WELCOME
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Welcome to Reigate Grammar School. I am delighted that you are joining our community as a new Reigatian. You will very soon make new friends, feel looked after by teachers and know that the older students are on your side.
You will meet students in your year group and in other year groups in the course of your daily learning as well as in House activities and at other events. You are embarking on an RGS adventure and I promise you we will look after you every step of the way.
I wish you a happy and successful time at Reigate Grammar School.
Shaun Fenton Headmaster
@rgsheadmaster
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM
Welcome! We can't wait for you to join us! At RGS we understand that moving to a new school, even in the Sixth Form, can be a daunting experience. The purpose of this booklet is to ensure that your induction and settling-in process is as seamless as possible and that you find the Sixth Form at RGS a friendly and welcoming environment. It is also designed to give you some helpful, practical advice about starting your A Level & BTEC studies so that you know what to expect and when to expect it.
We would like to wish you the very best of luck. It is a hugely important time in the transition to adulthood and independence and we want to make sure that we help you realise your potential and provide you with all the skills, motivation and qualifications necessary to take the next step. Good luck!
Mrs Elizabeth Taylor Director of Sixth Form
INDUCTION DAY
Where do I go on my Induction Day?
Your first day at school will be an induction day which will give you an opportunity to start to get to know your way around the school. Details of when to arrive and where to go will be communicated separately.
If your parents bring you by car, on the first day they can use the main school entrance and park in the playground, behind the main school building. After the first day please ask to be dropped off nearby (taking account of parking restrictions) and walk the rest of the way. It may help to practise your journey and drop off/pick up during the summer. There are a number of entrances to the school site and on a normal day your parents cannot bring their cars into the school grounds. Students are asked not to use the main school entrance, instead using other entry points around the school site.
The day will include an opportunity to get to know fellow students, your buddies, your form and Sixth Form Team. There will also be opportunities to socialise and meet other people in the school.
What is a Buddy?
Each Sixth Form student will have a buddy who will be in the same tutor group and also share some of your extra and co-curricular interests as you. They will introduce you to the school and the arrangement of the school day. They will also act as a social mentor and encourage you to get involved in as many opportunities and activities as possible.
What should I bring to school on the first day?
Please bring a bag and a pencil case.
Lunch is provided for you on your first day. After the first day, you will need to bring your packed lunch or use the biometric system to purchase lunch from the dining hall or Sixth Form Café.
Where shall I eat my
lunch?
For the first few days of term there are special arrangements, which you will be told about on induction day. All Sixth Form pupils may have their lunch in the PMH from 1:10pm or in the Sixth Form Centre Café.
Assemblies
These are once a week and alternate between Church assembly at St Mary's Church and Year Group Assembly in school. Friday is house activities, sometimes this is a whole house assembly or activity, otherwise it is in house families. with your Form Tutor.
What is the School Calendar?
This small book is full of information about our daily life at school and it tells you when special things are going to happen, such as sports fixtures, plays, concerts and trips. Read it carefully and don’t lose it!
What are Houses?
Everyone at RGS is in one of four Houses: Bird, Cranston, Hodgson or Williamson Each House meets each week. Throughout the year there are inter-House competitions and challenges, including the House Sports Day in the summer term.
Mobile Phones Sixth Form
What should I wear on the first day?
Please refer to the school dress code and wear your school suit.
Where do I meet my parents after school?
After your first day, school finishes at the normal time of 3:50pm. If your parents are going to meet you, please arrange with them to pick you up nearby (taking account of local parking restrictions).
Homework
The majority of homework is set online via teams by the classroom teacher. You have the option of a paper planner to help you organise your work. Due to the more independent nature of Sixth Form study, it is hugely important that you work out your own method of organisation. There will be more explicit guidance about this during induction and the first weeks.
Mobile phones may be used responsibly by Sixth Form students. This is a privilege reserved for Sixth Formers only. We therefore ask you to follow the school expectation of "no mobile when mobile". This means not using phones or headphones when moving between lessons. You may use them in lessons for learning purposes with teacher permission.You may also use them while working in the library.
LESSONS
What lessons will I have?
You will be given your timetable on the first day of term. All A Level lessons consist of eight periods (lessons) per subject. Sometimes students attend Assisted Supervised Study to support their learning. Further to this we also have our own bespoke co-curricular programme called 6Plus, which is part of the Henry Smith Diploma. You will learn more about this during induction day.
The timetable runs from Monday to Friday and is repeated each week.
There are seven periods each day.
There are no lessons on Saturdays but there are sports fixtures. If you are selected for a team this is an honour as you have been asked to represent the school. If you are unable to attend you must let the sports staff know in plenty of time. You can check if you are in a team by looking on reigategrammarsport.org
There are seven periods (lessons) each day:
MORNING
8:35am Registration
8:40am Assembly/Form Period 9:00am Period 1 9:45am Period 2
10:30am Period 3
11:15am Break 11:40am Period 4
12:25pm Period 5 1:10pm Lunch
AFTERNOON
2:15pm Registration in Period 6 2:20pm Period 6 3:05pm Period 7 3:50pm Finish
SPORT
What do I bring to the first games session?
There are a range of games options in the Sixth Form. The Director of Sport will be talking to you about these and asking you about your choices on your induction day.
Your games session will be every Wednesday afternoon. Please refer to the school uniform list for what you should bring.
School Teams and Clubs
There are school teams in most sports with fixtures throughout the week, including Saturdays. If you want to be in a school team you will be expected to attend training sessions, some of which are after school. If you are not selected straight away, don’t give up.
There are many academic and co-curricular clubs and activities on offer at RGS, both at lunchtime and after school. Please do try out the different clubs and societies, see what you like and what will help you most in your academic enrichment. A typical Sixth Former will attend at least one society during the course of a normal week such as History and Politics Society, The Philosophy Academy or the TSI (Thank Science It’s Friday) Society.
HOMEWORK
There is no specific rhythm to when homework is set in the Sixth Form because of the more independent nature of learning. However it is expected that most successful A Level and BTEC students will work for approximately two to three hours per evening and over the course of the weekend. During induction and through the 6Plus curriculum we will be giving you specific advice on how to structure independent work.
Getting yourself organised
As new Sixth Form students it is very important to be well organised from the outset. There is a specific academic induction process at the start of the year as part of the 6Plus curriculum but below are a few tips on how to get started.
• Keep track of your homework when your teacher sets it;
• It is advisable to attempt to complete the homework on the day that it has been given. Don’t leave it all to the weekend, we find that little and often is the best approach;
• If you need to, write a checklist of what you need each day and stick it to your fridge or your bedroom wall. Tick off each item as you put it into your bag. It won’t be long before this becomes second nature;
• At the end of each day make sure you have the correct books which you need in order to do your homework;
• Most subjects work on digital devices, using OneNote to share class resources and for the completion of homework. If you are not familiar with this programme you will gradually learn to use it, please do not worry. You are also welcome to work in a book or a file if you prefer. However you are working, you will need a clear filing system for each of your subjects. You will need to divide you work between units and topics. Each department will give you specific advice on this.
What happens if I have a problem at school?
You are not the only new person in the Sixth Form – there are dozens of new students in the school. You will soon find your way around, get to know people and make friends. You will have a buddy who will be in your Form to help you get to know the school and help you out with any problems you may have. If you get lost, you can ask an adult or a fellow Sixth Former. If you feel worried or upset by something be sure to speak to your Form Tutor, Mr Clark, Mrs Taylor or your buddy, or to any teacher you feel happy to talk to. We will help you as much as we can.
When you get home, talk with your parents about any problems you have. If they want to, they can contact your Form Tutor or the Heads of Sixth Form by calling or emailing the school.
RGS DIGITAL
Students joining new to Lower Sixth will join the RGS Digital programme, where having a laptop will become part of the normal school equipment.
RGS Digital is a gradual evolution in the way that we use the technology in school. It is the selective and appropriate use of technology at home and in school to support students in their learning.
You can find out more about RGS Digital by reading our FAQ.
You can also access the school web shop via this link
Orders placed before 30 July will be available in school before the start of the new school year in September.
If you can have any question place get in touch with: bps@reigategrammar.org
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones may be used responsibly by Sixth Form students. This is a privilege reserved for Sixth Formers only. We therefore ask you to follow the school expectation of "no mobile when mobile". This means not using phones or headphones when moving between lessons. You may use them in lessons for learning purposes with teacher permission. You may also use them while working in the library.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I...
...need to buy food?
On induction day you will be required to scan your finger print so you can use the biometric payment system in the PMH. This can be topped up through the RGS Parent Online Payment system. Food can be purchased at break and lunchtime in the PMH or from the Sixth Form Centre Café.
...need to leave during the day?
Sixth Formers may go off-site during the lunch break. As an additional privilege, after the October Half Term you may be given permission to go home in the afternoon to study if you do not have lessons. If you do go off site, you must sign in and out using the QR codes in the Sixth Form Centre. If you need to leave school for medical reasons, please sign out at the Wellbeing Centre
...arrive at school late?
Go to the School Office and sign in; then go to assembly or your form room. You will then need to see your Form Tutor, Mr Clark, Mr Nathan or Mrs Taylor to let them know you are in school. If you arrive after assembly has finished, go to the School Office to sign in.
...feel ill at school?
Tell your teacher straight away. You can then sit quietly in the lesson or your teacher may send you to the Wellbeing Centre. If you feel ill during break or during a study period tell a friend or the Head of Year in the Sixth Form Centre, or go to the Wellbeing Centre. If you are really unwell your parents can be contacted.
...can’t find a lesson?
Talk to your buddy about familiarising yourself with the school site, otherwise try to stick together with people from your A Level class. If you do get lost, look carefully at your timetable and your map, or ask somebody. If you still can’t find where you are supposed to be don’t worry! Go to the School Office in the Wellbeing Centre and they will help you find your classroom.
...am upset?
If you are upset about anything during the school day you should see your Form Tutor, Mrs Taylor or Mr Clark. We are always there to listen to you, no matter how big or how small the problem.
...need to stay at school after the day’s lessons have finished?
Although school finishes at 3:50pm you may stay on the premises until 6:00pm and, unless you are in a supervised club, you should go to either the library or the Sixth Form Centre. The library is a good place to visit after school has finished, or during break and lunchtime. You can use the library for doing homework as well as for borrowing a wide range of books. The library is open and staffed until 6:00pm each day. Students should be collected by 6:00pm.
...have been absent from school?
Your parents must complete an Absence Request Form, which is available on the Parent Portal. This should be sent to your Form Tutor and absence@reigategrammar.org. Always try to catch up on missed class work and homework if possible; teachers are very happy to photocopy work you have missed, which you can then stick into your book, or to spend a lunchtime going over anything you don’t understand.
REWARDS & SANCTIONS
Rewards
In the Sixth Form Centre we have a café serving coffee, sandwiches and cakes. Café Rewards, which is our own internal commendation scheme, are given when a student goes above and beyond their role as a member of the Sixth Form community to help or support a fellow student or member of staff. Café Rewards are not given for academic success or extra-curricular performance.
Detentions
If you commit a minor offence such as repeated lateness to lessons, not handing in your homework etc., you will receive an after school detention. For a more serious offence you may given a Head of Section after school detention. In all cases the Heads of Year or Heads of Section will contact home to discuss any issues with parents. All Heads of Year and Heads of Section detentions are on Thursday evenings and will involve performing duties in the Sixth Form Centre and silent supervised study.
Finally a Headmaster’s Detention on a Saturday morning is for the most serious offences.
Will my parents be told how I’m getting on?
They will if you tell them! Let them know each day what you’ve been doing – what you’ve found easy or hard, what you’ve enjoyed or disliked. The school will get in touch with your parents to let them know about your progress. You will also get regular reports.
GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL
How can I get ready for A Level study over the summer?
As Sixth Form students, it is very important you get used to thinking and reading about your subjects independently, beyond the curriculum and purely for your own intellectual enjoyment, enrichment and inspiration. In addition to the bridging work you will receive, we strongly recommend that you read, watch films and conduct work experience beyond the curriculum. However, most of all we recommend that you go out and see the subjects that you are intending to study in action. Please see below some suggestions:
Art
Visit the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern Biology, Chemistry and Physics
The Royal Institution holds a range of public talks and events on all aspects of the sciences over the course of the summer, most of which are free to attend.
Business BTEC Museum of Brands (London)Discover how advertising, branding, and consumer behaviour have evolved over time.
Classics
Visit the British Museum, which has free admission.
Computer Science
The Centre for Computing History (Cambridge)Engage with vintage systems and the evolution of programming and AI.
Design Technology
Visit the Design Museum in London. Admission is free and there is a range of free talks and exhibitions you can attend.
Economics
The Bank of England Museum is free and gives a fascinating introduction to Economics and the changing role of the bank in the UK’s economy.
English
Visit the British Library and view the Donne, Milton and Shakespeare work and resources. Take a special look at the ‘Shakespeare in Ten Acts’ exhibition.
EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) British Library or BFI MediathequeIdeal for research, independent study, and developing academic projects.
French
Institut Français (London)Enjoy French cinema, literature, and cultural events. Further Mathematics – Mathematics: The Winton Gallery, Science Museum (London)Discover how maths underpins design, transport, and science.
Geography
The Earth Science Gallery at the Natural History Museum is well worth a visit for information on earth science and tectonics.
German Goethe-Institut (London)Explore German language and culture through films and exhibitions.
History
The Imperial War Museum in London is an outstanding look at conflict and conflict resolution. It is free admission.
Maths
The Greenwich Time Museum is a fascinating look at the practical applications of Maths, as is the Maths Gallery at the Science Museum
Photography
The Photographers' Gallery (London)Visit exhibitions showcasing diverse and dynamic photography.
Physical Education (PE)
Lee Valley VeloPark or Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (London)Explore elite performance spaces and the science of sport.
Politics
UK Parliament Tour (London)Understand democracy and governance by visiting the heart of British politics.
Psychology
The Freud Museum (London)Delve into the mind and the history of psychoanalysis.
Spanish Cervantes Institute (London)Experience Hispanic language and culture through events and exhibitions.
Sport BTEC
Loughborough University or Wembley Stadium TourSee high-performance sport and the business behind sporting success.
Theology and Philosophy
Canterbury Cathedral or Oxford’s Museum of the History of ScienceExplore questions of faith, ethics, and philosophical inquiry in historic setting
Theatre Studies
Visit the Royal National Theatre on the South Bank to see a play and to take a tour.
Coach & Minibus Park
Miss Arthur Deputy Head sja@reigategrammar.org
Deputy Head responsible for pastoral care. You can talk to her about anything to do with life at RGS.
Mr Nathan Head of Lower Sixth pen@reigategrammar.org
Ms Reynolds Assistant Head of Upper Sixth cdr@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Taylor Director of Sixth Form eet@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Cooper Assistant Head of Sixth Form eec@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Smith School Counsellor gms@reigategrammar.org
Mr Clark Head of Upper Sixth Form dwc@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Masefield Assistant Head of Year cam@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Papadopoulou Pastoral Support vxp@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Harvey School Nurse nch@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Shaylor Mrs Hollister
schooloffice@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Burns Director of Art ejb@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Bardell-Roberts SEN kbr@reigategrammar.org
Miss Korzinek Director of Performing Arts jmk@reigategrammar.org
Mrs Briggs Bursar hmb@reigategrammar.org
Mr Browning Director of Sport gjb@reigategrammar.org
Rev Jackson Chaplain pmj@reigategrammar.org
HOUSE SYSTEM
The House system at Reigate Grammar School aims to develop student leadership and vertical integration across all year groups. Students are placed in Houses when entering the school. Siblings are always placed in the same House.
There are four Houses named after previous headmasters of the school:
• Bird (Rev John Bird MA 1708-1728)
• Cranston (Rev Andrew Cranston MA 1697-1708)
• Hodgson (Rev Joseph Hodgson MA 1800-1842)
• Williamson (Rev John Williamson MA 1684-1697)
The Houses are led by a team of Upper Sixth Form students who are guided by Heads of House and House staff. Assemblies take place each week and are a mixture of whole House assemblies and those held in House families. House families are vertical groups created in each House with around 20 students in each. New students are allocated a buddy from their House family and all First Form students have an Upper Sixth Form mentor. Houses aim to increase the student voice at RGS. Many ideas are discussed and put forward as students feel able to have discussion in the small family groups. Within the House system students are encouraged to view leadership as consisting of multiple qualities, including:
• Compassion
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Resilience
• Reflection
• Respect
• Responsibility
Students have the opportunity to display these qualities in the vast range of House events which aim to include all who want to take part. Events include: Sport, House Singing, Drama, Art, Gun Run, Bake-Off, Debating/ Public Speaking, Chess & Quizzes.
Each House sponsors an endangered animal, supports a nominated charity voted for by students and has its own mascot.
WILLIAMSON
BIRD CRANSTON
Mr Skarratts Head of Cranston House
Mrs Hillsdon Head of Bird House
Miss Cottam Head of Hodgson House
Mr O’Donnell Head of Williamson House
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Life at RGS isn’t all about academic work, and students are encouraged to make the most of the vast range of opportunities available to them.
The RGS extra-curricular programme is the heartbeat of the school and we hope that parents will join us in encouraging students to get involved in whichever club or activity appeals. It is never too late to try something new, and staff are always keen to hear from students themselves about starting up new clubs and ventures.
RGS SPORT
The RGS Sports department delivers a programme that promotes excellence through sport for all and creates good people through sport. We are extremely proud to provide opportunities for excellence and lifelong participation, through a student-centred approach, within a varied sporting programme.
Find out more by downloading the booklet and following the action:
RGS Sport Booklet
Vision for Sport video reigategrammarsport on Instagram
RGS MUSIC
Music plays a vital part in the life of RGS. The Music department values all students who are interested in music, whatever their experience and whatever style of music they are interested in.
INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL LESSONS
RGS Music lessons are a fantastic opportunity to develop your talent, learn something new and have fun! With numerous instrumental ensembles and choirs, concerts and overseas trips, there is always something on and opportunities to develop and perform. Lessons are offered on all orchestral instruments as well as piano, organ, singing, drums, saxophone, acoustic guitar and electric guitar. Lesson duration is usually 30 minutes. Applications for lessons can be made via the link below.
RGS SATURDAY MUSIC COLLEGE
Places are available for violin, cello, double bass, singing, guitar, clarinet, sax, piano as well as choir, string ensemble and wind ensemble on the Saturday mornings during term time in the RGS Music department. There are regular concert opportunities and visiting masterclass experts.
Register via the Saturday Music College link below.
Contact Mrs Smith, Performing Arts Manager via kes@ reigategrammar.org for details.
RGS Music Booklet
Music at RGS video
Music Lessons Application Form
Saturday Music College rgs_performingarts on Instagram
Watch all the videos in this booklet here:
RGS DRAMA
Extra-curricular drama is a great strength of RGS, with a busy programme of annual theatre events.
There are usually three or four major productions each year in addition to evening showings, competitions, performances of examination pieces and visiting shows.
There are strong links with the Music department with musicals staged regularly. Productions in the last few years have included: The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, Shakespeare in Love, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Dare to Be a Reigatian and RGS in the West End at the Ambassadors Theatre in London.
Find out more by downloading the booklet and following the
rgs_performingarts on Instagram
RGS Drama Booklet
Drama at RGS video
RGS PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
Welcome to the RGS community! When you join RGS, your parents automatically become part of the PFA (Parents & Friends Association), a wonderful network of parents, carers and friends of the school who come together to support, celebrate and enhance life at RGS.
We organise a range of events throughout the school year. Some for fun, others to raise funds, and all to bring the community together.
The PFA is run by a committee of volunteers from the parent body and we always welcome new faces and fresh ideas. Becoming involved with the PFA is a great way to meet other parents from all year groups and to feel part of the school community.
Parents can provide support by:
• Attending events to meet other parents and have fun
• Joining the committee
• Volunteering to help run events
PFA events for parents
Nearly New Sale
Curry and Quiz Night
SEPTEMBER Nearly New Sale
OCTOBER New Parents’ Party
NOVEMBER Christmas Fair
DECEMBER Christmas Tree sale
RGS FOUNDATION
The RGS Foundation warmly welcomes you to the Reigatian Community
As a new student at Reigate Grammar School, we are delighted to welcome your parents into our vibrant Reigatian community — a network of former students, current and former parents and staff, governors, and members of the wider community, including our charity and business partners and friends of the school. We hope they will feel at home and enjoy getting connected, with so many ways to get involved.
Unlock the Power of the Reigatian Hub our online platform bringing together a global community of Reigatians
Parents can join the Reigatian Hub and become part of a thriving global community. Reconnect with former classmates and teammates, join a club, and explore our online archives and memory bank. Stay up to date with campaigns, news and events, browse the gallery, or enjoy our online publications.
Through the Professionals Hub, access mentoring, career advice, work experience and job opportunities across a wide range of industries — all within a network rich in knowledge, expertise and shared history. As you progress through the Sixth Form, you can benefit from work experience, career insights and university guidance, and even take on a leadership role as an RGS Foundation Ambassador, helping to shape events and lead fundraising initiatives.
Join the Reigatian Hub
Where the Reigatian Community Comes Together Reigatian Hub Events
From recent leavers returning for a Graduation Brunch to milestone reunions at 10 years, 40 years, and our Gold and Silver celebrations, we welcome former students back at every stage of life. For those keen to stay connected, we host regular Reigatian Hub gatherings in London, regionally and locally, so there is always something to enjoy.
From exclusive member dinners (get in touch to find out more) and overseas meet-ups to unique experiences — from the edgy Leake Street Tunnels to elegant balls at De Vere Connaught Rooms, dinners in New York, golf days and Giving Days — our events bring the community together in meaningful and memorable ways.
We host a wide variety of events for every part of our community. Explore the Reigatian Hub to see what’s coming up — and don’t miss out.
For more information contact us at foundation@reigategrammar.org
Reigate Grammar School, Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS 01737 222231 info@reigategrammar.org reigategrammar.org