Now a well-established highlight of the school year, the
2011 Summer Festival opened with an evening with the RGS Swing Band. The packed itinerary included dramatized
performances of Peter and the Wolf and Carnival of the Animals, an Art
Exhibition, Junior Concert, a combined Fashion and Dance Show, a lecture on
Science and Christian faith by the Rt Revd David Atkinson, Assistant Bishop,
Diocese of Southwark, a lunchtime Jazz recital, a satirical ‘News Review’
performed by Sixth Form drama students and a day-long regatta held at Mercers
Park lake featuring dinghy, kayak and windsurfing races, to mention just some
of the events!
The festival programme offered an opportunity for almost
every student to get involved with a full complement of enrichment activities
on offer, ranging from a modern languages day with aTaiko drumming workshop, a
fashion and jewellery workshop, a trebuchet making challenge, with students
competing to build and fire their own 6 foot scale model, to various science
sessions including sessions on ‘Inspiring Gases’ and ‘The Chemistry of
Fireworks’.
This year’s Summer Festival also built on Reigate Grammar
School’s strong links with the local community with dedicated performances held
for local junior schools, two events run in partnership with Reigate’s La Barbe
restaurant and a special Festival Evensong held at Reigate St Mary’s Church,
Chart Lane.
Many festival events supported local and national charities
with Reigate Samaritans, Surrey Young Carers and Loveworks.org.uk amongst the
organisations for whom students and supporters raised funds. 250 Second and Third Form students raised
over £6,000 for The Children’s Trust by running from Reigate Hill to the
charity’s home at Tadworth Court. This year’s efforts sees the total RGS
students have raised for The Children’s Trust top £116,000.