THE
Bulletin
ISSUE 232
FROM THE HEADMASTER
“Good disagreement” is an ideal the Archbishop of Canterbury often holds up as one we should all strive for. It is not, sadly, something that all institutions in public life are successful with. Instead, rancid polemics, name-calling and demands that “unacceptable” views should be silenced characterise many debates on TV, in the political arena, on social media. In my first assembly of term to the whole school, I spoke on the theme of kindness: somewhat fitting after a period when so many people around the world, of every faith, show kindness to others. I emphasised the importance of our interactions with one another and the importance of tolerance, respect and compassion which are the foundations of our community. This was also a central theme of our Staff Inset Day at the beginning of January focusing on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Our guest speaker was keen to emphasise how important language can be in enabling communities to thrive and be an equitable place for all. Our Sense of Belonging survey which all our students were invited to complete highlighted, pleasingly, that they feel the RGS is a safe and secure place. Our speaker affirmed that having a safe space of this nature is an important way in which those with differing views can unpack and understand others’ points of view. We heard about microaggressions, how to identify them, how to combat unconscious bias; we also heard how we can all be upstanders rather than bystanders by actively challenging casual derogatory language, discriminatory behaviour or online discrimination within social media. It can be difficult to do the right thing on occasions; however, we must all keep working hard, both staff and students, to call out poor behaviours or language and avoid that social conformity which fails to address bigotry or unkindness. I am always encouraged to see so many positive interactions during the school day between staff and students, as well as between students of all ages. This is one of the reasons why we have such a wonderful community. We must cherish our School Values and do all we can to maintain them at all times.
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Schools should take the lead in nurturing thoughtful, respectful, considered argument.
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Historically, respect for others and tolerance of diverse opinion have been the attitudes which schools have tried to foster. Until recent fears of causing offence took hold, schools traditionally tried to expose young minds to robust views, controversial stances or polarised opinion. If we are to be truly inclusive and tolerant global citizens we have to walk in the shoes of others, we have to appreciate the views of others. The bland, the conformist, the unquestioning should have little place in schools, rather, healthy debate should broaden perspectives and not be afraid to provoke discussion. Limits need to be tested and defined within a safe environment; choice of language, nuance and connotation must be reflected on and considered. How else can the necessary and balanced questioning at the heart of all intellectual development be instilled in each generation? Schools should take the lead in nurturing thoughtful, respectful, considered argument. Without good disagreement, without welcoming diverse views, without listening, the concept of respect, tolerance and empathy can be nothing more than an unattainable ideal. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a belated but very Happy New Year. I hope 2024 is a healthy, happy and fulfilling year for you all
INCLUSIVITY SCHOLARSHIP INTEGRITY
RESPECT COURAGE COLLABORATION
OUR VALUES
SCHOOL PRIORITIES 2022-2025
Our current RGS school development priorities are Diversity and Inclusion, Collaboration, and Student Experience and Equality. These priorities run on a three-year cycle.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION We are focusing on four areas: staff collaboration to develop and improve teaching and learning; sharing best practice between RGS and RGS Prep; co-educational opportunities and links for our students socially and academically; and linking with our international schools to provide students with cultural and academic exchange opportunities.
COLLABORATION This is an area of continual development; however, our current focuses are on student appearance; the reporting process; academic tracking and reporting; co-curricular participation; literacy; pastoral support; reviewing the Sixth Form curriculum provision; and effective use of student devices and the possibilities that AI offers.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE We have focused on student and staff voice, as well as experienced external providers, to inform our strategy which is currently centred around staff diversity; developing a more inclusive curriculum; and providing additional training and support for staff and students with the aim of making our whole community more tolerant and inclusive.
THE GALLERY
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Sports Fixtures We very much welcome parental support this term at weekend sports fixtures including football at Bradstone Brook and hockey at Broadwater School. May we politely remind you that at both of these locations, dogs are, regrettably, strictly not allowed. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter. May we also remind you that with unpredictable weather this term, it is all the more important to check our social media platforms prior to leaving home to ensure there have been no cancellations or changes to the published arrangements. Tuesday 16 January Third Form GCSE Options Evening takes place online. Thursday 25 January Fifth Form Parents’ Evening takes place in Great Hall. .
LATEST NEWS SKI TRIP The Christmas holidays saw RGS skiers travelling in their numbers to Les Deux Alpes for the annual Junior and Senior ski trips. With a party comprising 130 students and 12 members of staff, the trip was blessed with perfect skiing conditions: fresh snow falling just before we arrived and blue skies and sunshine dominating the week.
SPORTS NEWS HOCKEY An incredible 29 teams played competitive fixtures as RGS hockey, under new Head of Hockey Mr Bartram, kicked off the 2024 season in style. On Friday night under the lights against Guildford Hockey Club, over 160 students and 16 teams represented the School in the Under 12 and Under 13 A – H teams, with many of the students playing their first ever competitive matches. In a new block fixture, Merchant Taylors’ School provided the opposition for the other year groups: the 1st XI had a positive start with a tight 0 – 0 draw. Other highlights included a 6 – 3 victory for the Under 15As with an Ollie Horrocks hat-trick.
SHOOTING
Over the Christmas holidays four RGS students were selected for prestigious shooting teams: Ayaan Bhagat for the UK Under 17 Cadet Rifle Team; Joshua Myers for the British Cadet Under 18 Rifle Team (Athelings) with James Nicholas as a non-travelling reserve, and Adam Zhang for the Great Britain Under 19 Rifle Squad.
FOOTBALL
With a busy term ahead, including the RGS 1st to 5th XIs in action at senior level, as well as fixtures scheduled for the Under 17, Under 16 A and B, and U15 A and B teams, it was good to get the Lent Term underway. The 1st XI were in early cup action and travelled to Swindon Town's Academy to take on Marlborough College. A battling performance, including a hat-trick from Hayden Christian, saw the RGS progress to Round 3, as the RGS emerged 3 – 1 winners. Hayden continued his excellent early season form with another goal midweek against Judd School in challenging, cold conditions.
MEET OUR… HOUSEMASTERS
Mr TE Fishpool
Mr FCB Evans
Mr IP Rossiter
Dr JO Varney
Austen Housemaster
Austen Deputy Housemaster
Beckingham Housemaster
Beckingham Deputy Housemaster
Mr JA Casale
Mrs N Wilson
Mr KP Tayar
Mr DT Chapman
Hamonde Housemaster
Hamonde Deputy Housemaster
Nettles Housemaster
Nettles Deputy Housemaster
Mr WD Cowx
Mrs RJ Rathmell
Mr SJ Baker
Mr PL Palmer
Powell Housemaster
Powell Deputy Housemaster
Valpy Housemaster
Valpy Deputy Housemaster
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