A summary of some of the many activities students undertook on Field Day 1:
Art in Context
The Art in Context group visited the Tate Modern, exploring two contrasting exhibitions. The morning focused on Anthony McCall’s Solid Light, an immersive light sculpture display, while the afternoon was spent viewing The Expressionists, a pre-WWI collection by The Blue Rider Group. Students analysed and sketched various artworks.
CCF – New Cadet Induction
New cadets from the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force sections had an introductory day at Brunswick Camp. Activities included an obstacle course, teamwork challenges, rifle skills and drill training. Senior cadets from Upper Sixth provided guidance throughout.
CCF Army/RAF – Military Leadership
Fifth and Lower Sixth RAF and Army cadets spent the day at Tangier Wood, engaging in leadership training and practical command exercises. Students found the tasks challenging yet rewarding, enhancing their leadership and teamwork skills.
CCF RN – Afloat Training
Fifth and Sixth Form Cadets participated in afloat training at HMS Hornet in Gosport. On yachts and powerboats, they navigated the Solent, learning key maritime skills such as navigation, piloting and collision regulations. The weather was favourable, providing an excellent learning experience.
Climbing
Despite last-minute cancellations and challenges with weather and logistics, the climbing group made the best of their day, learning to set up top ropes and participating in cave scrambling.
Drama and Technical Theatre
Drama and Technical Theatre students toured The Globe Theatre, learning about its history and construction. They explored the museum, tried on costumes and encountered a plaque detailing the RGS’s contribution to the Globe’s reconstruction. Afterward, they visited the Tate Modern to see additional exhibitions.
Hiking
Lower Sixth students hiked a 15km route through the Surrey Hills, starting in drizzle and ending in pleasant weather. The highlight was a stop at the Devil’s Punchbowl for refreshments. The group completed the hike in high spirits, despite initial weather challenges.
Kings Maths Project
Sixth Form students began preparing enrichment sessions for Year 9 pupils from Kings College Guildford. They focused on quadratics, indices and algebra, aiming to create engaging and consistent teaching methods for the upcoming sessions.
Lifesaving and Surfing – Cornwall
Lower Sixth students embarked on a surf and lifesaving adventure in Cornwall. They explored hidden surf spots, paddled through scenic waters and encountered puffins and seals. The weekend was filled with surfing and wildlife experiences, providing a memorable outdoor learning experience.
Maths Primary Project
Students explored Singapore’s Maths Mastery approach, discussing methods of teaching addition, subtraction and multiplication. They visited Holy Trinity Pewley Down School to apply their learning, engaging with the pupils on Year 5 Maths problems.
Mountain Biking
RGS mountain bikers tackled wet and challenging trails in the Surrey Hills. Despite muddy conditions, the group showed great enthusiasm and energy, riding both cross-country and downhill routes. Their day was capped off with a ride back to school.
Music Scholar Programme
Music scholars spent the day refining compositions and preparing for upcoming recitals, auditions and exams. With focused practice, many students made significant progress in their music pieces, setting the stage for future performances.
Outdoor Pursuits – Bushcraft
Fourth Form students at Big Hat Bushcamp in Chertsey learned essential survival skills, such as wood gathering and shelter building. Despite the rain, the group remained positive, capping the day off with teamwork activities and pizza-making.
Outdoor Pursuits – Mud Run
Fifth Formers took on the Nuts Challenge at Henfold Lakes in Dorking, completing a 4.5km mud-filled assault course. Despite tough conditions, students supported one another and finished the course in good spirits.
Rock Band
New RGS Rock band members had a productive first session, working on their setlists for the upcoming November show.
Set Construction
Four Lower Sixth students began constructing sets for upcoming performances of The Canterbury Tales and 12 Angry Men, tackling creative challenges with enthusiasm. The day involved building key props, including a wagon-wheel chandelier and a working sash window.
Sports Coaching
The Sixth Form Sports Coaching group attended sessions led by Jon Bates and Richard Cheetham, focusing on coaching techniques and game design.
Upper Sixth Enrichment
The Upper Sixth Enrichment group learned about cognitive science and memory, applying these principles to improve their revision strategies. Students created effective revision resources, which they will use in preparation for A Level mock exams.
The 1509
Sixth Form students contributed over 30 articles to The 1509 newspaper, covering a wide range of topics from music tours to medical ethics. The day was highly productive, with new students joining the editorial team for a promising year ahead.
Tycoon Enterprise
Four groups of Fifth Form students worked on product ideas for the upcoming Christmas markets, focusing on marketing and finance. Business plans were drafted and the students aim to secure funding from Peter Jones’ Tycoon Enterprise.
Volunteering
30 students engaged in a variety of volunteering activities, from virtual quizzes with care home residents to helping out at charity shops. The interactions were rewarding, with residents and volunteers alike benefiting from the experience.
Bletchley Park
The Second Form visited Bletchley Park, learning about the WWII codebreakers and participating in code deciphering workshops. They saw a real Enigma machine in action, providing a fascinating glimpse into wartime history.
High Ashurst
Third Formers enjoyed a day of outdoor activities at High Ashurst, participating in high ropes, orienteering and crate-stacking.