Reigate Grammar School Pilgrim Review Summer Autumn 2015 2016

S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

REVIEW THE PILGRIM

2016 / ISSUE 2

A FOND FAREWELL FROM OUR SENIOR STUDENTS TOP CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY SCHOOL IN SURREY TELEGRAPH MAJOR NEW BUILDING WORK - ON TRACK FIVE STAR REVIEW AT EDINBURGH FESTIVAL RGS STUDENT STARS WITH HELENA BONHAM CARTER IN ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

RECORD NUMBERS OF RGS STUDENTS SELECTED TO REPRESENT THE COUNTY RGS STUDENT PLAYS RUGBY FOR ENGLAND AND SCORES ON HIS DEBUT RGS CHOIR SINGS AT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

THE PETER HARRISON FOUNDATION CENTRE

DUE FOR COMPLETION SPRING 2017 THE PETER HARRISON FOUNDATION CENTRE The construction of The Peter Harrison Foundation Centre is well underway and will be completed during this academic year. The building will house our new Sixth Form Centre and Library.

The LIVE web-cam takes a new image every 15 minutes between 9.00 and 5.00 MondayFriday and can be found via the school website: www.reigategrammar.org/blog/2016/05/10/ new-sixth-form-centre-webcam.

T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W | S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

WELCOME

“...TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GREAT VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES ON OFFER AT RGS, IN ORDER TO GIVE YOURSELVES A ROUNDED SCHOOL EXPERIENCE WHICH WE FIRMLY BELIEVE WILL BE INVALUABLE IN LATER LIFE.” Hugh Blayney & Miranda Harding Head Girl and Head Boy 2015-2016 (See page 29 for their farewell message to RGS students)

FROM THE HEADMASTER The house activities, trips and clubs are the heartbeat to the school and this Pilgrim Review captures merely a flavour of the busy days that make up an RGS term. Reigatians typically fit academic study in around other important features of school life – the sport, music, drama, cultural events.

There is much more to a great education than exam grades.

As I write, the steel frame for the new Sir Peter Harrison Centre building has sprung from the earth and is on track to be a major step forward for the school facilities.

The newly acquired land and new building will unite what were previously two sites for the main RGS campus. The social spaces will enhance the environment for students. The additional classrooms, the new state of the art Sixth Form Centre, the university style library, the new innovation learning room, these facilities will be exciting additions that will benefit the whole RGS community.

As you read this Pilgrim Review, the sense of energy and activity bursts out of the pages of this publication. I couldn’t be prouder of the young people in our care.

We have such fine young people and again and again they make me aware that they are the best young people of their generation. We should rightly celebrate the super moment captured in this publication.

However, I think that we all know that it is important to value the unnoticed acts of kindness, the moments of friendship, the commitment to charitable causes, the determination to make the world a better place – these are the qualities of character that set these young people up to enjoy their childhood and also be prepared to be happy and successful adults.

Shaun Fenton Headmaster

 @rgsheadmaster 01

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MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

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T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W | S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

1940’S, OPEN AIR SHAKESPEARE IN THE HEADMASTER’S GARDEN: COMPLETE WITH A PURPOSE BUILT ANDERSON SHELTER AND A CAMEO ROLE FOR THE HEADMASTER’S DOG The end of the summer term at RGS saw yet another fantastic RGS Drama Production. Blitz spirit ensued during show week, as the cast and crew battled the elemental enemy. Rain did not stop play as Much Ado About Nothing was just that! Furthermore, rain on opening night did not prevent hundreds of audience watching the trip down memory lane to VE Day and WW2.

Thankfully the weather began smiling upon the gardens of One Chart Lane and Wednesday night saw the performers move from marquee to garden. The full force of theatrical secret weapons was

unleashed on the audience and laughter rang out on the ‘merry war’ between Benedick and Beatrice.

Picnics, cocktails, electro-swing DJ, hobby horses, pyjamas, watering cans, bunting, songs, jiving, drunk pianists, Dad’s Army… all celebrating Shakespeare 400.

The final performance coincided with the centenary of the Battle of the Somme -1 July 1916 to 18 November 1916 - 100 years later, lest we forget amidst the battalions of acting talent on show, there will always be someone willing to sacrifice their lives to build a world at peace.

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SUMMER CONCERT The Summer Concert in May featured a wide range of musicians from all year groups, performing a varied programme including rock, pop, baroque, classical, romantic, musical theatre and jazz styles!

Ensembles of percussionists, strings, singers, brass, clarinets and guitars rose to the occasion with some engaging and highly accomplished performances led by the specialist visiting music teachers.

Special mention should go to all the soloists who wowed the audience with their passionate playing and sense of

composure: Bernadette Cheng-Whitehead, Freya Biggs, Estuardo Del Angel, Sophia Herbert, Rosalind Anderson, Lakith Gabrielsen, Isabel Ainsworth and, in particular, Gabriele Brasaite who produced an outstanding rendition of the first movement from Mendelssohn’s violin concerto; and Zara Brotzel, who was the star soprano soloist with the choir.

Many of the students combined to form a Summer Orchestra, who performed Tchaikovsky that was refined and also powerful under the direction of Richard

Hare. In addition Batman Blues was a great crowd-pleaser!

The Intermediate String Orchestra played stylish Handel in a very disciplined performance and singers combined to form a Summer Choir which produced an electric sound in a rousing finale of highlights from Les Misérables.

The musical future of the school is very exciting with such talented and enthusiastic performers coming through!

HEAD BOY AND GIRL The 2016-2017 Heads of School, Megan Woods and George Elliston are excited to be taking on the helm and are looking forward to helping guide the younger RGS students.

“Being appointed Heads of School is a great honour and we hope to follow on from the great work carried out by Hugh Blayney, Miranda Harding and the rest of the Senior Prefects this year.

Since arriving in the First Form, RGS has helped to shape us into the young adults we are today and we both want to help build the school community so that the younger students are able to get as much out of school life as we have.

Our year group is made up of fantastic individuals who have excelled in all areas of life and we look forward to representing such a successful year that can, and undoubtedly will, act as excellent role models for the rest of the school.”

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ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITION The Art and Design exhibition in the summer term highlighted the talent and skill of RGS art students. The Concert and Sports Halls were once again the back drop for a magnificent display of work from RGS artists of all ages.

Design and creativity is blooming at RGS and we are excited to see what is created next.

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RGS BECOME RSC’S REGIONAL CHAMPIONS RGS entered four teams of students into this year’s Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Challenge, a competition designed for Fourth Form students. All four teams performed well in the first round of the competition which tested their chemical knowledge and ability to think laterally.

The A team of Gabriele Brasaite, Joe Miller, Emma Starbuck and Chris Stergiou finished in the top six teams, of 75, in the region (Sussex & Surrey) and qualified for the regional final at Kingston University.

This time there was a greater emphasis on the practical side of the subject, with the team having to work out the percentage purity of solutions and analyse how the composition of coins has changed over time. The challenges played into the team’s hands and they quickly proved themselves to be the most methodical and accurate group in the competition and were duly crowned as Regional Champions, the first team from RGS ever to achieve this feat.

SPANISH POSTER COMPETITION The Spanish Department ran a First Form Feria de Sevilla poster competition with Elise Genillard’s entry being crowned as overall winner. Runner up prizes were awarded to Elliot Summons, Clara Alston, Beth Brewer, Mais Jafaar, Katie Cassin, Shannon Fitzgerald and Harriette Massey.

SECOND FORM TRIP TO SPAIN During May half term the Spanish Department took over 30 Second Form students to the beautiful Andalusian region of southern Spain.

THIRD FORM CLASSICS TRIP TO BATH Third Form classicists visited Caerleon Roman Fortress and the Roman Baths to learn about life in Roman Britain.

The students visited the barracks and amphitheatre at Caerleon as well as hearing a fascinating talk on military life and weaponry, before discovering the real locations and inspirations of stories in the 06

Cambridge Latin Course at Bath.

Highlights included discovering the original Vilbia curse tablet, trying the Bath waters not to mention exploring two thousand year old public toilets in the barracks at Caerleon. The chance to dress up in military dress was a popular segment to the day.

They had a fun filled itinerary that carefully balanced cultural and linguistic learning they visited the Alhambra Palace of Granada and a castle in Malaga, went to a Picasso museum and tried tapas.

Spanish lessons took place on two mornings, but the students’ favourite activities were the visit to the water park and the flamenco dancing lesson.

The students on the trip were a credit to the school and a huge thanks goes to Miss Williams for organising an unforgettable experience. We look forward to taking more Second Form students next year.

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SECOND FORM TADWORTH FUN RUN Once again, our RGS Second Form students put on their running shoes to take part in the school’s annual run to Tadworth, in aid of The Children’s Trust, Tadworth.

The students commenced their 5K run from Reigate Hill to finish at Tadworth Cricket Club, New Road, Tadworth, where

the then Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Councillor Joan Spiers who sadly passed away this August, greeted the runners.

First to reach the finish line for the boys was Theo Lewis who ran the course in 23 minutes eight seconds, with Lucy Broderick and Lily Grant finishing joint winners for the girls in 27 minutes 18 seconds.

The students raised over £5000 for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury, which has been supported by Reigate Grammar School since 1989. During that time the school has raised over £119,000 for the charity.

HIGHER EDUCATION EVENING The RGS Higher Education Evening was attended by close to 500 students and parents.

We welcomed Mike Nicholson, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions at Bath University and member of the UCAS council, to address students and parents on a range of issues around becoming excellent university applicants. Mike was formerly the Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach at Oxford University, so it really was wonderful to be able to invite him to RGS.

He was hugely informative, but also amused everyone by regaling tales of the problems faced by students, who do not know how to cook, budget or use a launderette!

After a brief Q&A with Mike, Mr Buzzacott, Mr Jones and Dr Carter, students with an interest in Oxbridge were then addressed by Dr Carter.

This is a truly valuable evening to allow students to look at all options available to them as they look to the future.

GCSE FOOD TECHNOLOGY GNOCCHI MAKING Fourth Form GCSE Food Technology students were treated to a Gnocchi workshop by Paul Rosser, Head of Catering at RGS.

The students absolutely loved the workshop and they will be able to use this new practical skills for their controlled assessment work next year.

The students learnt to make gnocchi by hand, “The authentic way!” presenting their dishes with sage and butter sauce and a Mediterranean roasted tomato sauce.

Having a specialised visitor come into school to teach a skill in a completely different way, was hugely inspiring for the students.

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HOLA!

A group of Fourth Form Spanish students was reunited with their exchange partners in A Coruña, greeted at the airport and welcomed with a loud HOLA! Students had a busy itinerary including a visit to a Churrería, La Torre de Hércules, Monte San Pedro, Santiago de Compostela and much more. They spent the weekend with their host families and played a game of football: Spain v England.

On the last day, RGS attended lessons in el Colegio Marista before having lunch in the school canteen. Students were sad to say goodbye to each other, but many are already making plans to go back and visit.

FIRST FORM TRIP TO FRANCE Over the summer half term, 39 students took part in the Language Module at Château Du Broutel in Baie de Somme, Northern France.

It was a packed four days but everyone enjoyed the fun visits and activities.

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Definite highlights were making croissants following baker Bruno’s strict instructions, mayonnaise making as directed by the château’s chef, the sweet factory, the games on Berck beach, and of course the goat farm and learning how goat’s cheese is

made. It does seem that a lot of the trip revolved around food!

Students interacted in French and by the end of the stay all had gained in confidence with the language and made progress with their speaking and listening skills.

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STAR FOR A NIGHT Huge congratulations to Krishne Thevarajah, Tally Goss, Leah Beglan, James Grimstone and Hannah Griffin on their fantastic performances at The Harlequin Redhill in the annual Star for a Night competition sponsored by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

Amongst all the local students performing in the showcase, three RGS Drama

students secured dance and theatre scholarships. Leah was awarded a dance scholarship for her original choreographic skills and commitment; Hannah was awarded the drama scholarship for her exceptional discipline; and the team created an award for James in response to his superb commitment to the creative process during the rehearsals.

ONATTI THEATRE

THE GLOBE!

The Onatti Theatre Company returned to RGS to perform their third languages play this year, Les Garçons. This time it was the hilarious tale of a teenage boy trying to win back his former girlfriend whilst she was babysitting a toddler. There ensued a comical succession of mishaps until the return of the toddler’s parents.

In June, as part of their unit on William Shakespeare, the RGS English department accompanied the First Form to the London Southbank to explore Sam Wanamaker’s incredible oak-and-thatch replica of the original Globe Theatre. Students were given a demonstration of Elizabethan dress and sword fighting, partook in acting workshops with the Globe’s guides and

The students enjoyed watching and participating in the play and we look forward to seeing Onatti return next year.

were even fortunate enough to observe rehearsals for the Globe’s latest production of Macbeth, starring Terry Keeley and Tara Fitzgerald.

In a jam-packed day of Bard-centred excitement, Reigate Grammar School’s First Form got a taste for England’s greatest playwright.

COME FLY WITH ME RAF cadets attended RAF Benson and enjoyed a splendid morning’s flying in near perfect weather conditions.

For eight cadets, this was their first flight in a Grob Tutor.

Those pictured are first timers Lucia Dunn-Flores, Kirana Carter Shaw and Harry Verity just prior to going airborne.

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THE SILENCE AT THE SONG’S END

“A gorgeous exploration of life” “Simply Genius”

“Entertaining energy” “Biting lucidity” “inspir

The Fringe Guide 2016 | The Time

Summer 2016 saw Reigate Grammar School make their debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with a new staging of the book The Silence At The Song’s End. The original is collated from the writings of Nicholas Heiney. Upon his death in 2006, his mother, Radio 4 broadcaster Libby Purves, discovered scattered about his room on bits of crumpled paper and post-it notes, his poems, sea-logs and journals. His life in 35,000 words. She, along with her husband Paul and daughter Rose, published the writings, which paint a portrait of an intelligent and funny man, struggling with the challenges of adolescence; growing up, university interviews, gap year activities and waiting tables. It’s a warm and personal account, which remains relevant and accessible for anyone who is setting out on the same journey.

The play version started life as a GCSE devised piece some years ago, but this year the Drama Department decided to take it further. Director of Drama Sarah Branston and new Director of Theatre Hugh Edwards collaborated for the first time to devise and produce a new version of the play ready to take to the largest arts festival in the world, and to compete with 30,000 other performances at the 2016 fringe.

Under the name ‘Really Good Stories Theatre Company’, the role of Nicholas was played by Cris Zaccarini, Chris Whyte, Olly Massey and Alex Pangalos, while former head girl Dannie Harris played Libby and Holly Bowling played Nicholas’ sister Rose. Max Hyner was the DSM and Hannah Joslin was the stage Manager.

The first performance was arranged in Reigate as a preview, after only a few days rehearsal, to gauge how the story-telling was 10

progressing. Libby and Rose attended this show and gave valuable feedback, taking part in a Q&A session with the cast, crew and an attentive and curious audience. Libby also wrote an article about Nicholas’ legacy, including the show, in The Times.

From Reigate, the show travelled north of the border to its new home at The Emerald Theatre, Greenside, in the heart of Edinburgh’s South Bridge region. Here it was to be judged by paying audiences and critics alike – and it didn’t disappoint. The first two reviews talked of “an entertaining energy and enthusiasm”, “biting lucidity”, and “a superb performance”, with one urging audiences to “catch it while you can”. Audiences were strong on the back of these early reviews, and when Libby and her husband Paul came to see the show again in Edinburgh, the 90 seater venue was sold out. When she tweeted that she was “Proud to be associated with best school Fringe I’ve seen. Credit to terrific, honest performers”, it started to become clear that there was something special about this show. The next reviews published called it “beautiful, funny and completely moving, “simply genius”, “a gorgeous exploration of life” and “one of the best pieces of theatre you’ll see this Fringe.” The show was a hit and was seen by a judge from the National Student Drama Festival, who may select it for entry to the competition in 2017.

After the festival, the demand to see the show was high, so four additional performances were arranged at the RGS Drama Studio.

These sold out, as did a charity gala performance at the Old Reigatians Rugby Club, which raised over £880 for mental health charities Calm and Beat.

“Beautiful, funny and completely moving”

red” “A truly gorgeous piece of theatre”

es 2016 | Broadway Baby 2016

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LEATHERHEAD DRAMA AWARDS Winner of the Best New Writing Award at the Leatherhead Drama Awards went to Oliver Woolgrove, Tom Box, Nicole James and Goya Verity for their play dealing with the effects of Alzheimer’s on families. This powerful and lyrical piece of physical theatre tells the story of two brothers blighted by this horrible illness.

The adjudicator praised the group for their dynamic story-telling and their lyrical choice of soundtrack. She was moved to tears by the sensitivity of the piece.

Goya also won the prestigious Best Actress Award at the Festival - she is a talent to watch in the future. After her phenomenal performance in Angus, Thongs and Even More Snogging, it is lovely to see her delivering such a diverse set of performance skills.

Both Reigate Grammar School pieces

submitted for this competition were short listed for awards including Liv Burgess, Sammy Wolsey, Jake White and Izzy Radford’s punchy and hysterically funny/ satirical attack on every day sexism. The pieces were competing against outstanding local and county school and youth theatre groups – including beating Caterham School, Reed’s School and Epsom College entries.

Congratulations also to our technical team – Josh Packham and Andrew Mailer for all their help.

ENGLISH CHORAL MUSIC EVENING The new church centre at St Mary’s was an excellent venue for a new addition to the RGS music calendar in March. Choirs from all areas of the RGS community combined to form a delightful evening of English music, masterminded by Head of Choral Music, Tali Glynne-Jones.

Highlights of the programme included Britten’s Ceremony of Carols performed with style by the choristers of the RGS Godfrey Searle Choir, and Holst’s Four Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, sung with great confidence by the Britten Choir, formed of senior girls. Both pieces were supported by supremely assured harp-playing from Eleanor Medcalf (Fifth Form) – a really remarkable feat for a student musician.

Students of Polyphony joined the RGS Cantata Choir for Purcell’s Jubilate in D, featuring solos from Miranda Harding, Rachel Dungate and Hugh Blayney, with 12

accompaniment from the chamber orchestra led by Gabriele Brasaite and directed by Simon Rushby. The Cantata Choir also performed two much-loved madrigals, The Silver Swan and April is in my Mistress’ Face, before all the singers combined for a rousing rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

The integration of choirs large and small, and representing different ages and elements of the whole RGS community, was a really notable feature of the event and it provided for an entertaining evening for the appreciative audience.

Thank you, to Mrs S Medcalf for the wonderful write-up.

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RGS CHOREOGRAPHY SLAM 2016 During the summer term we held the first ever Choreography Slam at RGS. This was a fantastic celebration of dance and original choreography by our students.

A professional choreographer was invited to adjudicate the performances which included styles as diverse as Ballroom, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Acro and Street.

The standard of performance and choreography was excellent across the board and it was a real treat to discover the hidden talents at RGS. We were thrilled to be hosting this event and our dance club entertained the audience with a sassy street dance routine to Uptown Funk. We also welcomed the RSM dancers

to perform their Titanium routine.

It was inspiring to see the warmth of the audience, the creativity and hard work of RGS students and the care with which all students had prepared their dances. Thank you to Miss Hare for orchestrating this new initiative.

Prizes were awarded for Best Original Choreography and Best Dance Performance to Caspar Meurisse and Purvaja Sivakumar. Purvaja performed a charismatic Bollywood routine that she had choreographed herself, whilst Caspar performed his own choreography and held everyone’s attention with a beautifully engaging ballet/contemporary performance to the music of Swan Lake.

Malvika Santosh was second with a marathon tap routine, with Maddie Wright and Lily Florida-James coming third in the Dance Performance category with an upbeat tap dance duet.

Amelia Dean was placed second for Original Choreography, with the trio of Hana Bashir, Sereena Pallana and Jyothika Menon coming third.

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RGS GODFREY SEARLE CHOIR As the Head Chorister I can say it has been a fantastic year for the RGS Godfrey Searle Choir.

I have got so much out of being in the choir and I am truly glad that I was a part of it for nearly eight years. It has been a real privilege.

We kicked off the new term in September with the honour of opening for Wales in the Rugby World Cup. Seeing them train and getting their autographs is every boy’s dream and we are so glad that Mrs Glynne-Jones helped us win the competition.

This year we have also sung at Southwark Cathedral with RGS’s Polyphony Choir, and numerous concerts and events. I love singing at weddings and we are always ready to hire if you are interested!

Recently we retained our winners’ cup at the Reigate and Redhill Music and Drama Festival, and enjoyed singing in The Three Choir’s concert at Croydon. We also had

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the opportunity to sing at the Zimbe concert which raised the roof at RSM. My favourite event of the year though is still the Cutlers’ Concert at the Royal Mews, even if I did have to dress up in an Elizabethan costume and wear tights! We also love our Sundays at Tandridge singing Evensong – there is nothing better than scoffing lots of cakes and stretching our legs in the church garden.

We have had so many promotions this year, with Rory Gibbs and Matthew Howard becoming full choristers, and Edward Collins, James Benton, William Fulker, Tom Wright, Ben MacDonald, Ethan Gray and Gabriel Burns becoming Senior Choristers. They have done a first class job. I would also like to thank my superb wing men Sam Kelly and Jacob Garcia. It has been an honour to represent the RGS Godfrey Searle choir with my good friends.

I would like to wish the choir success and happiness for next year.

Reuben Scaglione, Second Form

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EVENING WITH THE SWING BAND The RGS Swing Band performed again for the annual Evening with the Swing Band concert in the garden at One Chart Lane.

Despite a string of thunderstorms in the days leading up to the event, the sun shone and the sky was clear. The evening included music from Glenn Miller to Stevie Wonder, combining classic big band music with contemporary pop.

This year, the Swing Band was joined by Swingin’ Nick and the Jazzy Jacket Potatoes, a Dixieland jazz group, run by RGS Sixth Former Nick Ingram featuring Zeb Bond, James Selbie and Milo Stephens. I am always amazed at the students’ ability to rehearse a full evening’s programme of music with the majority of students also preparing for and sitting exams. My thanks

and congratulations to all who took part in what was a thoroughly enjoyable and successful evening.

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FOURTH FORM PRAM RACE On 23 June, the Fourth Form prepared for a pram race around the fields at Hartswood. After days of rain and close attention to weather forecasts, we were fortunate that there was going to be a dry afternoon so that the race could go ahead.

The challenge was to design and build a pram that would be able to carry one person and race as a team around a predefined course. The team needed to have a name and a theme which was shown through costume and pram design.

The response from the students was fantastic, with prams being constructed from a range of items with wheels.

Costumes varied from sumo wrestlers to nurses – and that was just the boys! The

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team that completed the most number of laps was ‘Bush for America’ with a very impressive seven laps and finishing first across the finish line. Prizes were also awarded to the ‘Where’s Wally’ team for best costume and the ‘Teletubbies after hours’ team for best design. This year an additional award was presented to the ‘Trannies’ team for throwing themselves into the event and for pure ridiculousness!

that students take responsibility for this, they decide the charity themselves and then raise sponsorship money. This year the charity chosen was ‘Mind’, a charity that is very close to the hearts of this particular year group. At the time of writing, we are still checking that all sponsorship money has been handed in; however the total raised so far is around £3500.

Despite the hilarity of the afternoon and the chaos that took place across the field at Hartswood, the event had a far more serious meaning. This event has been held by the Fourth Form students for many years and is an opportunity to raise money for a chosen charity. In order to ensure

The day showed the very best attributes of the year group. It highlighted their amazing sense of humour, their willingness to get involved and also a philanthropic mentality for a charity that is very important to them.

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RED CARPET PREMIERE

SPACE AND BEYOND

Leilah de Meza attended the film premiere of Alice Through The Looking Glass in which she plays the part of the Young Red Queen - Princess Iracebeth the younger version of Helena Bonham - Carter. This is an amazing achievement for a student tipped for success.

Third Form student Kieran Twaites, has once again pushed the boundaries on his scientific studies, with the publication of his first thesis. As a member of the Initiative for Interstellar Studies (i4is) and the youngest member to pass the i4is starship propulsion test paper, Kieran was invited to submit a thesis for inclusion in the i4is magazine.

I4is publishes an online quarterly magazine called ‘Principium’ (available for free download from http://www.i4is.org/ publications) to which many international scientists contribute. In recognition of Kieran’s achievements, he was given the honour of writing the Guest Introduction to the latest edition. Kieran spent a great deal of time researching this, his first internationally published scientific thesis.

All the science within it has been checked and approved by the i4is scientists.

It is an astonishing piece of work and will, hopefully, help to propel Kieran into his chosen career. Well done Kieran, we are excited to see what you do next!

MATHS MAGIC Fifth Formers Connie Bambridge-Sutton and Eleanor Medcalf were invited to this year’s UKMT Maths Summer School for Girls at St Anne’s College, Oxford.

For Connie, this was her second year attending the event, gaining her an all-expenses-paid place on the course.

As a Senior, Connie will be helping others as well as having the chance to take part in some sessions specifically for the seniors.

Well done to both girls for achieving a place on this prestigious course.

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TREADING THE BOARDS Jemima Brooke, a Second Form student, performed at the Harlequin Theatre in their performance of Let’s go to the Movies with her dance school C&C Dance.

Jemima took part in five numbers using her skills in Tap, Ballet, acting and Musical Theatre, which ended in a spectacular finale from the musical Hairspray.

BEVIS HILLIER WRITING TROPHY This year’s Bevis Hillier Writing Trophy—a Fifth Form writing competition that has been running at RGS since 2009—has been won by Oscar Subuh-Symons.

Renowned English art historian, author, journalist and Old Reigatian, Bevis Hillier once again kindly judged the short-listed entries for the writing competition.

Producing some exciting pieces, there clearly exists within the year group quite a number of talented writers and artists.

The students were set the challenge of writing on one of three titles: Followed, The Secret or The Musician. The creativity with which the students approached this competition was deeply impressive.

Oscar’s piece insightfully dramatised the impact humans are having on the planet.

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ENGLISH CHESS FEDERATION U13 SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS Reigate Grammar School students placed 2nd at the ECF (English Chess Federation) U13 Schools Chess Championships in Grantham during the summer term, making them National Runners-Up!

Congratulations to Gwen Subuh-Symons for getting into the National Youth Music Theatre ensemble performing at The Drum, Plymouth over the summer. Gwen auditioned with thousands of students nationally, to achieve a place working with West End choreographers and singing coaches—a superb achievement.

RGS scored 10.5/16 with our only loss coming against runaway Champions KCS Wimbledon; the 3-1 thrashing of our old rivals Wilson’s in the last round was particularly enjoyable.

REIGATE & REDHILL MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVAL

The RGS team consisted of Alex Golding, Harry Armstrong, Annalise Hansen and Bernadette Cheng-Whitehead. Ernest Tan played some good games in the Reserves section and was a great backup to the team.

All five players received runners-up medals and the School and each player will receive special certificates from the English Chess Federation.

NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE SUCCESS

This is Reigate Grammar’s best National chess result for many, many years; thanks to all who made it possible.

Bernadette Cheng-Whitehead was awarded the Reigate & Redhill Music and Drama Festival Arts Council Shield for Brass following her performance in the Grade 7 & 8 brass class. She was asked to perform the 1st movement of the Hummel at the Harlequin Theatre for the Festival Gala Concert.

REDHILL SINFONIA SCHOLAR Sixth Form student, Charles Lee, has been awarded a violin scholarship with the Redhill Sinfonia Orchestra, a new scholarship programme for suitably qualified school-age string players.

The orchestra has a membership of nearly 60 amateur musicians and each year performs three concerts (usually at Reigate Park Church or the Harlequin Theatre) of varied repertoire. Key to the orchestra’s continued success, popularity and high standard are the skill and enthusiasm of its professional conductors and leader David Burton.

HOUSE WINNERS 2016 I am delighted to announce that Williamson House has won the overall House Cup 2016. Well done to everyone—every little point has counted in what has been a very close competition.

The House Cup competition starts after Easter and runs for three terms until the following Easter. The gloves are definitely off and in the true RGS spirit of fun we wait to see how the competition unfolds this year.

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RGS SPORT

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T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W | S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

RECORD BREAKING 50+ COUNTY CALL UPS FOR REIGATE’S YOUNG SPORTS MEN AND WOMEN Students and staff at Reigate Grammar School are celebrating as the school has broken its record of county calls ups with over 50 boys and girls selected to represent Surrey and three country representatives. The selections cover many sports including hockey (boys and girls), rugby (boys and girls), golf, swimming, squash, badminton, cross country running and athletics, with less well known sports such as Ultimate Frisbee and Climbing. The regional representatives include Niamh Brown who was selected as part of the GB Team in the Great Edinburgh Cross Country Competition.

The massive boost to County selections follows an increased investment in sports which has included improved facilities, the addition of professional coaches for each sport at every level and strength and conditioning coach programmes available for all County sports men and women.

ď‚™ @RGSSport

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HORSE RIDING

DRESSAGE CHAMPION Millie Gover and her horse, Kamil, won both of the dressage competitions at the National County Schools Championships.

Millie has trained Kamil herself which makes her achievement even more remarkable.

Well done Millie!

HOME RACKETLON CHAMP

CLIMBING

CLIMBING TO THE TOP Holly James pictured, is seen as the tiny speck half way up a rock face in the national final of British Mountaineering Council Youth Climbing Series competition at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena - said to be the largest indoor climbing centre in the world, and which Holly reports certainly did not disappoint!

Holly writes: “To qualify, I had to come in the overall top three in the south of England, and I came second in each of the three rounds. I flew up Friday night, spent 22

the whole of Saturday (a 14hr day!) climbing, trying to handle my nerves and meeting new people, then caught a flight back in the nick of time that evening.

Unfortunately, while I did learn a lot about myself and competition logistics, it wasn’t to be, and overall I placed 23rd in the country in my age category. However it was only the second time I’ve done a national competition and I feel that I’ve got a lot more to give in the near future.” Well done Holly - keep it up.

U13 CHAMPION Maximus Sutton-Parker came third in the U13 British Racketlon Championships.

Racketlon is a combination sport of table tennis, badminton, squash and tennis. This fantastic result follows on from Maximus’ selection to represent Surrey at squash.

T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W | S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

GOLF RGS SENIOR GOLF TOUR Ten students, along with RGS staff made the short journey into Dorset to play four matches against local junior club teams.

the slides and plunge pools, as well as enjoying team meals every night.

The squad was a pleasure to take away and are all looking forward to Kent 2017.

Ferndown was unfortunately washed out with us leading in four out of five games, but the games against Parkstone, Broadstone and Brockenhurst Manor were all played in glorious sunshine.

We halved with Parkstone and beat the second two clubs comfortably. The standard of golf was high and the RGS team responded magnificently.

Charlotte Bader was unbeaten on the tour, but Sam Dukes won the “Brill Cup� for a magnificent sub-par round at Brockenhurst.

In between the golf, the squad spent an evening in the Poole Waterpark, braving

ULTIMATE FRISBEE UNIVERSITY TOURNAMENT This term the RGS Ultimate Frisbee team, attended the Chichester University Indoor Tournament. Old Reigatian Jordan Sloan invited the team to take part in the tournament which was aimed at university

teams (RGS was the only school team present). Despite playing teams with more experience, the RGS team played some excellent Ultimate finishing the day with four wins and one loss. This included two

very tight matches which went down to a golden point with the team holding on in the closing moments to claim the win.

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RUGBY ENGLAND RUGBY AT RGS

SURREY RUGBY PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

NATIONAL U15 TALENT DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Sixth Form student, Max Coyle was selected to play for the England U17 side against France U17 on the 16 April in Newcastle. England won 19-17 with Max scoring one of the tries.

Success for both girls and boys U15s with Tom Allen and Ellie Green being awarded the Surrey Rugby U15 Player of the Year awards, a truly impressive feat considering the strength of the teams.

Ellie Green, a Fourth Form student, has been selected for the rugby National U15 Talent Development Group, following on from her performances in the South East junior academy games at both 15 a side and 7 a side. Well done Ellie.

This is an amazing achievement and highlights Max’s continued success in the sport, he is currently part of the Harlequins Academy and will be looking to continue his national selection into next season.

ENGLAND 7S STAR GUEST

QUINS SELECTION Once again RGS has had an incredible number of students selected for the Quins DPG and EPG squads; Max Coyle Quins Academy, Tom Allen U16 EPDG, Finn Skinner U15 DPG, Harrison Watts U15 DPG.

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We were delighted to welcome England 7s star Heather Fisher, as guest of honour at the annual RGS Senior Sports Presentation dinner. Heather spoke to parents, staff and students on the importance of never giving up.

Having had set backs and injuries during her career, she spoke of the importance of believing in yourself and turning negative situations into positives. This was highlighted brilliantly when she told us that an injury had nearly cost her a spot on the England squad for the Rio Olympic Games.

T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W | S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

FOOTBALL

BIATHLON

TENNIS

ON THE BALL

BIATHLON STAR

GAME, SET AND MATCH

Lili Ferguson and Catriona Lynn, who both play for the Beecholme Belles Banstead FC U18’s, have had another very successful season. The team are 2016 Surrey League champions winning the Surrey Challenge Cup against Woking Cougars 5-1.

Machayla Dewdney competed in the South Region Schools Biathlon Championship at Aldershot Garrison, securing the overall first place position by winning the swim event in her age group. This follows on from her success at the Phoenix Tri Aquathlon Series where she secured another first place in the Tristar 3 girls category. Superb achievements.

Congratulations to the Girls’ U14 and U13 RGS Tennis teams who won all of their matches in the group stages of the Surrey Tennis League. The U14s won against St Catherine’s, Caterham, Woldingham and Croydon High whilst the U13s battled it out against Guildford High, Notre Dame Cobham, Sutton High and St Teresa’s.

Well done to the U14 team of Sofia Gibbon, Grace Greaves, Amelia Robley Dixon, Hattie Dadswell, Lucy Hangartner and Hannah Cross; and to the U13 team of Freya Biggs, Simone Kellard, Tabby Green, Katty Bliss, Mia Jojic, Bernadette ChengWhitehead and Zoe Mitchell.

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS SUCCESS Joe Jenner, a Third Form student, competed in the Surrey Schools Combined Events Championships representing RGS. Joe achieved PBs in 4 of the 5 events, won the Bronze medal and is currently ranked 14th in the UK for U15 boys pentathlon.

Joe is also the inaugural recipient of the ‘The Laurie Reed Cup for Junior Athletics’.

This is to be awarded each year to a student in the First to Fourth Forms based on contribution (both in attendance and team spirit) and performance to school athletics.

Laurie Reed (former Olympian and RGS pupil 1948-1953) joined us to present Joe with the award.

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CRICKET

CRICKET TOUR TO JERSEY During May, the U13A cricket squad flew out to Jersey for a long weekend to carry on our long tradition of touring the island.

Sixteen boys and one girl acquitted themselves well.

The first game brought poor weather and unfortunately the match was abandoned with RGS in a strong position against De La Salle College. The sun shone for most of the rest of the tour and RGS almost managed to snatch victory from the jaws of

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defeat against Victoria College, falling to a three wicket defeat.

In our first match against the island side, Jersey dominated, but in our last match of the tour Reigate put up more of a fight to force a draw against the same side.

The tourists also enjoyed a tour quiz, ten-pin bowling and a trip to the cinema and represented RGS well throughout. In addition, they have developed their cricket for the rest of the season.

T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W | S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

HOCKEY

OUTREACH HOCKEY PROGRAMME Nearly 90 students from Reigate Priory Junior School took part in the RGS Outreach Hockey Tournament. The event was a huge success and Hartswood was buzzing with spectators. Thank you to Mrs Wickham who spearheaded the

programme and also to all the student Hockey Leaders who worked with the children and helped organise the teams— they were polite, smiling and helpful whilst umpiring and enthusing the young players about hockey.

HOCKEY JRPC SELECTION A group of RGS girls has been selected to attend the Hockey Junior Regional Programme Centres. They are: Ella Woods, Taylor Weber, Stephanie Weber, Amy Wickham, Timea Culverwell and Ellie Heron.

take place at various venues across the country and bring together England cream-of-the-crop hockey talent.

Well done girls!

This programme is in-line with the England Hockey Single System which is the pathway young players have to go through in order to gain England selection.

Having gone through Surrey County selection, the JRPC aspect brings together the best junior players in the country to train and compete against each other for places to represent their region. These 27

R EI G AT E G R A M M A R SC H OO L

TOP CO-ED DAY SCHOOL IN SURREY FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING Daily Telegraph 2016

Yet again, this year’s public examination results have seen RGS placed as the top coeducational school in Surrey, the third year in a row we, as a school, have achieved the accolade.

94% A* to B grades

83% A*-A grades

The typical Reigatian secured AAB grades

46% of students gained 10 or more A*-A grades

Two thirds of grades were A or A*

85% of students achieved five or more A*-A grades

100% record for four years running of an offer for every single medical school applicant

The typical Reigatian achieved 6 A* and 4 A grades with over half (55%) of all grades achieved being A*

100% Pass rate at A Level for the 17th year running

100% Pass rate at GCSE

A LEVEL

GCSE

Last year our A Level results were deemed to be ‘Exceptional’

by ISI and 91% were A*-B grades. This year our attainment was 94% A*-B. This is truly fantastic and one of which we are very proud.

GCSE results at Reigate Grammar School are EXCEPTIONAL, repeating the school’s record breaking successes of this year’s amazing A Level results. This year RGS students have achieved more A* grades than all the other grades put together with the typical Reigatian achieving 6 A* and 4 A grades.

The last three years have been the three highest attaining years for A Level results since our records began. `Reigatians were consistently successful this year. In addition to 94% of grades being A*-B, nearly half of the grades gained were A*-A grades. Students at Reigate Grammar School have gained more than 93% A* to B grades on average over the last three years.

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RGS students have secured a 100% pass rate at GCSE with 83% being A*-A grades and, at 55%, over half of all grades achieved were A*s. These are record results for RGS. This truly remarkable achievement highlights the academic strength of our students, the commitment of our staff and the successful implementation of our three-year GCSE programme.

T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W | S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES Maria Ionescu, achieved four A*s and is going to Cambridge University to study Medicine. James Hawrych also achieved A*s and As and is off to Oxford University to study Engineering. Many other RGS students are heading to Oxbridge and elite universities.

A FOND FAREWELL FROM OUR STUDENT HEADS OF SCHOOL “We encourage students to integrate themselves at all levels of school life, taking advantage of the great variety of activities on offer, in order to give yourselves a rounded school experience which we firmly believe will be invaluable in later life.”

A whole year has passed since we were appointed as Heads of School and it has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with both our peers and teachers. Whilst there have challenging moments, we’ve not only been stretched as students, but also as members of the Reigatian community.

We have enjoyed representing the school at events such as the House of Commons Changing Lives Foundation event, and also being able to contribute more to different aspects of school life, in more of a leadership capacity. This would not have been possible without the opportunities given to us, and the key support network

offered by the school, and for that we are very thankful.

We encourage students to integrate themselves at all levels of school life, taking advantage of the great variety of activities on offer, in order to give yourselves a rounded school experience which we firmly believe will be invaluable in later life.

So again, thank you to the school for giving us a school experience that we are not likely to ever forget.

Hugh Blayney & Miranda Harding Head Girl and Head Boy 2015-2016

MOST POPULAR UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS Bath* Bristol Oxbridge* Durham* Edinburgh* Exeter* Leicester Nottingham Warwick* York * Placed in the top 20 in the Guardian University Guide 2015 29

LEAVERS’ DAY 2016 What better way to finish off an amazing year than with a sunny, fun filled outdoor party. Our leavers organised a brilliant day for the school with fancy dress, dodgems, giant slides and plenty of ice cream!

Here, some of the many photos illustrate how much fun was had by all.

R EI G AT E G R A M M A R SC H OO L

RGS FOUNDATION GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY LUNCH

GOLF DAY

On Tuesday 21 June 2015, RGS welcomed back 15 Old Reigatians from the class of 1966 and their partners for their Golden Anniversary. Some had made return visits since leaving but for many this was their first trip back to RGS in fifty years!

The 6th annual charity RGS Foundation Golf Day was held at Reigate Heath Golf Club on Friday 27 May.

The morning began with refreshments in the Library followed by tours of the school with current Lower Sixth Form students.

Guests reminisced on their time at RGS, recalling classes and teachers as well as seeing how the campus and facilities have expanded and changed over the years.

The tours ended in the garden of the Headmaster’s house where lunch was enjoyed outside in the sunshine.

Photographs from the archives were displayed along with some newspaper cuttings, courtesy of Chris Smith, reporting on the RGS rugby team from 1964 making history in their defeat against the RGS Old Boys. Much time was spent looking through all the photographs and trying to recall names and anecdotes from years gone by.

The afternoon was rounded off with a Living History session which involved Third Form history students talking with guests about life at RGS now and then. The students helped to serve afternoon tea in the garden and thoroughly enjoyed hearing stories about life at RGS fifty years ago.

Congratulations to Ken and Sebine Benoit who took first place with a very impressive 50 point score.

Thank you to all the players who helped make the day what it was, fun and sociable, whilst helping to raise funds for the RGS Changing Lives campaign.

Special thanks to our principal sponsor Cluttons and our hole sponsors Woodlands Lettings, Haime & Butler – brand design and communications, Castlewood Hotels, Oranka Juice Solutions, Reigate Heath Golf Club and Cliff Gough – RHGC Professional.

SINGAPORE GATHERING With the successful launch of our ReigAsian initiative earlier on in the year in Hong Kong, our RGS Singapore Ambassador, Ryan Younger (’91) hosted an event for all members from the Reigatian Community based in and around Singapore, a great night was had by all!

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T H E PI LG R I M R E V I E W | S U M M E R / AUTU M N 2016

RGS PFA The Reigate Grammar School Parents’ and Friends’ Association (PFA) is a team of enthusiastic volunteers who are either parents or members of RGS staff.

We aim to enhance the school community by organising events and activities to help raise funds for valued extras throughout the school. As such we are incredibly proud of the fundraising activities that we have undertaken over the years to help achieve this.

Whatever the size and scale of the

project whether it be providing gazebos, musical instruments or a new tea pavilion at Hartswood, the weather station or camera equipment, we work to try to help in as many areas as we can.

We are always on the lookout for new volunteers and if you’re interested then please have a look at our web pages on the main RGS site or e mail us at pfa@reigategrammar.org. It doesn’t matter if you can only give a little of your time – anything is welcome and greatly appreciated!

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RGS Hartswood Sports Ground

CATCH UP ONLINE As this newsletter illustrates, RGS is an action-packed school with a wealth of news and activities happening around the clock. To keep up to date, please visit our website or join in with RGS online via the below channels: www.reigategrammar.org



facebook.com/reigategrammarschool

 Follow our news and views on Twitter: Headmaster @rgsheadmaster

RGS Chemistry @RGSChem

RGS Maths @RGSMaths

RGS Sport @RGSSport

RGS Williamson @RGS_Williamson

Reigate Grammar @ReigateGrammar

RGS Economics @RGSEconomics1

RGS Music @rgs_music

RGS Classics @ClassicsRGS

RGS Ultimate @RGSUltimate

RGS Careers @RGSCareers

RGS English @RGSEnglish

RGS Physics @RGSPhysicsDept

RGS Geography @RGSGeography

RGS Weather @RGSweather

RGS Computing @rgsComputing

RGS Drama @RGSDrama

RGS First Form @RGSfirstform

RGS Trips @RGSTrips

RGS Rugby @ReigateGSrugby

RGS Art Department @RGSArtDept

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RGS Lower School @RGSLowerSchool

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RGS Biology @BioRGS

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RGS Hodgson @RGS_Hodgson

Reigate Grammar School, Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS 01737 222231 info@reigategrammar.org

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