The Bulletin 237

Bulletin THE ISSUE 237

FROM THE HEADMASTER

As the Lent Term comes to a close, we are all looking forward to a welldeserved break after a very busy few months. As I read through both The Bulletin and also the termly publication The Register, once again, I could not be more proud that we can celebrate so many successes in so many different areas of school life. Our students are extraordinarily talented and take real pride in their performance, irrespective of their interests and passions. On this occasion, however, I do not want to focus on the obvious headlines. Real courage, claimed Justin Cronin, is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. I would argue, from a school perspective, the real heroes are those who are contributing when nobody’s looking.

A traditional wristwatch on the face of it – quite literally – is simple: two or three hands working continually in an effortless way. Yet, behind this façade, even the most simple mechanical wrist watch will have anything between 100 to 200-plus working parts that are carefully crafted to fit together coherently and to work in perfect tandem. If one element, one aspect, is not functioning in unison, then failure quickly ensues. The same applies for us here at the RGS. For every headline and every story of this term, there is so much context which does not always feature or gain the same level of profile. Without the selfless dedication and commitment of so many individuals, the same successes simply could not be achieved. The wonderful joint musical Oliver! is just one such example: the actors quite literally take centre stage and yet the success of the event is wholly reliant upon the dedication and contribution of so many individuals, each with their own clear role to play, each as valuable as the next. The lighting and sound team, the make-up artists, the stage crew, the props department, the front of house and so on: all understated, all behind the scenes, and yet all absolutely essential.

The professionalism and pride which every single member of our community displays provide the secure and firm foundations for our students to flourish and to continue to achieve remarkable things. In sport, our fencing, golf, hockey, rugby sevens, swimming teams – to name but a few – have enjoyed national success. In music, it was fitting that the 25th anniversary of RGS Musician of the Year was marked by performances of quite exquisite musicianship. Academically, our students have excelled in national competitions such as the science Olympiads and essay competitions. In art, charity, drama, the co-curricular spheres, students equally have flourished. There are so many more achievements I could mention. As I reflect upon this term, I would like to congratulate each and every individual who has enjoyed their moment in the limelight: their achievements are rightly acknowledged and celebrated. Equally, however, I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who, behind the scenes, have selflessly made such a significant contribution: all those who go about their business with unerring dedication – the unsung cogs, springs and wheels of the RGS without whom none of us would tick.

Real courage is doing the right thing when nobody is looking.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very relaxing and enjoyable Easter holiday with friends and family. I very much look forward to seeing the students return refreshed and ready for the start of the Trinity Term.

INCLUSIVITY SCHOLARSHIP INTEGRITY RESPECT COURAGE COLLABORATION

OUR VALUES

SCHOOL PRIORITIES 2022-2025

Our current RGS school development priorities are Diversity and Inclusion, Collaboration, and Student Experience. These priorities run on a three-year cycle.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We have focused on student and staff voice, as well as experienced external providers, to inform our strategy which is currently centred around staff diversity; developing a more inclusive curriculum; and providing additional training and support for staff and students with the aim of making our whole community more tolerant and inclusive.

COLLABORATION

We are focusing on four areas: staff collaboration to develop and improve teaching and learning; sharing best practice between RGS and RGS Prep; co-educational opportunities and links for our students socially and academically; and linking with our international schools to provide students with cultural and academic exchange opportunities.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

This is an area of continual development; however, our current focuses are on student appearance; the reporting process; academic tracking and reporting; co-curricular participation; literacy; pastoral support; reviewing the Sixth Form curriculum provision; and effective use of student devices and the possibilities that AI offers.

The sharp choreography made the very most of all the space, nooks and crannies, while the lighting, sound effects and vibrant costumes immersed the audience in the zeitgeist of the time. From the sombre, atmospheric opening as the orphans entered, the pace and energy built – with the talented live orchestra packing plenty of punch – before shifting into top gear for the fabulous toe-tapping opening number Food, Glorious Food. And the stage was set, quite literally, for an evening of high-energy musical theatre. Theo Patel and Jamal Karim shared the role of Oliver: both perfectly captured the vulnerable innocence and cheeky, charismatic street-urchin feel of the young orphan Oliver. To have two such strong performers in the lead role was notable.

Jam packed with boisterous and poignant songs, mischievous urchins, loveable rogues and more than a touch of menace, the RGS production of Lionel Bart’s much-loved musical Oliver! transported audiences to the world of Oliver Twist, based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel. The moody set vividly invoked the sense of Victorian London street life as well as the various indoor settings, including the dingy reality of the grim Victorian workhouse

The success of any production of Oliver! is the quality of the musical performances, both on and off stage, and these were delivered with just the right amount of gusto or sensitivity, emotion or feel-good energy and were received to rapturous applause from the appreciative audience: the rousing verve of Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, and Oom-Pah-Pah; not to mention the emotive Where is Love?, I’d Do Anything, and As Long as He Needs Me. Toe-tapping, uplifting, and entertaining throughout, from start to finish the whole production and ragsto-riches story were quite simply food, glorious food, for the soul.

Lorcan Read was superb as Fagin, showing the real human side of the cruel and loathsome character, while Fleur Crossey as Nancy gave a truly heart-wrenching and emotional performance throughout. Orlando Meadowcroft was suitably flamboyant and effervescent as the street-wise Artful Dodger. Will Sanders as the chillingly menacing Bill Sikes, a figure oozing with evil, provided a powerful foil to the other characters, while light relief and lovely touches of humour came from Harry Simmons as Mr Bumble, and strong, convincing performances, in particular, from Adrian Groenewald as Mr Sowerberry

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Holiday Trips

Classics Trip to Greece

Science Trip to Switzerland

French Trip to Normandy

Tennis & Surf Trip to Cornwall

Gold DofE Qualification Expedition to the Brecon Beacons

Student Robotics Finals at Southampton University

Monday 15 April

Staff Development Day 5: school closed for students.

Tuesday 16 April

Start of the Trinity Term.

WHAT’S ON?

LATEST NEWS

OLYMPIADS

In Round 2 of the Physics Olympiad, Freddie Weir in the Upper Sixth Form and Yuvan Raja in the Fifth Form both achieved a Gold medal, which was only achieved by 35 students nationally. In the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad Round 2, Freddie Weir and Yuvan Raja again both achieved Gold while Gabriel Correia emerged with a Bronze. RGS students also impressed in the Senior Physics Challenge, gaining 2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 2 Bronze awards. Finally, on the Intermediate Physics Challenge, RGS students impressed with Yuvan Raja, Ronit Sachdeva and Sam Millington, despite being in the Third Form, securing Gold.

FIELD DAY 3

A really enjoyable Field Day was blessed – for once – with beautiful spring sunshine and our student were involved in a range of activities locally and further afield. These included: the Art in Context group visiting art galleries in London; the Army section of the CCF engaged in Exercise Foundation Tiger and at Bramshott Common, while the RAF section was involved in drill, leadership and teambuilding tasks in the same location; the Royal Navy section participated in mountain biking in Queen Elizabeth Country Park and also kayaking and rafting at Woodmill Activity Centre in Southampton; the Drama group took part in a murder mystery escape room; the lifesaving group were in Cornwall; and the Enterprise group were developing their projects. In addition, there was archery, climbing, conservation, go-karting, hiking, navigation, paintballing, sports coaching, and volunteering.

SENIOR PREFECTS

The Headmaster is delighted to announce the Senior Prefect appointments for 2024/25. School Captain is Charlie Everitt and he is supported by the two Deputy School Captains, Thomas Bull (who is also House Captain of Beckingham) and George Christiansen. Senior Prefect Co-ordinator is Harry Simmons.

The other House Captain appointments are as follows: Austen House is Zac Tinkler; Hamonde House is Ollie James; Nettles House is William O’Brien; Powell House is Zac Warham; and Valpy House is Soj Ghosh In addition, the Headmaster has appointed Finlay Lomas-Clarke, Milan Patel, Georgie Paulson, Will Peasey, Dewi Phillip, Toby Rathmell, Lorcan Read, James Richardson, Archie Secrett, Navin Sivayoganathan and Dan Wright to the Senior Prefect team. The School wishes them all the very best of luck in their new roles.

SPORTS NEWS

CHESS

In the National Schools Chess Championship regional semi-final the RGS beat Wilson’s School 3½ to 2½. Magnus Borissow, Rohan McCauley and Ronit Sachdeva won their games, while James Dicker secured a solid draw The 1st VI travelled to Tiffin on Thursday for their In the regional final against Tiffin School, the RGS again won 3½ to 2½. James Dicker, Stuart Brown and James Guo won their games; Magnus Borissow secured a draw in a very high quality affair. The RGS now progress to the National Finals at the University of Nottingham in June, where the top 26 schools nationally will compete.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Our junior cross-country team came first out of 23 teams in the Danes Hill cross-country competition. Our team of Sam Foster, Angus Jennings, Ben Vickers, Alex Vickers, Aleksander Vukomanovic and Hugo Wilson ran brilliantly over a 3k muddy course to round-off a fantastic end to the season.

FENCING

In the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships, RGS fencers had an excellent tournament and won three trophies. Out of a field of 85 fencers, our fencing captain Xavier Wallin bowed out with a Silver medal in the U18 Foil, while Lucas Ngai secured Bronze medal at U13 Foil. Harry Radforth made the last 16 in foil and Monty Membery made the top quarter in épée. Harry is only in his second of year of fencing and Monty was completing in his first individual event. The RGS finished fifth in the Nick Halsted Cup which is awarded to the school with the highest total number of points in foil events.

HOCKEY

The U14As followed up their 5 – 2 victory against Bradfield College in the Tier 1 National Plate quarter final with an exciting 4 – 3 win against Kings College, Taunton. A visit to the Olympic Park now awaits for this talented group of hockey players.

The penultimate block fixture of the term saw 16 RGS sides pitting their wits against Langley Park School. Highlights of some really competitive matches saw a thrilling 4 – 4 draw for the U14As and convincing 7 – 0 victories for both the U16Bs and U15Bs. The final weekend of term was thankfully – with the M25 closed – against local rivals Charterhouse School. The 1st XI signed-off their final Friday night under the lights experience with a dramatic 3 – 3 draw, while the U16As recorded an emphatic 4 – 0 win. RGS teams only tasted two defeats from the 14 games: an impressive way to round off what has been an excellent term of hockey.

SPORTS NEWS

SWIMMING

Frederik Duetoft is the first swimmer from the RGS in memory to be selected for the South-East Region Schools team. The team recently competed against nine other regions, from across England, and the SouthEast came second. Frederik gained Bronze medals in the 100 and 200m breaststroke and was also part of the 4x100 Medley relay team that was placed third as well. Frederik has also qualified to race at the Danish National Championships which doubles up as their Olympic trials.

SHOOTING SKI RACING

The four RGS students who have made it through to UK, British and GB squads or teams attended Bisley for a training weekend. Shooting at 600 in very muddy conditions their scores were an excellent start to the fullbore season. The highest scores for each were as follows: Ayaan Bhagat 33.2, Adam Zhang 35.1, James Nicholas 35.4 and Joshua Myers 35.6. Given that the highest possible score is 35.7, this showed their skills and ability.

Following on from success as part of the Team England delegation competing in the British Dry Slope Championships in Edinburgh, members of our ski race team travelled to Wengen in Switzerland for the British Schoolboys’ Overseas International race event. After three days training, allowing both those new to ski racing and the more experienced to fine tune their skills, the team competed in the disciplines of both slalom and giant slalom with the latter set partly on the famous Lauberhorn Piste in the shadow of the Eiger Jack Weeks collected the Gold medals and trophies for the U18 slalom and giant slalom and our U18 Team of Charlie Connolly, Will Judd, Charlie Locke and Jack Weeks came second overall for the whole competition, gaining Silver medals in The Sunday Times Cup, which was a pleasing result and our best ever since entering the competition when it started 25 years ago.

MEET OUR… SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Mr TW Shimell Assistant Head (Partnerships)

Mr NW Gough Assistant Head (Pastoral)

Mr RA Ukiah Chief Operating Officer

Ms NS Goul-Wheeker Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning)

Mrs CM Perceval Bursar

Mr NE Wild Assistant Head (Operations)

Mr JW Pressley Senior Master

Mrs JSR Thorpe Deputy Head

Mr AU Woodman Senior Deputy Head

Dr JM Cox Headmaster

Mr DSJ Wright Assistant Head (Curriculum)

Mr SJH Yetman Assistant Head (Co-Curricular)