6th Year in boarding

Fraser Youens is a lot more than just a Boarding House, it is a thriving community and some might even say family. The Boarding House is made up of many different ages and even though there could be up to a 7 year age gap boarders are still happy to mix freely. The boarding community is always evolving and changing however you can always rely on being able to go outside and kick or throw a ball about with your mates. If you are feeling under the weather or maybe you might just need some help with a piece of homework the teachers and sixth former are always there to lend a hand or some support, providing great role models for upcoming boarders. Teachers also put on an activity every day this could be from football to rock climbing or table tennis to pool giving every type of person an option to have some fun. When the House settles down in the evening to get on with any homework younger boarders and some older will go to a classroom in main school with a teacher where they can be guided and assisted by a Boarding Tutor. The Fraser Youens house is the beating heart of RGS and without it RGS would not be the same.

4th Year in boarding

Life in boarding is action-packed with new boarders and the old faces. Catching up with the friends I missed and making new ones. I find that boarding life is more organised and exciting than if I wasn’t a boarder. Having activity after school gets me a chance to run wild as the competition is high. Having a set prep session makes me focus for the period of time and get the homework out of the way. It really prepares you for the future to come.

Having the chance to stay with my friends at night is like having a sleepover everyday. During the school day, getting the chance to come back to boarding which helps me get away from the busy school and have some time at the table tennis table. The facilities we have at boarding are incredible as when the school day finishes the whole school is ours.

Having the staff that are school teachers gives us a chance to get a few questions answered. Mentoring is an excellent idea as you can get taught a subject you’re struggling with by the older boarders. I would like to summarise my account by saying that boarding for me is truly amazing as you can get so many opportunities.

Ancient History

Ancient History is a broad and fantastic course, which I would thoroughly recommend to anyone not only with a general interest in history, but also in politics, law, and the humanities in general, because what we learn of the Greeks and Romans is still significant to us today - the same types of people, the same causes of war, the same cycles of politics and society in general. Beyond this, it is an enormously useful subject by virtue of the skills it provides: the course is entirely source-based, meaning that as students we are constantly analysing and comparing ancient texts in our appraisal of events. This is a powerful teacher of the critical thinking required in so many subjects and, moreover, in life itself, not to mention the writing, communication, and argument-building skills required to put points across in essays. Most importantly, it is a fun subject. I have loved every minute of my time learning ancient history, because of the depth and variety of what we learn, not to mention Dr Matthews’ lively teaching style, which helps emphasises the importance of the ancient world to modern life. I find myself frequently able to comment with amusement on current affairs in light of events which took place in antiquity. Overall, Ancient History is a rich and enjoyable subject which imparts knowledge and skills with a wide significance.

Ancient History

Ancient History is a great subject for people with any interest in the Greeks and Romans. Whether you have done Classical Civilisation before or not, the course does not require any previous knowledge of the ancient world and is great for those starting at sixth form. I like how the subject lets you really explore certain periods of history; learning about the Fall of the Roman Republic for instance in a lot of detail is something I really enjoyed. If you like history, and want to specialise, or simply want to start something new, Ancient History is a good option.

Taking GCSE Graphics has been in my opinion one of the best opportunities that has been available to me suiting my style. I believe that both Art and Graphics provide a vast span of opportunities to both explore the different routes that it provides. They develop skills and understanding throughout the subject. This is resourced to us students from our first lesson in year 7 and couldn’t have been possible without the enthusiasm, encouragement, and engagement that our teachers at this school provide us with as they are very much part of what makes a subject like Graphics and Art so enjoyable.

Latin

When I first started studying Latin in year 7, I wasn’t sure what to expect: despite the fact that two of my siblings had studied Latin for GCSE, I didn’t know if it was the subject for me. I am very pleased to say then that Latin is one of the best subjects out their! Learning the language that formed so many languages of the modern world never ceases to feel special, and, thanks to inspiring teachers and an interesting scheme of work, learning the Latin language and exploring the culture of the ancient Romans through their own tongue is not only fun, but fascinating.

Physics

I like physics at RGS because it includes an astronomy club. Astronomy is my favourite topic and to have a club dedicated to this part of physics with extensive practical and theoretical work is fantastic. The teachers are also very passionate about the subject which makes it more enjoyable.”