We were proud to welcome Show Racism the Red Card to RGS Surrey Hills for an inspiring whole-school talk.
Students from all year groups took part in meaningful discussions around racism, tokenism and micro-aggressions, and watched powerful videos including Akala’s personal experiences. The sessions created a safe and open space for everyone to share, reflect and ask questions.
At RGS Surrey Hills, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are, with students from over 30 nationalities learning, living and growing together. Show Racism the Red Card’s visit reinforced our ongoing commitment to building a kind, open-minded and inclusive community.
AUTUMN TERM 2025-26
EXPLORING INTERNATIONALISM:
Our Journey to Round Square Dubai
Year 13 students had an incredible opportunity to attend the Round Square International Conference in Dubai, joining peers from across the globe to explore themes of service, adventure, and internationalism. They embraced cultural, academic, and outdoor challenges, representing RGS Surrey Hills brilliantly.
The opening ceremony at the Indian High School set the tone with inspiring speeches, performances, and a warm red-carpet welcome. Over the following days, students experienced Service Day at a Sikh temple, learned about empathy and resilience, and enjoyed cultural activities at GEMS Modern Academy. Adventure Day took them hiking in the Wadi mountains, sharing a stunning sunset with new friends. Environmentalism Day focused on climate change and desert heritage, ending with a lively cultural evening of global music and dance learning the Nutbush and Fliegerlied with students from every continent was unforgettable!
The closing ceremony at the Inter-Continental Hotel was a fitting finale of reflection, music, and celebration. Students returned with lasting memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of Round Square’s values.
YEAR 7 ADVENTURES IN THE NEW FOREST
Year 7 enjoyed an unforgettable residential trip full of challenges, laughter, and new friendships. Each day, pupils stepped out of their comfort zones, building confidence and resilience through exciting activities.
Mountain biking tested balance and teamwork, while aeroball brought energy and laughter as pupils bounced and scored points. The gladiator challenge demanded courage and focus, and rifle shooting honed concentration and precision.
Evenings around the campfire were filled with games like Mafia and The Traitors, giving pupils time to reflect and celebrate their achievements. Friendships flourished as everyone supported one another.
Throughout their stay in the New Forest, pupils showed resilience, determination, and teamwork. They discovered new strengths, developed skills, and proved they are capable of more than they imagined. The trip united the year group and created memories that will last for years.
GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD:
Takes on the Brecon Beacons
The Year 13 students took on the challenge of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition a demanding four-day, three-night journey through the heart of the Brecon Beacons, South Wales.
Carrying all their food, tents and equipment, the team navigated entirely by map and compass across rugged and sometimes boggy terrain. Each day involved steep climbs and long treks, in often very wet conditions. One day, they walked for 11 hours!
Despite tired legs, sore feet and the occasional navigation check, the students showed remarkable perseverance and fantastic teamwork. Highlights included a breathtaking view from the summit of Pen y Fan, evenings spent cooking together and the shared success of finishing each day.
The expedition brought out the best in everyone whether it was offering encouragement on a tough ascent, sharing extra snacks, or keeping spirits high with good humour and laughter. The Year 13 participants should feel incredibly proud of what they have accomplished. They demonstrated resilience, independence and cooperation; skills that will stay with them for life.
WRITE THE WRONGS: KIMBA INSPIRES
SURREY HILLS
We were thrilled to welcome poet and rap artist Kimba to celebrate National Poetry Day. His hour-long performance captivated Year 7–9 and ISC students, sparking laughter and enthusiastic participation. A highlight was the unforgettable rap battle between Kimba and Keagan, well done, Keagan!
Kimba also introduced SHAMPOO as a tool for adding emotional imagery to poetry, making grammar memorable and inspiring many to rethink their view of poetry. Afterward, students eagerly queued for signed copies of his book Write the Wrongs.
Kimba then led four workshops on metamorphosis, encouraging students to break free from rhyme schemes and use SHAMPOO creatively. The results were fantastic, especially from ISC students writing poetry for the first time. Miss Rose awarded numerous merits and praised the students’ engagement.
Thank you to everyone who made the day a success we hope to welcome Kimba back to RGS Surrey Hills soon.
ROUND SQUARE LEADERS OF TOMORROW
Students from across the Round Square network connected globally to explore what makes a great leader today. After reflecting on figures like Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai, they collaborated in breakout rooms to answer one key question: What five qualities will future leaders need?
Themes such as empathy, courage, resilience and vision emerged repeatedly, with a strong message that leadership begins now through the choices and values students live every day. The event truly embodied the Round Square spirit of listening, sharing and imagining a better future together.
INSPIRING CREATIVITY:
Art Students Explore Farnham Sculpture Park
Year 10, 12, ISC & IB Art students enjoyed a fantastic day out at the Sculpture Park in Farnham. The park has an incredible range of 650 eclectic and atmospheric sculptures set in a lush landscape of 10 acres. There are over two miles of woodland trails, streams, lakes, densely landscaped gardens and stunning views within the park. Everywhere you look, there is something to inspire our budding artists.
Students took hundreds of photographs for their new project titled ‘Surfaces’ and spent quality time drawing on location. They will use this work to develop their own artworks and textural experiments, working in clay, wire, gesso and various grainy substances such as sand and sawdust to produce surface texture for design ideas.
350 YEARS CELEBRATION
A Festival of Football and Fun!
The Meadowbank Football Festival was held to celebrate the 350th anniversary of Reigate Grammar School and it was a great occasion.
Our Girls’ 1st XI, cheered on by a crowd packed with our boarders and staff, put on a display of grit, determination and a never-give-up attitude. It was an impressive outing for their first time playing together. Afterwards, our Boys took to the pitch and played some fantastic, high tempo football. They came close to sealing the win but eventually the ‘home’ team entertained the crowd by scoring midway through the second half, resulting in a 3-3 draw.
It was an enthralling night full of action, drama and great energy. We thank Reigate Grammar School for hosting such an amazing event.
CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S SPORT:
Grace Crompton at RGS Surrey Hills
We welcomed Grace Crompton to RGS Surrey Hills, she gave an Insightful and inspiring seminar focusing on teamwork, resilience and empowerment in women’s sport! Grace has represented Great Britain on the World Sevens Series for five years and has competed at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, 2022 Commonwealth Games, and Rugby Sevens World Cup.
In her talk and workshop, she shared an honest insight into her professional rugby journey - the highs, the challenges and the lessons learned along the way. Grace discussed how she has channelled her experiences beyond the pitch into her new venture, The Crompton Club, which focuses on inspiring and supporting young girls through sport, specifically rugby. Both the students and the staff would like to thank Grace for giving her time to speak to us and we look forward to following her future endeavours!
ODD SOCKS DAY:
Proudly Different, United Together
On Monday 10 November, our school celebrated Odd Socks Day to launch AntiBullying Week, reminding everyone that being different is something to celebrate. Students and staff wore colourful, mismatched socks as a fun but powerful symbol of kindness, acceptance, and respect. The day sparked important conversations about inclusion and standing up against bullying, showing how small actions can make a big impact.
Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm and creativity together we make our school a place where everyone feels valued and free to be themselves, odd socks and all!
EXCITING NEWS: CHELSEA FC
JOINS THE RGS FAMILY
We are thrilled to share something truly special with you. Reigate Grammar School and RGS Surrey Hills have become official flagship partners of Club World Cup Champions Chelsea FC.
This partnership is about so much more than football. It brings world-class coaching, leadership development, and unique access to Chelsea’s incredible facilities and resources for every student.
Thanks to our recent merger, RGS and RGS Surrey Hills are now the only Chelsea flagship schools in the South East. This is a first for the region and a major milestone for school sport.
Shaun Fenton, Headmaster of Reigate Grammar School and Executive Head of the RGS Group, explains: “This partnership with Chelsea FC is about far more than football. It’s about helping young people find confidence, develop leadership and character, and unlock their potential.”
Hayley Robinson, Headmistress at RGS Surrey Hills, adds: “The partnership with Chelsea FC represents everything we stand for at RGS Surrey Hills: opportunity, collaboration and aspiration without limits. I’m so proud of what this means for our pupils and our school.”
What does this mean for our students? Weekly coaching sessions led by Chelsea FC professionals. Masterclasses at Cobham Training Ground. Visits to Stamford Bridge. Insights from Chelsea’s professional football curriculum.
And the best part? It’s for everyone—boys and girls, beginners and advanced players alike.
This is all part of the RGS Group’s £20 million investment in sport, championing our ethos of Sport for All and Developing Great People Through Sport. Every young person deserves the chance to play, lead, and thrive—and now, with Chelsea FC by our side, the possibilities are endless.
HALLOWEEN BONANZA
Year 7 & 8 Students had an incredible time at our Half-Term Spook Fest celebration!
There was plenty to eat, endless squash and Fruit Shoots to enjoy, a spooky maze to explore, a lively RGS Surrey Hills photobooth, face painting galore, and, of course, a packed dance floor. It was wonderful to see everyone getting involved!
MUSIC IN THE AIR: RGS Surrey Hills Performers Light Up Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival
On Saturday 13th September, Mr Pohlman took a few musicians and performed for lucky passers-by at St Martin’s Walk in Dorking town centre, as part of the Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival. Burgaz and Emily performed beautifully on saxophone and vocals respectively, with the audience offering a very warm response to accompany the lovely autumn sunshine.
BERLIN BOUND:
Year 11’s Journey Through History
40 Year 11 pupils visited Berlin for a historical and cultural trip. Day one began at the Olympic Stadium, site of the 1936 Games under Nazi rule. Other key visits included Sachsenhausen Memorial, a former concentration camp used by both Nazis and Soviets, offering a powerful reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism.
Students also explored central Berlin, enjoyed the Mall of Berlin, and experienced the Festival of Lights at Potsdamer Platz. A visit to the Reichstag provided panoramic views from its modern glass dome. Travelling by foot, train, and S-Bahn gave pupils a fully immersive experience. They were engaged, enthusiastic, and represented RGS Surrey Hills brilliantly returning with memories that will last for years.
EXPLORING THE FROZEN FRONTIER: Year 8 Geography Competition
In their recent geography lessons, Year 8 have been learning about the wonders of Antarctica and its unique status in the world as the last pristine continent. In recognition of Antarctica Day in December, which celebrates the signing of the Antarctic Treaty, the UK Polar Network runs a competition which we have entered this year for the third time.
Everyone designed a flag that symbolises the continent. The competition was tough but in the end our panel of judges managed to reach a decision - and the results are in! The runners-up are Rosie and Charlotte, and the winner is Jack. Well done to them and to all of Year 8 for their enthusiasm and hard work on this project. Jack’s flag will now travel to Antarctica. Watch this space in the next few weeks for a picture of his flag in the frozen south!
EXPLORING HERITAGE:
A Day at Arundel Castle
EAL students from Years 8–12 and ISC enjoyed a visit to Arundel Castle to deepen their understanding of British history and traditions while practising English in real-life settings.
The day began with a guided tour covering the castle’s history, architecture, and its current residents, including the Duke of Norfolk. Students learned about medieval life, royal connections, and preservation through the centuries. Highlights included Alex testing the weight of ancient armour over 30kg and learning about Queen Matilda’s role after the Norman Conquest. The interactive tour encouraged plenty of questions and discussion.
Afterwards, students enjoyed a picnic in the grounds and explored the beautiful gardens. The trip provided cultural insight and boosted confidence in using English, showing how history, language, and culture are interconnected.
EXPLORING CATALONIA: A CULTURAL ADVENTURE
From 2–5 October, our Art, French, and Spanish students enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Catalonia, soaking up sunshine, culture, and languages.
In Barcelona, they explored Gaudí’s masterpieces from Park Güell’s mosaics to the Sagrada Família perfect inspiration for budding artists, while practising Spanish in cafés and shops.
Crossing into France, they toured Perpignan by Petit Train and visited the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, with stunning views of the Mediterranean and Pyrenees.
A special moment came in Girona, where Charlie’s grandparents gave a personal tour of the beautiful old town, moltes gràcies! A trip full of sunshine, art, and languages, ¡qué experiencia incroyable!
BATTLEFIELD:
Year 7’s Hastings Experience
Miss Powell, our Year 7 History teacher took both classes out to re-enact the Battle of Hastings on ‘Senlac Hill’ in our case Dalewood Lawn!
The Year 7s have been learning about the significance of 1066 in English history and the epic battle that took place on Senlac Hill in Sussex on 14th October that year. The pupils had previously learned about the tactics and weaponry used by the Saxons and the Normans. We hope that all the pupils enjoyed the kinaesthetic learning experience, which has been one of our annual History events here at school for many years.
BRAIN DAY
Our Sixth Form students enjoyed an immersive afternoon of neuroscience at RGS, led by Dr Guy Sutton, a leading expert in the field. His lecture covered neuroplasticity, the link between schizophrenia and brain function, and the ethical debate around brain damage and criminal behaviour. Students also explored emerging research and technologies shaping the future of neuroscience.
Afterwards, they took part in a sheep brain dissection, bringing theory to life through hands on experience. The visit was both educational and inspiring, sparking curiosity and discussion long after the day ended.
A MULTILINGUAL CELEBRATION:
European Day of Languages Meets Macmillan Bake Sale
Our pupils marked European Day of Languages with a brilliant bake sale in aid of Macmillan. The students did a fantastic job baking, decorating and selling cakes.
To celebrate the day, our Year 8 pupils took part in a live webinar on Teams, featuring a multilingual football expert who spoke about the importance of languages in international sports and in the wider professional world. It was a fun session that aimed to inspire our pupils to see how learning another language can create exciting opportunities for their future and to encourage them to consider studying a language at GCSE level.
A ROYAL DAY OUT:
Students Explore Buckingham Palace & Harrods
Eleven students from the International Student Community enjoyed a day in London, starting with a guided tour of Buckingham Palace. They explored its stunning architecture, learned about 250 years of history, and admired artwork from around the world. Afterward, the group walked to Harrods for shopping and to experience one of London’s most iconic retail destinations.
GET IN TOUCH
RGS Surrey Hills
London Road, Mickleham RH5 6EA
+44 (0)1372 373382
rgs-surreyhills.org
Please contact us via admissions@ rgs-surreyhills.org @RGS_SURREYHILLS
