South East Stars Emerging Players Programme which supports the holistic development of players as cricketers and athletes by providing them with structured coaching and high-quality training facilities as well as ensuring they also develop their personal skills. Emily B has been selected for the South East Stars Academy Squad.

RGS FEATURES IN THE CRICKETER SCHOOLS GUIDE Reigate Grammar School is delighted to announce its inclusion once again in the annual The Cricketer Schools Guide 2024 for the eighth year running. The Guide features the top 100 senior, the top 50 prep/junior and the top 20 allgirls schools in a bumper 164-page supplement. It follows an exhaustive process that saw many schools submitting entries.

All entries are judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

Tommy B (U18) has been selected for the Surrey CCC Elite Player Training Programme whilst Bertie M (U16) has been included in the County Age Group Squad as well as the FastBowling programme.

Head of Cricket, Mr James Leck said, “Cricket is very much part of the sports offering for boys and girls here at RGS. We have excellent facilities at Hartswood including three grass pitches, one artificial wicket, six artificial nets and grass practice wickets. The standard of coaching is high, and we cater for players of all abilities.”

Several other students have been selected for Surrey CCC age group representation: Lauren P, Jennifer L and Ishi S for the girls’ programme and Jun M, Benji H, Tommy R and Rory F for the boys’ programme. In addition Christobel P has joined the Foundation programme. All have been training hard since the end of the summer term and in the off-season and will continue to train over the winter in preparation for the summer.

External-link-alt READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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ATHLETICS & CROSS COUNTRY The cross-country season started with huge excitement as we welcomed schools from all over Surrey to RGS Hartswood for the county round of the English Schools’ Athletic Association Cross Country Cup. Girls and boys from the First Form to Upper Sixth Forms competed in this prestigious team qualifying event.

The Junior, Intermediate and Senior Boys and Junior and Senior Girls qualified for November’s regional finals where they raced against the top teams in Surrey, Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. Our Junior Girls ran themselves into the national finals in Suffolk, taking to the start line alongside 27 other elite school teams from across the country. They came an outstanding fifth - well done Flo T, Lara T, Flo S, Sophie P, Freya E and Noelle C. Our athletes led the field at the District Cross Country Championships in November, achieving overall team gold and sporting a host of individual medals.

Boys Ô First Form Fabian B - Gold, Ted S - Bronze

Girls Ô First Form Freya E - Bronze

Ô Second Form Ô Second Form Wilfred H - Gold, Benji H - Silver Flo T - Gold, Lara T - Bronze Ô Third Form Josh E - Gold

Ô Third Form Lara G - Gold Ô Senior Girls Lucy D - Silver

Over thirty students have been selected to run for South Surrey in the Surrey Schools County Championships, we look forward to supporting them on their individual journeys.

Cross Country Club is increasingly popular and students challenge each other weekly in multi-events at our Indoor Athletics Club. We wrapped up a chilly December and celebrated a successful term with a Santa Run and festive treats in Priory Park.

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RUGBY Rugby continues to thrive at RGS with over 20 teams participating from U12s to U18s. Featuring both contact and touch matches, the programme ensures a comprehensive and inclusive sporting experience for all students.

As the season unfolds our school's commitment to excellence extends to the exhilarating realm of Rugby 7s for all age groups. Simultaneously, the ongoing journey of our girls' programme enters a new phase with teams participating in various tournaments.

This year's highlights include the memorable U13 girls' and boys' rugby tour to the Rugby World Cup in France, leaving a lasting impression and fostering a deep appreciation of the game. The U15A team's commendable journey to the last 16 nationally in the Vase competition showcases the resilience and skill of our players.

The pinnacle of our 7s programme is the internationally acclaimed Rosslyn Park Festival, marking a spectacular conclusion to a season characterised by dedication and triumph. This tradition-rich festival stands as a brilliant week for our students, celebrating not only the culmination of efforts but also the resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship that define our rugby culture.

Further accolades include eight students from U14 and U15 earning positions in the prestigious Harlequins Developing Player Pathway and one student securing a place in the Elite Player Development Group, highlighting the programme's role in nurturing exceptional talent.

At the core of our programme is a commitment to enjoyment and accessibility for all. Boasting one of the strongest coaching teams in the South East with four Level 3 coaches, our programme not only refines skills but also fosters a profound appreciation of the sport.

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As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming tournaments, from the Girls Development Festival to the U12 and U14 boys’ festival, we extend an invitation to our community to join us on this journey. Here, passion converges with skill and the echoes of victory resonate far beyond the touchlines.

Our rugby programme is not merely a game; it's a manifestation of skill, passion, and triumph - a testament to the indomitable spirit that defines us as a school.

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FOOTBALL

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Football has exploded at RGS in the last few years, experiencing the biggest growth of any sport and expanding from just one to many school teams across different ages and genders. Students have curriculum football options from Fourth Form and football is on offer to every student in extra-curricular clubs for two terms of the academic year.

We have experienced great success in the last year with our junior girls' teams winning district competitions at two age groups and the boys' 1st XI reaching the final of the 2nd XI London and SE Cup, played at AFC Richmond. At the time of writing, the boys' 1st XI are in the quarter finals of the national Vase.

Many of our students are outstanding footballers who are on performance pathways with different clubs and academies. We have several students involved with national League clubs, with juniors at Chelsea and Brighton and a senior Crystal Palace women’s team player. They have been able to combine their studies with football and to maintain such a high standard so as to keep their dreams of professional football a real possibility.

Our partnership with South Park Football Club means we have access to a high quality floodlit artificial pitch which enables high quality football at all times of the year. RGS Hartswood dedicates its Northfield space predominantly to football during the winter and spring terms so that all pupils have the space and opportunity to play.

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JACK N

FLORENCE T & LARA T

ONES TO WATCH

CROSS COUNTRY/ATHLETICS

RUGBY

Priory Athletic Club

Harlequins PDG, Harlequins DPP

RGS Cross Country and Athletics

RGS Rugby 1st XV

"We represent RGS Reigate Priory Athletic Club in district, county and inter-county athletics, competing in cross country in the winter and track and field in the summer where Lara’s favourite event is sprint hurdles and Florence’s is 800 metres. We train twice a week and compete throughout the year. With athletics, club hockey and school sport we need to eat and sleep well so that we may still be focused during school. We make sure we catch up on work as soon as possible when we miss any.

"I have just finished my rugby season playing for the RGS 1st XV and now have 7s. I was recently selected for the Harlequins Player Development Group (PDG) after two years in the Developing Player Programme (DPP). This requires time away from home playing around the country. This will take a lot of commitment and hard work, with rugby training and matches every week along with GCSEs. I am incredibly lucky to have an older brother who went through a similar process sharing with me his top tips to go as far as possible.

We have both been selected for the U13 Surrey County Cross Country team as well as being County medallists in cross country, hurdling and 800 metres. We look forward to moving into the U15 age group this year which will be push us further.

It was exciting to compete for RGS in the English Schools Cross Country Cup against the best runners in the country. We were proud of our team coming fifth and it was memorable for many reasons especially the team spirit and everyone’s determination.

We learn a lot from the advice of our specialist teachers and coaches who have reached prominent levels in their own sports.

Who better to inspire us than them!?

On the athletics circuit, we meet some inspirational girls who are competing at national level and even representing England/Great Britain.

We loved watching the World Athletics Championships last year and are looking forward to the Olympics this summer when we will be supporting Keely Hodgkinson and Jessie Knight who we have been lucky enough to meet and be trained by at the Surrey Schools Development Camps."

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I hope to achieve many more years playing rugby both at RGS and for Harlequins. I also aim to achieve a healthy lifestyle and gain strong discipline. I will achieve these through hard work both on and off the pitch. The RGS Sports team has helped me get to where I am today and I believe they will make me the best rugby player I can be. They've taken me outside my comfort zone by selecting me for the First Team which has given me a huge amount of confidence in my ability.

To balance rugby training and achieve good academic results takes a lot of effort. I often stay late at school to catch up on work I miss. Homework can be a struggle with training nights and weekend matches. Maintaining contact with my teachers is crucial as they provide lots of support.

My biggest influence at RGS so far is Henry R who has successfully balanced high level football along with GCSEs and his current A Levels. A role model in professional sport would have to be Marcus Smith. He was successful on a similar journey to that which I am currently on. He plays with flare and is not afraid to try something new."

ISHI S

SAM A

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CRICKET

HOCKEY

Surrey County Cricket Club, Ashtead Cricket Club

Surbiton Hockey Club

RGS Cricket

RGS Hockey

"I currently play at county level for Surrey, for my club (Ashtead) and for school. Alongside training I do strength and conditioning at school and with Surrey to maintain and improve my fitness and stamina. It's a big commitment but I love it.

"I play hockey for Surbiton Hockey Club Talent Academy, Surbiton Hockey Club and RGS. I am currently playing as a centre forward and am loving it up there. In the hockey school term I train four times a week with two matches on the weekend. In my position, having good fitness and speed is crucial so, in addition to hockey training, I play other sports and run once a week. It is also important I keep my energy levels up so I eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep.

I want to be a professional cricketer and believe I can get there with proper training and by working hard. School provides great training to enhance my cricket skills. RGS Sports teachers and my teammates help me to learn and develop team building skills.

Two players who inspire me are Alice Capsey and Jasprit Bumrah. Alice started playing for England at 18 years old which I hope to achieve too, and Jasprit plays for the Indian cricket team, and is an outstanding bowler."

I hope to play at the highest level I can but obviously my dream is to play for Great Britain at the Olympics. I know that I will have to work extremely hard and be dedicated to my training to give myself as much chance as possible of achieving this goal.

I enjoy representing RGS in as many different sports as I can and being part of a team. I’m thankful for the high-quality coaching the school offers. Combining my time on the sports field and academic studies is one of my biggest challenges and to achieve this, I must manage my time efficiently.

In hockey, I admire Sam Ward who plays as a striker for Great Britain but a role model I look up to in sport is Bukayo Saka, the England footballer who has - through hard work and dedication overcome challenges thrown at him so far in his career.

I would like to thank RGS for all the opportunities I have been given. I hope I can continue to make school proud of me over my final years and beyond."

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OWEN W

ONES TO WATCH

GYMNASTICS Hawth Gymnastics Owen W competed in the Mid-European Team Gym Championships in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. His team achieved a Silver medal, narrowly missing Gold by 0.5 marks.

Owen performed in the Junior Team Category, 13-17 yearolds. His Hawth Gymnastics team qualified to represent Great Britain at the UK national finals earlier in the year.

Team Gym encompasses four categories: Floor (All ten members together), Tumble, Trampette and Vault (streams of six gymnasts). The teamwork, support, collaboration and team spirit were outstanding and emphasised the positive elements of sport and working for each other.

"Team Gym requires a lot of practice and effort due to the disciplines involved. The conditioning work is intense but essential - I currently train 13 hours a week which can be tough at times.

My goal is to earn selection for Great Britain in the European Team Gym Championships 2024. This is a real challenge as I am competing for a spot in the team against 17-year-olds who are much more experienced. I am dedicated to this challenge, working hard to upgrade and tune my skills for the trials and I am very lucky to have amazing coaches.

My teammates inspire me to do my best, we work hard, have fun whilst training and cheer each other on. I am very lucky to have such great teammates.

Medalling at a competition is an awesome feeling however, I am always striving to improve. We get on well with the gymnasts from the other teams, and support them, I always hope they do their best too!"

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THOUGHTS FROM A 1ST XI HOCKEY CAPTAIN I am thrilled to be part of the U19 team that has qualified for the third round of the ISHC Plate competition, especially in my last year at RGS. We really hope to continue our winning streak in our next match and I think I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say that none of us is ready to play our last game together!

Making my way through the Hockey programme at RGS has been so special and I feel incredibly privileged to be the 1st XI Captain in my final year. I feel proud knowing that there are so many keen players in the younger year groups forming strong and successful team units and I hope that they will continue to be inspired as they progress through the school.

It goes without saying that we wouldn’t be nearly as successful without the support and dedication of our fantastic coaches who really are the unsung heroes behind all of our achievements.

RGS has also helped all of the individuals who have taken their passion for Hockey beyond the school environment with so many being selected for county and regional teams this year.

What I’ll miss most is the camaraderie and the memories that I have made on my Hockey journey at RGS. I feel so lucky to have been able to travel across the country on some truly memorable trips - playing teams that we wouldn’t usually have the chance to play in friendlies or local fixtures. Wherever I end up next year I’m sure that the friendships and experiences I have made through playing Hockey at RGS will remain, without a doubt, some of my fondest.

Lucy D RGS 1st XI Hockey Captain

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DRAMA We were wowed by the spectacular performances of RGS Drama presents A Christmas Carol to sell out, spellbound audiences.

Students created the magical world of Dickensian London on the Concert Hall stage with Billy R leading the cast as Scrooge, giving us an energetic and comedic interpretation of his own. The singers, musicians and technical team made up entirely of students were exceptionally hard-working and gave their all to the show.

Amongst the many memorable moments, we saw Fourth Form student Sharon L on the piano accompanying and underscoring the show, Harry H frightening the life out of everyone with his Ghost of Marley, and Sophie M, Lola, S and Rosanna C spookily leading us through Scrooge's past, present and future.

This was, however, very much a team show. In this ensemble production, every cast and crew member played a key part in telling the story to full-house audiences.

From the Director Ebeneezer Scrooge lives in a world where he has every opportunity to open his heart and make connections with the people around him. Instead, he builds a wall of money and judgment around himself.

The prisons and workhouses are there to solve the problems of the poor and destitute - why should he be troubled with their causes?

Scrooge is lucky that he gets the chance to re-think his self-centred philosophy...

By taking a tour of forgotten memories that were long buried in his past, Scrooge remembers who he was, and through a vision of the future he gets the chance to see where his current ways are leading him.

In other words... GBT – Ghost Behavioural Therapy.

I absolutely love the story of A Christmas Carol which I recall first seeing on TV with a re-run of Alastair Sim playing Scrooge in the 1951 film. There is something so memorable and powerful about Scrooge’s story that resonates with every age group. The cast and technical team worked hard to bring you our RGS version... keeping the spirit of the story and having fun along the way. We hope you enjoyed our show where we aimed to embody the Christmas spirit by presenting a true ensemble team creation!

Marianne Hare Director 37

A C hristmas C arol

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

ELLIOTT S Actor Second Form student Elliot S is currently on screen in the new ITV/ ITVX drama Three Little Birds in the role of James Wantage. It is a life-affirming drama, written by Sir Lenny Henry, inspired by his mother's stories about leaving Jamaica in the 1950s for Great Britain and follows sisters Leah and Chantrelle and their friend Hosanna starting a new life in England.

"It's based on stories my mum and my aunty told me about coming to Britain in the '50s," Sir Lenny Henry explained.

"It's about overcoming, it's about women and feminism. They literally came to this country and they worked hard, got their kids and men over here, and the show is about that.

"It's happy, it's moving, it's sad at times, and it looks beautiful."

Ernest (Arthur Darvill), Patricia Wantage (Annie Bissex), Diana (Amy Beth Hayes), James Wantage (Elliot Spilling) and Chantrelle (Saffron Coomber) in Three Little Birds. Douglas Road Productions/ITV

Elliott has been cast in the BBC hospital drama Casualty. Filming starts in February and we look forward to seeing Elliott on our screens.

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When I was six years old, I joined Stagecoach Performing Arts School. I loved watching TV when I was younger and wanted to be the characters I was seeing on screen. After a couple of years, I moved to the British Theatre Academy where we had the opportunity to perform at the Leatherhead Theatre in a production of Annie Jnr, I played Drake the Butler. It was a great experience, but my passion has always been for TV and Film.

I applied for an additional course at the British Theatre Academy which focused solely on on-screen acting. The Head of Acting there saw me at one of the early sessions and suggested I get an agent.

The first role I was cast in was a Kellogg’s advert with my dad, but it was during Covid and for some reason the council did not approve it. I was frustrated but carried on and soon after I was cast for a film called The Holiday. Unfortunately, I caught Covid the first day of the shoot and so couldn’t take part. Although it was disappointing, I didn’t let it get me down.

I caught a break with a short film called Braccia, which was filmed locally in Holmbury. It was based on a true event - the film follows two brothers in Poland during the 1940s fleeing war and helping fellow men along the way. Quickly after that I was cast to do a voice-over for an ITV Drama called Grace.

My biggest opportunity to date came when I was cast for the ITV Drama Three Little Birds which was written by Sir Lenny Henry. I really enjoyed this. It involved long days but the experience was like no other. It was filmed in Coventry where Sir Lenny lived when he was younger. I had my own trailer, a tutor and we got to film in a few locations in the area. The set up was huge but I was not daunted by it at all. I met some very talented people as well and it gave me a really good understanding of the industry.

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COMING SOON Anything Goes

6 March - 7 March 2024 First Form to Upper Sixth Form Anything Goes is Cole Porter's iconic, joyful musical. With a story by PG Wodehouse, the show features heartwarming romance, mistaken identity, gangsters and a fantastic, toe-tapping score, including "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "You're The Top", "Blow, Gabriel, Blow", and of course the iconic title number "Anything Goes".

This production features nearly 250 students on stage and behind the scenes, and will be performed in a professional theatre with a full orchestra. This may well be the biggest production ever seen at RGS.

Dare to be Creative 16 May 2024

First Form show Dare to be Creative will feature at Leatherhead Theatre.

Peter Pan

26 - 28 June 2024 The RGS Drama summer production will be Peter Pan. Auditions took place in December and rehearsals are now underway. The production will be performed in the Concert Hall by students from the Second and Third Forms.

Second Form students will also be performing Beeper! - a Puppet Show touring to local primary schools.

We encourage students who love performing and working on technical theatre to take advantage of the many opportunities available at the National Youth Theatre.

There are fabulous courses in 2024 during half-term and the Easter holidays, for students 11-14 years old and 14-17 years old on Clowning, Physical Theatre and Screen Acting.

Joining the Hub will also allow you to audition for places on the summer residential courses for actors and backstage creatives.

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R EI G AT E G R A M M A R SC H OO L

MUSIC Music is an integral part of each school day at RGS and our journey of discovery does not stop with our co-curricular provision. Our revised, inclusive Key Stage 3 curriculum seeks to continue this exploration in the development of new skills and cultural awareness via music from around the globe, supporting further study at GCSE and A Level and providing a range of opportunities for all, while striving for excellence.

Musical engagement is so significant to the development of young people: to their creativity and self-expression; to the development of their teamwork and problemsolving skills; their attention to detail; self-discipline and resilience. These are powerful attributes in many areas of life and ones which we hope will stay with them throughout their lives.

We are proud that our talented musicians not only perform in concert to a high level but that they also achieve exceptional results in public examinations to gain places at top universities. We feel privileged to be able to support them on their journey of discovery.

Our Showcase concert series celebrates the talents of our most experienced musicians. In the first Showcase concert of the year, Chopin’s Fantasy Impromptu delivered with aplomb by Second Form student Cynthia Z. Caitlin R and Matty O treated the audience to concerto movements by Mozart and Tchaikovsky, and we had a première as Charlie A improvised on electric guitar. A beautiful evening in the intimate setting of the Recital Room.

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This year’s Unplugged concert was another celebration of the talented RGS musicians performing popular music. Performers ranged from Third Form to Upper Sixth Form students, singing a range of music from artists such as The Beatles, Bruno Mars, Radiohead, Blur and Billie Eilish. The singers were ably accompanied by Allie A on guitar, with Ellie B, Caitlin R, Nathan T and Matty O as an additional string quartet. The evening was a calm, uplifting event in a relaxed and informal setting. The music was hugely appreciated by not only the audience in attendance, but by fellow students and peers.

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R EI G AT E G R A M M A R SC H OO L

MUSIC Our annual visit to Dorking Halls is always a wonderful celebration of ensemble music at RGS and this year certainly maintained that tradition. Officially launching our 2023/2024 Journey of Musical Discovery, our musicians took the audience on an exploration of music from different corners of the world and from unfamiliar and lesser-known composers - whilst continuing to enjoy and discover the greats of the classical, jazz, and contemporary music worlds. During the evening we entered the world of Indian classical vocal music, journeyed across the Scottish seas, were transported to Brazil and its samba and bossa nova, explored the continent of Africa and were introduced to new female composers. All of this alongside familiar favourites.

A great evening. Many congratulations to all involved and particularly praise to Third Form student Sophie M who made her debut conducting Sinfonia!

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The festive highlight, Carols by Candlelight always leaves everyone feeling ready for Christmas, uplifted by the shared experience of some lovely choral offerings and the opportunity to join in robust and passionate carol singing. The roof of St Mary's Church was raised by the combined 350 or so voices of choirs and congregation, accompanied by brass and organ.

The candlelight always has a magical effect, creating a wonderfully charged atmosphere and this year was no exception. The evening was further enhanced by the beautiful harp playing of Reigatian Eleanor Medcalf.

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FIRST FORM ART Students have been studying human form and exploring in both 2D and 3D. These expressive wire and paper sculptures are inspired by Alberto Giacometti’s iconic forms and, despite being slight and anonymous, are intended to demonstrate both movement and emotional expression.

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FIRST FORM ART

Students investigated the formal elements in Art and have been creating work inspired by insects. As well as drawings using different materials, they have created oil pastel pieces inspired by photographer Poul Beckman and have produced designs and reduction prints influenced by Eugene Seguy.

The next step will be to create 3D work, creating wire sculptures of insects and butterflies.

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Here we have an exploration of colour through observational drawings of fruit and vegetable. Oil pastel drawings of a selection of fruit were produced in response to the work of Pointillist artist Seurat and the textural paintings of Van Gogh.

We then explored the work of lino printer William McAusland and created layered reduction prints

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Studies of shoes from direct observation. First Formers developed their skills in markmaking and drawing and explored working with different mediums including wax resist, watercolour and pen and ink.

Drawings will be transformed into sculptures taking inspiration from Manolo Blahnik’s amazing shoe designs.

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SECOND FORM ART Students explored the drawings of artist Mark Powell and produced monoprints onto maps of the lake district. The focus on elderly skin allowed them to experiment with texture and line to add depth and interest to their prints.

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SECOND FORM ART Students discussed and investigated the problems with rubbish found on beaches.

They produced these pieces using watercolour, water soluble pens, and ink.

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Inspired by the work of Peter Randall Page, students explored different natural form and depicted pattern and detail using photography, drawing with bleach and ink, ceramics and also oil pastel and acetate mixed media.

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R EI G AT E G R A M M A R SC H OO L

We are passionate about giving our students insight into and an appreciation of the cultures of the countries where their chosen languages are spoken and building solid foundations for them to speak and understand them.

All students in the Lower School study up to three languages, choosing between French, Spanish, German, Mandarin and Latin. One or two languages may then be taken through to GCSE. The European languages plus Latin and Greek are offered at A Level.

We run a variety of weekly clubs and extension activities including a weekly Junior Culture club with an enviable attendance, French lunch and Spanish chat, and we encourage students to enter a variety of language related competitions including the French Spelling Bee, the Stephen Spender Poetry Translation Competition and university essay competitions. Students in the Lower Sixth Form also have the opportunity to gain a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification.

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We see visits abroad as an extension of our classroom work. These linguistic and cultural visits are arranged for many year groups. They include popular trips to Northern France and Berlin, visits to the Canary Islands or mainland Spain and planned trips to Paris and China. Sixth Form students are also encouraged to take part in work experience and/or study trips abroad.

During September’s celebration of languages we were reminded of the vibrancy and relevance of languages.

The charity cake sale was enormously successful with stunning cakes and slices donated by the First Form. Funds raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and the results of the baking competition will be shared in First Form assembly.

Form groups tested and enhanced their language knowledge with quizzes, and our pop-up Favourite Foreign Language Tree hosted a vast array of interesting words from staff and students.

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MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES BFI CINEMA TRIP

SPANISH CINEMA CLUB

ACTIVITIES DAY

Recently I went with my French class to the British Film Institute cinema in Southbank, London to watch the film Au Revoir Les Enfants which we are studying as part of our A Level course. I found it really informative as it is based on a true story about the life of schoolboys during World War Two, set in the Germanoccupied area of France.

Sixth Form Spanish students enjoyed the film Padre no hay más que uno in the latest Spanish cinema club showing. Our Spanish Language Assistant Marta suggested this film as it is one of her favourites. This comedy is about a workaholic father who stays home with his five children whilst his wife goes on holiday. The feel-good film ties in with the A Level themes of Modern Values, Equal Rights and Technology. We recommend you watch it too – it will have you laughing out loud!

For Activities Day in October 2023, the MFL department took some Lower Sixth Form linguists to visit the Tate Gallery in London. They looked at specific works

by French, Spanish and German artists to enhance cultural awareness and to encourage them to think about possible research projects for their courses. The students enjoyed walking around and looking at the extensive range of past and contemporary art. We then walked to Meson Don Felipe, a renowned tapas bar, for an authentic Spanish lunch. Everyone had a wonderful day.

The trip was particularly useful because we listened to a talk beforehand from film critic and lecturer Dr Julia Wagner which gave us some background knowledge of the film and director as well as different interpretations of the title.

Laura T Sixth Form

CULTURE CLUB Culture Club is a creative and interactive way to learn about different cultures and their traditions with plenty of opportunities for fun and interactive activities for students to try.

When we learnt about Día de los Muertos, we crafted with colourful tissue paper to make intricate designs (also known as Papel Picado). For the exciting and fascinating festival of Diwali, there was a short tutorial and some time to make Diwali origami candles which were simple to make but very beautiful. At Thanksgiving, we sampled delicious candy corn and other mouthwatering sweets, whilst learning about the traditions of Thanksgiving and its origins. Finally, we learnt about Christmas traditions around the world and of course New Year celebrations too. Alice Q First Form 56

R EI G AT E G R A M M A R SC H OO L

SIXTH FORM The autumn term was a vibrant and exhilarating journey for the Sixth Form at Reigate Grammar School. As the new academic year began, Sixth Form students embarked on a new stage of their journey with us, during which they have truly seized the opportunities available to them with the usual Reigatian spirit.

We are thrilled to share a glimpse of the unique aspects of RGS Sixth Form, from developing curious minds through extensive academic challenge and rigour, to striving to develop students' leadership qualities and our extensive extracurricular opportunities.

Elizabeth Taylor Director of Sixth Form

Introducing the Reigate Grammar School Sixth Form We show you a snapshot of the opportunities available within Sixth Form life at Reigate Grammar School.

Hear from the Headmaster, Sixth Form teachers, and current and former Sixth Form students.

EDI COMMITTEE

CHARITY COMMITTEE

The Sixth Form Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee has been one of the most active leadership groups in the school in the past year, helping to raise awareness for a number of different causes. The highlights have been the playlists created for cultural awareness week and Pride month which have enabled students to access tailor made playlists on Spotify with music celebrating a variety of different cultures and also from LGBTQ+ artists. In addition, the committee took the lead on celebrating Black History month at the school, creating a number of different displays and delivering some highly thought provoking assemblies to the whole school.

The Sixth Form Charity Committee has been involved in a number of amazing initiatives in the past two terms. For Sports Day, the committee sold rainbow laces to coincide with Pride month which were worn by a number of athletes and spectators during the events, helping to raise awareness of LBGTQ+ rights. The committee was also involved in World AIDS Day in December, raising close to £100 for the National AIDS trust through the sale of red ribbons to the Sixth Form, staff and other members of the school.

ROYAL INSTITUTION PRIMARY MATHEMATICS MASTERCLASSES Throughout 2022-2023 RGS hosted a series of Sixth Form led Royal Institution Primary Mathematics Masterclasses which helped support local children’s mathematics learning following the disruption caused by the global pandemic. Mr Marley, Teacher of Mathematics, organised Sixth Form training and mentoring for the primary Masterclasses and coordinated all the activities which enabled students to have the opportunity to experience being maths and science communicators.

We received an appreciative letter and certificate from The Royal Institution of Great Britain.

Certificate of Appreciation Presented to Reigate Grammar School for hosting the 2022-2023

“Your Sixth Formers were great to work with… the primary children who have been lucky enough to experience these inspirational workshops, led by young mathematicians and scientists, will long remember and benefit from the experience.”

The Royal Institution of Great Britain.

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Primary Maths Masterclasses for school students in their community

Rachel Dorris, Clothworkers’ Fellow in Mathematics at the Ri

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ACTIVITIES DAY Embarking on a journey of academic enrichment, the Lower Sixth Form recently delved into an array of captivating experiences as part of the Henry Smith Diploma curriculum. Each student chose a specialised trip tailored to their interests and aspirations to support their learning.

From the adrenaline-fuelled atmosphere of Surrey Sports Park to the hallowed halls of Westminster for a glimpse into the intricate world of politics. Science enthusiasts explored the spellbinding wonders of the Natural History and Science Museums; Art students revelled in the masterpieces at the V&A Museum; esports enthusiasts delved into the virtual realms and constructed a gaming suite; languages and culture were brought to life through the MFL Tapas and Tate adventure; Geography enthusiasts explored the vibrant streets of Brighton; the English Literary Tour took literature enthusiasts on an odyssey through the heart of London; and future medical minds engaged in hands-on experiences at the Science Medicine Clinic.

Demonstrating initiative and independence, students charted their own course to these venues, immersing themselves in a day of experiential learning that extended beyond the confines of the traditional curriculum.

Science space-fanatics explored the Science Museum, observing a rock taken from the moon and imagined what it was like to be in the real Apollo 10 command module. Others relished the opportunity to see the awe-inspiring blue whale skeleton at the Natural History Museum.

The Politics department toured the UK Supreme Court in Westminster days before the Court rejected the Government’s Rwanda asylum plan. They then visited the Houses of Parliament exploring both the Commons and Lords.

The day greatly enhanced students' understanding of democracy in the UK. English students enjoyed a Literary London Tour in Bloomsbury. They were regaled with readings from writers like Virginia Woolfe and Ezra Pound with students learning all about the Modernist movement in London in the 1920s. After lunch in the glorious sunshine they then went to the British Library and enjoyed the Treasures Exhibition, featuring incredible early texts and manuscripts from writers such as Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath.

Geographers explored factors which contribute to Brighton’s unique sense of place and enjoyed a guided tour by a Blue Badge guide. Students also explored The Lanes and the Pier.

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SIXTH FORM CONGRATULATIONS

Lower Sixth Form student Hannah B was awarded the BNF Drummond Education Award which is presented to the candidate who achieves the highest score in the country in GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition. Hannah beat 20,000 students across the UK to achieve this accolade.

Hannah W was selected as a Cyber Student of the Year finalist. She completed the Cyber EPQ with Quafro where she had to pick an area of Cyber Security to research and write about following which she gave a presentation to her peers.

Nithya S received a Young Volunteer Award from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council for her work at Reigate Beaumont Care Home.

AMBASSADORS The Changing Lives, Building Futures Campaign launch event was a truly wonderful evening, drawing over 200 Reigatians from across the global Reigatian community. The venue, nestled in the atmospheric Leake Street tunnels beneath Waterloo Station, provided a captivating backdrop for the occasion and enabled us to host an exciting and fun event for all those attending.

A delicious array of street food salad bowls to match the unseasonably warm weather was professionally served by our engaging team of senior prefects, led by Ellie W, Eloise H and Matthew H. The Sixth Formers worked tirelessly to greet and register guests and perform as human sized butterflies! Quite simply, they were fabulous ambassadors for RGS and were an integral part of the RGS Foundation team for the night.

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RGS EARTHSHOT The RGS Earthshot swishing event was supported by the RGS Foundation who linked current and former students together to promote our commitment to being more sustainable now and in the future.

A Christmas Swish! was this year’s version of the popular swishing event, the aim being to tackle issues surrounding fast fashion. Pre-loved clothes were collected by the Eco Committee and exchanged for tokens used at the event to buy new items of clothing.

The evening was introduced by Sixth Form student Lucy D and Reigatian Hannah Statham gave a fascinating insight into the world of sustainable fashion as she opened proceedings. She addressed some of the most pressing issues surrounding the fashion industry and highlighted ways in which we can use our privilege to address the crisis both individually and in the wider community.

The thrill of finding new items was accompanied by live music from Fourth Form band, El Sin Nombre. A Second Form student designed reusable bags which were also sold on the evening with all proceeds going to a local conservation charity. In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, the few remaining clothes at the end of the evening were donated to charity shops to support the local community.

USA TRIP During October half term, sixteen Sixth Form students ventured across the pond on the USA History and Politics trip, organised and led by Mr Haskey. This was an extremely important time to visit a year out from one of the most important US presidential elections in US history. In New York, the students managed to get the most out of the Big Apple travelling on the famous Subway and taking in key sights including Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street and Time Square. The highlight for many was a tour of the UN building and the general assembly hall.

The group then headed to Washington DC in glorious autumn weather, where they were able to visit the key seats of federal power: the US Congress and the Supreme Court. A fantastic experience was had by all.

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OUR STUDENTS An enormous thank you to all our Peer and Upper Sixth Form Mentors who give up their time to provide guidance to younger students and in particular help them to settle into the new school year. We are delighted to have welcomed this term the new team of student leaders including Heads of School, Deputy Heads of School and Senior Prefects in the Upper Sixth Form as well as the new Lower Sixth Form Student Leadership Committees as they begin work on new projects from Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to Wellbeing.

MEET OUR NEW HEADS OF SCHOOL

T

he Headmaster was pleased to announce our new Heads of School following their exceptional progress through the new RGS Leadership Programme. This year’s Heads of School are Nithya S, Zac S, Caitlyn F and Arun L and we are really excited to see what they are going to bring to their new role.

joining in the First Form my time here has been incredibly happy and rewarding thanks to the vast array of opportunities on offer. As a passionate musician who plays flute, piano and sings, I have immersed myself within the RGS Music community. From conducting Symphony Orchestra at QEH to mentoring younger musicians, it’s been quite a range!

am always involved in a show at school and will have done 17 by the end of the year!

Their progress to this new position began last year in the Lower Sixth Form, taking part in the different leadership committees at RGS, in particular the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Bird House, Outdoor Education and Academic Committees. They also took part in a variety of leadership training sessions with the Sixth Form Team and had a number of successes in delivering events, assemblies and other initiatives that have helped to enhance the school in a number of different ways.

As a Bird House Captain I have taken a leading role in promoting House events and have been committed to increasing engagement across all year groups, including through the use of social media. I am passionate about the House system as a way to increase collaboration across the school. Greater integration amongst students of all ages helps us to build a stronger, more dynamic and caring community within RGS.”

“Hi, I’m Arun. I’ve been part of Model United Nations (MUN) since First Form and CCF (The Combined Cadet Force) and CoD (Corps of Drums) since Fourth Form. I’m looking forward to being able to represent the best the school has to offer and to help the rest of the school community achieve their hopes and targets.”

Zac S (Photo: Right)

Deputy Heads of School Connor W, Lucy D, Ben R, Eloise H and Cara C will play a vital leadership role within the school and in our wider community.

After becoming senior prefects in the summer, our four Heads of School have continued to show their leadership abilities in a wide range of different cocurricular activities at the school including Drama, Music and CCF. They have also been exceptional role models to the younger RGS students through the school wide mentoring programme.

“Hi, my name is Nithya and I am excited to be a Head of School this year!

Throughout my time at the school I have really tried to make the most of every opportunity given, through music, volunteering, and completing my Gold DofE award, as well as using my platform on the EDI committee to spread awareness on topics important to me such as diversity.

In their new role as Heads of School they will be the key representatives of the student body and will continue to make an extremely positive impact on the way that the school is run. Here’s what they have to say!

Over the next couple terms I’d love to encourage others to do the same and get involved in activities they are passionate about, but also to try something new - it could be your next favourite hobby!”

“I feel honoured and privileged to have been appointed a Head of School. Since

"Hi I’m Caitlyn. My interests are in Maths and Drama, especially in musical theatre. I

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Nithya S (Photo: Second from left)

As a neurodivergent student I am hoping to show younger students that they can face any challenge and to encourage everyone to always be their true selves."

Caitlyn F (Photo: Third from left)

Arun L (Photo: Left)

The Heads of School and Deputy Heads of School roles have been well and truly earned by these students, having demonstrated exceptional service leadership and commitment to all aspects of school life through their work on Sixth Form committees last year and in their roles as Senior Prefects this academic year. This is in addition to their continued exceptional effort and achievement in academic and co-curricular areas There was an incredibly strong field of applicants for these roles this year which is a testament to the remarkable qualities shown by the current Upper Sixth Form.

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FROM THE CLASS OF 2023 TOP GRADES MEANT MEDICINE AT IMPERIAL FOR KANIKA K Kanika is passionate about learning and received top grades in English Literature, Biology and Chemistry. Her dedication led her to regularly attend MIT lectures, TED talks, and UCL lectures to further her studies. There is no doubt Kanika will thrive on the academic rigour demanded by a career in medicine. Outside the classroom, Kanika spent last year teaching a Bronze DofE group how to plan and execute expeditions, as well as completing her own Gold DofE. She was also one of the leaders of our Charity Committee, always sharing ideas on community outreach and engagement.

"After completing my first term of university, I can surely say that I am in the right place, studying a course that is at once compelling and challenging. That being said, it still surprises me to find myself here, where I had hoped to be, all throughout last year. Looking back, I can only be grateful for the support that RGS provided me with by making sure I found my way.

When I nervously opened the email from UCAS, it was a feeling of both relief and happiness.

The realisation that I had been accepted at Imperial College was a great feeling knowing my hard work paid off. The journey of the last few years has led me to this path, and now I’m excited to be embarking on a new journey of studying medicine. I owe a special debt of gratitude to my teacher, Miss Hare. Her unwavering belief in my capabilities provided the much-needed push, without which I might have hesitated to apply to Imperial. But everything has fallen into place.

I’m also thankful for the bursary that enabled me to attend RGS. This opportunity has transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. I’ll forever hold fond memories of my time at RGS and will always be grateful for the bursary that made it possible.”

CAMBRIDGE SURPRISE FOR CATHERINE T Catherine is not just an outstanding academic but also an active member of the school community - representing RGS in hockey matches and as a percussionist in concerts.

She was an active member of the Charities Committee in the Sixth Form, undertook her Gold DofE, and outside of school, she was the chairman of the Young Farmers Club for Surrey.

“I am thrilled I have been accepted into the University of Cambridge where I will be pursuing a course in natural sciences.

The thought of applying to Cambridge had not initially crossed my mind. However, with encouragement and support from RGS, I decided to submit my application, a choice I am now delighted with. The course aligns perfectly with my academic interests, allowing me to delve into the combination of subjects I enjoy.

Reflecting on my time at RGS, there were numerous highlights. Among these, participating in the first team at hockey was particularly memorable. This experience not only provided great enjoyment but also afforded me the chance to connect with students outside of my usual circles. Same for my involvement in music, being part of the percussion added another dimension to my journey at RGS. I am particularly grateful to Dr Carter for his exceptional teaching in physics. Under his guidance, physics became my favourite subject.

I will miss the sense of community that RGS offered. The camaraderie within the school, having friendships across various year groups, fostered a sense of belonging. Especially in Sixth Form but all throughout the school you feel part of a welcoming, thriving community.”

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FROM THE CLASS OF 2023 BEN M - A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL TODAY Ben had already started working with Young Professionals in a marketing role when he came to school to receive his results in the summer. Ben knew university was not the pathway for him, and the RGS Careers team helped him to pursue an alternative route to fulfil his passion for business. Young professionals are a leading student network who help thousands of students to accelerate their careers in apprenticeship and work experience programs.

“I am thrilled with my grades, reflecting the demanding work of the past two challenging years. Landing a role at Young Professionals for my gap year is a dream come true. They connect students to top global companies, offering apprenticeship as a university alternative so it is great to be using my experience to help others like me. Special thanks to Miss Anderson, my teacher and guide, for helping me secure this gap year opportunity. Receiving my results and leaving RGS after seven years was bittersweet - the support I received from teachers and the fun times along the way made it a truly rewarding journey and I am looking forward to the future. It has taken dedication and commitment and on receiving my grades it all felt worth it.”

ALL-ROUND SUCCESS FOR CALLUM S Callum secured an incredible set of top grades and gained a place at Oxford University to study Engineering.

Alongside his academic achievements, Callum excelled in a diverse array of extracurricular activities during his time at RGS: he played both piano and French horn to high standard, both solo and in ensembles; he swam and sailed competitively and was our school’s Captain of Sailing; he was a regular mentor to a First Form student and completed his Gold DofE. It is not often we see a student so widely talented, and we wish Callum well on his journey and have no doubt that he will embrace the academic and social demands of university life with ease!

“Huge thanks to the teachers and everyone at RGS for the incredible support. It was an unforgettable journey. RGS not only shaped my academics but also my love for music. RGS is a place where everyone can thrive, there are so many extracurricular activities. It is a truly welcoming community.”

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND A STRING OF A*S FOR NATHANIEL V Nathan thrived at RGS, with a strong interest in Computer Science he made the most of all the opportunities available in addition to academic learning. Nathaniel studied Mandarin during Sixth Form and completed his Gold DofE. Nathan was also a committed member of the school’s Academic Committee, helping to develop the school’s Digital Project. He also volunteered at one of our school’s math clubs, teaching First to Third Formers mathematics outside of their curriculum. He also enjoys running, swimming, and playing the violin.

“I am very happy. I achieved a place at Imperial College for computing. I would like to thank my computing teachers especially for getting me through all the hard coursework, there was a lot of coursework!”

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YOUTUBE STELLAR SIXTH FORM SUCCESS 2023

A THEATRICAL PRODUCTION FOR SOPHIE F Sophie’s talents for art and drama, and her exceptional photography at A Level, saw her realise her dream of pursuing a career in technical theatre which began at Guildford School of Acting at the University of Surrey studying Theatre Production after completing her A Levels at RGS. Sophie’s teachers at RGS are in awe of her resilience as, throughout her GCSEs, Sophie was treated for leukaemia. Her academic success both at GCSE and now at A Level are therefore even more impressive because it has been achieved alongside continuing treatment and the challenges that treatment brings.

Sophie has performed in musicals with the local theatre company ELOC, and such is her passion that she organised and performed in a musical theatre concert at Epsom Playhouse which she named Sing Out to Help Out. This was a charitable fundraiser for cancer charities, in particular the Teenage Cancer Trust Ward and the St George’s Hospital Play Team, which are close to Sophie’s heart. She has also taken photographs for her theatre company and the RGS Drama department.

Sophie ran the Creative Arts Committee and a Technical Theatre Club during her time at RGS where she taught younger students in the department. Sophie’s caring nature also shone through whilst serving as a Sixth Form mentor supporting and encouraging a new First Form student.

“I'm thoroughly enjoying Theatre Production at Guildford School of Acting. It’s everything I hoped it would be, great lecturers and amazing facilities. I’m very grateful for all the knowledge that I gained during A Level Drama as it’s really given me a leg up and is a good start for most modules. I look forward to the upcoming productions I will get to take part in.”

CAMBRIDGE FOR HEAD GIRL NEYHA K Neyha achieved the results she needed to study Modern and Mediaeval Languages at Cambridge.

“I was so relieved and happy when I opened my results. I am excited for the next chapter at Cambridge and being able to increase my appreciation of language, from books and art to food and people. I hope to discover the true beauty and heart of each of the cultures I study.”

Outside of the classroom, Neyha is a gifted musician - playing the piano to a high level and singing. During her time at RGS, she supported many charitable fundraisers and led philanthropic community initiatives. Her highly personable approach as Head Girl endeared her to all those around her – be it students or staff. We wholeheartedly wish her well for the exciting future ahead of her.

“I enjoyed the valuable leadership roles available during my time in the Sixth Form at RGS. As the Head Girl, I was fortunate to engage in numerous instances of public speaking. These experiences significantly contributed to my personal growth, and I take immense pride and am grateful for the opportunities I had at RGS.”

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RGS IN THE COMMUNITY Philanthropy and giving back continues to be high on the agenda for Reigatians, with staff and students giving over 1000 hours of volunteering each year.

Partnerships within our community are part of the DNA at RGS. Philanthropy not only benefits those to whom we give our support but has also shown huge benefit to the mental health of our students. We are excited to see how our RGS In The Community Programme continues to develop this year.

This activity forms a key aspect of our ten years' worth of projects celebrating the 350th anniversary of the founding of RGS, a decade of philanthropic celebration.

This year we have seen increased efforts in our fund raising and new partnerships develop. New charity initiatives have included The Elf Run for Tadworth Children’s Trust and Sixth Formers taking part in the St Catherine’s Hospice Youth Enterprise Scheme.

RGS has continued to support long-term partner Stripey Stork with Christmas donations for local families and the weekly Electives programme, where students from the Third Form visit and help at the Stripey Stork warehouse. Loveworks also remains a long-standing partner and this year we have begun a new partnership with The Giant Pledge, raising money and awareness for childhood cancer. In addition, we are in the process of creating a partnership with Surrey Young Carers to offer support, outreach activities and pupil volunteering.

Our Outreach Elective and Master Class programme has included new primary schools this year with Hatchlands School now being one of the schools where our students help with reading in early years classes.

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STRIPEY STORK TURNS 10!

Local charity Stripey Stork marked their tenth anniversary by holding an event at the Harlequin Theatre and Cinema to thank everyone who has been a part of their journey. RGS student Caitlyn L received the young volunteer award.

“Stripey Stork is my favourite charity and I have been supporting them since I was 5 years old. Over that time I have volunteered at the warehouse and at home, donated my old toys and clothes, raised money for them by being sponsored at Run Reigate (where I was dressed as the mascot) and asked for donations to Stripey Stork for my birthday instead of presents. One year I made up 40 Easter holiday art packs. I was very proud to get the Young Volunteer award but I was kind of nervous when I had to walk onto the stage to collect it. I am looking forward to doing more with Stripey Stork in the future and I would encourage everyone to help this awesome local charity!"

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RGS IN THE COMMUNITY At the beginning of the autumn term Reigatians supported community event Run Reigate which was a lovely day with so many people raising money for charity. We are proud of our students and staff who volunteered to run the water stations along the course which is always very much appreciated by the runners. This was followed by Pride in Surrey which had a lovely atmosphere with the local and wider community coming together as one.

The First Form took part in our annual sponsored Zumba workout to raise money for the charity Lepra, enthusiastically showing off their brilliant moves for an hour in their brightest active wear. The Second Form participated in the Elf Run for The Children’s Trust. Third and Fourth Forms visited local junior schools each week to read with young children, helped at homes for the elderly and supported Stripey Stork and Loveworks.

The Fifth Form welcomed the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead who visited with Stripey Stork to thank them for their many and varied volunteering activities during the last year and, particularly in relation to their work with Stripey Stork. Lower Sixth Former Tyra L (bottom left) met with the Mayor of Reigate to garner his support for her charity, Brooklands School, and members of the Lower Sixth Form took part in St Catherine’s Youth Enterprise Project, raising money and awareness for the Hospice.

We had a non-uniform day for Loveworks and a second nonuniform day supported The Children’s Trust. There was also a whole school Christmas collection for Stripey Stork to support families in less fortunate circumstances.

Finally, it was super to see so many people enjoying a lovely evening making Christmas wreaths in the Sixth Form Centre whilst enjoying a warming mulled wine and mince pie (bottom middle). The workshop was led by the brilliant Renee - The Girl Who Gardens - with proceeds going to our charity of the year: The Giant Pledge to Help Beat Childhood Cancer. external-link-alt Donate to The Giant Pledge

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SCHOOL TRIPS The RGS curriculum is supported by a wide range of trips, spanning countries from South Africa to Iceland, France to Dubai and Belize to New York. The love of learning sparked in classrooms is further cultivated through enriching global experiences, and with so many options, there is something for everyone. This is a sample of excursions from last term that contribute to students' growth and the creation of lasting memories.

BERLIN Students explored the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Berlin, learning about the city's unique Cold War history in the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and during a walking tour students saw landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial and the Potsdamer Platz. The Technik Museum, provided a lot of scientific hands-on activities too.

The Spy Museum, where everyone had go at being a spy, was a highlight. The most popular attractions were the Christmas markets where students had a chance to sample traditional market stall specialities such as bratwurst and currywurst or buy Christmas gifts whilst practicing their German language skills.

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RGS MUSIC ON TOUR HOLA BARCELONA! RGS musicians took their talents across the sea to Europe to the exciting, vibrant city of Barcelona.

We were fortunate to perform in four extremely special venues: Sagrada Familia, Basilica de Montserrat, Sant Gaieta and the cultural hub of Poble Espanyol and loved the support of familiar faces in the audience with lots of parents flying out to hear our choirs and ensembles.

Tours offer opportunities to perform in fabulous unfamiliar places along with experiences providing social, personal, and cultural fulfilment. One of the greatest joys for us as staff was to share in the camaraderie between students of all ages; a trip like this really does break down age barriers. Whether it was learning to flamenco, seeing the sights, glass painting or performing, friendships were formed, strengthened and fun was had by all.

NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON Sixth Form students embarked on an educational journey to New York and Washington, delving into the historical and political landscapes of these iconic cities. Such trips are integral to our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom.

MUSEUM OF BRANDS Lower Sixth Form Business Studies students had a fantastic day at the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill.

The museum uncovers the evolution of brands from the 1930s to the present. It holds over 15,000 products demonstrating the changes in product design and packaging over the years.

This was an introduction to marketing which will be studied in their next unit. The group recognised key changes in branding which reflect social change, participated in a consumer profiling workshop and in the role of a Marketing Manager were able to provide customer profiles for a given brands. Students were asked to identify the target market of brands including Starbucks and Sure deodorant (other brands are available).

Ellie BH and Sophie D

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Each December students from the Second to the Lower Sixth Form make the journey from RGS to Saas-Fee in the Valais canton of Switzerland for a week of idyllic skiing. This year we were fortunate to enjoy five straight days of glorious snow conditions coupled with blue skies, providing the perfect environment for everyone from total beginners to experts to improve and enjoy their skiing.

In the evenings students enjoyed a variety of activities run by both tour operator Viamonde’s ski instructors and RGS staff including mini Olympics, sledding, a quiz, Family Fortunes and a disco. We were looked after brilliantly at the hotel throughout.

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FOUNDATION EIGATE G AMMA

SCHOOL

On 10 October 2023 the RGS Foundation welcomed over 200 Reigatians from far and wide to the launch of our new campaign, Changing Lives, Building Futures. Guests were invited to imagine the positive impact they could have, big or small, by finding their fit.

In an evening of celebration we heard from Foundation Director, Jonny Hylton about the founding of Reigate Grammar School in 1675 thanks to the generosity of Henry Smith who left £1000 to educate the poor boys of Reigate. This gesture kickstarted a butterfly effect that, almost 350 years later, has had a huge impact on the town, its patrons and the local area.

The 10-year project will showcase its ability to connect people across the community with each other and RGS in helping them to find their fit and kick start their own butterfly effect.

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Our plans for our decade of philanthropic celebration encompass several key initiatives: Charity Partnerships: We will collaborate closely with charity partners to amplify the impact of their work, engage in volunteer efforts and educate students about the significance of philanthropy and the act of helping others.

350 Events: We will host a series of celebratory events spanning all RGS locations and the local community to commemorate our 350 year anniversary in 2025.

Changing Lives: We are committed to offering more bursary places than ever before, enriching the lives of some wonderful children. Over the next ten years, our goal is to double the number of bursary places, raising the percentage from 15% to 30% with a target fund of £20 million.

Building Futures: Our ambitious £10 million project aims to elevate the quality of facilities at RGS, ensuring that our campus aligns with the exceptional educational experience our students receive and will benefit the wider community.

“To celebrate the forthcoming 350 year anniversary of RGS in 2025, we have launched a new and ambitious campaign: Changing Lives, Building Futures. We are asking Reigatians to find your fit and Environmental sustainability: a pledge to consider the environmental imagine the impact that can be made impacts of daily decisions and be within the community during this decade responsible in this area through our newly of philanthropy. Like the butterfly effect, formed Sustainability Committee. we will ignite a chain of events that will For example, students will be planting have a long-term positive impression on RGS and our wider community for years 350 trees. to come.”

To find your fit, contact Jonny Hylton Foundation Director (RGS ‘99) foundation@reigategrammar.org 74

Reigate Grammar School, Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS 01737 222231 info@reigategrammar.org reigategrammar.org