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SCHOOL NEWS ®
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR! Reigate Grammar School has been named School of the Year in the prestigious Tatler Schools Awards. The announcement was made at a special online event, hosted on Tatler Schools’ IGTV (Instagram). The Tatler Schools Guide is one of the most prestigious school reviewers operating across the sector and we are proud to have been listed in its 2020 Schools Guide and named as the top school in the country. The review says Reigate Grammar is a “caring and inclusive school… producing down-to-earth yet high-achieving all rounders.” Adding that RGS has a sense of “community at its heart”.
Headmaster Shaun Fenton said: “I am delighted that Reigate Grammar School has been announced as School of the Year by this prestigious school reviewer and magazine. Of course, it is the experience of our students and staff on a daily basis that trumps any award but it does help to see how the school is held in high regard by respected external sources. I see these nominations as testament to the quality of our teachers, the support of our parent body and to the credit of the fine young Reigatians in our care.” RGS was also shortlisted for ‘School of the Year’ in the Independent Schools of the Year 2020 awards programme.
DRAMA Setting aside the challenges, 2020 created an opportunity to explore new concepts, technology and ways of working for the Drama department. A production of The Secret Diary – originally scheduled as a stage production for June – was adapted into a film and recorded during lockdown by Third and Fourth Form students. This really showed the commitment of students and staff and the film was a delight! The autumn term was packed with a variety of exciting performances, including the First Form’s new interpretation of A Christmas Carol, featuring over 25 separate scenes rehearsed and performed in bubbles. The show was filmed in a day and released online for the whole Reigatian community to enjoy. Visit rgsdrama.net for all the latest news.
MUSIC Throughout 2020, the Music department has explored innovative ways for students to showcase their talents. In September, it launched RGS Sounds, where students’ solo and ensemble performances were shared each Friday on the RGS Music YouTube channel. The new First Form recorded a socially-distanced version of John Legend’s All of Me. Polyphony and the Brass Ensemble gave a moving performance of Abide with Me for the Remembrance Day service. RGS in Concert at Leatherhead Theatre was the first live concert since March – what a treat it was to be able to share music with a real-life audience! Students performed superbly. As part of the school’s outreach programme, virtual performances, including the Advent Playground Performance series, were shared with local care homes. Visit youtube.com and search for ‘RGS Music’ to enjoy the performances. 70
