WEEKLY BULLETIN — 5 February 2016

From the Headmaster

This week at RGS saw the launch of the long-awaited new website www.reigategrammar.org and I am delighted with the outcome. Thank you to the many parents, staff, students and governors who all contributed to its development. This site brings many new features, links and pathways to all the information about the school and is specifically designed to provide as much detail as possible to current and prospective parents as well as other stakeholders. Do have a good look around via the Parents link at the top or the links contained within the Home page to the school calendar, box office, sports pages, Parents’ Online Payment system, Parent Portal, weather station and much, much more. As ever, I would be delighted to hear your feedback so do be in touch.

This week seems to have been a busy week in terms of academic enrichment competitions and events at school and elsewhere. Nineteen Sixth Form students (including fourteen in the Lower Sixth Form) took part in the challenging and highly competitive Biology Olympiad achieving four Bronze, five Silver and three Gold medals between them—a superb achievement. Commended certificates were awarded to: Cian Clancy and Josie Wood; Highly Commended certificates: Katherine Lyon and Ciaran Nestor; Bronze medals: Jack Kelly, Harry Lewin, Tom Rowell and Emon Uddin; Silver medals: James Bennett, Zeb Bond, Tom Fedrick, Natasha Magness and Jenny Strange; and Gold medals: Emma Foster, Maria Ionescu and Tom Schlaefli. Maria Ionescu and Tom Schlaefli were among the top Gold medal winners in the country and will be invited to participate in the UK team selection process for the prestigious International Biology Olympiad.

You will all know that the RGS Weather Station is a popular site for meteorologists all over the world and I am delighted to share with you that the RGS Weather Station Blog is a finalist in the Digital Awards 2016. There are seven finalists, so a fair chance of a win and I will let you know how we RGS gets on in due course.

In the SATRO Problem Solving Challenge at St Bede’s earlier this week, teams had to build a timer out of an assortment of materials with points being awarded for the most accurate designs. All three RGS teams were able to make working timers, but the Sixth Form team’s effort was superb and enabled them to win the Senior age group and qualify for the Grand Final in March. Well done to Catherine Brumwell, George Cull, Charly Earnshaw, Luke Jones and Charles Lee, and as well as all the other team members.

The Modern Language department also returned victorious from the CLFS Love Language Competition where RGS Second Form students won the Year 7 and 8 category with their play in French, German, Spanish and Russian entitled Komm flieg mit mir! Allons-y! Vamanos! The students performing were: Leah Beglan, Ellie Bodkin, Lauren Crighton, Leila De Meza, Tally Goss, Jack Grant, Frederic Jebson, Charlie Jenner, James Lee, Stephanie Rockall, Edward Shires and Millie Wootten. Special thanks go to Freya MacTavish and Lois Rawlance who helped

Pictured above left: The RGS U13 Girls’ Hockey Team who are Surbiton Tournament Plate winners and also Third in Surrey Pictured above right: the RGS Second Form CLFS Love Languages Competition Winners

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Notices with the preparations and rehearsals but sadly couldn’t perform on the day. I am In the Bulletin this Week very pleased with this result—well done to all—and would like to thank Miss Sowa and the RGS German Assistant, Dominik Doersching who both worked hard to prepare the students and accompany them on the day. Angus, Thongs and Even More Snogging 3 The RGS Spanish Exchange got underway this week when Maristas Cristo Rey students arrived on Wednesday evening to be met by an excited group of Biology and Geography Ecosystems twenty Fourth Form Spanish students. I was delighted to welcome the Spanish Expedition 2 leaders and their students to RGS when they spent their first full day in Reigate Biology Olympiad 1 attending lessons and experiencing British school life—the RGS way. Teachers Careers Convention 3 warmly welcomed them to lessons, even adding a Spanish twist to activities. This is the first time RGS has had a Spanish Exchange and I am grateful to all staff who Careers Talk: Douse Associates 3 have helped to make this happen, in particular Miss Vaughan, who will Cashless Catering 4 accompany RGS students on the return visit in April. CCF Update 4

Changing Lives 1675 Bursary Student News Kieran Twaites has been awarded the Chief Scout Gold Award which is the Fund 4 highest award given to scouts who must complete eight challenge badges over Chief Scout Gold Award 2 their time in the Scouts. It has taken Kieran two and a half years to complete all CLFS Love Languages the work necessary (which very few scouts complete) to receive the coveted Competition 1 Gold award. Kieran also fulfils the role of Senior Troop Leader—a rare honour, seldom awarded—which allows him to assist in the running of the troop and Diary Update 5 organise camps and expeditions. Well done Kieran. DofE Awards Presentation Evening 4 Next week another group of Sixth Form students will set to Belize for the Electives: All About Boats 4 Biology and Geography Ecosystems expedition. You will be glad to know that last week’s cake sale for Belize raised £175 to conserve creatures and International Biology Olympiad 1 habitats in Belize—thank you to all the bakers and consumers. Komm flieg mit mir! Allons-y! Vamanos! 1 Finally, congratulations and good luck to Clara Alston, Madison Desroches, Music Quiz—cancelled 4 Thomas Elkeles, Patrick Florida-James, Lakith Gabrielsen, Owen Knowles, Tomos Knowles, Jake Maxwell, Jemima Potter and Ashleigh New RGS Website 1 Smith who have qualified for the Surrey Swimming Championships which Non Uniform Day 4 start this weekend. Parents’ Online Payment System 4

Please do continue to send me any news items, comments or feedback by email PFA Comedy Night 3 to [email protected]. I always enjoy hearing your news and if RGS Unplugged 4 there is anything I can do to help, please just let me know. RGS Weather Outlook 4 RGS Weather Station Blog 1 Best Wishes Shaun Fenton, Headmaster Run Reigate 2016 4 SATRO Problem Solving # Challenge 1

Science Week 3/5

Sci-Fi Day: Third Form 3 Spanish Exchange 2 Surrey U12 Girls Indoor Athletics Champions 2

Surrey Swimming Championships 2 U13 Girls’ Hockey Surbiton Tournament 1 U13 Girls’ Hockey Surrey Tournament 1

Congratulations to the Under 12 Girls (pictured left) on becoming Surrey Indoor Athletics Champions.

The Peter Harrison Foundation Centre Please be extra vigilant around the school as site traffic is busy throughout the day. Please avoid driving onto the site at all times and in particular, avoid the coach park. If it is necessary to park close to the Music School, please ensure adequate access for lorries, other cars, minibuses, coaches and pedestrians at all times.

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Notices

Science Week: Third Form Sci-Fi Day Students to bring own electronic devices

On Friday 12 February as part of Science Week the English and Science departments will be working collaboratively to host the annual Sci-Fi day for the Third Form. Students will experience talks in the first part of the day on some of the more unusual and varied elements of the scientific world, whilst the rest of the day sees the year group work with the English department to experiment with those ideas in their writing.

The key question to be debated is ‘What does it mean to be human?’ which students will explore in creative workshops and activities, together with guest speakers delivering talks on their specialist subjects, ranging from robotics to space and time travel.

Students are asked to bring in their own electronic devices in order to create a variety of projects and presentations to be showcased and celebrated. NB: Devices will be kept in a secure and locked classroom when not in use.

Careers from Mr Buzzacott

Careers Convention: 8 February Angus, Thongs and Running alongside the Careers Convention on Monday 8 February there will be three talks in the Even More Snogging Library:  7.10-7.40pm Studying for degrees in Europe RGS Box Office with Mark Huntington from A Star Future.  7.50-8.20pm NOW What do I do if I do not know what degree or career I want to do? with Carolyn Scott. OPEN  8.30-9.00pm Careers in Insurance with Natasha Rees (OR). Students and parents are welcome to go round the Careers Convention in the Concert Hall and just leave for 30 minutes to hear a talk in the Library. Back by popular demand If you would like to attend one of RGS Parents’ and Friends’ Association is pleased to present these talks please email Mrs Wilson on [email protected].

Comedy Night Priority will be given to those who have booked a place, however, you Saturday 19th March at 7.15pm may turn up on the night in the event there is space.

Featuring stand-up acts Gap Year in Financial Services booked by an Award-Winning at Douse Associates TV comedy producer Former student Katie Grimstone (2015) returns to RGS on Tuesday 9 Further details to follow. February at 1.30pm in C2 to talk about her Gap Year at Douse Tickets will sell fast and priority will be given to current RGS parents Associates [currently recruiting students The evening will include adult humour so is for over 18s PFA - Registered Charity No. 280394 for next year].

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Notices The RGS Foundation is RGS Cashless Catering looking for runners to take part in this year’s Run Reigate Successfully Launched to raise vital funds for the Changing Lives 1675 The new RGS Cashless Catering system was successfully Bursary Fund. launched on Monday 1 February 2016 and we hope your children are enjoying the faster service in the dining hall To register your interest or and Sixth Form Centre. to find out more, please contact Hazel Cornick on REMINDER 01737 229408 or email To put money onto lunch accounts log on to the [email protected] Parents’ Online Payment system (POP) at http:// rgs.to/pop, via the link on the front page of the school website or via the Parent Portal. RGS Music Quiz: Friday 5 February The Music Quiz has been cancelled but will return in the If you would like your child or children to be registered Autumn Term refreshed and revitalised… watch this on the cashless catering system, or have any general space for further details. queries regarding the move to cashless catering, please email [email protected]. If you have any RGS Unplugged: Thursday 11 February queries relating to POP, please contact Mrs Page on Back by popular demand, at 7.30pm in the Recital Room, 01737 229362 or email [email protected]. Tickets now available from the RGS Box Office (link).

RGS Weather Outlook Most unsettled at times through weekend into next week Students in including the south. Risk periods of gales and heavy rain as Mr Powell’s Elective, deep Atlantic lows track nearer the south. Also tries to All About Boats, turn cooler with periods of northerly/NE winds possible keep things and a small chance of short-lived wintry weather. Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion. REMINDER: RGS DofE Awards Presentation deadline—Wednesday 9 March 2016 To receive invitations to the annual RGS Award Presentation on Thursday 21 April, participants must complete all sections and have all assessor reports uploaded to eDofE by Wednesday 9 March. Invitations PARENTS’ ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM will be sent out by the end of term only to those who The following trips, services and items are now available have completed their award by this deadline. Details on for payment via the Parents’ Online Payment System. how to finish DofE awards can be found at the RGS DofE website: https://rgsdofe.wordpress.com/edofe/. AVAILABLE FOR PAYMENT If there are any questions, please contact Mr Collins. Cricket, Jersey France, Chateau du Broutel Non Uniform Day: Friday 12 February Geography, Belize 2016 In return for a £1 donation in support of the House Golf Tour, Bryanston 2016 Charities students will be able to come into school in non Hockey Tour, Bath uniform on Friday 12 February. There will also be a Netball Tour, Costa Dorada, Spain number of Valentines related events including a cake sale. Rugby Tour, Biarritz Tuesday 9 February is Shrove Tuesday and whilst this will Senior Ski, France—Second Deposit be a normal uniform day, there will be pancakes on sale Spanish, Andalucía and pancake races in the playground! More details will follow soon. Biology—Science Live, Piccadilly Theatre Biology—Nettlecombe Court (First Deposit) CCF Update Biology—Wakehurst Place  Weapon’s Handling Test: 6 February, RGS, Careers—Churchill College, Cambridge 09:00-16:00hrs. English—King Lear History—Hitler on Trial  Outdoor Range Day: 7 February, Camp, Model United Nations—John Warner School 08:00-17:30hrs. RS—All You Need is Love (8 February)  Mountain Biking Weekend: 11-13 March, Capel RS—Conference (9 March) Curig, North Wales, 14:00-21:00hrs. The link to the Parents’ Online Payment system is  Mess Dinner: 16 April, PMH, 19:00-23:00hrs on the school website and on Parent Portal. All queries should be directed to Plt Off Rusbridge via [email protected]. If there are any queries with any of the payments listed, or Any queries, please email [email protected].

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Diary dates Changes from the published calendar are in BOLD February Half Term 6 Sa MUN: John Warner Conference (departs) 13 Sa Sixth Form Art trip (departs) (Paris, France) CCF: Weapons Handling (RGS) 09:00-16:00 Third & Fourth Form Geography trip (departs) (Iceland) Netball v KCS Wimbledon: 1st VII, 2nd VII, 3rd VII, 4th VII (H) 09:30 16 Tu Sixth Form Art trip (returns) (Paris, France) Netball v Royal Russell: U15A&B (A) 09:30 U14AB&C (A) 10:30 17 W Third & Fourth Form Geography trip (returns) (Iceland) Netball Priorsfield Tournament: U12A&B, U13A&B (A) 10:00 21 Su Sixth Form Tropical Ecosystems trip (returns) (Belize) Rugby v Coopers’ Company and Coborn School: 1st & 2nd XV (HW) 10:30 22 M Return after Half Term 08:30 Boys' Hockey v King’s School, Canterbury: Netball v School: U14AB&C (A) 14:15 * Note New Times * Mixed Swimming v Hazelwood: U12, U13 (H) 16:00 U15A&B (A) 13:30 Much Ado About Nothing: Rehearsal 16:00-17:30 1st XI, 2nd XI (H) 13:30 Angus, Thongs and Snogging: Rehearsal 16:00-19:00 U14A (H) 14:45 Governors: Governance & Risk Management Meeting 17:30-19:30 7 Su MUN: John Warner Conference (returns) Rugby 7s v The Portsmouth Grammar: 23 Tu Final School Boosters: Fourth Form 1st VII (A) 08:00-16:00 Netball v : U13ABC&D (H) 16:30 CCF: Outdoor Range Day (Pirbright) 08:00-17:30 13+ Pre-Test offer holder drop-in morning (HM Study) Angus, Thongs and Snogging: Rehearsal 10:00-17:00 09:30-11:00 Much Ado About Nothing: Rehearsal 10:00-17:00 Second Form GCSE Options Evening (PMH/BB) 19:00-21:00 Science Week—see the separate poster 8 M Fourth Form Spanish Exchange visiting students (depart) 24 W Rugby 7s: U13 (CLFS, Ashtead Park) 11:00-17:00 Sixth Form Theology & Philosophy Candle Conference 1st VII (Hampton) 11:15 (London) 08:00-16:30 Governors: Foundation Sub-Committee Meeting Mixed Swimming v Caterham: U15, Senior (H) 16:00 12:30-14:30 Staff: Form Tutors’ Meeting 16:00-17:15 Football v Caterham: 1st XI , 2nd XI (A) 14:30 Angus, Thongs and Snogging: Rehearsal 16:00-20:00 Much Ado About Nothing: Rehearsal 16:00-17:30 Governors: Education & Welfare Committee Meeting Angus, Thongs and Snogging: Rehearsal 16:00-19:00 17:30-19:30 Netball v Caterham School: U12ABC&D (H) 16:30 RGS Careers Convention (CH/SH) 19:00-21:00 Cantata Choir: Rehearsal (RR) 19:45-21:45

9 Tu Careers Talk: The Douse Associates Gap Scheme 25 Th AS/A2 Theatre Studies: Technical Deadline (C2) 13.30-14.10 * moved from 26/2/16 * Theology & Philosophy Temples trip (London) 08:30-15:50 10 W Netball v High School & JAGS: 11+ offer holder Drop-In Morning (Library) 09:00-11:00 U12ABC&D () 16:30 Fifth & Sixth Form Talk: Sex, Drugs & Sausage Rolls-the Third Form PSHEE (PMH) 14:15-15:50 Maths of Taking Risks (PMH) 16:00-17:30 Fourth Form PSHEE (6FC) 14:15-15:50 Netball v Guildford High School: U15A&B (A) 16:30 Football v RGS Guildford: 1st XI , 2nd XI (A) 14:30 Rugby v CLFS: 2nd XV (A) 14:30 26 F Girls' Hockey Surbiton Tournament: U12 (7-a-side) (A) Boys’ Hockey v Windsor Boys’ (H) 14:30 * NEW * Angus, Thongs and Snogging: LX Plot (CH/WG/MR) Mixed Swimming v RAAS (friendly): U12 & U14 (A) 09:00-18:00 15:50 Careers Talk: The Douse Associates Gap Scheme Much Ado About Nothing: Rehearsal 16:00-17:30 13:30-14:10 * Now on 9/2/16 * Angus, Thongs and Snogging: Rehearsal 16:00-20:00 Careers Talk: Degrees in Psychology with Dr Adrian Banks Institute of Physics Lecture () 13:30-14:10 17:30-21:30 Boys' Hockey v Eltham College: U12A&B (A) 14:30 Fourth Form Parents' Evening (PMH/BB) 18:00-21:30 U12C&D (H) 14:30 Rugby v CLFS: 1st XV (Cobham RFC) 19:00 Chess v KCS Wimbledon: C Team 16:00-18:00 Cantata Choir: Rehearsal (RR) 19:45-21:45 Chess v Sutton: A&B Teams 16:00-18:00

11 Th Sixth Form Tropical Ecosystems trip (departs) (Belize) 27 Sa Angus, Thongs and Snogging: Costume Call (CH/WG/MR) Girls' Hockey, Surrey IN2 (Reserve Day): U13 (A) Boys' Hockey v RGS Guildford: U12ABC&D (H) 09:00 Netball v Caterham School: U15A&B (A) 14:15 U13ABC&D (H) 10:00 Swimming v Whitgift/Reeds/Trinity: Netball v Ardingly: 3rd VII, 4th VII, U14AB&C (A) 09:30 U12/U14/U16/U18 (A) 15:50 1st VII, 2nd VII, U15A&B (H) 09:30 Music: RGS Unplugged rehearsals (RR) 16:00-18:00 Netball v Danes Hill School: U13A&B (A) 09:30 Netball v : U14AB&C (H) 16:10 Boys' Hockey v Ardingly: 2nd, 3rd XI (A) 11:15 Music: RGS Unplugged (RR) 19:30-21:30 1st XI (H) 11:15 U15A (H) 11:15 12 F Non School Uniform Day U14A&B (A) 12:30 House: Valentine's Day events U15B (H) 12:30 13+ Taster Day 09:30-14:00 U14C (H) 12:30 End for Half Term 15:50 Lower School Disco (PMH) 19:00-20:30

For all sports news, fixtures, results, venues etc. please visit the RGS Sports pages: link.

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