The Bulletin 252 by RGS Guildford

FROM THE HEADMASTER

If one were to task AI with producing a hymn suitable for a school in the 21st century it is unlikely that giants, lions, hobgoblins or, indeed, foul fiends would feature large in the recommended words. Equally, however, a poem which was first penned in 1684 may also feel like it has little to offer an educational setting in modern-day Britain. And yet, despite the passing of time and the very different world in which we now live, To be a Pilgrim remains for students and staff alike, past and present, one of the most powerful and evocative memories of the RGS experience.

John Bunyan wrote his now famous hymn, which was originally produced as a poem, in 1684 as part of his allegory The Pilgrim's Progress. It speaks to the journey of life and the virtues of perseverance, faith, and courage. The essence of the hymn lies in its portrayal of the pilgrim’s journey as a metaphor for life’s challenges and the steadfastness, tenacity and faith required to overcome them; in the case of the pilgrim, it is all achieved with a quiet and yet steely determination. It quickly becomes clear that the parallels for an educational setting could not be more apparent.

As the hymn articulates, irrespective of the challenges faced – Come wind, come weather – there must be no discouragement which will make him once relent. Despite what others say, the pilgrim remains undeterred and resolute in his determination – Whoso beset him round with dismal stories…his strength the more he is.” Regardless of the inevitable challenges which will be faced, he must remain intrepid and unfaltering – No lion can him fright, he’ll with a giant fight. Indeed, a willingness to confront inevitable challenges head-on is testament to his strength of character and faith – Hobgoblin nor foul fiend can daunt his spirit. In the end, a combination of self-belief and self-esteem coupled with industry and diligence will reap its deserved rewards –He’ll fear not what men say, He’ll labour night and day. All of this is what is required to be a true pilgrim.

And this, perhaps, is the aspect that resonates the most. For me a pilgrim is synonymous with loyalty and devotion; with perseverance and steadfastness; with humility and dedication; with self-reflection; with community and fellowship among those who travel together; with sharing a common purpose and supporting each other along the way. And for us there can be no greater end goal than this for our students who are on their own voyages of growth and discovery.

No lion can him fright, he’ll with a giant fight. “ ”

As I reflect on the last six weeks, it certainly feels like we have all been on a quite a journey! What has pleased me is that as a community we have genuinely embraced the spirit of the pilgrim. Whether it has been for our students in facing the challenges of mock public examinations or some of the strongest schools on the sporting circuit, whether it has been the personal challenge of public speaking at a Model United Nations Conference or entering a national science Olympiad, whether it is performing in this week’s RGS Musician of the Year or preparing to participate in one of our drama productions after half term, or whether as a community it has been facing the arrival of the ISI Inspection Team, the values and qualities instilled in us by the pilgrim have stood us all in good stead.

As we break up for half term today, I wish you all the very best for a relaxing, restful half term where you can recharge your batteries and return refreshed and ready for the next stage of your journey, wherever it takes you and without – I hope – a hobgoblin in sight!

SCHOOL PRIORITIES 2022-2025

Our current RGS school development priorities are Collaboration, Student Experience and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. These priorities are in the final year of our three-year cycle.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We have focused on responding to student and staff voice, as well as experienced external providers, to inform our strategy which is currently centred around developing a more inclusive curriculum; staff diversity; 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 enrichment opportunities.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

This is always 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.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

RGS World Book Week

Has your son started reading one of the RGS World Book Week books yet? It’s not too late to start, especially over half term. If he’d like a taster of the books, visit the World Book Week Sharepoint page for blurbs, extracts and buying links.

Why not join in and discuss the book as a family? There is something for everyone!

Monday 17 February

Half term commences for one week.

Monday 24 February

A Level Mock Examinations begin for the Upper Sixth Form (until Tuesday 4 March).

Wednesday 26 February

RGS Parents’ Association Big Online Quiz takes place online.

LATEST NEWS

OLYMPIADS

In the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad, Yuvan Raja and Ronit Sachdeva both secured Top Golds, out of just 30 such awards throughout the country: an exceptional achievement. In addition, RGS students were awarded 32 Golds, 40 Silvers, over 100 Bronzes, and 60 commends.

SPORTS NEWS

BASKETBALL

The Under 18 RGS team returned to action against Trinity School, Croydon who are currently top of the league. Despite the opposition’s intimidating size, the RGS team played with confidence. Although the match finished with a 49 – 87 loss, it was a very strong performance and putting up our highest score against the number one team in the league shows the upwards trend of RGS basketball.

CROSS-COUNTRY

12 RGS students competed in the 75th Judge Cup at Tiffin School: this is a team relay with a student from each year group running a two-lap course with each runner covering 2.8k. Our A Team were placed fifth overall. Particular congratulations to both Etienne Victor and Charlie Wareing who won Silver medals in their age category for their lap times.

CHESS

Our 1st VI hosted KCS Wimbledon Under 13 – the most formidable U13 team in the country! – to avenge their loss last season. The team emerged with an impressive 4 – 2 win, with Ronit Sachdeva, Devansh Panda, Aditya Sengupta and Sebastian Allam winning their games. Meanwhile, the 2nd VI hosted Sutton Grammar School’s 2nd VI and came out with a convincing 8 – 4 win. Special mentions go to James Fenwick and Charlie Lefever for winning both of their games.

FENCING

In the South East Youth Championships in the Under 14 Foil out of 21 fencers, Lucas Ngai was crowned the new SE champion having just been crowned Surrey champion just a fortnight ago. Lucas won 11 consecutive fights on his way to the title. He won the final convincingly by a score of 13 – 6. Next up the Nationals in March. At Under 16 Foil, Harry Radforth finished 8th and Valentine Wallin in 14th. Valentine, Harry, and Lucas have all qualified for the British Youth Championship (BYC) in May.

FOOTBALL

Our four senior teams enjoyed a successful block against Dunottar School. The 1st XI won 2 – 1 with goals from Sam Carney and Eddie Banks. Zack Grover scored a brace in the 2nd XI’s 4 – 0 victory, while Zayyan Ali went one better to record a hat-trick in an entertaining 3 – 3 draw for the 3rd XI, with the RGS having been 1 – 3 down. Other highlights of the fortnight included a convincing 4 – 0 win for the 3rd XI against Royal Russell School with a brace from Hadi Yousaf, while Jake Uzielli also scored two in a defeat for the 5th XI.

This week then saw 70 students representing the School in five fixtures against four different opposition. Dan Krikorian scored a hat-trick for the 4th XI; Tommy McMurray, Fi Adeoshun and vice-captain Dennis Dimov netted braces for the 2nd and 1st XIs. With 23 RGS goals scored across all teams, it was also great to see training being put into practice in the 1st XI's strong team performance. The 2nd XI, led by captain Dan Yates, advanced into the semi-final of the Trinity Cup, after defeating Colfe's School.

SKIING

Nine skiers represented the School at the British Schoolboys’ International Race Championships in Switzerland. The race series was hampered by one metre of fresh powder, which although created fun conditions to ski in, meant that the slalom race had to be cancelled and the giant slalom was very challenging with approximately a third of the competitors either not finishing or being disqualified. The team made fantastic progress fine-tuning their skills under the captaincy of Will Gossage; Elliott Schafer was placed third in the Under 14 unregistered racer category.

SPORT SHORTS

Joshua Ducker won a Gold medal in his weight category at the ICO English Martial Arts Open; this was the first leg of the ICO Four Nations Tournament in Oxford. Arnav Swarup won the Under 12 competition in the Surrey Badminton Tournament without dropping a game; he also reached the semi-finals of the Under 14 competition.

HOCKEY

A really busy fortnight for hockey has seen RGS teams across all year groups involved in domestic and cup fixtures, after school and at weekends, in Surrey and beyond. On an individual level, Sam Bagley and Alex Talbot have been selected for the England and Wales Under 18 squads respectively: a wonderful achievement and very well deserved.

In the National up National Cup the Under 16As won convincingly, beating Magdalen College School 4 – 1; the Under 14As won against Ardingly School on penalty shuffles. Highlights of the block fixture against Reigate Grammar School and KCS Wimbledon included a 3 – 0 victory for the Under 15As with all three goals scored by Ollie Pickup; it was also a good day for the Vickers family as Ben Vickers also scored a hat-trick and Alex Vickers provided five assists in a 9 – 1 win for the Under 13Ds. In this weekend’s block fixtures our junior teams played Tormead School, while our seniors made the journey to Tonbridge School. The Tonbridge matches were particularly evenly matched with all but one of the games being decided by a single goal; the exception was a 10 – 0 victory for the Under 15Bs.