Enjoy this monthly instalment of “School in Focus.” For April 2023, Reigate Grammar School, an independent school, is under consideration.
Reigate Grammar School, a place in Surrey that was recently named one of the best places to stay, has three campuses close to one another and the town. With the aim of nurturing, empowering, and tying students to their communities, it houses boys and girls aged 11 to 18. The Independent School Inspectorate has designated this school as outstanding since 2016. Let's look at why.
Well-being among students
With the knowledge that education will benefit them, students are expected to approach their studies with an eye towards the end goal. The next method is used to accomplish this. Students are encouraged to list extracurricular pursuits in addition to academic subjects. Why? Activities outside of class meet social needs. These include learning three languages, even though they will only be evaluated for one in the finals. In addition, they include music, photography, yoga, Mediterranean cooking, and photography. It makes them feel like part of something much larger. Consider the choir that performed in front of a large audience and the royal family at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Students feel complete and belong.
Second, almost everyone participates in sports. This cares for the school's physical well-being. Cricket, athletics, and football are currently the most popular sports. However, there are also more than ten other sports played in India. These include rugby, hockey, volleyball, netball, golf, water polo, and swimming. Identifying the student's strengths will enable them to receive appropriate guidance. They are supported throughout and encouraged to pursue interests outside of the classroom. Consider the many career guidance workshops presented by people with a range of educational backgrounds and experiences. This further inspires students to try their best effort to realise their full potential. Students enrolled in Send or EAI who achieved way above the state average
Well-being among staff
What unites our talented teachers is optimism and belief in our young people. We believe in our young people to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible, and they will do so, again and again! To maintain this optimism and belief, it is a must to prioritise our staff's well-being. Providing resources and support for mental health, work-life balance, and professional development can help ensure that our teachers can continue inspiring and empowering their students.
Academic success
Reigate was rated “Excellent in All Areas” for education quality, including accomplishments inside and outside the classroom, in the ISI February 2023 report. This is a testament to their distinctive instruction method. The school adopts a more practical approach by regularly sending students on trips, instead of constantly lecturing. For instance, in geography, rather than learning about physical and human geography theoretically, AP geography students visited Norway. They observed landscapes to observe natural geological processes in action and visited a hydroelectric power plant that supplies electricity to more than 300,000 homes.
Sixth-form students transition from traditional learning methods to seminar-style learning to get a head start on university education. As a result, 79% of A-level students received grades between an A* and a B, and 93% received marks higher than 50%. Reigate was praised for being excellent in all areas despite the city's constantly changing environment. The school's high achievement rates and adaptability to changing surroundings make it a popular choice among students and parents alike. The institution's commitment to providing quality education has earned it a reputation as one of the most prestigious schools in the region. Further this is why they are the school of the year five years running.
Use of EdTech
Beginning in September 2022, RGS Digital worked toward a one-to-one student-to-computer ratio. The purpose, one-to-one instruction gives students the chance to access materials and complete tasks more easily and independently during lessons, moving through their learning at a pace that ensures understanding. Devices give students the chance to think beyond the current lesson concept. They enable the creation of materials specifically tailored to meet their needs. Furthermore, one-to-one instruction coupled with devices also allows for more personalised and differentiated learning experiences, as teachers can easily provide targeted feedback and support to individual students based on their progress and needs. This can ultimately lead to improved academic outcomes and increased student engagement in the learning process.
Conclusion
“Each child has his or her own unique blend of talents, skills, aspirations, and abilities,” Reigate Grammar School headmaster said. The school ensures that every student succeeds in every area free of stereotypes. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for personal development, allowing students to explore their interests and passions. This approach helps students develop to their full potential and become well-rounded individuals.
