RGS Bursary Bulletin 1

BURSARY

BULLETIN

ISSUE 1 - SEPTEMBER 2023

INTRODUCTION TO THE BURSARY BULLETIN

LATEST STATISTICS

WHAT MY BURSARY MEANS TO ME FUNDRAISING EVENTS

KEY DATES FOR 2023

*The identify of our bursariy students is kept annonymous, therefore images are not necessarily of those attending on bursaries

The new Bursary Bulletin serves as a bridge between your vital financial contributions and their extraordinary outcomes We'll keep you up to date with campaign developments, celebrate case studies and give insights into the ways bursaries are shaping educational and career pathways

'Like a seed I arrived' says one of our bursary students in a poem below Read more of that poem to see just how celebrated your giving is and how aware our young people are of its power Education binds us all together: we know it transforms and we know it's a potent force for growth in communities Thank you for keeping it within reach of everyone in our region

RGS Bursaries are highly coveted and the competition for these limited places is fierce For those who do secure a place the impact is tremendous, changing the trajectory of the young persons life, and often that of generations of their family Our means tested bursary students continue to benefit our school community as we build a rich and diverse student population

We have a long term vision for the RGS student population to reflect the social diversity of the city of Newcastle, and for us to offer the option of a highly academic education, irrespective of the applicants' background to an increasing number of young people in the North East Some of our latest statistics are below:

447 84 94%

Sanctuary of Light

Bursary students have been supported since RGS Bursaries were established in 2002

(1 in 16) students at RGS attend on transformational means tested bursaries

is the average bursary award, focussing our infinite funds where we can make the most transformational difference

Our bursary poet describes the school as such and builds on the story of our cover image: the bursary sphere light fittings These 900m steel globes were manufactured locally in Blyth by Fire Pit Design The initial idea for the light fittings started with the shield from the school badge and the shape took non-literal form to represent a leaf – in fact, 375 leaves – one for each bursary student from 2002 to 2019 The leaves were hand carved from the two spheres to suggest illumination and growth Suspended above the agora, the globes are placed at the heart of the school as a reminder of how many lives have been changed - and continue to be - thanks to the Bursary Campaign

No one is better placed to tell you of the impact a bursary has than someone on the receiving end In this issue, we share with you reflections of former and current students and bursary parents Enjoy the exuberance of a current student's poem and the story it tells of a full and vibrant school life

"I had no ideas how much this would change my life For the first time, I had people who had so much belief in the value I can offer that they were willing to offer a bursary

RGS will always be a part of my life, and hopefully I can use this chance that I have been given and be able to help struggling families give their children the same chance in the future Because the bursary campaign has truly changed the direction of my life, and allowed me to meet some wonderful people that have helped me on my journey The RGS Bursary campaign has given me an opportunity An opportunity to change my life An opportunity to change the lives around me An opportunity to change future lives

Poetry from a current bursary student - June 2023

in the halls of learning

In the halls of learning, where dreams come alive, RGS stands tall, where opportunities thrive. With each passing day, it nurtures my soul, Unfolding a future, helping me reach my goal

In the realm of education, where wonders ignite, Stands a school so extraordinary, shining so bright It extends its arm to students in need, Offering a bursary, what a wonderful gift indeed.

Like a seed, I arrived, seeking knowledge's embrace, With dreams in my heart and a thirst to chase Royal Grammar school, a haven, a sanctuary of light, A place where real potential takes flight

In classrooms, I discover my passions excite, As the bursary amplifies my learning's height Extracurriculars, clubs, and projects galore, Opportunities abound, enriching to the core

From science to arts to the world of sports, The bursary fuels my aspirations, without resort It nurtures my talents, giving them flight, Unleashing potential, like a star shining so bright Thank you

Sometimes I struggle to pinpoint moments in my life which i could truly describe as life changing, but there is no denying that this is the first one There can be no replacing the opportunity I was given and one I will forever be grateful for

My RGS education was more exciting and fulfilling than I could have ever imagined I met people I consider life long friends I met some of the smartest and most humble individuals, students who inspired me to be the best version of myself The teachers I had were top of their craft, unbelievably dedicated and just all round amazing human beings

My RGS experience and education is a time I will look back on as some of the greatest years of my life It is one i could not be more grateful for, and one that was only made possible by the bursary

To the donors, your generosity has meant so much more than a financial sum. It has drastically changed my life for the better

Thank you "

Reflections from a former bursary student

Reflections from a current bursary student-July 2023

Reflections from current bursary student parents

July 2023

"We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity afforded to our child due to the bursary we are in receipt of The development we have seen in our child in the past two years has been tremendous, and it has been wonderful to see how they have thrived during their time at the school so far The opportunities they have been able to take advantage of have enhanced the learning experience and the plethora of extra-curricular activities have driven them to better themselves in both an academic and sporting sense We are all really hopeful for what the future will bring for them and are just so thankful for the bursary because without it there is no way we would be in a position to provide our child with the kind of education RGS offers. "

"Without the bursary campaign we could have never given our child the opportunity to enter the new world in which they found themselves in Receiving the letter to say our child had been selected felt like a lottery win to us and has continued to feel this way throughout the journey The school have supported us as a family, checking in with us regularly and always being on hand if we have any questions As a parent I couldn't thank RGS and the bursary team enough for what they've given our child "

Reflections from a current bursary student

July 2023

"I just wanted to say how much this bursary means to me When I was in Year 6 doing my entrance exam, I knew that there was no chance of me getting in this school without receiving a bursary With that in mind, I worked every day of every week to try get the best results possible However, if my family didn’t receive the financial assistance that we fortunately had, no amount of work could’ve got me a place at this school Being at the RGS has genuinely changed my life I’m not usually a sentimental person, but I can’t stress how much being at this school has helped me The education at this school is second to nothing and the lessons I’ve learnt on the way have been priceless I feel like there’s no way to pay back fully what the Bursary Campaign has done for me other than doing my absolute best in everything I do for this school, whether that’s for public exams or it’s representing my school in sports I’ve often wondered how a stranger has changed my life, just through generosity, and that makes me strive to be a better person and to help everyone that I can I don’t believe that thank you is a sufficient term to thank and acknowledge what the campaign has done for me, but from the bottom of my heart I appreciate and thank everyone involved for the chance to be at the RGS"

Fundraising events- RGS Garden Party

Fast becoming Jesmond's social event of the summer, the RGS Garden Party welcomed over 300 guests to dine and dance the night away all in aid of the RGS Bursary Campaign.

Old Novo reunion groups (Classes of 1993, 2003 and 2013), past and present staff gathered on a balmy summer evening in early July for cocktails served on the rugby pitch, followed by a relaxed three course meal served by Sixth Formers The parents of current Y13 and Y6 students, who are graduating to the next stage in their lives, were also warmly welcomed as well as the parents of all new students to meet counterparts from their child's year group

Entertainment was provided by some of our students showcasing acoustic performances and our resident DJ, Junior School Headteacher, Mr James Miller who played plenty of floor-fillers into the night

The RGS Junior School Parent Team play a significant part in the organisation of the annual event, with the Bursary Campaign as one of their main charities much of their work contributes to throughout the year

Guests participated in some high-spirited fundraising activities for a cause which is close to many of our community members' hearts, as they have experienced the extraordinary benefits of an RGS education themselves and wish for other ambitious families to have the same opportunity

The event raised a fantastic total of £8,500, with all proceeds from the event going to the RGS Educational Trust to support the RGS Bursary Campaign

The next RGS Garden Party is planned for the evening of Saturday 29th June 2024, reservations are now open and available to book using the link on our key dates page

Highlights from the evening can be enjoyed by scanning this QR code:

Remember a Charity week 11th-15th September

The 'Remember a Charity Week' organisers have coined a new term and they're campaigning to get it in the dictionary! Using #Willanthropy, they're shouting out on social media

They say: 'The number of adults aged 40+ who have left a gift to charity in their will has risen by 43% in the past decade – a steady increase in the proportion of people choosing to give from their will over time ' We say that leaving a legacy to the RGS Bursary Campaign will change lives, inspire dreams, and create a brighter future for generations to come

Imagine a gifted young student, filled with aspirations, yet limited by circumstances beyond their control Your generosity can help overcome those limitations, allowing that student to flourish At RGS Newcastle, we've always believed that young minds produce great things and love for learning is one of our core values How can you help?

Leaving a gift in your will is more than a financial contribution: it's an act of compassion, a demonstration of belief in the potential of future generations Your gesture, no matter the size, goes to the heart of what we do in the classroom, on the playing fields, on stage, in all those many and varied areas that set our students apart The legacy given is learning: there is no richer gift for potential bursary students

We understand the significance of this decision, and encourage you to take your time and discuss it with your loved ones If you need any guidance or information about the process, please don't hesitate to reach out We're to assist and support you in any way we can

Tuesday 5th September

International Day of Charity

Monday 11th - Friday 15th September

Remember a Charity week

Tuesday 12th September ONA History Walk

Friday 13th October

ONA Dinner (including 1983, 1973, 1963 & 1953 reunions)

Saturday 14th October

Extended reunion events

(1983, 1973, 1963 & 1953)

Wednesday 27th December

John Elders' Memorial Match (ON Rugby match)

To find out more about any of the events listed

Please contact:

Development@rgs newcastle sch uk to find out more and receive a legacy pledge form

We invite and value your feedback in response to the inaugural release of the Bursary Bulletin We are eager to learn about the types of content that would further enhance its value to you Please use the contact information below