From the Chairman of Governors, Mr Alan Walker:
I was delighted to note that Mr Fenton’s previous school, Pate’s Grammar School, was named as ‘School of the Year 2011/12’ in the Sunday Times. I am sure you will want to join with me in congratulating Mr Fenton in achieving this award for his leadership as Headmaster of Pate’s.
Most importantly for the RGS community is the further affirmation that this accolade gives us as RGS goes from strength to strength over the coming months and years. I am excited about the future that the school has with the combination of RGS’ unique strengths and characteristics and Mr Fenton’s track record of successful leadership.
Mr Alan Walker
RGS Chairman of Governors
From the Headmaster, Mr Shaun Fenton:
At the time of writing, I am enjoying a wonderful CCF Biennial Inspection day at Longmoor Camp in Hampshire. I was able to be part of the rehearsal parade on Tuesday and it was a most impressive experience. All the cadets have worked incredibly hard to be inspection ready and I have to say the band was a particular highlight.
On Saturday RGS hosted its first Cricket Breakfast for the families of our team and their opponents playing at Hartswood that morning and it was a super way to start the day’s matches. The rest of the week has continued in typical busy but productive RGS style. I was pleased to welcome back the Lower Sixth Form Geographers from their field trip to Dorset. Exams and summer sports fixtures have all now started in earnest, and I wish all candidates and sportsmen every success. Drama rehearsals at RGS continue a-pace and I am very much looking forward to our production Animal Farm later this term and, if you are looking for something to do with the family this weekend, the RGS Puppet Theatre Company’s production of Little Joe’s Cautionary Tales is on at the Jubilee Library as part of the Brighton Fringe on Saturday 4 May at 10.00am, 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Last week, a group of parents met with Mrs Collins and Miss Arthur to talk about our reports’ process. This is part of a project to introduce an enhanced whole school assessment and tracking system to help identify where a student is in their learning and what they need to do to make further progress. We are very grateful this group of parents for dedicating the time to contribute to this discussion. If anyone would like to give us further ideas of what you would like from a reporting system, please email either Mrs Collins or Miss Arthur.
This term has seen the finals of the school's Form debating competitions. The debates were fascinating with strong speakers on both sides exploring topics such as: Is the future really brighter? and Are children growing up too quickly? Rhetorical speech, probing questions and impressive verbal flair were all on display. The audience and participants learnt much about the value and power of persuasive argument; skills which will help prepare them for more advanced learning and equip them with real skills as they prepare for the world of work beyond the school gates. Well done to all the finalists and congratulations to the winners in each year group: Lewis James (Second Form), George Elliston (Third Form) and Fenella Lloyd (Fourth Form) who wins the Debating trophy this year.
My warmest congratulations to…
Fourth Form Student James Ainsworth who recently gained distinction winning his solo harp class at the Croydon Music Festival with his performance of Great Day which he has also recorded for his GCSE.
The Acabelles who performed at the Voice Festival UK Youth Event at Wellington College last weekend. They narrowly missed re-claiming their crown from 2012, but managed to come away with a well-deserved choreography award. You can see the Acabelles' performances on YouTube viathis link.
Oliver Kail in the First Form who this week played golf for Surrey beating Middlesex 3-1. Surrey went on to win the overall match.
And last but not least to Mrs Spencer Ellis who recently raised £320 for the Marie Curie Foundation by swimming 100 lengths.
Mr Shaun Fenton
Headmaster
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