Excel Spring 2024

Spring 2024

Superball Success Page 5 RGS WORCESTER

RGS DODDERHILL

RGS THE GR ANGE

RGS SPRINGFIELD

WWW.RGSW.ORG.UK

CONTENTS RGS Worcester Family RGS Worcester RGS Dodderhill RGS The Grange RGS Springfield The Foundation

THE RGS WORCESTER FAMILY OF SCHOOLS Page 3 Page 8 Page 26 Page 32 Page 38 Page 46

LEADING INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN WORCESTERSHIRE Find out more about the outstanding education, fantastic opportunities and lifelong memories our Schools provide at www.rgsw.org.uk

EXECUTIVE HEAD’S INTRODUCTION Excel magazine captures some of the many achievements of our pupils over the past six months and demonstrates the quality and breadth of an RGS education.

RGS Worcester

Upper Tything, Worcester WR1 1HP Independent Education for children aged 11 - 18

RGS Dodderhill

Dodderhill Road, Droitwich Spa WR9 0BE Independent Education for children aged 2 - 11 Girls only education for 11 - 16 years

RGS The Grange

Grange Lane, Claines WR3 7RR Independent Education for children aged 2 - 11

There is the national recognition in The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ table in which “honourable mention” is given to the pupils’ academic performance at A Level and GCSE. There are the pupils’ achievements at national and local level in a number of different Sports including two pupils representing their country in Rugby on the same day recently! There are the extraordinary successes in Drama and Music at all age ranges and across the four Schools. There is representation by RGS pupils and staff in national competitions and at the BETT technology show in London. There is the exceptional range of School trips and opportunities to explore and learn outside the classroom. Finally, there is included the outreach, partnership and charity work of the pupils and staff, so important to making a difference, demonstrating service and contributing to the community.

I hope that this demonstrates how each individual pupil can find the things they love at the RGS Schools. They can pursue their academic interests, enjoy learning and develop that inquisitive nature that encourages them to keep finding out more. They can find a new interest as well as build on existing interests, taking them to a high level, learning new skills and pushing their own boundaries. They can enjoy being part of a vibrant, supportive community where they can be themselves and try new opportunities.

I am immensely proud of the achievements of RGS pupils, the support given to them by our committed staff and the strong values that lie at the heart of our community. We continue to be ambitious for our pupils, developing the breadth of opportunities across our Schools both in and outside the classroom. There is a constant desire to keep improving, keep developing and keep moving forward in The RGS Worcester Family of Schools.

With thanks to the editorial team: Louise Hardiman (Editor) and Su Savage (Designer)

John Pitt Headmaster of RGS Worcester Executive Head of The RGS Worcester Family of Schools

Printed on paper from sustainable sources and recyclable.

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Britannia Square, Worcester WR1 3DL Independent Education for children aged 2 - 11

RG SW O

RGS Springfield

Congratulations to the pupils and staff and thank you to the parents, alumni and friends for all your support. If you are reviewing Excel magazine and are yet to join RGS, then please do come and see our Schools in action for an Open Day, during our Open Weeks or on a normal school day. You are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome.

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RGS WORCESTER FAMILY OF SCHOOLS SHORTLISTED FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023

Three of The RGS Worcester Family of Schools were shortlisted for The Independent School of the Year Awards 2023. The awards recognise outstanding achievements and exceptional student experiences within the independent school sector.

RGS Worcester was shortlisted for the category of Co-educational Independent School of the Year. This recognition reflects the School’s dedication to providing an inclusive and enriching educational environment.

RGS The Grange, was selected as a finalist for Independent Prep School of the Year. The School’s exceptional pastoral programmes and focus on nurturing young minds earned it a welldeserved place on the shortlist.

RGS Springfield, known for its nurturing and suppor tive atmosphere, was acknowledged as a top contender for Small Independent School of the Year.

The nomination recognised the School’s commitment to fostering individual growth and providing a close-knit educational community.

PARENT POWER RGS Worcester was named in ‘Parent Power’, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2024 as the top School in the county as well as being placed sixth in the West Midlands.

“An honourable mention should go to Royal Grammar School Worcester, with its outstanding array of options to create a personalised curriculum, for an impressive rise up the national rankings from 192-139.” - The Sunday Times “We are delighted to have been named the top independent school in Worcester and across Worcestershire and placed in the top ten in the West Midlands. This recognises the hard work of our pupils, the inspiration of our staff and the commitment and support of our parents. We continue to review and increase the choices and opportunities available for our pupils. With so many achievements across all areas of school life, we are really excited about the future at RGS.” This follows recognition for RGS in The Daily Telegraph A Level League Table which saw the school lead the way in A Level results. RGS was ranked 85th in the country among independent schools, making it the only Worcester-based school to feature in the top 100.

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RGS FAMILY OF SCHOOLS

GHANA PARTNERSHIP Director of Innovation at The RGS Worcester Family of Schools, Mr John Jones and Director of Studies at RGS The Grange, Mr Richard Millard travelled to Tongo in North-Eastern Ghana.

to read the full article

This visit marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between The RGS Worcester Family of Schools and the Talensi Community Development Foundation, an initiative led by Juliana and Nick Parker from Worcestershire.

The visit to Tongo saw Mr Jones and Mr Millard live amongst the Chief’s family and gain first-hand insights into the community’s way of life. They spent three days working at both Tongo Senior High and Salvation Army Junior Schools, where they taught lessons, navigated large class sizes (Mr Millard teaching a class of 72) and led professional development sessions for the iPad 4s donated by RGS Worcester. These iPads are no longer functional on our systems so were donated to enhance teaching and learning and demonstrate digital workflows to their staff and pupils.

Their incredible experience was capped off by a special assembly that celebrated the partnership and visit with dancing, singing, and speeches from pupils, staff and local dignitaries, highlighting the deepening relationship between the schools.

The RGS Worcester Family of Schools is committed to continuing this ongoing partnership with the schools in Ghana, exploring opportunities for pupil visits and working on collaborative projects, linking up online.

RGS WORCESTER WELCOMES HMC RGS Worcester recently had the honour of hosting Dr Simon Hyde, the General Secretary of HMC (The Heads’ Conference).

During his visit, Dr Hyde was warmly welcomed by our School Captains, Catherine Broadbent, Callum Butler, Callum Lockett, and Isabelle Thompson, who provided him with a comprehensive tour of the School. Throughout the tour, Dr Hyde expressed admiration for our School’s focus on digital learning, active engagement with the local community, and ambitious plans for the future. He also commended the positive atmosphere and friendly demeanour exhibited by both staff and pupils during his interactions and visit.

John Pitt, Headmaster of RGS Worcester

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SUPERBALL SUCCESS FOR RGS WORCESTER The annual ‘Superball’ Netball fixture saw RGS Worcester play against King’s School to win 52-41 in front of a sell-out crowd at The University of Worcester Arena. The RGS Worcester 1st and 2nd Netball teams celebrated two wins and earned the University of Worcester Superball trophy, making it six wins out of eight for RGS since ‘Superball’ was introduced.

As the 1st teams took to the arena, the spectators from both sides cheered them on. The match proved to be closely contested and at half time the score was 25-22 to RGS Worcester. RGS’s Head of Netball, Miss Rebecca Gwilliam, herself a Netball player for the Worcester Reds Netball Team, shared some of her experience and prepared the girls for the second half.

In the final two quarters, the RGS team held onto their lead, showing their athleticism and tenacity calmly to score goal after goal. The atmosphere in the Arena was electric as the final seconds of the match counted down and RGS stretched their lead to 52-41. As the final whistle went, over 750 RGS supporters were on their feet to celebrate the win.

Headmaster, Mr John Pitt, added “What an incredible match and what an experience for the players of both teams to play in front of a sell-out audience in this superb venue.

It was amazing to see so many people cheering on each team in what was a high-quality match played by two very talented sets of players.”

The RGS 1st VII team featured England sports star Goal Shooter Haineala (Ala) Lutui who also plays England Under 18 Rugby. Ella Goddard was voted ‘Player of the Match’ for RGS for her role as Goal Attack and Goal Shooter. The RGS 1st VII Captain Izzy Thompson, who plays Netball for Central Warriors Academy, confidently led the team in her third and final appearance at ‘Superball’.

“The game was tightly contested and a credit to King’s for pushing us until that final whistle. The girls stuck to the game plan, moved the ball around and kept the speed and intensity of the game right where we wanted it. I’m proud of the girls for their continued efforts, trust and commitment this term and to return to RGS with the Superball trophy has been a delightful end to a fun-filled Netball term.”

Miss Rebecca Gwilliam, RGS Head of Netball

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RED ROSES CALL UP FOR ALA Upper Sixth student, Haineala (Ala) Lutui, received a call up to the Red Roses 2024 Elite Player Squad for the Under 18 Women’s Six Nations Festival.

Ala’s inclusion in the squad follows her outstanding performance in two rounds of England Rugby Centre of Excellence fixtures earlier in the season. Expressing her excitement about the call up, Ala stated, “I was happy and very excited when I received news of my selection for the England Six Nations fixtures.”

This marks Ala’s second call-up for England Rugby, highlighting her remarkable achievements on the field. Beyond Rugby, Ala is an integral member of the RGS Worcester Netball 1st VII team, demonstrating her versatility and sporting talent.

“We are very proud of Ala for being selected. She has worked extremely hard and made a lot of sacrifices over the last few months which have paid off with this selection.”

Aleki Lutui - RGS Coach, former Rugby International player

OLIVIA SHINES FOR GB Olivia Hodgson secured a selection for Great Britain Rowing against France in the regatta held at the National Watersports Cente. This regatta is the first opportunity for young athletes to represent their country and experience a pre-competition camp, team travel and International competition. Olivia was selected as the spare sculler for the event and won her race against her French opponent. Olivia also collected several National medals including: British Rowing Junior Championships WJ16 2x Bronze, WJ16 1x Silver and WJ18 2x Silver, National Junior Sculling Regatta WJ16 1x Bronze, National Schools Regatta WJ16 2x 5th

LORD’S TRIUMPH Boys’ Cricket 1st XI Captain Tom Odell was selected for the Marylebone Cricket Club Schools team. The team plays an annual fixture against the England Schools Cricket Association at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Tom achieved the selection from over 2,800 players since the MCC played against 280 schools. Tom played in the fixture which was a great success with his team representing the MCC Schools winning against the England Schools Cricket Association. Tom commented, “It was a great experience and privilege to play at Lord’s and to represent both RGS and the MCC in this special fixture.”

SCOTLAND INTERNATIONAL CALL UP Rugby First XV Captain Dan Halkon made a successful debut for the Scotland Under 18 team. Dan, a dedicated and talented Rugby player, started the match against Wales Under 18s and played in the Six Nations.

“This is a tremendous achievement accomplished by Dan and is thoroughly deserved through the hard work, commitment and desire he has demonstrated over the past three years. I am confident that this is the first of many international appearances for Dan in a Scotland jersey. He has led from the front for RGS Worcester Rugby, growing in his role as 1st XV Captain, and we are extremely proud of Dan.”

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Mr Rob Lewis - RGS Worcester Head of Rugby

EDTECH AND DIGITAL LEARNING

DIGITAL GENIUSES AT BETT SHOW The RGS Worcester Family of Schools took nearly 50 of their ‘Digital Genius’ pupils to the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London for the BETT Technology Show. The show, attended by over 30,000 visitors and educators, is the world’s largest Technology in Education event.

The pupils were asked to present to visitors on the last day of the three-day show.

On the first day, RGS Worcester’s Director of Innovation, Mr John Jones, took part in a panel discussion on ‘Digital Learning within The RGS Worcester Family of Schools’, sharing valuable insights and best practices.

The next day, Mr Matt Warne, Head of Computing and Digital Learning at RGS The Grange, and Mr Jones took to the stage and collaborated on a presentation titled ‘A Whole School Approach to AI with RGS Worcester.’ The sell-out talk was attended by over 400 participants, including representatives from the UK Government Department for Business and Trade. The presentation highlighted the School’s engagement with AI in education, gave advice about benefits and risks and explained how fast the technology is developing.

On the last day, 48 pupils from across the four RGS Schools confidently engaged in hands-on presentations, including a demonstration of robotics use in the primary curriculum. Pupils from RGS The Grange and RGS Worcester worked together to give live demonstrations of AI integration to many hundreds of visitors, illustrating the advanced approach adopted by the RGS Schools.

LEADING THE WAY IN AI RGS The Grange hosted the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) National AI and Digital Leadership Conference, welcoming over 60 school representatives from across the country. The conference served as a platform for educators to delve into discussions on AI integration and school adoption.

Highlights included a presentation by Mr John Jones, addressing AI updates and ethical considerations. Mr Warne also presented at the Conference, sharing strategies for enhancing leadership and fostering digital literacy among pupils, emphasising the responsible use of AI across different year groups.

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OXBRIDGE TRIO Three RGS Worcester students have received offers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Martha Burdon, Arianne Eddy, and Catherine Broadbent follow a long line of successful RGS pupils by securing offers to pursue their chosen Degree courses. Martha Burdon has received the offer of a place to read Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Catherine Broadbent has received an offer to read Theology, and Arianne Eddy has to read Classics, both at Oxford.

MOCK TRIAL

DEBATING TRIUMPHS

Sixth Form students participated in the Young Citizens Mock Trial Competition. Three teams from RGS Worcester presented their legal arguments in front of professional judges as they competed in the Regional Round at Nottingham High School.

The Young Citizens Mock Trial Competition challenged students to prepare legal arguments for criminal cases and present them in a courtroom setting. In preparation for the competition, RGS Worcester received invaluable guidance from Nicola Monaghan, Principal Lecturer of Law at the University of Worcester. The three teams of RGS students enjoyed practising their cases in the University of Worcester’s courtroom, gaining insights into the practical applications of a legal case.

The Debating Society at RGS Worcester is enjoying a year filled with competitions and events. Year Eleven pupils Hannah Agoston, Joseph Kington, and Orla Hession-Wilson, excelled in the ESU Schools’ Mace, progressing to the Regional Final in Cardiff after successfully arguing for reform in the House of Lords. Meanwhile, RGS Debaters upheld their strong reputation in the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Debating Competitions, with Callum Lockett standing out as one of the top speakers at the Cambridge Schools Regional Qualifier.

RGS hosted Round Two of the ESU Public Speaking Competition the largest competition of its kind in the country. Up and coming debaters in Year Ten, Sienna Heath, Anya Wood, and Isabel Pottinger spoke remarkably well, delivering assured, engaging performances to a live audience representing the School in a mature, enthusiastic and intelligent manner.

The House Debating Competition returned providing a platform for both new and experienced debaters to hone their skills in a competitive setting. Overall, the Debating Society continues to nurture students’ oracy skills, confidence and eloquence among its members.

The setting of the courtroom enabled the students to familiarise themselves with courtroom procedures while fulfilling the roles of clerks, ushers, prosecutors, and defence attorneys. The students acting as witnesses practised withstanding scrutiny and cross-examination from their fellow students, all under the watchful guidance of Nicola Monaghan. The competition formed part of RGS Worcester’s Co-curricular activities for Sixth Form students interested in a Career in Law.

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CHERISHING THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

STATEOFTHEART SIXTH FORM CENTRE RGS Worcester welcomed its largest ever cohort of new students into the Sixth Form at the start of this academic year: which coincided with a newly refurbished Sixth Form Centre.

The revamped Sixth Form Centre includes: • Joe’s Cafe: An inviting café area that serves an array of food and drinks, providing students with a comfortable space to recharge during their busy academic schedules.

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Social Hub: A dynamic social meeting area thoughtfully designed to offer Sixth Formers a well-deserved break and a place to meet up.

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Two dedicated Study Areas, one for collaborative working arranged to encourage teamwork and discussions and a second area for silent study where students can focus and complete their work around their lessons or after school.

The whole development project came from a discussion with Sixth Form students about their study habits and how they work. With the School’s Digital Learning Programme, students are able to use technology in their study areas to enhance their learning. Information about the Sixth Form is also shared with them via the screens placed in key areas.

In the heart of our School, the Sixth Form Centre’s refurbishment has created an environment that offers our students the flexibility to tailor their learning environment. Collaboration one day, deep-focused individual work the next, we empower our pupils to realise their potential, foster ambition, and pave the way for incredible opportunities in their futures. The Sixth Form Centre is a reflection of our commitment to them and their continued success.”

Mr Mark Evetts, Head of Sixth Form

ENGINEERING’S RISING STAR Lower Sixth student Keira Higgins received the prestigious Arkwright Scholarship in Engineering during a ceremony in London, recognising her exceptional achievements and potential as a future leader in the field. Selected from over a thousand entries nationwide, Keira stood out because of her academic excellence, dedication and passion for Engineering. Her sponsorship from The RAF Charitable Trust will support her Sixth Form studies in Design Technology, Physics, Maths and Further Maths.

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ICELANDIC ADVENTURE TO DISCOVER NATURE’S WONDERS During October Half term, Geography A Level students set off for Iceland. Their itinerary brimmed with natural spectacles: from the steam-shrouded ‘Secret Lagoon’ in Flúðir, where temperatures soared to 40 Celsius, to the majestic two-stage waterfall of Gullfoss and the Hvita River’s plunge into a mile-long gorge. At the Geyser site, students marvelled at the eruptions of Strokkur and delved into the geological wonders of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at Thingvellir National Park.

Equipped with crampons and ice axes, students went on a glacier hike on Solheimajokull’s glacier tongue, encountering ice sculptures and deep crevasses. The day’s finale unfolded amidst the coastal charms of Vik, with its black sand beaches and remarkable sea stacks. A trip to Iceland’s capital Reykjavík, with its iconic rainbow road and church ended with a sighting of the Northern Lights.

The final highlight for the students was whale watching, spotting Minky Whales and playful dolphins. Iceland left an indelible mark on the students understanding of Geography through its unparalleled natural wonders.

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CERN JOURNEY: PHYSICS IMMERSION Physics A Level enjoyed a trip to CERN, Switzerland over Half term. The Physicians explored Geneva, visiting the United Nations Headquarters, Lake Geneva and a poignant visit to the Red Cross museum.

They then headed to CERN itself for a guided tour to learn about the physical processes behind the Large Hadron Collider before they engaged in hands-on activities in the Discover CERN and Our Universe exhibitions.

The final day saw the pupils return to CERN to construct cloud chambers from dry ice, and a fish tank and felt soaked in isopropanol: an experiment that allowed the students to observe the usually invisible paths of subatomic particles. Engaging with the principles of particle detection first-hand brought to life the Particle Physics studied at School and deepened the students’ understanding of the concepts discussed during their tour.

NORMANDY MUSIC ADVENTURE RGS Musicians enjoyed a Music Tour to Normandy. On arrival they joined French students from Honfleur and Lisieux at Greniers a Sel, for a rehearsal.

The next day the pupils enjoyed a guided tour of the Basilica Sainte-Therese before they performed the first of two performances at the Chateau Canon with the Lisieux Conservatoire. The final performance of the trip saw the musicians playing to Year Eight pupils from Flaubert during their music lesson – sparking engaging discussions about the differences between the British and French schooling systems, as well as enjoying some music along the way. Word of the musicians spread and they ended their trip being featured in a French newspaper!

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NETBALL TOUR TRIUMPHS On the RGS Netball Tour to Malta Netballers enjoyed playing against local competitive teams. They played their first match straight after landing in Malta!

On the second day a training session ensured the girls were match ready for their next game against a team which fielded Maltese international players.

A day of rest saw the pupils enjoy a boat trip to Gozo and the chance to explore a hidden cave and swim in the Blue Lagoon.

The tour ended with a final day of training and a match, the team playing together with synergy to secure a victory in their last fixture through seamless teamwork.

BARCELONA FOOTBALL BONANZA The RGS Football Tour saw 35 Footballers head to Barcelona. The Footballers experienced a rigorous 90-minute training session at the legendary Barcelona FC training ground. Following this, they enjoyed a tour of the FC Barcelona Museum and had the chance to explore landmarks including the Barcelona Olympic Stadium and the scenic Montjuïc Castle. Later in the week, matches against local teams provided thrilling competition. The Footballers also visited RCD Espanyol, where they had a training session focusing on ball possession, and quick shooting drills culminating in a match. Cultural excursions to sites such as La Sagrada Familia and the Barcelona Padel Tennis Centre rounded off the unforgettable experience.

FABULOUS FENCERS This academic year Fencers of all ages have competed in a range of competitions with great success.

All seven RGS Fencers in the West Midlands Age Group Épée Championships qualified for the ‘British Youth Championships’ National Age Group Finals.

Emily De Bono took part in the West Midlands Age Group Sabre, winning through to the final and taking the Silver Medal, together with a place in Sheffield to fence Sabre alongside the Epee. In the Age Group Foil event, Emily also added a second Silver Medal and a third qualification for the National Finals.

Joseph Kington competed in West Midlands Senior Championships, winning a Bronze at the Senior level and the Under 16 level. Former pupil Lucas Hancock has been selected to represent Northern Ireland in the men’s epee at the Junior Commonwealth Fencing Championships in New Zealand.

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HOCKEY SEASON SUCCESS The senior squad played in the second round of the England Hockey Tier 2 Plate Competition where they faced a strong Bromsgrove team with the match concluding in sudden death shuffles.

The Under 15A team had a successful run in the Independent Cup beating Shrewsbury and Stonyhurst. Year Nine saw over thirty five girls play across the A and B teams. Year Seven and Year Eight combined for games enjoying playing in midweek fixtures, with A-F teams providing the opportunity for every pupil to represent RGS Worcester.

REMARK ABLE FOOTBALL SEASON This academic year saw the introduction of a two-term performance-level Football model bringing a deeper focus on team strategies. Employing a more counter-attacking style of play and implementing successful high-pressing tactics. RGS teams exhibited remarkable progress and success across all age groups, including the undefeated records of the 1st XI, Under 15, and Under 12 teams in the first term. Lower School teams, comprised of over 100 boys, displayed commendable resilience and determination in matches, underscoring the depth and strength of our Football Programme.

NETBALL FLOURISHES Over 80 pupils took part in three compelling Severn Stars Netball Masterclasses. Guided by the expertise of Severn Stars players, pupils trained in various facets of the game, refining their skills and techniques.

Having qualified through the County round the 1st VII participated in the Regional Finals, missing out on qualifying for the National Finals following a narrow loss in the semi-final, finishing fourth in the whole region.

RUGBY AND RUGBY 7S THRIVE

The Rugby Programme at RGS Worcester has seen a remarkable season. Exceptional talent shone through in the Under 12 and Under 13 categories, with several teams being unbeaten during the season. At Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s the Under 13s were undefeated in their five fixtures. The Under 14 and Under 15s enjoyed notable victories displaying their potential for the future. The collaboration between Upper Sixth students has strengthened the Senior level, leading to strong victories against formidable opponents. These achievements, coupled with three International and 18 Regional selections, illustrate the commitment that defines the RGS Rugby Programme.

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GOLD MEDAL FOR ROWERS RGS Worcester Rowers demonstrated exceptional skill and determination at the British Rowing Indoor Championships. Lucy Whiteley and Olivia Hodgson, displayed outstanding form in the Sixth Form Girls 2000m category, securing National 5th and 6th place positions respectively. The Boys’ Relay teams also excelled, with the Year Ten Boys achieving a commendable 14th place and the Year Eleven Boys securing an impressive 9th place Nationally.

The pinnacle of the day was the Mixed Junior Relay, where the RGS Worcester team, comprising Lucy Whiteley, Olivia Hodgson, Daniel Foster, and Jack Hill, executed a flawless race plan, clinching the gold medal and earning the title of the 2023 British Rowing Indoor Champions for the Mixed Relay.

SWIMMING ACADEMY SUCCESS The RGS Worcester Swimming Academy, provides additional training for our elite Swimmers alongside their club activities. Led by the accomplished coaching duo of Jon Fletcher and Mark Hill, the Academy aims to nurture talent and support athletes on their journey to success.

Five of our Academy swimmers swam at the National Finals of the ESSA National Relays, held at the prestigious Sandwell Academy Centre in Birmingham. Despite being the only Year Nine pupils competing against older peers, Lexi Agoston, Hana Duncan, Pru Goodison, Izzy Thorn, and Anna Wardle Grifoll delivered impressive performances in both the freestyle and medley relays.

Their National finishes demonstrate their talent and determination, setting high expectations for future success.

As they continue their journey with the RGS Worcester Swimming Academy and their respective clubs, we eagerly anticipate their continued growth and achievements.

SHOW JUMPING Year Nine pupil Cleo Whitbread rode in the British Eventing Under 18 Championships representing Wales and West Midlands. Cleo secured a strong Dressage score, completing a clear Cross Country round within the designated time, and participated in the Show Jumping class. Her contributions led to her team clinching the third position overall.

In a separate event, Year Ten pupil Hannah Darby rode at The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials – Team Eventer Challenge. Out of 180 entrants nationwide, Hannah secured a commendable second place in the 90cm individual event. Meanwhile, Year Eleven pupil Emily Walsh represented Ludlow Pony Club in the same event.

Lilianna Sprigg, Tori Baker and Jessica Weston represented the School at the NSEA Show Jumping County Qualifier to qualify for the championships at Hickstead.

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RGS participates in events organised by the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA), offering opportunities for pupils to compete at various levels, from County to National competitions.

CHALLENGE CUP The annual Football Challenge Cup match saw RGS Worcester play against King’s School at Sixways Stadium for the seventh time in front of a large crowd of supporters.

The game got off to an exciting start with the teams battling to retain possession of the ball on the fast surface but neither able to score. The commitment from both teams was impressive and both goalkeepers pulled off saves to keep their teams in the game. George Hallam continued his impressive form in goal and, as the game reached half time, the match remained deadlocked at 0-0.

After a half time team talk the RGS team started the second half of the match with clear determination but the King’s team seized the initiative, took the lead and, despite lots of effort and chances at both ends, the RGS team was unable to score an equaliser. In the last play of the match, the RGS team came very close to drawing the fixture with a crucial header going just wide of the left-hand post before the final whistle blew.

RGS RUGBY UNITES The RGS community united to support the 2023 Modus Challenge Cup. The RGS Worcester 1st XV Rugby team played valiantly against a well-drilled King’s Worcester side, at the impressive Sixways Stadium.

Both teams kept the 4,000 strong crowd of spectators on the edge of their seats, in what was a thrilling game of Rugby. Sadly, RGS lost out to being crowned Modus Challenge Cup winners for this year.

This year’s Modus squad at RGS Worcester had a special touch of family tradition, with four players’ fathers proudly having attended RGS Worcester themselves. The connection between generations added an extra layer of pride and legacy to the fixture.

SEVERN SHIELD SHOWDOWN In a nail-biting match at the Worcester International Hockey Centre, the 1st XI Hockey teams of RGS Worcester and King’s School battled fiercely for the Hockey Severn Shield.

A large crowd of spectators from both Schools gathered to watch the match. King’s School secured the first goal, but Amelia Bentley-Hughes responded with a fantastic goal from a well-rehearsed RGS penalty corner ensuring that the match reached half time deadlocked at 1-1.

The second half saw Mya Walford score a team goal for RGS from open play to seize the lead. Despite dominating territory and two King’s pupils being sent off temporarily, the elusive third goal remained out of reach, King’s scored an equaliser and then a third goal after a bully off.

Undeterred, Amelia struck again for RGS, converting a second penalty corner and levelling the score at 3-3. The players on both teams showed determination and thrilled the l a r g e c r owd until the final whistle, sharing the trophy until next year.

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A CELEBR ATION OF MUSIC Pupils have celebrated the joy of Music and live performance, sharing their talents with appreciative audiences at frequent concerts held in the School’s Perrins Hall and Performing Arts Centre.

CABARET The annual Cabaret Concert was a sensational evening of jazz and popular music presented by Senior students. With performances from the Big Band, Senior Jazz Ensemble and other bands, as well as wonderful soloist and group singers. The confidence and enthusiasm of the pupils were evident to everyone watching making the evening an absolute triumph.

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RGS LIVE! RGS Worcester’s latest musical performance platform: ‘RGS Live!’ put contemporary music centre stage, with keen audience members enjoying enjoy an evening of very high-quality Rock and Pop. Thirty-two performers, with representatives from each Year group, raised the roof with music ranging from The Beatles to Adele and Olivia Rodrigo, interspersed with songs by Avril Lavigne, Billy Joel, the Foo Fighters and the Arctic Monkeys. School ensembles, including the evergrowing Guitar Group and the Years Eight and Nine Rock Band, performed alongside pupil-run bands ‘Halcyon’ and ‘Akt-II’.

CAROL SERVICE FILLS CATHEDR AL The Annual Carol Service is a musical highlight of the School year bringing hundreds from the RGS community together to celebrate Christmas time through music, readings and prayers, to reflect and rejoice together.

DANTE STRING QUARTET RGS Worcester’s Perrins Hall hosted a Professional Chamber Concert given by the Dante String Quartet.

The concert saw the Dante String Quartet joined by tenor Brian Thorsett who sang four songs by Ivor Gurney and a song cycle by Ian Venables, a local composer and former teacher at RGS who attended the concert to hear his work performed once again.

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‘MISS SAIGON’ Pupils delivered a stunning rendition of ‘Miss Saigon School Edition’ across five captivating performances at the School’s Performing Arts Centre. With a blend of remarkable singing, dancing, and acting, the production displayed the students’ sensitivity and dedication in portraying the tragic narrative. Guided by West End actors during rehearsals, the pupils brought depth and insight to their roles, with standout performances.

The production’s brilliance was further enhanced by superb ensemble performances and meticulous stagecraft, seamlessly transitioning between vibrant dancehall scenes and intense military evocations.

Backed by a talented band, the emotional depth of the play was masterfully conveyed, earning the cast and crew well-deserved standing ovations each night. Director of Drama, Mrs Jilly Witcomb, expressed immense pride in the students’ mature and sensitive handling of the complex themes.

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‘FROGS’

‘CLUE’

Aristophanes’ play ‘The Frogs’, was performed by Senior Drama Scholars. This was a lively and spirited production which saw the actors play Greek poets competing in ‘University Challenge’, ‘Mastermind’ ‘Gladiators’, and ‘The Voice’ in their bid to escape Hades.

‘Clue: High School Edition’ lit up the stage, displaying the talent and enthusiasm of Middle School actors through its farcical murder mystery set in Boddy Manor. With two different ensembles bringing their own flair to the comedy whodunnit, audiences were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable evening filled with malapropisms, misunderstandings, and puns aplenty. As the eclectic dinner guests pondered their mysterious invitations and Wadsworth the Butler revealed the evening’s sinister motive, the audience was swept into a whirlwind of rapid-fire murders and slapstick comedy.

There were standout moments of physical comedy and witty character portrayals from the talented pupils. From sly asides to skillful evasion, Rose Savory and Calum Munday charmed as Wadsworth, while Harriet Murphy and Emily Jackson delivered memorable performances as Mrs White. Both casts delivered uproarious and riotous productions, leaving no audience member without a smile. ‘Clue’ proved to be often absurd, never dull, and always hilarious, making it an absolute riot of a performance.

A DICKENSIAN DELIGHT ‘A Christmas Carol’, exuded festive spirit with snow-dusted scenery and Victorian charm. Led by a young cast of Junior Drama Scholars, the performance demonstrated impressive talent. Bruno Bond Evans portrayed Scrooge with a contemporary edge, embodying the character’s callousness with bureaucratic indifference, while the ensemble adeptly navigated the larger-than-life personas of Dickens’ world.

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CAREERS EXPO INSPIRES RGS Worcester’s annual Careers and Higher Education Expo, is the largest event of its kind in Worcestershire. With over 100 exhibitors, including Universities, Employers, and Apprenticeship providers, the Expo offered a diverse range of career pathways for attendees to explore.

Representing over 50 careers and industries, exhibitors from professions such as Law, Military, Medicine, Finance, and Engineering, including notable names like Aston Martin Lagonda and Yamazaki Mazak UK Limited, provided invaluable insights and opportunities for both RGS pupils and students from secondary schools across Worcester. The Expo attracted considerable interest from local and national exhibitors, with Higher Education options, Degree Apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities.

The bustling atmosphere and engaging conversations between pupils and delegates saw the event act as a catalyst for pupils to envision and pursue their future career paths.

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DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS Last summer, over 90% of our students successfully secured their first-choice University places. Meanwhile, some students have chosen a different path through Degree Apprenticeships, with our award-winning Careers Department providing valuable support throughout this process.

This year, several students have secured coveted offers for highly sought-after Degree Apprenticeships: Harry Standing is embarking on a Law Degree Apprenticeship with Gowling WLG in Birmingham, Lydia Jackson has secured a coveted place at RSM, a globally renowned accountancy firm, Georgie Wyeth is excelling in an Insurance Degree Apprenticeship at Crowe, and Archie Tompson is immersed in a Chartered Surveying Degree Apprenticeship with Dalcour MacLaren.

S tudents inter este d in applying for De gr e e Apprenticeships receive ongoing support from our Head of Careers through monthly meetings focused on discussing Degree Apprenticeship vacancies, providing application assistance, offering one-on-one appointments, and guiding CV writing efforts.

FORMULA 1 PATHWAY INSIGHTS RGS Worcester hosted a captivating Careers Seminar led by Formula 1 Chief Engineer Philip Prew, titled ‘Engineered to Win’.

Philip shared his journey into engineering, from his A Level choices to studying Mechanical Engineering at University, and his subsequent roles at McLaren and Mercedes Formula 1 teams, including as Lewis Hamilton’s Race Engineer. He emphasised the essential qualities for success in engineering, such as creativity, innovation, teamwork, and perseverance, highlighting the constant drive for improvement and innovation in Formula 1.

Philip provided valuable insights into the engineering design cycle and emphasised Formula 1’s role in driving innovation in motorsport and the automotive industry. He portrayed Formula 1 as the pinnacle of motorsport, where sport intersects with technology for the business of entertainment, employing around 800 people in each team to deliver worldwide entertainment while adhering to complex regulations.

The seminar attracted enthusiastic participation from RGS pupils across all Year groups, with Philip also taking a keen interest in the School’s Greenpower racing car, offering a tangible link between classroom learning and real-world applications in motorsport.

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GOODWOOD GREENPOWER FINAL Members of the Greenpower Racing Team competed at the Goodwood race circuit in the final Greenpower race of the season.

Pupils from Year Nine took part in practice sessions leading up to the qualifying race. The team secured a commendable 12th place finish with Verity Bond Evans clocking the second fastest lap.

The team regrouped for the international final race. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as they paraded onto the track, presenting their Greenpower car to the gathered crowd. With Tom McElhannan leading the charge in the first leg of the race, the team navigated through several pit stops with bated breath. Ultimately, their efforts paid off as they clinched an impressive 19th position out of 110 competitors, a remarkable feat considering the car’s legacy spanning before the current drivers’ lifetime. The pupils were proud to have the incredible opportunity to race on such a prestigious race track in an International competition.

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REMEMBR ANCE The annual Remembrance Day Service provided a solemn yet poignant moment for pupils, teachers, and support staff to come together and honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars and other conflicts. Held in Perrins Hall, the Service offered a chance for reflection and Remembrance, with a commemorative Remembrance film broadcasted both in the hall and across the entire School community.

The Headmaster’s introduction included ongoing conflicts globally, including those in Israel and Gaza, as well as the war in Ukraine, underscoring the enduring relevance of Remembrance and the need for peace. Led by the County Chaplain of the Royal British Legion in Worcestershire, and attended by the President of the Worcester City Branch of the Royal British Legion, the Service featured a moving performance by the RGS Chamber Choir and a Guard of Honour from the School’s Combined Cadet Force. Wreaths were respectfully laid by the School Captains at the memorials for the First and Second World Wars in Perrins Hall, paying tribute to the eighty-three RGS Worcester alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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FASHION ICON We are delighted to announce that Sixth Form student Frankie Reed was awarded First Place in the ‘Fashion Icon’ Competition, a national school competition open to all pupils aged 13-18 years. The competition, organised by ICHF Events, tasks participants each year to explore a unique theme. This year’s theme was ‘For the Love of Vivienne’, which saw entrants explore the creative fashions inspired by the iconic designer Dame Vivienne Westwood.

Frankie’s remarkable talent was evident in both her design sheets and her final catwalk piece, which stole the show. Judge David Morrish, a designer and colleague of Dame Vivienne Westwood, praised Frankie’s natural flair demonstrated in her research and design work. He emphasised that all the judges were thoroughly impressed and had no doubt that Frankie deserved First Place. This meant that RGS students won this National competition for the second year in a row.

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ARTISTIC TALENT ON PUBLIC DISPLAY The historic Chapter House of Worcester Cathedral provided a fitting backdrop for the ‘City Life’ Exhibition, from the talented RGS Lower Sixth artists. Against the architectural heritage of the circular Chapter House, our students paid homage to Worcester’s people and places, illustrating the city’s dynamic life through their artwork, the pieces were inspired by their walking trip around Worcester and visits to the Cathedral.

Guided by Head of Art, Mrs Jo Hunt, students crafted artworks, capturing Worcester’s essence through expressive drawings, mixed media, and oil paintings.

Visitors to the Exhibition praised the maturity and professionalism displayed by the Sixth Form students, with one vistor remarking on the Art Department’s dedication and the students’ hard work. “It made me proud to be a part of the city.”

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STEAM WEEK

Prep pupils put their skills to the test during RGS Dodderhill’s STEAM week (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths). The action-packed week began with a Sphero Football tournament challenge where pupils learnt to programme a Sphero Robot to move using coding.

Working together as a team, the pupils from Reception to Year Six explored a range of activities including Science experiments, creating a water clock, Bollywood dancing, a Pottery Workshop and outdoor Maths orienteering.

THIS IS ME! Prep pupils were delighted to discover that their poetic talents have earned them a place in the anthology ‘This is Me! Rhymes of Childhood.’ The book celebrates the creative contributions of pupils in Years Three, Four, and Five who participated in the ‘This is Me’ Young Writers’ competition, where they were encouraged to reflect on their individuality and express themselves through poetry.

The competition prompted pupils to delve into their innermost thoughts and fe e ling s , cr af ting poe ms that reflected their unique per spectives and wr iting styles. Selected as winners, their poems were published in an anthology. Miss Lorna Wilkin, Year Five teacher, highlighted the collaborative process that inspired the pupils’ work, emphasising how they explored the qualities of friendship to craft their poems.

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SMALL BUT MIGHTY

CYBERFIRST GIRLS COMPETITION Pupils in Year Eight entered the CyberFirst Girls competition which aims to inspire girls to pursue their interests in technology and, more specifically, a career in cybersecurity, where women make up just 22% of the workforce. The competition was run by the National Cyber Security Centre (which is part of GCHQ). The team event saw pupils tackling challenges from cryptography and logic to artificial intelligence and networking for the chance to be crowned cybersecurity champions.

”I found the majority of the questions challenging but overall it was very fun to take part in, it has made me interested in considering a career in cyber security.”

Fabiana - Year Eight pupil

CHEMISTRY TOP OF THE BENCH Congratulations to our talented chemists in Years Nine to Eleven.

They demonstrated their brilliance at the University of Birmingham in the Regional Finals of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s ‘Top of the Bench’ Chemistry Competition. After conquering a challenging written paper, they collaborated seamlessly as a team on a demanding practical investigation. Their hard work and dedication shone through, especially as one of the few all-girls groups in the competition!

RGS DODDERHILL LEADS IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT RGS Dodderhill is proud to announce its position as Worcestershire’s leading school in acade mic achievement, a distinction earned through its outstanding performance in Attainment 8. This annual assessment evaluates the academic proficiency of secondary schools by measuring the highest scores attained by pupils across eight government-endorsed subjects.

With an impressive Attainment 8 score of 58.8, RGS Dodderhill surpassed both the UK and Worcestershire averages, setting a benchmark for academic excellence in the region. The School’s dedication to providing a supportive environment for girls to flourish in small class settings has contributed to this success, allowing for personalised education tailored to each pupil’s strengths, needs, and interests.

“We are delighted that our high academic standard has been recognised in the Attainment 8 results. We aim to develop confident young women supporting them to achieve their full potential and this has been reflected in the Attainment 8 score this year. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and I would like to thank our staff who have academically stretched our pupils as well as supporting and guiding them to bring out the best in them.”

Mr Tom Banyard, Headmaster

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CREATIVE CONNECTIONS Prep pupils in Years Three to Six performed to a packed audience of parents and grandparents with the first Creative Connections performance, a celebration of Art, Drama, Poetry, Dance and Music on the theme of Black History.

The audience were treated to a cabaret-style performance. Year Six started the evening with an energetic gumboot dance followed by thoughtful drama sketches, incredible percussion pieces and spine tingling musical renditions. It was a wonderful opportunity for the pupils to perform to an audience and the pupils displayed confidence and enthusiasm in their performances.

PERFORMING ARTS EVENING

The Senior Performing Arts Evening displayed the diverse talents of our pupils, providing a platform for participation and expression.

The Evening began with a captivating performance by the Choir, setting the stage for an array of dynamic performances by Performing Arts pupils in Years Six to Ten. From gripping Drama monologues to expressive Dance pieces, pupils presented a range of styles and genres, including Mime, Naturalism, Lyrical, and Contemporary Dance. The Drama Company wowed the audience with a thought-provoking devised piece centred on the impact of social media, while Dodderhill Dance Company mesmerised with their choreography themed around resilience. Solo performances by pupils from Year Eight upwards added a personal touch to the evening, while the Year Seven band ‘Zoned Out’ stole the show with their flawless rendition of ‘Stompa’, highlighted by confident vocals and a captivating guitar riff.

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MARY POPPINS Audiences were enchanted by the captivating performance of ‘Mary Poppins JR’. Under the direction of Miss Ashley Humphries, Teacher of Drama and Head of Performing Arts, the cast and crew delivered a magical experience filled with captivating musical numbers and flawless acting.

The cast of pupils ranging in age from Years Six to Eleven embodied their well known characters with warmth, humour, and emotion, transporting the audience to the whimsical world of Cherry Tree Lane.

From heartfelt moments to valuable life lessons, the production entertained audiences, demonstrating the dedication and skill of the pupils in bringing the beloved characters to life on stage.

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INSPIRING ENVIRONMENTAL PREP HOUSE RUN CHANGE Prep House Run saw every pupil from Reception to Year

NETBALL TRIP

Six participate in a Cross-country race around the School’s Inspired by the COP26Adorned summit in in colours Glasgow, pupils fromeach across extensive grounds. representing all House: year groups the school worked to raise Bookerof(yellow), Davidson (red)collaboratively and Whitford (green), awareness about climate change. pupils the pupils excitedly lined up on Younger the starting line.were given the task to design and build a ‘rubbish robot’, drawing attention to the enormity of rubbish produced in modern society. Older pupils The closely contested House event highlighted the created a poster, devised a rap and presented their argument competitive spirit throughout the race, with every pupil keen about what needs to be done to help stop climate change and why. playchildren their part in helping their Houseto win.

All to of the then gathered together share their ideas and creations as well as their passion about this incredibly important issue.

Nearly 30 girls from the Senior School enjoyed an exciting Netball residential trip to Condover Hall at the start of the academic year.

The girls took part in competitive Netball matches against teams from various schools and clubs nationwide. They also enjoyed adventurous activities including high ropes and climbing during their downtime. The weekend, combined both thrilling competition and fun moments with friends, creating a team spirit and a love for Sport.

SUPERHERO DAY Prep pupils celebrated ‘Time to Talk Day’ in superhero style! An inspiring assembly, encouraging pupils to embrace their inner superhero powers and open up about their concerns. It was heartwarming to see pupils channelling their superhero powers and striking heroic poses.

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LUNAR NEW YEAR Prep pupils immersed themselves in the vibrant festivities of the Lunar New Year. Year Six took centre stage, regaling with the enchanting tale of ‘Four Dragons’ in assembly. From there, it was a carousel of activities, from energetic dragon dancing to embracing Cantonese language and culture with special guests from Hong Kong. Creative spirits soared as pupils crafted intricate dragon masks and adorned vases with beautiful Chinese patterns. The highlight of the day was a spectacular dragon dance performed by the whole of Prep, spreading joy and good fortune for the year ahead.

WORLD BOOK DAY In celebration of World Book Day, Prep pupils spread the joy of reading by gifting their favourite books to the local community. The pupils carefully selected their beloved books and wrote heartfelt messages inside each one for their new owners to discover. The donated books, ranging from Katherine Rundell’s ‘Rooftoppers’ to Oliver Jeffers’ ‘How to Catch a Star’, were eagerly collected by readers at Droitwich Library.

The pupils took great delight in delivering their book donations to the library and expressed excitement about sharing their favourite stories with other children. “We were thrilled to see our pupils actively engaging with the community and sharing their passion for reading,” said Mrs Nina Hobson, Head of Prep at RGS Dodderhill. “World Book Day was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the power of books and inspire a love of reading in children of all ages.”

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OUTDOOR LEARNING Pupils enjoy learning within the 50 acres of grounds at RGS The Grange. The School features outstanding playing facilities that serve as the backdrop for an enriching educational journey.

ECO DAY On Eco Day the Eco Club led an informative assembly on fast fashion, raising awareness about its environmental impact.

During the assembly they were thrilled to receive a ‘Highly Commended’ award in ‘The Big Recycling Hunt, Recycling Week 2023’ and to be named as one of the top ten schools in this national competition.

As part of Eco Day, the whole School came together for ‘The Great Grange Clothing Exchange’. Pupils bought clothing from home and exchanged it with fellow pupils. There was much delight as the pupils tried on their new items of clothing!

The event raised money for new recycling stations to reduce the amount of waste that the School sends to landfill.

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Outdoor spaces play a pivotal role in holistic development. From engaging Science experiments in the yurt, to the enchanting Forest School where nature becomes the classroom, providing a unique blend of academic exploration and outdoor adventure where pupils thrive in an environment that encourages curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world.

GREAT OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS

ARCHITECTS OF THE FUTURE: Year Six pupils took part in an immersive Architecture Workshop, led by Glazzard Architects and Loughborough University’s School of Architecture. The day began with insights from Architects Helen and Simon Rea, followed by collaborative client and design brief writing for a relaxation and learning space in the School’s Knot Garden. In the afternoon, pupils assumed the role of clients in a live project with Loughborough University students, sparking excitement as initial ideas for a future classroom took shape.

The pupils subsequently visited Loughborough University to review the Architect students’ designs. This collaboration is part of the School’s STEAM activities, nurturing the creative minds of future designers and innovators.

SIKH TEMPLE VISIT Year Six pupils began their Religious Studies unit ‘How Sikhs demonstrate commitment to religion’ with an enriching educational visit to a Gurdwara. They listened to a captivating talk about the Gurdwara, experienced prayers in the prayer hall, and marvelled at the magnificent dome adorning the Gurdwara’s roof.

This immersive experience provided a deeper understanding of Sikhism and developed a sense of respect and appreciation for diverse religious practices among the pupils.

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CATHEDR AL CELEBR ATION RGS The Grange’s annual Carol Service held at Worcester Cathedral was a highlight of the Michaelmas term. The event brought together pupils from Years Three to Six for a magical evening filled with the spirit of Christmas. The grandeur of the Cathedral provided a breathtaking backdrop as pupils participated in the time-honoured tradition of Christingle.

The School Choir and mesmerising Chamber Choir performances resonated through the Cathedral.

From traditional carols to original arrangements written by the Head of Music, Mrs Keetley-Smith, the Choir’s performances captivated the audience.

The Carol Service brings together pupils, teachers, and families to celebrate the magic of Christmas in the majestic setting of the Cathedral.

PLAY IN A DAY Year Five dazzled in ‘Play in a Day’ as part of Performing Arts Week!

In just one day, they mastered their roles and put on a captivating performance for parents in the evening.

It was remarkable to see their talent shine through as they learned their lines and brought ‘Revolting Rhymes’ to life on stage. Well done to all the young performers for an unforgettable show!

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RGS THE GR ANGE SHINES AT ALBERT HALL RGS The Grange’s Senior and Chamber Choirs took to the stage of the iconic Royal Albert Hall for Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concert, themed ‘Earth Wonder’. Supported by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the event aimed to raise funds for Barnardo’s vital work, featuring enthusiastic performances by Year Six pupils, including iconic pieces like ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ and ‘What a Wonderful World’.

Under the guidance of conductor Ben Pope and pianist Thomas Watkin, the day was filled with rehearsals and collaboration, culminating in an expertly hosted evening by Natasha Kaplinsky OBE. Head of Music, Elizabeth Keetley-Smith expressed gratitude for the oppor tunity, highlighting the unforgettable experience for the pupils and the success of fundraising efforts, with over £70,000 raised for Barnardo’s.

‘CYBERBYTES’ TRIUMPH IN LEGO LEAGUE RGS The Grange’s team, ‘CyberBytes’, comprised of pupil Digital Leaders, won the regional championship in the Lego League competition. Their victory came after perfecting coding projects and delivering presentations to the judges with enthusiasm and confidence. Organised by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), Lego League challenges young people to design, build, and programme robots using Lego Mindstorms kits, developing engineering, coding, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

In their first year, the ‘CyberBytes’ team exceeded expectations in the robotic rounds. Their passion for EdTech and effective teamwork impressed the judges, resulting in high scores. Winning the overall regional championship surpassed their expectations, leaving Mr Matt Warne and Mr Adam Morgan, our Digital Leads at RGS The Grange immensely proud of their growth in confidence and self-belief. As the ‘CyberBytes’ now prepare to represent RGS The Grange at the National Finals, their strong team spirit and determination position them for further success on the national stage.

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COUNTY SWIMMING

CROSSCOUNTRY SUCCESS

Congratulations to our County Swimmers for their outstanding performances at the Worcester County Swimming Championships. All five Swimmers achieved personal best times at the Commonwealth pool in Sandwell.

RGS The Grange’s Running Club is in its fifteenth year of existence and continues to attract a large number of pupils from Years Three to Six, over seventy pupils attend every week making it the largest club at School.

In addition, the Under 11 Boys made it through to the ESSA National Primary Schools Swimming Championships.

Running Club has led to the continued success of our CrossCountry teams who compete confidently at both local, Regional and National events. Teams have once again had a great season and can be proud of both their efforts and achievements. This has included success for pupils across a range of CrossCountry Meets including Winterfold House, Moor Park, RGS The Grange as well as the Worcester City Finals. The teams were poised for the National Finals before wet weather unfortunately cancelled the event.

HOCKEY Both the Under 11 Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey teams reached the Regional In2Hockey Finals, only the top two teams from each county made it through. Both teams enjoyed a great day of Hockey with the Girls reaching the semi-finals.

RUGBY FESTIVAL Our Under Nine Boys enjoyed the opportunity to play against and host visiting schools at our Rugby Festival, enjoying some friendly competitive matches early in their Rugby journey.

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HOUSE COMPETITIONS There is a thriving House competition at RGS The Grange engaging pupils of all ages in a spirited display of teamwork and camaraderie. Throughout the academic year pupils enthusiastically participate in a diverse array of activities to support their House and vie for coveted House points. From exhilarating House Go Karting events to intense House Table Tennis tournaments, and from creative pursuits like House Art competitions, the competition spans a wide spectrum of interests, ensuring that every pupil can contribute to their House’s success. This competition develops a sense of belonging and pride within each House and encourages collaboration among pupils, creating memorable experiences and lasting bonds. Year Six pupils act as House Captains enabling them to develop leadership skills as they support and encourage younger pupils.

OUTSTANDING PASTOR AL CARE At RGS The Grange children’s wellbeing lies at the centre of our educational journey, with the School recognised as finalists for the ‘Pastoral School of The Year’ award at the National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE).

The School’s commitment to developing pupils’ self-esteem and confidence is evident through initiatives like ‘Flourish and Fly’ and ‘Positivity’ sessions, supporting children’s selfesteem and confidence.

CROCHET CLUB Yarn and creativity are brought to life in our weekly Crochet Club! From beginners weaving their first stitches to experienced crafters crocheting intricate patterns, the club is a vibrant tapestry of creativity, making every gathering a delightful tapestry of friendship and skill! Crochet Club is one of 77 clubs on offer every week at RGS The Grange.

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THE SECRET IN THE SQUARE

DAY IN THE LIFE At RGS Springfield, Reception pupils enjoy days brimming with activities and engagement. Small class sizes ensure that pupils delve into phonics exercises supported by their teachers, foundational math skills are developed, and personalised attention during small group and one-on-one sessions with their teachers enhancing individual learning experiences.

Within the vibrant classroom environment, distinct zones facilitate a seamless transition from targeted learning tasks alongside teachers to imaginative role-play activities among peers, encouraging the development of vital social skills. The inclusion of specialist instructors in Music, Sports, and Languages adds an extra layer of enrichment to each day in Reception, ensuring that every moment is filled with exciting learning opportunities and boundless enthusiasm.

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IMMERSED IN SENIOR SCHOOL LIFE Year Six pupils enjoy a series of Taster Days at RGS Worcester ensuring that they are immersed in life at Senior School before they even start at RGS Worcester.

From Sports Taster Days to a Science based Eggstravaganza, these events in Years Five and Six ensure a seamless transition. Younger pupils also enjoy playing Hockey fixtures and having Badminton lessons at RGS Worcester, taking advantage of the Senior School facilities from an early age.

BR AVO À TOUS!!

Pupils in Years Five and Six enjoyed an educational trip to Desvres near Boulogne sur Mer in France for an amazing week filled with language practice, cultural exploration and unforgettable moments.

Language learning was a major focus throughout the trip, the pupils had the opportunity to interact with locals during visits to photos by Dave Felton Photography busy supermarkets, where they practiced speaking French while shopping for local products. One of the highlights was a visit to Nausicaa, Europe’s largest aquarium, where they were fascinated by the diverse marine life and had conversations in French with the friendly staff. A visit to a Ceramic Museum in Desvres provided insight into the region’s ceramic art, and a pottery workshop allowed the pupils to get creative, all conducted in French, allowing them to practice their language skills and artistic abilities.

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ENCHANTING PERFORMANCE The t a le nte d pupils e njoye d pe r for ming Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

Through their performance, the cast brought to life the whimsical characters and intricate plotlines of the play, captivating audiences with their dramatic delivery. The pupils skilfully navigated the complexities of themes of love, illusion and mischief through a spellbinding performance.

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PUPILS SHINE IN CONCERTS Concerts at RGS Springfield range from informal Rush Hour performances in the School Hall to Concerts in Perrins Hall at RGS Worcester, providing musical opportunities for all pupils.

Our Rush Hour concerts offer pupils the chance to perform in front of their peers and parents after school building confidence in their musical abilities in a nurturing supportive environment.

ELECTRIFYING SILVERSTONE VISIT Year Six enjoyed an unforgettable visit to Silverstone Race track, the iconic home of the British Grand Prix.

Their day began with an engaging workshop, delving into the materials and career prospects within Formula 1. Walking trackside, they saw striking murals honouring racing legend Lewis Hamilton.

Exploring technical aspects and experimenting with various components, the pupils’ visit culminated with a thrilling 4D cinema ride and a glimpse of racing vehicles.

This exclusive visit to Silverstone inspired the Year Six pupils as they planned the design for their Greenpower electric car.

BUDDING BALLERINAS At R G S S p r i n g f i e l d , t h e enchantment of Ballet starts as early as Nursery, nurturing a deep affection for dance from the very beginning. With twinkling toes and charming wands, each term our ballerinas delight the audience of parents with their mesmerising performances.

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FUTURE NETBALLERS SHINE Throughout their first term of competitive Netball matches, our Under Eight Netballers have put their newfound Netball skills to the test and experienced significant improvement in various aspects of the game. From mastering fundamental techniques like passing, shooting, and footwork to developing teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking, they have gained invaluable skills that extend beyond the court.

TAG RUGBY FESTIVAL Years Three and Four made the short journey to RGS The Grange to put their Tag-Rugby skills to the test. The RGS boys had a packed fixture schedule which comprised of five matches against RGS The Grange, King’s St. Alban’s, Winterfold, The Downs Malvern, and Moor Park Schools.

Throughout the matches, all the boys showed a great work ethic, attitude and character, and an improvement in skills from the start of the term.

EMPOWERING GIRLS THROUGH TENNIS The Prime Video LTA Youth Girls’ Programme encourages a passion for Tennis among young girls, providing a welcoming environment for beginners to start on their Tennis journey. Led by our own LTAcertified coach, the six-week introductory course blends skill-building exercises with enjoyable games, increasing confidence among participants while developing their tennis abilities.

Tailored for girls aged four and above, this initiative represents an early and inclusive entry point into the world of Tennis, offering a platform for girls to discover and develop their love for the sport. At RGS Springfield, we are one of the first schools to introduce the Prime Video LTA Youth Girls Programme.

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FOOTBALL SKILLS Football skills take centre stage as pupils practice mastering the art of dribbling and precision passing. Under the guidance of our Sports teachers, pupils have developed their skills through regular training sessions that emphasise both individual development and collective collaboration, encouraging a supportive environment where every player can thrive.

Whether they are dribbling past opponents or celebrating a hard-earned goal, our Football provision encourages pupils to grow in confidence and develop skills.

CHEERLEADERS IMPRESS AT NBL GAME Our Cheerleading Squad thrilled the audience at the NBL Worcester Wolves fixture against Lions at the University of Worcester Arena. The School’s Cheerleading Squad wowed the packed crowd with their Pom Cheer performance.

EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURES Riding Club is one of the many Co-curricular clubs offered at RGS Springfield. Pupils from Years Two to Six can take part in the Club. Pupils enjoy both riding and hands-on learning about pony care, developing equestrian skills and their understanding of responsible animal care.

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OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIPS EXCITEMENT FOR LOCAL PRIMARY PUPILS 60 enthusiastic Year Five pupils from St Barnabas CE Primary School visited RGS for a day of creative exploration as part of our Outreach & Partnerships Programme.

The visiting pupils enjoyed participating in a carousel of activities, delving into the realms of Art, Design Technology, and Textiles. Each session provided interactive activities to spark creativity, ignite imaginations, and provide an immersive experience for the pupils.

In the Art Workshop, pupils enjoyed graphic printing, creating visually captivating prints. The Textiles session proved to be equally exciting as the pupils crafted personalised pennants, incorporating their initials into their creations. In Design Technology, pupils embraced the challenge of crafting clocks. From hand sawing and sanding the shape to constructing the clock mechanism, the session provided a hands-on experience.

The RGS Outreach & Partnerships Programme creates community engagement by working with local schools. Each Department at RGS provides Outreach and Partnership opportunities to the local community with teachers and pupils lending their expertise.

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FULL STEAM AHEAD Year Eight pupils from RGS Worcester, Nunnery Wood High School, Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College and The Chantry School participated in the IET Faraday Challenge.

The IET Faraday Challenge introduces pupils to engineering, inspiring them to consider engineering as a career and helping to develop their practical and employability skills, including teamwork, problem solving and creative thinking. The Challenge Day teams were tasked with racing against the clock to solve a real-life engineering problem, putting their technical knowledge and skills to the test.

LANGUAGES OUTREACH RGS Worcester hosted a Modern Foreign Languages Outreach event for 150 pupils from five local primary schools: Cherry Orchard Primary School, Broadwas Primary School, Hollymount School, St George’s C of E Primary School and Honeywell Primary School. The pupils were immersed in a range of French, German and Spanish games. Language Leaders from Year Nine led the sessions, acting as teachers for the day.

“Thank you so much for having us! We really enjoyed the morning, and we were particularly impressed with how well the RGS pupils delivered the lessons. You clearly have quite a few teachers in the making!”

Thea Allen, Broadwas Primary School

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CHARITY FUNDR AISING ‘SPOTACULAR’ The RGS Worcester Fa m i l y o f S c h o o l s enjoyed a ‘Spotacular’ day of raising money for BBC Children in Need.

Fundraising activities included a non-uniform day at RGS Worcester, with pupils donating £2 each. Pupils at RGS The Grange, RGS Dodderhill and RGS Springfield also entered the fundraising spirit by dressing up. Other activities included a Staff Karaoke organised by the Charity Committee at RGS Worcester. The event raised £2,842.20 for Charity.

‘BIG PUSH TWO’

CELEBR ATING RGS ALUMNI The RGS Foundation Office keeps alumni connected with the School today, providing opportunities to revisit and reunite. We have a jam-packed programme of events, and we are always delighted to welcome former pupils back to School, whether for a nostalgic tour, a Year group Reunions, professional networking, or to meet and advise our current pupils.

Former pupils of RGS are known as Old Elizabethans (OEs) and we have a thriving, active and supportive network of over 6000 alumni living all around the world, making their mark in a variety of ways. The Old Elizabethan network provides a Family For Life, and we are thrilled to welcome back and support alumni of all generations and stages of life.

We are also tremendously grateful to those in our community who give back to the School in many ways: offering support and inspiration to current students via our Careers programme and through donating to transformational Bursary Awards and projects to improve the Schools.

IN THE FINAL THREE FOR THE SCHOOLS’ AWARD FOR AMBITION AND PROGRESS For the second year running, Year Eleven pupil Libby Parker, alongside friends and family, achieved the remarkable feat of completing a marathon-distance trail in her wheelchair. Their efforts were part of the ‘Big Push Two’ event around Worcester, aimed at raising awareness and funds to support children affected by Long Covid.

Despite the challenging journey, the group surpassed their fundraising goal of £3,000, finishing the marathon in 11 hours and 10 minutes, with the finish held at RGS Worcester.

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Libby’s inspiring story gained attention even before the ‘Big Push Two’, making headlines in the Worcester News and Libby’s story reached an even wider audience, featuring in the Midlands Today segment of BBC Breakfast. At the finish line, Libby expressed her thanks to everyone involved and pledged to continue organising fundraisers for Long Covid Kids, highlighting the importance of ongoing support for this vital cause.

The RGS Worcester and AOS Foundation was thrilled to make it to the final three schools nominated for the IDPE Schools’ Award For Ambition and Progress.

Being shortlisted recognises our absolute commitment to fostering lifelong relationships with our community and extending access through Bursary Awards. Our ‘Change a Life’ Bursary campaign, strategic Alumni Relations Engagement Programme and inaugural Giving Day were points of particular note.

IDPE (Institute of Development Professionals in Education) was established over 20 years ago and is the organisation that champions and recognises the very best practice in schools’ fundraising and engagement here in the UK and further afield.

We are therefore immensely honoured to have been recognised by them for the work we do.

OE MENNA REPRESENTS TEAM WALES AND TAKES HOME THE GOLD! In September, OE Menna Sutton (2016-23) proudly represented Wales in the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints at Saundersfoot. Partnered with Twm Owen in the Junior Mixed Double, Menna showcased an admirable performance securing a four-second victory against England. Wales clinched first place with two victories, three second places, and one third place. Menna, a former student of RGS Worcester, excelled academically and in Rowing, Prefect duties, Duke of Edinburgh, and Music, winning the Catherine Cowton Prize for Strings. She is currently studying Pharmacy at Cardiff University.

A huge well done to Menna for this amazing achievement and victory with Team Wales!

“I am very grateful for all the opportunities RGS has provided me with, particularly involving sport and music. Taking part in the Co-curricular activities at school allowed me to grow in confidence and feel prepared to move onto university”. She goes on to say “The RGS Boat Club has given me the skills and confidence to continue to push my rowing further and see how far I can take it. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to row at school, as it’s not something I would have ever been involved in otherwise!”

Miss Menna Sutton

NEW OE DRINKS 2023 In December, it was with great pleasure that we welcomed the Classes of 2023, 2022, and 2021 back to RGS for New OE Drinks. Memory-filled Perrins Hall provided the perfect setting to greet our newest Old Elizabethans (former pupils of RGS Worcester). It was wonderful to witness friends reuniting, exchanging stories, and to see staff reconnecting with their former pupils. With OEs pursuing a diversity of paths post-RGS, the hall buzzed with tales of university, apprenticeships, employment, and travel plans.

ALUMNA CHARLOTTE’S INSPIRING BILLINGHAM LECTURE Many thanks to Dr Charlotte Woodhead (AOS 1990-97) for her fascinating Billingham Society talk. As a trained Barrister turned Associate Professor at Warwick University, Charlotte provided invaluable insights into careers in Law and academia. Her focus on cultural heritage restitution, including the Benin Bronzes and Nazi-looted art, sparked lively discussion among pupils. We are immensely grateful to Charlotte and other alumni who generously support and inspire our pupils.

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PREP SCHOOLS Outstanding Preparatory Schools for children aged 2-11 Experience our three nurturing and dynamic schools and discover how we can offer your child the best possible start to their educational journey.

Contact us to book a visit 01905 451205 admissionsprep@rgsw.org.uk www.rgsw.org.uk

RGS Springfield

RGS Dodderhill

RGS The Grange

Britannia Square, Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 3DL springfield@rgsw.org.uk 01905 24999

Dodderhill Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 0BE dodderhill@rgsw.org.uk 01905 778290

Grange Lane, Claines, Worcester, Worcestershire WR3 7RR grange@rgsw.org.uk 01905 451205