RGS Academic Review 2018

RGS ACADEMIC REVIEW 2018

TOP CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL IN SURREY Daily Telegraph and Sunday Times Parent Power

RGS NAMED AS A DESTINATION SCHOOL IN THE TATLER SCHOOL GUIDE

100% PASS RATE AT A LEVEL FOR 19th YEAR RUNNING

MORE GCSE A* GRADES THAN ALL OTHER GRADES PUT TOGETHER!

ISI INSPECTION 2016 RATED EXCEPTIONAL

R E I G AT E G R A M M A R S C H O O L

A LEVEL RESULTS 2018

TOP CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN SURREY FOR THE FIFTH YEAR RUNNING

(DAILY TELEGRAPH AND THE SUNDAY TIMES)

The typical grade profile of RGS Students is 3As at A Level 90% A*-B grades at A Level in 2018 Over 30% of grades were A* at A Level More A* and A grades than all other grades put together Record number of students into Oxbridge in 2018

Our recent ISI inspection report deemed our A Level results to be ‘Exceptional’ and we are consistently delivering 90% A*-B grades, placing RGS in the premier league of schools for exam results. This is a truly fantastic achievement and one of which we are very proud.

The last three years have been the highest attaining years for A Level results since our records began.

Reigatians were consistently successful this year. In addition to 90% of grades being A*-B, almost 70% of these were A*-A.

STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES Laura Hawrych and Tom Guise, the departing Head Girl and Head Boy, have secured top A Level results following a year of inspirational student leadership. Laura achieved 4A*s and will study Geography at the University of Cambridge and Tom, who secured AAB, goes on to study Business and Management at Exeter.

THE TYPICAL REIGATIAN SECURED THREE A GRADES WITH RECORD NUMBERS SECURING STRAIGHT A* GRADES. These results are a great tribute to our talented students, dedicated teachers and supportive parents at Reigate Grammar School.

Such excellent grades will open doors of opportunity for Reigatians, securing them places at top universities so they can go on to achieve their life aspirations and fulfilling careers.

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STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES Ashwin Bhat, captain of the RGS 1st XI Cricket Team, has hit for six with his A Level results achieving 3 A* and 2 A grades in Art, Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics. Under Ashwin’s leadership of the 1st XI, RGS has been rated a ‘top 100 school’ by The Cricketer for the second year running. Ashwin is also a keen artist who, together with his year group, secured 100% A*-A grades in their Art A Levels. Ashwin leaves RGS to study Maths at Durham University.

This year seven RGS students will be starting their medical careers having achieved outstanding A Level results. Camille Du Buisson, Elise Forshew, Kirsty Gaston, Theo Petitt, Sophia Grant, Bilal Akhtar and Grace Ryan gained a total of 9 A*s and 15 As between them to win their places to study medicine.

Harriet Taggart and Camille Du Buisson, who played the star roles as Miss Adelaide and Sarah Brown in RGS Drama’s Guys and Dolls, have secured a combined total of 4 A* and 3 A grades in their A Levels. Hattie leaves RGS to study English Literature at Durham University and Camille will study Medicine at the University of Birmingham.

Connie Bambridge-Sutton gained an amazing 4 A*s at A Level. She is a talented mathematician who was UK finalist in Who Wants to be a Mathematician? and was awarded a silver medal at the British Mathematical Olympiad. Connie will continue her interest in Mathematics at the University of Cambridge.

A LEVEL SUBJECT ART BIOLOGY

% A*-B 100 92

BUSINESS STUDIES

100

CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

100

CHEMISTRY

86

COMPUTING

100

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

100

ECONOMICS

86

ENGLISH LITERATURE

100

FRENCH

100

FURTHER MATHEMATICS

100

GEOGRAPHY

77

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

88

HISTORY

93

LATIN

89

MATHEMATICS

88

MUSIC

100

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

43

PHYSICS

90

SPANISH

100

THEATRE STUDIES THEOLOGY & PHILOSOPHY TOTAL PERCENTAGE

88 100 90 For more in-depth analysis please visit our website

WHY DO WE USE THE MEASURE OF A*-B GRADES? That is because this year, as last, our students hold university places where the grade requirements are almost exclusively all A*-B grades. Therefore, A*, A and B grades create life chances and secure university places that are aligned with the aspirations of RGS students. It is also the same as national benchmark tables.

R E I G AT E G R A M M A R S C H O O L

GCSE RESULTS 2018

MORE 9-8 (A*) GRADES THAN ALL OTHER GRADES PUT TOGETHER! Over 80% 9-7 grades (A*-A) at GCSE Over 60% of students gained nine or more 9-7 grades (A*-A) Over 85% of students achieved five or more 9-7 grades (A*-A) The typical Reigatian gained at least eight 9-8 grades (A*-A) 60% of all grades achieved were 9-8 or A* equivalent Almost 95% of all grades were 9-6 (A*-B) GCSE results at Reigate Grammar School are EXCEPTIONAL, repeating the school’s record breaking successes of amazing A Level results. This year RGS students have achieved more 9-7 grades (A*-A) than all other grades put together with the typical Reigatian securing at least eight 9-8 grades (A*-A).

RGS students have secured over 80% 9-7 grades (A*-A) and 60% of all grades achieved were 9-8 (A*). 41 students achieved 10 or more A* or equivalent grades, another record breaking year.

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.

STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES Juliet Anderson, RGS’s highest achieving student, secured twelve 9/A* grades.

Juliet is not only a high achiever in the classroom, she is also a superstar musician, playing the violin at grade 7 and regularly performing with the Symphony Orchestra in RGS concerts.

Kieran Twaites, a keen scientist who is passionate about astrophysics and interstellar space travel, has achieved a fantastic set of GCSE results with ten 9/8 grades (equivalent to A*s).

National swimming champion, Owen Knowles, gained a fantastic eleven GCSEs at grade 9/8 (A* equivalent) despite an intensive programme of training and swimming galas throughout the year.

To add to his academic success, Owen qualified for the British Swimming Championships in Edinburgh in March.

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KEY STAGE 4: THREE-YEAR GCSE PROGRAMME Reigate Grammar School students benefit from a three-year GCSE programme, a system which has proven results for enhanced academic attainment and increased depth of learning. RGS students are already working at a level ahead of national expectations and for those students who join us in the First Form (Year 7), RGS helps students to work quickly through the important foundation stage in the first two years. This allows RGS to support students to work at the higher level of GCSE study a year earlier than at most other schools.

Students’ higher level of ability and the support framework provided by the school sees RGS students start working at GCSE level from the start of the Third Form (Year 9) rather than waiting until the Fourth Form (Year 10), as in most other schools. Having three years to

work at GCSE level means students get three years to do what other schools rush through in just two years. The extra time supports higher attainment and higher GCSE grades that will open up additional opportunities as students apply to top universities.

The extended three-year GCSE course also enables RGS students to enjoy significantly greater breadth and depth in their learning.

ELECTIVES PROGRAMME The extra time provided by a three-year GCSE programme enables RGS students to benefit from an innovative Electives Programme which contains a wide range of studies and life skills that are valuable but do not require yet another GCSE examination in order to be part of a great education. Examples of Electives include a new language started ab initio, sculpture or ceramics, a programme of art appreciation, French literature, digital design, computer programming or forensic science.

WHAT ARE IGCSES?

THE ACADEMY

TSI FRIDAY!

International GCSEs (IGCSEs) are similar in many ways to standard GCSEs, but are generally regarded as more rigorous. Originally designed for schools overseas, they are not required to conform to the regulations laid down by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in the UK. They usually involve less coursework, and retain elements of the syllabus which have been removed from GCSEs.

The Academy is now in its fourth year and attracting speakers and debaters in strong numbers. The student-led academic forum is open to members of the Fifth and Sixth Forms and gives a platform to engage further in areas of particular interest.

RGS’s popular series of talks Thank Science It’s Friday covers topics as varied as snowflake formation and the blue blooded horseshoe crab. From the physics of auroras to mercury poisoning, eukaryotic cells to the inner workings of PCs.

Inspired by Plato’s Academy model, each session sees a student give a short presentation on an academic issue that is of particular interest to them. The presentation is then followed by an open discussion on the day’s topic encouraging debating, knowledge sharing and a chance to dig deeper into a range of cross-curricular subjects.

Talks are given by students, Old Reigatians and staff and offer a chance to go beyond the syllabus and take a deeper dive into scientific topics.

In recent years, many leading independent schools in the UK have adopted IGCSEs, at least for some subjects. However, as they are not recognised by QCA they do not appear in government performance tables. This explains why some government league tables suggest that none of our students has five GCSEs!

In addition to the immediate academic gains and enjoyment, The Academy also provides students with the opportunity to practice giving presentations in a relatively informal setting. The forum provides valuable experience for university applications, employment and as a stepping stone to qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification.

TSI Friday talks are open to pupils in the Fifth and Sixth Form.

R E I G AT E G R A M M A R S C H O O L

DESTINATION OF LEAVERS

ELITE UNIVERSITIES FOR RGS STUDENTS

All of this year’s leavers have secured a place at a university of their choice.

It was another very successful year for Oxbridge applicants and those progressing onto medical and veterinary schools.

The range of institutions is dominated by the top 20 UK universities, particularly those within the Russell Group.

UNIVERSITY COURSES FOR 2018 LEAVERS (in order of popularity) Geography (incl. Human, Earth Science, Environmental Science) Business Management Engineering (incl. Chemical, Product Design, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical) Computer Science Politics/International Relations Medicine Maths Economics Psychology Design & Technology/Product Design Natural Sciences Biomedical Sciences Biology/Biological Sciences Classics/Classical Studies Biochemistry History Chemistry

MOST POPULAR UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS Bath Bristol Durham Exeter

Finance/Accountancy

Leeds

Modern Languages (incl. French, Modern Languages and Culture)

Medical School

Physics

Loughborough

English Literature Law Philosophy/Theology Fashion

Nottingham Oxbridge York

Speech and Language Therapy Dentistry PPE Arts and Science/Social Sciences/Liberal Arts Pharmacology Veterinary Science Architecture Music Film and TV

All are placed in the Top 20 in the Guardian University Guide 2019

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THE RGS PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

CAREERS

The RGS Professionals Network group is run by The RGS Foundation Office, in partnership with the Careers Department, to help RGS students with their career choices whilst they are at school and beyond, and to encourage networking between Reigatians.

CAREERS PROGRAMME

RGS PROFESSIONALS GROUP The primary purpose of RGS Professionals is to foster meaningful friendship and network support. The group supports the school by providing a pool of experienced professionals willing to provide guidance and potential job contact opportunities to students at the school. The group also offers an enjoyable forum for Reigatians to stay in touch with friends and colleagues involved with the school and to meet and network with new friends working in complementary businesses. As part of our rich and diverse programme, recent events have included: Digital Transformation at The Shard hosted by Jellyfish, a property themed event at Rapleys and a fascinating evening at the global law firm, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, entitled ‘The Diversity Dilemma’. We are also excited about hosting our first ever medics themed event at RGS next year.

We invite you to join our group on LinkedIn. Simply search:

 Reigate Grammar School Professionals

RGS’ Careers Department runs a series of lunchtime Beyond the Classroom talks throughout the year with experts and guest speakers providing insight and advice on a host of different possible paths ahead. The programme is augmented by the RGS Careers Convention and Higher Education Convention which run annually on rotation and between them welcome representatives from over 50 professions and universities to RGS. The careers programme for 2018-2019 includes: After University

A talk conducted by Natasha Rees (OR) on ‘What is out there after university?’

Looking at graduate schemes which require no specific degree courses.

Media & Publishing

Charlotte Michel (OR) on Careers in TV/ Media. Charlotte is the production coordinator on The Crown. There will also be a digital careers evening.

UNIVERSITY LINKS Over 300 Reigatians currently studying at university are available to provide details about their course and university to RGS Sixth Form students. Reigatians at university provide an invaluable source of extra information to current Sixth Form students giving an inside track on university life, different courses and a depth of knowledge that reaches far beyond universities’ official brochures and websites.

Each summer, Reigatians at university return to RGS for a UCAS Day, organised by the Careers Department, which gives current Lower Sixth Form students the chance to question them as a panel and individually about their experience of university, their course and their recommendations for a successful UCAS application and transition to university.

BUSINESS LINKS Members of our Reigatian community (parents, former pupils and RGS friends) who are established in their own careers are a vital source of advice, encouragement and mentorship. The RGS Professionals Network has well over 1,500 members and they are keen to provide support with careers advice, work experience and potential job opportunities.

As part of the RGS Professionals Group, parents and former students also provide invaluable support through participation in the school’s annual Careers Convention and the popular lunchtime careers speaker’s programme which runs throughout the year.

OVERSEAS NETWORK The Reigatian Community spreads far and wide. From New York to New Zealand, we have pockets of Reigatians around the globe that are very happy to help. They can offer advice, be a point of contact or even provide job opportunities for recent RGS leavers that are taking a GAP year or moving abroad.

Please contact us if you think we may be able to help: foundation@reigategrammar.org

Engineering

Dedicated engineering careers evening with outside speakers from across the many different fields of engineering.

Law

Dedicated careers in Law evening with current Law students and career lawyers.

Medicine

A weekly medical discussion group runs alongside a dedicated medical interviews session run by Dr Sandeep Cliff-Patel, Brighton & Sussex Medical School. Steve Brook will also run his ‘Life as a Vet’ presentation.

The Forces and Pilot Courses

Sergant Chris Ward on ‘RAF Careers’ and old Reigatian Piers-Rex Murray on ‘Training to be a pilot.’

Studying Abroad

Dedicated preparation talks on US universities and the admissions process.

Oxbridge

Dedicated programme for students applying to Oxbridge, open to all students, including an Oxbridge Conference being held at Epsom Downs.

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Definitely One to Watch... something for everyone The Good Schools Guide

Exceptional for Achievement and Learning Independent Schools Inspectorate 2016

Top Co-Educational Independent Day School in Surrey Daily Telegraph & Sunday Times Parent Power

RGS is rocketing up the rankings... pastoral care is second to none.

Tatler Schools Guide 2016

RGS was able to offer a flexible curriculum which could accommodate my passion for cricket alongside an academic education which has enabled me to flourish and excel in both sport and my studies�.

AB, an RGS student who has just finished his A Levels with 3A* and 2A grades.

He has loved his time at RGS and leaves as a very proud Reigatian. It has been a great experience for him and the lessons he has learned will stay with him for many years to come.

Parents of a Sixth Form student who has just finished his A Levels

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

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