<![CDATA[Royal Grammar School News Feed - Corona Virus Updates]]> https://www.rgshw.com%2Fnews%2F%3Fpid%3D5%26amp%3Bnid%3D6 Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Wed, 5 Jul 2023 14:18:04 GMT Wed, 5 Jul 2023 14:18:04 GMT <![CDATA[ Follow Mr Zair's Mini Meditation Series ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=237 How do you feel today? ]]> Wed, 5 Jul 2023 14:18:04 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=237 <![CDATA[ How do you feel today? ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=232 Mr Zair's School Assembly on the importance of a self-care check in. How are you feeling today? ]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:54:59 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=232 <![CDATA[ Join us for the RGS Burns Night Quiz on Saturday 23rd January 2021 ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=231 It's open to anyone and everyone, so feel free to ask any family or friends if they fancy a fun night. ]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:10:35 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=231 <![CDATA[ Headmaster's Letter ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=230 A very happy new year to you all.

]]> Mon, 4 Jan 2021 15:49:27 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=230 <![CDATA[ Headmaster's Newsletter ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=177 My glass is usually half full (though not for long, if it has a stem) thus my overwhelmingly positive view of young people. A colleague shared some research which shows that, whilst the pandemic has been challenging for teenagers, it also has brought out strengths in them. This article describes how many teenagers have become volunteers during this time; it's worth a read. I am aware that a number of your sons have assisted with food banks, undertaken charity events, etc. The majority of our boys demonstrate acts of exceeding kindness, helpfulness and simple courtesy on a daily basis.

]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2020 16:49:56 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=177 <![CDATA[ Headmaster's Newsletter ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=175 Ernest Shackleton, the explorer, remarked that there is a ‘Need to put footstep of courage into stirrup of patience’.  The announcement of a 'lockdown' is one thing; the guidance which accompanies it is quite another.  I have endeavoured to be both patient and optimistic in my intention to operate 'business as usual'. This involves the interpretation of guidance in a responsible way which also enables us to be as close to the RGS we like to be.  This would not be possible without the exceptional co-operation of your sons, the commitment of staff and your support.  ]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 09:34:22 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=175 <![CDATA[ All Year 12 boys work from home today (Monday, 9 November) ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=173 Our intent is that as many Year 12 boys as possible will return to School on Tuesday (10 November), depending on the professional advice we receive. Safety of the School community will continue to be our priority.

]]> Mon, 9 Nov 2020 06:42:11 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=173 <![CDATA[ Headmaster's Newsletter ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=169 Priests who found their congregation ‘negligent to come to Holy Communion’ used to read an exhortation which included the following ‘Ye know how grievous a thing it is, when a man hath prepared a rich feast, decked his table with all kind of provision, so that there lacketh nothing but the guests to sit down’. I should probably read this out in assembly. ]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2020 15:50:20 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=169 <![CDATA[ Headmaster's Newsletter ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=168 I always aim to maintain a ‘business as usual’ approach; whatever the reason for the disruption our core mission is to educate boys (as we have done for more than 450 years!).

]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2020 11:10:50 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=168 <![CDATA[ Headmaster's Newsletter ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=157 Not having taught Year 7 Music for 20 years, it is super to be in the classroom again and teach as part of the 'Circus' (the RGS word for rotating foundation subjects!) and therefore get to know many more students well. 

]]> Tue, 6 Oct 2020 11:56:16 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=157 <![CDATA[ Dates for the Diary ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=92 Dates for the Diary
  • Friday 4th September Year 7 induction and Year 12 Sixth Form Induction.
  • Monday 7th September- Year 7, 11, 12 and 13
  • Tuesday 8th September - Full return.

The timetable for the Year 12 Induction Day on 4th Sept is as follows:

  • 9.00am
    Year 12 boys that are new to RGS to meet Mrs Wallace at the pedestrian gate on Hamilton Road for school photos.
  • 10.00am            
  • All Year 12s (existing & new RGS boys) to go straight to their form rooms
  • 11.45pm            
  • Induction Programme ends for internal Year 12 boys. 
  • Year 12 boys new to RGS meet at the Dining Hall  for lunch with their 'RGS Buddies', please bring a packed  lunch.
  • 1.00pm              
    Induction Programme ends for boys new to RGS. 

Monday 7 September - For Students New to Year 12

Please note, school IT logins and set up IDs will take place between 3.40pm - 5.00pm on Monday 7 September.

]]> Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:36:02 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=92 <![CDATA[ Headmaster's Newsletter ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=90 A fond farewell to Lucy Sowah, Tim Venvell and Julie Holmes, and welcome to our new teachers and trainees who are joining us in September.

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2020 17:04:51 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=90 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update 14 ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=88 My very first video talk to you all stated that ‘school life will never be the same again’.  I stand by that and I sincerely hope that we will be an even better School for what we have learned since March.

]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:32:58 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=88 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update 12 ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=84 We will meet again.

]]> Fri, 22 May 2020 16:40:15 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=84 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update 11 ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=83 I think this saying speaks for the RGS community; ‘Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.’

]]> Mon, 11 May 2020 15:43:36 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=83 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update 10 ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=82 Boris Johnson’s morning briefing, this week, reminded us that there was still no clear indication as to when the lockdown would end.  This means that, despite the speculation, we still do not know when and how we will return. Whilst we await direction from the Government, we continue to focus on the provision of a thorough, innovative and enjoyable learning experience for your sons.  However, please be assured we are actively planning for, for example, a return to School after half-term; whatever guidance is forthcoming will be met with considered, strong leadership from RGS staff.

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:13:23 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=82 <![CDATA[ Corona Virus Update Nine ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=80 This is the briefest of notes to say I am looking forward to welcoming you all ‘back to School’ on Monday 20 April. There will be a very short welcome message on Teams from 0900 as I would, ordinarily, be leading the first assembly of the term. I will spare you from my hymn singing!

]]> Fri, 17 Apr 2020 16:03:27 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=80 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update Eight ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=78 As we break for the Easter holiday, I should like to take this opportunity to thank you for your exceptional support, to wish you all good health and to assure you that we, at RGS, are with you every step of the way.

]]> Fri, 3 Apr 2020 12:43:45 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=78 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update Seven ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=79 Please see the link below for up-to-date information regarding how GCSEs, AS & A levels will be awarded in summer 2020

]]> Fri, 3 Apr 2020 12:45:41 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=79 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update Six ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=77

 

 

Dear Parents

I don’t know quite what to make of all this. I am desperately sorry for families who have been adversely affected by Covid-19, whether it be health, well-being or financial. It seems that most people are being sensible and abiding by the imperatives of social distancing. The quiet roads, the closed shops, the lack of visitors is very strange.

Schools are but a part of social fabric; I inevitably see much of the current situation through the lens of education. I am immensely proud of the way in which staff have stepped up to the plate to provide an uninterrupted virtual education for your sons. Our boys have, for the most part, engaged really well with this new means of delivering education and I’ve been delighted to hear some great stories.

I thought I should update you on a few areas. Some of this is dealt with in my talk to your sons, please see above.

GENERAL

  • We have been very pleased with your positive feedback, which has been much appreciated by staff - thank you.
  • Please do let us know if there are areas which you feel could really make the difference to your son’s experience.
  • If your son seems not to be engaging with this new way of learning, please contact your son’s Head of Year for advice. We are trying to avoid an ‘equality gap’ when we return, so it is really important that your sons do not get behind.
  • We have no idea how long this situation will last – there is talk of a return anytime from 24 April to 1 September. We will keep you informed.
  • We have asked staff to follow the rhythm of the school timetable so that we all get into a routine. We will look at the sustainability of this next week, taking feedback into account.

YEAR 11/13

  • We fully understand the difficulties faced by boys who will not sit the exams they have been working for.
  • Ofqual will make an announcement early next week regarding the awarding of grades. I have made representations to encourage this body to consider the context of selective schools.
  • May I ask that teachers are not quizzed about what grades they will award. Teachers do not, at this stage, know what information will be required and it is very likely that teacher assessment will be only a part of the algorithm which will award the grade.

YEAR 12

  • Many students are naturally concerned about their A level courses, predicted grades and university prospects. The key is for all boys to engage with the lessons being provided.
  • There will be guidance to schools about predictions and any alteration to exam content in the near future. As soon as we receive it, we will share it. END OF YEAR EXAMS
  • At this time of year, boys become focussed on their ‘End of Years’ (as they are known). My advice is to assume that some form of assessment will be taking place - in the summer term, if we’re back, or at the start of the academic year if we’re not. HOMEWORK
  • The setting of homework, this week, has not been consistent and is causing some confusion to staff and boys. One of my team are looking at this and will communicate with parents early next week.


KEEPING WELL

  • We should all be proud of what our boys have managed to do this week. I hope that they all feel that they can enjoy their weekend and have a break.
  • Encouraging your son to get some fresh air, read a book, sport (of the social distancing variety), or ‘hang out’ (in a Google kind of way) is positive and restorative.
  • The School is introducing a rolling well-being programme, starting with the launch of a Photography Challenge; details coming out today, all welcome.


I wish you good health.

Philip Wayne
Headmaster

]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2020 16:09:34 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=77 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update Five ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=76 The 2020 Easter Revision Course has been cancelled.

]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:22:56 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=76 <![CDATA[ Corona Virus Update Four ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=74 As you will have heard in the media, the Government has announced the closure of all schools, state and independent, with effect from the close of play, tomorrow, Friday 20 March. Please see this letter as formal notification that, save for particular groups of children, this closure will start at 15:40 tomorrow. The closure is defined as ‘until further notice’.

]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:23:35 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=74 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update Three ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=73 Co-curricular Sports Clubs Cancelled

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2020 16:23:33 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=6&storyid=73 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update Update Two ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=72 Preparation for Possible School Closure. School at Home Thursday for Year 9 to Year 13 inclusive on Thursday 19 March. Students in Year 7 and Year 8 to attend school. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:24:32 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=72 <![CDATA[ Coronavirus Update from the Headmaster ]]> https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=71 A message from the Headmaster ]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:36:07 GMT https://www.rgshw.com/news/?pid=5&nid=15&storyid=71