COURAGE Co-Curricular Activities CCF

Co-Curricular Activities

CCF RN Section

The RN Section is thriving with more cadets selecting it as a first choice and more cadets choosing to stay on as NCOs. The leadership team ably led by CPO Dan Cobley with POs Elliott Sinclair and Matthew Warner were supported by an enthusiastic L6 team who show much promise for the year to come. We worked hard to make Period 8 sessions practical and interesting and were also especially pleased to engage a full programme of Field Day activities.

On Field Day 1, we travelled to HMS Excellent on Whale Island in Portsmouth Harbour to join our craft and skippers for the day: two 52’ Fast Motor Launches, a 49’ Halberg Rassey Yacht and a 38’ Sigma yacht. Conditions were outstanding with F3 to 4 northerly winds, calm seas and sunshine. Following induction and brief training, all crews headed out into the Solent heading West with the tide and all made it to Cowes for lunch. One comment was "the best Field Day ever!"

FD1 - Fifth Form Sigma 38 Yacht

FD2 - Fifth & Sixth Form Collingwood Leadership FD2 - Fifth & Sixth Form Obstacle Course

FD2 - Fifth & Sixth Form Field Gun drills

For Field Day 2, our Fourth Form Recruits completed their RYA Power Boat Level 1 qualification at SWAC on the River Itchen in Southampton. An exercise in controlled use of power the cadets carried out a range of complex manoeuvres in ribs such as high speed S-turns (fun!), low speed manoeuvres (parking and not crashing!), and essential safety procedures such as man-overboard recovery. Then for Field Day 3, they travelled to Woodmill Activity Centre where overcast skies and persistent drizzle did not dampen their spirits. The cadets enjoyed a competitive morning of kayaking the River Itchen with Cdt William Holmes found to be both the most powerful and stroke-efficient kayaker. In the afternoon, the cadets demonstrated their creativity with some innovative (if unconventional) raft-building.

At the same time, the more senior cadets journeyed to HMS Collingwood in Gosport to undertake leadership training via Field Gun, Low Ropes and Obstacle Course exercises. The Field Gun run was the highlight for me; this new venture mimics the traditional field gun races comprising a physical and mental challenge of complex sequences and manoeuvres to move, dismantle, rebuild, fire and return the gun, safely working as a team under time-pressure. After lunch the cadets were encouraged to think about leadership, teamwork, delegation and safe working using physical challenges on the low-ropes course to enhance teamwork and leadership. Finally, the day ended with a run through the Collingwood Obstacle Course where all encouraged to challenge themselves and to support each other; highlights included the 10-foot wall and the RAS-line across the deep water.

During Field Day 3, the more senior cadets undertook a Solent RIBEX and after our initial brief and a short planning exercise in the warm and dry SWAC classroom we donned every item of clothing we had including full sailing waterproofs and headed out into Southampton Water. Within five minutes we were drenched by sideways rain and flying spray as we slammed back down off the choppy waves caused by the strong southerly. In the poor visibility and holding on tightly we buoy-hopped as planned with Aaron Chamberlain shouting out the bearings as Alessandro Harker did his best to see where he was going on the helm. Conditions calmed as we reached the lee of the Isle of Wight and we visited Newtown

FD3 - Fouth Form RYA Power Boat Level 1 Course

FD3 - Sixth Form Solent RIBEX FD5 - Sixth Form S700 micro-yacht

FD5 - Sixth Form Portsmouth pilotage

FD5 - Fourth Form Sigma 38 Yacht

Creek nature reserve on the way to Yarmouth for a much needed thaw and hot chocolate in a café. Then back to the mainland with Max Watkinson guiding the pilotage into Lymington before Will Eyles blasted East up the Solent at 35+ knots. The cadets undertook a tablet based treasure hunt in Cowes and then Luke Ong powered back to Southampton in the welcome sunshine. What a great day out!

To round off the year, the whole section travelled to HMS Excellent on Field Day 5 for afloat training aboard two 52’ Fast Motor Launches, a 38’ Sigma yacht, and two 21’ micro-yachts. The wind was strong at F5 to 6 and the smaller yachts had an exciting sail exploring the Portsmouth Harbour channels while not running aground or hitting anything in the gusty conditions. The larger craft braved the choppy Solent conditions exploring the forts, Seaview and even Cowes in the motor cruisers.

None of this would have been possible without the weekly support of Mr Eburne and Mr Muchmore and I thank them for their commitment to the section.

Lt TW Shimell - CCF RN

RAF Section

On exercise in Bramshott Common Shelter building on Field Day

Drill practice

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the RAF Section was able to operate relatively normally, with regular Period 8 and Field Day activities. The NCO team was superbly led by Omid Hariri, who demonstrated outstanding organisational skills and always led his team of NCOs from the front. The success of this year was very much down to Omid’s hard work and enthusiasm for the RAF and I thank him for everything he has done for the RAF Section. My thanks also goes to Pilot Officer Busby and Flying Officers Woodman and Wimblett for their help in both Field Days and Monday Period 8 sessions. Thank you to Flying Officer Wimblett in particular for her years of service to the RAF and I wish her a happy retirement.

The cadets cover the RAF syllabus provided for us by Headquarters Air Cadets including flight simulator training, airfields and aerodromes, principles of flight, ranks of the RAF, the history of the RAF, aircraft in the RAF, aircraft recognition and flight safety. The variety of the topics covered combined with the excellent presentations by the NCOs led to a very successful year’s training.

Field Days included paintballing and high ropes, indoor skydiving at iFly in Basingstoke, a field-craft and navigation day at Bramshott Common, and museum trips to the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon and the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the flying and gliding did not come on stream this year, but the RAF have confirmed that Air Experience Flying at RAF Benson will commence for our cadets in September 2022, which is great news!

Sqn Ldr EKD Bush - CCF RAF

Leadership tasks on Field Day

Tangmere aviation museum Indoor skydiving

The RAF memorial at Tangmere

Army Section

In the field

Cadets depart the HQ on FD3

FIELD DAYS

This year it was pleasing that the Army section of the CCF have returned to training at numerous local training areas and facilities. Field Day 1 saw the Fifth and Sixth Forms fine tune their marksmanship skills on

the dismounted close combat trainer at Pirbright before live firing on their 100m range, supported by upgrading their practical first aid skills. On Field Day 2, the senior cadets spent the day on exercise on Bramshott Common. Having carried out a close target recce, the sections then planned and carried out an assault on the enemy. The new joiners were trained and tested on the cadet rifle in preparation for future Field Day activity. On Field Day 3, all the cadets spent the day on Bramshott Common taking part in Exercise Solid Foundation. The boys carried out training in camouflage and concealment, movement in the field and some low-level tactics before putting them into practice, along with their basic skill-at-arms using the cadet general purpose rifle in numerous blank firing scenarios. They mainly demonstrated good skills which was particularly impressive considering the weather on the day.

On Field Day 4 the Army section carried out their annual 24hr fieldcraft exercise. Once rations had been supplied and the cadets had been upskilled in carrying out ambushes on the Allen House field, they departed for Bramshott Training Area in Liphook. On arrival, once rifles and other equipment had been issued and the safety brief completed the exercise began with a patrol into a harbour area, setting up of BASHAs before practising platoon attacks and the fire and manoeuvre skills learned on Field Day 3. After that the boys enjoyed cooking and eating their rations, which most found surprisingly good. Just after nightfall the platoons moved out to carry out a deliberate ambush of a narrow valley. All ran to plan and having achieved the objective, they returned to their harbour and the comfort of their BASHAs for a good night’s sleep. At 0620 and completely rested, both platoons went out and carried out two separate platoon attacks before departing the training area to return to school and clean their rifles.

The attack on FD4

In field training on FD2

On Field Day 5 the day was split with half a day taken with Laser Tag Rifle and Paintballing Bramshott Common where the boys practised their combat skills under the supervision from the team at Battlesoft and the other half live firing on the ranges at Longmoor. The boys fired at 100, 200 and 300m, with some impressive scores by some. The final activity of the day was MTA leadership tasks. These large Meccano-style kits always prove to be a hit, especially with a competitive component.

Summer Camp

Team Building Challenge on FD5

Assault course

Summer Camp Laser Tag

Axe throwing & Archery Climbing SUMMER CAMP

During the first week of the holidays, 15 cadets from all three sections spent the week on the 11 Brigade CCF Summer Camp held at Crowborough Camp taking part in an excellent and varied training package. The first two days were spent on fieldcraft training with a reminder of basic fire and manoeuvre before progressing to assaults in built up areas before a platoon attack on numerous enemy positions. This was complemented by survival stands, laser quest fieldcraft and a night in BASHAS. The next training serial was adventurous training based both on the water (kayaks, rafts and SUPs) and land-based: archery, climbing and mountain biking. There was then a day training in camp where the boys went paintballing, learned about weapons of both the British and other armies, firing on a dismounted close combat trainer, clay pigeon shooting before learning to assemble a field gun and go over an army assault course.

The final day was competition day which covered all of the above activities and also a drill competition.

The boys worked hard as a team all week and were proactive and effective throughout. In the end, the Contingent were placed 3rd out of the 12 teams overall in the competition, which was an excellent result with such a young team. We also won the assault course event and came second in the shooting with very positive feedback on the drill.

LtCdr SJH Yetman - Contingent Commander CCF

Chess

Simultaneous

After a considerably more ‘remote’ chess season last academic year, RGS Chess was delighted to resume its busy over-the-board schedule this year.

Unusually, due to the pandemic, the entire Surrey Schools’ League schedule was squeezed into the Lent Term this year. Our 1st and 2nd VIs competed in Divisions 1 and 2 respectively with our 3rd VI playing shorter rapid-play matches in Division 3. We continue to be very lucky to have the Briant Poulter Surrey Schools’ League, which seems to be the only school chess league of its kind remaining in the country. We plan on having three teams enter again next year.

Chess Club continued to run each lunchtime during the Michaelmas and Lent terms, open four days a week to all ages and abilities. The generally relaxed and unstructured nature of the lunchtime sessions allows boys to simply play chess for enjoyment, with groups of four students often electing to play ‘Exchange’ chess for a bit of variety!

Once again, Ken Coates came in and delivered a series of eight coaching sessions to a group of around 20 keen chess players after school. He discussed various things, from opening and endgame theory to famous chess matches of the past. As is usual, he used the last session to play a simultaneous game against all of the boys at once, which is always good fun! Our very own Mr Foster also delivered after school coaching sessions in the Trinity Term. The second ever RGChess tournament took place this year. This took place over several weeks and gave any RGS pupil the chance to throw their hat into the ring and play some chess against fellow students. The matches happened at lunchtimes and the winners of each section were announced in final assembly. We had over 40 boys take part this year.

Our 1st VI have once again seen success in the National Schools Competition, making it all the way to the National Finals (top 20 teams in the country) competing in a swiss-style format over two days to determine the best of the best. The tournament took place in Stratford-upon-Avon this year and, in an incredibly strong field, our 1st VI did remarkably well finishing in a tied 4th place.

Mr HWJ Hadley - Head of Chess

Climbing

Abseil on Dancing Ledge

The positive mindset of the RGS climbers - students and staff - and the willingness to make the best friendships and days, have made the year a great success. Indoor training, coasteering, bouldering and cliff-climbing are all rewarding and liberating in their own right, but doing so in good company is a rare privilege. My thanks go to Mr Holland and students of the climbing group.

Mr MRF Royds - Head of Climbing

It has been difficult not to enjoy the year of Mountaineering and Climbing. Monday afternoons were spent on indoor walls, developing technique and strength. This sounds very focused and intense, but the enterprise is carried out in a relaxed atmosphere of good conversation and mellow tunes that the climbing option is able to offer a welcome break from other challenges in the weeks.

Some RGS climbers are pushing climbing grades that require significant physical ability and presence of mind, while others are getting to grips with technique and learning to push their limits. It is very encouraging to see character among the students: there is much good-humoured teaching and learning that takes place among the group without needing any influence of staff, so that none are left out of the camaraderie.

In the warmer field days we have taken trips to Harrison’s Rocks, a sandstone outcrop near Tunbridge Wells, and trips to Stanage and Portland Island on the south coast. Climbing outside is a different experience and calls for a cool head. The waves pounding the cliffs at Swanage add to the drama; all the more so coasteering at Portland, climbing in caves and navigating underwater clefts in the rock.

Big moves on the overhang Crack climbing

Cross Country

Cross Country is a sport where many teams compete at an event. It is therefore not a surprise that, this season, there have been some notable cancellations due to the impact of Covid. The situation was made worse by the fact that many schools hold their races in public open spaces, sometimes these were just not available.

Having said that the RGS was fortunate to be able to host our annual Haskell Cup event on Merrow Downs, back in November. Ever a popular event it attracted around 20 schools with close on 50 teams and as always enjoyed by all. In recent years we have also included a girls race within the event.

Despite these constraints, quite a few fixtures have taken place and we have seen some excellent running, with notable successes with the Junior Team, this is very encouraging for the future. Including: the first race of the season where our Juniors won at Charterhouse, back in January, at the Sevenoaks Junior Knole Run, in a quality field of nearly 40 schools, the RGS Juniors were 6th overall, South London Harriers event near Croydon, the Juniors were an impressive 2nd, only beaten by Judd who are the top cross-country school in the country, in March the Juniors visited Danes Hill and from 16 schools the RGS were runners up, an excellent performance, in the English Schools Cross Country Cup, a national event, our Junior Team won the local round and made it to the SE Regional Finals, finishing 4th, just missing out on competing in the National Finals in Cornwall.

A large contingent of RGS boys ran in the Guildford District championships. Around 10 boys were then selected to represent the district in the County Championships at Reigate. Eddie Wilson in the Second Form and George Vickers, First Form ran excellent races and were selected to represent Surrey in an inter-counties race.

Congratulations are also due to all the boys and staff that ran in the Max Windle Trust cross-country race at the end of the Lent Term

Overall much to be pleased with and an encouraging return to normality.

Mr W D Cowx - Head of Cross Country

Duke of Edinburgh Award

This year has been a busy year for DofE expeditions with just under 400 students on expeditions from the Third, Fourth, Fifth, L6th and U6th Forms as we had some expeditions which we had delayed so we could run fully and free from Covid expedition variations. The report below runs in chronological order.

The Fourth Form depart on this Bronze expedition dressed in their Hawaiian theme

Bronze Qualifying Expedition - Fourth Form in September to Surrey Hills

On the Sunday and Monday of FD1 141 boys from the Fourth Form, supported by 13 staff, completed a two day expedition on the hills and heathlands of Surrey. The day started with rain, which is always good from a training point of view and a staggered start from Hindhead. After issuing the final kit, completing the safety brief and ensuring that they looked like accomplished walking teams, they departed on their route from the Devil’s Punchbowl, across the navigationally challenging Hankley Common to arrive at the campsite in Tilford 15km later. Here the boys completed a revision on campcraft and cooking before putting both skills into practice before settling in for the night, attempting to ignore the frenzied and continuous braying of a nearby donkey. After a good night’s sleep they cleared camp and started their 20km hike back to Guildford. The majority of the teams did very well, being relatively self-sufficient for their expedition and reaching the standard required for the bronze DofE Award, which most are registered for.

Silver Practice Expedition - Fifth Form to Brecon At the start of Half term 30 pupils and six staff departed for the Black Mountains to complete a two day and three night expedition. On the first day, the teams were accompanied by staff and completed the required

in field training before being supervised more remotely. The sunny and clear conditions on the first day were not replicated on the following ones with some wet and challenging conditions. Most of the teams rose to the challenge and by the end were in a position to proceed to Exmoor in July for their Qualifying Expedition. The movement from Practice to Qualifying is not a given and two teams were given action plans and further training to complete in order to meet the required standard.

The day after the Silver practice returned, two of the Silver staff, accompanied by two additional staff returned to Wales, this time the Brecon Beacons with 18 members of the U6 to complete their Gold Qualifying Expedition. After a night in a bunk house, the teams departed for their four days away, where they experience cold, wet and windy conditions to complement the stunning Brecon landscape. The teams performed well and exceed the standard required.

Third Form celebrate a birthday on their Bronze Expedition If it isn't raining it isn't training!

Gold Camaraderie in Brecon

At the end of March, it was the turn of the L6 to head to Brecon for their Gold Qualifying Expedition. Having had a day to recover from the Lent Term, the 34 students in six teams and five staff met in North Court at the leisurely time of 9.45am on the first Sunday of the holidays for the start of their Gold Qualifying DofE Expedition. Although the clocks had changed the night before, so it was actually earlier than it seemed, the boys enthusiastically and without complaint unpacked their meticulously packed rucksacks to allow the staff to complete the required kit check before they reassembled all they required for their three-night and four-day expedition.

After an excellent journey, the teams were established in a bunkhouse in the Brecon Beacons which was to be home for the night before the expedition started. The bunkhouse location, nestled on the shores of Pontsticill Reservoir provided a fantastic backdrop for the teams to enjoy a fish and chip supper, sitting outside under a cloud-free and starry sky, around a roaring fire, impressively constructed by Messers Royds and Shimell.

The boys then completed their four-day expedition around the Brecon Beacons in what was the most fantastic weather conditions, with glorious sunshine for much of it, some wind and only a little rain on their last night. This little rain turned to light and then heavier snow for the last day, which pleasingly gave the teams an insight into how quickly the weather can change and helped reinforce why hats and gloves were on the kit list, although the clear and cold first two nights had already probably done this. It also pleasingly arrived as the teams were descending to the end point!

The groups of L6 Formers developed into teams and rose to the challenge of the award, all being successful having completed a route of approximately 80km and over 3km of ascent over the four days and carrying all that they needed to be self-sufficient. It was good to see how well they got on together, helping each other through the harder times, with this spirit continuing on our return to Guildford, post-expedition, with the cleaning and hanging of kit in preparation for its return to the store.

The Gold Team reaches Pen-y-Fan Gold Qualifying - Fish and Chips by the fire before the expedition begins

Bronze Expeditioners at Tilford

On Field Days 4 and 5, the Third Form, in two halves, met members of staff at the Devil’s Punchbowl in Hindhead for their Bronze qualifying expeditions. Both expeditions followed a similar pattern.

Shortly after 10.30am, the boys with their rucksacks, laden with essentials began to arrive. After being registered and marshalled into the clearing in the woods where rucksack fitting and overall appearance was checked. Once in their teams, they collected their maps and route cards for the day, along with survival bags and compasses.

Next stop the holding area, where teams were released at 5 minute intervals to complete a short loop through the NT grounds for a final check on their navigation skills before being allowed out to head towards Tilford and the campsite.

Although it was only another 16km or so there was plenty of space for the teams to test their navigation across Hankley Common, the golf club and onward past Tilford green (where a cricket game was underway) to their campsite at Garners field. Once in camp and the kit check complete, tents went up and dinner was cooked. The light evening made it ideal for their own game of cricket, until lights out at 11.00pm. Monday morning was a very early start, mainly because of the early sunrise and certain fowl that like to wake up super early! By 6.00am, nearly all the teams were up and about, making breakfast and taking tents down. After breakfast, the industrious activity continued, cleaning Trangia’s (until they had a mirror like finish) and handing them in. Their second set of route cards and maps issued as the team made their final preparations for the long walk ahead (this time about 18km, unless of course they went wrong!). By 07.30am, several teams were waiting to go. With the first team released at 7.55am, all the teams were soon on their way for the second day of their expedition.

As we got to the halfway point in Puttenham, the rain had started but still, the first of the teams arrived in good spirits, if a little wet. Waterproofs on and they were sent on their way and it was only 10.50am.

The last of the teams were through the checkpoint by 2.00pm, by which time the first team was safely back at school having finished their expedition. Over the next two hours, the rest finished, tents put up to dry and all on their way home!

A Silver Team enjoy the sunshine on Exmoor

The Final expedition of the year, was the Silver Qualifying Expedition for 22 members of the Fifth Form, accompanied by three staff. The four teams enjoyed fantastic conditions on Exmoor and all the successful teams met the requirements.

There is no way that we could run such a wide ranging and varied programme without the support of the staff team. We run all the expeditions in house and I am grateful for the assistance of the core team of regulars supported by a large number of other staff for the Field Day expeditions.

Mr SJH Yetman - Head of DofE

The successful Silver Teams

Hiking

Enjoying a view of the North Downs

Despite a few cases of inclement weather, the past year has yielded some fantastic locations on Field Days and period 8 hikes. The first Field Day hike presented the group with panoramic views of the Surrey Hills around the Devil’s Punch Bowl, whilst several other routes (both Field Days and period 8 walks) were accompanied by the River Wey.

Since the Monday period eight hikes are set in and around Guildford, the Field Days allow for a pleasant change of scenery. For instance, the second Field Day offered a memorable hike around a rather wet Wimbledon Common, which was then followed by a sunny circuit of Richmond Park where we saw many deer and distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral. After a few indoor Period 8 Ordnance Survey lessons in the Lent Term, the group set out to the North Downs on Field Day 3. The 18-kilometre hike starting and ending at school was plagued by heavy rain, but morale remained high as a total ascent of 348 metres and an average of 26,800 steps were accomplished during the day.

In terms of weather, the Trinity Term was much more forgiving. As if the first Field Day hike around Haslemere had not been hilly enough, the Field Day 4 hike took place around the now-infamous Box Hill. The 13-mile route began with the initial extremely steep climb from the A24 to the top of Box Hill. A stiff start with rewarding views! By contrast, Field Day 5 presented a largely flat and sunny route along the River Wey from West Byfleet to Guildford. The chance to work the locks to allow canal boats to pass through was a highlight and rounded off a very enjoyable year of hiking.

Tom Streatfeild U6-7

View from the sunny Haslemere hike

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking as a period 8 option returned after a forced pause due to Covid and enjoyed a great session at the RGS. With weekly sessions taking advantage of the school’s proximity to some great terrain around St Martha’s Hill and Newlands Corner, we try to mix things up by working on both our fitness and our riding skills. The local area is full of hilly and challenging routes that get the heart pumping; the traditional starting climb up to Pewley Down being a case in point. During the weeks either side of Christmas we also add in a little gym and spinning.

Field Days are a chance to stretch our legs a little more and visit the Hurtwood area, Holmbury Hill and Swinley Forest, places that have a national reputation for off-road cycling and some excellent cross-country and downhill tracks. We have also visited two purpose built downhill areas that challenged everyone in the group. Rogate and Tidworth Bike Parks both pack in a huge variety of tracks that include twisty berms, technical rooty sections and some huge jumps (if that is your thing). Our visit to Rogate back in March was particularly challenging, with wet weather gradually causing the conditions to degenerate to a point where the bikes could hardly make it down the hill. It is in conditions like this that the boys really show their best; everyone rides to the best of their ability, we all help and support each other and this makes every Field Day, regardless of the weather, hugely rewarding and great fun.

The boys have been truly outstanding this year; the occasional fall is to be expected but another year has passed without a serious injury in the group. Rider of the year goes to Tom Stork, who came riding even when he was on Study Leave!! Finally, huge thanks to Mr Mullon and Mr Gray for their help and company throughout the year.

Dr JS Braithwaite - Head of Mountain Biking

Outdoor Pursuits

Calm before the storm

The Field Days continue to be an excellent source of fun, and also provide the opportunity to enhance relationships, try new activities, and develop key skills; namely teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience. The electric go-karts at TeamSport, Farnborough, allowed for plenty of chaotic driving, spins, and superb lap times – special mention has to go to to Jake Szekeres, who posted a blistering 43.9, just a tenth of a second slower than F1’s Alonso’s time! The knee-boarding at Thorpe Lake certainly

tested the boys’ resilience - some suffering multiple face plants before they successfully managed laps of the lake –but none gave up, and several successfully graduated to the wake-boards by the end of the day. We were also treated to some rather impressive wake-boarding jumps and tricks by Jacy Williams, one of the top boarders in the country for his age group, and Mr Vickers who had a few moves up his sleeve too! With Bushcraft at BigHat Bushcamp and paintballing completing the Field Day offerings, the boys have certainly had an excellent time. My sincerest thanks to all the staff whose enthusiasm and support make OP a great success.

With a return to normal school life, we were able to resume a full programme of Outdoor Pursuits activities. 120 students, from both the Fourth and Fifth Forms, commenced half-termly Period 8 rotations of: Ultimate Frisbee, street dance, Siege Machines (building trebuchet style catapults), cooking, archery, climbing, and the newly introduced board diving at Guildford Spectrum - Star Diving club offered excellent, tailored tuition to help the boys grow in confidence as they worked their way higher up the different boards. Cooking this year has also been enhanced courtesy of catering manager Karen Riches and her team. Students have produced various dishes including: stir-fry, pizza, homemade burgers, and a Christmas treat - impressively decorated gingerbread houses!

Fourth Form enjoying Thorpe Lake

Mr KP Tayar - Head of Outdoor Pursuits

Lifesaving and Surfing

FD1- Cornwall

Field Day 1 (September 2021): 20 boys from the Lower Sixth and 6 from the Upper Sixth Monday 8 Lifesaving and Surfing group travelled to Mawgan Porth for surfing lessons. The weather was excellent and there was masses of surf. The boys battled hard in tricky conditions. The beach was red flagged on two of the days due to strong rip currents, but as the boys were with a recognised surf school and with their lifeguards the lessons were allowed to continue. Rip tides are essential for surfers. They use them to their benefit to 'get out back' before surfing the waves back into the beach. So, all was well, and a great time was had by all.

Field Day 2 (November 2021): Before our departure, excitement ran high as we had dreamy conditions forecasted. How little did we know as by Thursday morning the conditions had drastically changed with 27mph wind expected and 18ft waves. However, as has become a norm our enthusiastic and knowledgeable surf instructors at Kingsurf found the perfect locations to score good waves.

On Friday morning Porth welcomed us with unspoiled long rides while shielding us from the wind, the sun helped us warm up after a chilly start. With no shortages of waves, the boys excelled themselves in their efforts as we were chasing the tide for our afternoon surf at a different location: Harlyn. Here we were reminded of the importance of respecting the power of the sea, when conditions changed, we ended the session just before the beach turned into a giant rip. In the evening we were fortunate to have the use of a local indoor pool for our enjoyment and recuperation, followed by a delicious meal at a local restaurant before a strongly contested table tennis competition back at Mawgan Porth Village Hall. On Saturday morning we returned to Porth Beach and once more it didn’t disappoint. The boys again excelled themselves in effort, perseverance, and good company, not to mention their exceptional skills as DJ’s.

Field Day 3 (March 2022): A hardy group of 18 Lower Sixth Form Lifesavers and Surfers braved the elements to take an extended field day trip down in Newquay. The weather conditions were warm but breezy. With 12 foot waves pounding the exposed beaches we took sanctuary in Porth Beach where the waves were smaller and more manageable if somewhat choppy due to the extreme conditions. The boys did very well both in and out of the water. The RGS Dryrobes being essential to keep warm in between sessions as indeed was the double pasty lunch. Patrick McKendry, Jonty Durie and James Aberdour impressed with their skill and determination, but all the boys caught great waves and made good progress.

FD4 - Cornwall

Mr JA Casale - Head of Lifesaving and Surfing

Field Day 4 (May 2022): The Lower Sixth Lifesaving group travelled to Mawgan Porth for three days of great weather and very manageable surf. Although the regime of a long journey, sleeping on the floor of the village hall and grazing on a diet of McDonalds and cornish pasties may not be conducive to explosive power in the waves the boys were as ever superb. They displayed endless energy in the sea and likewise on the beach with football and other high jinks. Despite their exhaustion, they managed to surf everyday and sang the entire way home in the minibus. McKendry, Banks, Durie, Galpin and Pearce excelled as did Zhang who was trying surfing for the first time.

Field Day 5 (June 2022): An 8-man crew of hard-core L6 surfers journeyed to Cornwall and braved the seas at Mawgan Porth in sizeable waves. It was hard to find a clean green wave in the first few sessions as the sea was turbulent with wind and swell. However, on the last day the waves relented a fraction and the boys’ skills improved such that most were able to make it out the back. Here they were greeted by the infamous steep and fast Mawgan Porth low tide left hander. James Aberdour and Tom J Humphreys excelled themselves by getting out to the green waves on a regular basis. The others in the group persevered in the reforms and improved their confidence and consistency considerably. Despite the surf induced exhaustion each day, the boys managed to play football on the beach, pitch and putt and table tennis before relaxing at the cinema which we set up in the village hall.

My thanks to Mrs Wilson and Mr Crew for making these trips possible.

FD5 - Cornwall

SCHOLARSHIP

Zac Warham 5P In the future I want to go into medicine. In my view one of our main purposes in life “

is to show kindness to others and for me, the best way to do this is through becoming

a doctor and helping people. ”