FROM THE HEADMASTER
Fear may feel like an unlikely theme for my final message of term and yet ironically it could hardly be more appropriate. Our Guest of Honour at this year’s Senior Prizegiving ceremony, Old Guildfordian Jack Bardoe, star of stage and screen, spoke passionately about the fact that fear had been a constant companion throughout his career. He recounted his first genuine encounter with his nemesis. The vivid memory of his whole body shaking as they called his name to stand up and perform his first-ever audition piece. Legs completely numb. Mouth dry. Shuffling into the middle of a circle of other children to audition. As an actor, he explained, fear is something you encounter a lot. “Fear of looking like an idiot, fear of embarrassing yourself, fear of the opinions of others, fear of not getting the job, fear of not being enough, fear of failure.” But rather than being frozen by fear, Jack learnt fear in fact is your friend.
This term’s The Register, our photographic record of the Trinity Term, provides a formal way of capturing for posterity many of the magic moments which have taken place this term. As I reflect on this memorable academic year, so many highlights stand out: students flourishing simply by being the very best versions of themselves that they can be, whether that is in their progress and achievements or in terms of their moral compass and encapsulating the School Values which define who we are. These successes simply would not be possible without students pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, challenging themselves, embracing fear head on – the fear of failure, the fear of mistakes, the fear of others’ opinions. The sheer exuberance, enthusiasm and innate talent of our actors in drama productions such as The Canterbury Tales, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame! The talent of our musicians at Musician of the Year, or the various concerts at Holy Trinity Church, or the rock gigs. The diverse artwork on display at the exhibition where, through different media, our artists had the selfbelief to express themselves in such innovative ways. The charitable and volunteering initiatives and partnership opportunities where students selflessly and altruistically threw themselves into activities simply for the benefit of others. The sports fields where our teams showed such dedication, determination and teamwork, often against superior opposition. The academic spheres with outstanding public examination results and university offers, success in science Olympiads, in the Independent Learning Assignments, or in the 200 Seconds competition. The co-curricular life of the School and the richness of opportunity during Period 8 and Field Days. The passionate focus of the community on the environment and sustainability. And so I could go on. For me, personally, however, the fear of censure was felt most acutely on that notable Monday morning when I received the phone call from the ISI Inspection team that their arrival was imminent! A fear which was ultimately to be misplaced as the School was awarded the prestigious accolade of two Significant Strengths.
Fear and excitement have the exact same physical symptoms - the difference is just a matter of perspective. “ ”
As well as these headline successes, it is, however, the more mundane, ordinary moments which always come to mind as I reflect on the year. These are the moments which, for me, have equal – if not more significant – meaning. The kindness showed to a friend who is going through a tough period personally. The time spent helping one of your peers who is struggling with one topic academically. The thoughtfulness picking up a lost bag and returning it to a fellow student. The words of consolation to a teammate after a defeat. None of these moments are captured within The Register, none of these aspects are worthy of photographic record, none of these actions grab the headlines or receive widespread appreciation or acknowledgement, and yet they are at the very heart of a community such as ours and are where we really show our true colours as a community.
As Jack concluded in his address at Senior Prizegiving, the sense of fear very much still remains. It makes a return at every audition, every Act 1 beginner’s call, every red light and bell, every call of action on set. He still fears the work not coming, falling short of his ambition. Fear is a part of life but we should never get to a point where the fear leaves us, but nor should we want to. We should move towards the fear, to be interested in the things that bring fear and be grateful for the opportunity to engage with fear. Because, quite often, what’s on the other side of fear is something really beautiful. As Jack summed up, “A tutor at RADA once told me, fear and excitement have the exact same physical symptoms - the difference is just a matter of perspective.”
And so, as we break-up for a very well-deserved rest, I would like to thank you, the parents, as well as the staff, the governors and all those who have contributed so much to our community. Schooldays are, indeed, the best days of our lives and, as such, I would urge every student to reflect on – and store away – those moments which have contributed to your own personal photo album of the year, those moments where you have overcome your fears and anxieties resulting in individual successes and memories. You should all be rightly proud of how much you have achieved over the last twelve months in so many areas of school life.
I wish you all a restful, relaxing and enjoyable summer and I look forward, with anticipation, to September and another memorable year at the RGS.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Summer Trips
8 – 12 July Engineering Trip to Wales
8 – 12 July Tennis and Surfing Trip to Cornwall
9 – 14 July Big Band Tour to Spain
13 – 18 July CCF Summer Camp in Okehampton
22 – 26 August Football and Hockey Tour to the Netherlands
Wednesday 26 August
Pre-season rugby training starts – see parental comms for further specific details and timing.
Wednesday 3 September
Senior New Students’ Familiarisation Day
Thursday 4 September
Official start of the Michaelmas Term.
LATEST NEWS
CHEMISTRY
14,744 students took part in this year’s Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the RGS once again achieved an outstanding set of results. In total, our students won 1 Roentgenium, 9 Gold, 10 Silver, and 5 Copper Awards. Yuvan Raja came top with an incredible score of 63/65 and won the top Roentgenium Award. His score of 97% is the joint highest in RGS history with only Alex Thow previously achieving the same score in 2020!
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
SCHOOL QUIZ
In the School Quiz League team, the RGS team continued their winning streak after victories against Loreto College, St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, and Cantell School. With one match left in the season, the RGS currently tops the table and is guaranteed a top three finish. The team comprises Ayush Agrawal, Max Baker, Timmy Hatch, Rajvir Mangat, Theo O'Donnell, Aaron Shahi, Matthew Wall and Charlie Westcott.
RGS students, ranging from novice First Form to experienced Lower Sixth Form students, visited Tormead School for their inaugural MUN conference as part of the West Surrey Partnership. Students spent the day debating and discussing topics including: the thorny issue of providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones; the all-too-relevant problem of misinformation and its impact on democracies; and how to handle the alarming global debt crisis, to give just a few examples Oscar York received an honourable mention in Security Council, while Alex Rea was Highly Commended for his representation of the Russian Federation in the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee.
MUSIC
The final concert of the academic year took place in Holy Trinity Church in front of a large and appreciative audience. Showcasing works for both chamber and symphonic ensembles, this proved to be a fitting way to draw such a musical year to a successful close. A varied and technically demanding programme – with a succession of standout performances – concluded with the grandeur of Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 London, conducted by Dale Chambers. The orchestra’s interpretation was full of character and vitality, capturing both the grandeur and wit that define Haydn’s final symphony.
ATHLETICS SPORTS NEWS
Tom Shorter in discus and Emile Tahir on the track took part in the National Preparatory Schools Athletics Championships. Emile participated in the 100m and 200m, qualifying for the final in both. In the 200m, he came 4th and in the 100m, he came second, winning the Silver medal.
CRICKET
In the penultimate block fixture of term, the Under 14s led the way against Hampton School. For the A team, opener Owen Maiden scored a fluent 64 off 62 balls, with 12 boundaries. The Under 14B and C teams both recorded 4-wicket victories, with Arthur Ogilvie Smals being the most influential, economic bowler taking 3 for 5 in just three overs. Other highlights included Archie Morris retiring on 50* for the Under 12Bs.
The final block saw RGS teams pitting their wits against St George’s College, Weybridge; with the RGS teams emerging on top with 7 victories from the 11 matches. The highlight with an explosive batting display for the Under 12Bs, scoring 184 runs in 20 overs. The innings was propelled by an aggressive opening partnership between Thomas Stacey who smashed 47 from 27 balls, and Archie Morris who anchored the innings with a composed 50 not out.
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