Principal's message:
This week we welcomed our new cohort of students who will be joining us next year in Year 7 at our Year 6-7 Welcome Evening, which saw the hall completely full of parents and their children. Our Senior Student Leadership team, as well as Year 7 students joined me in giving the parents and their children a flavour of what it is like to be a student at RGS. There was definitely a sense of anticipation and excitement. Our new Year 7s will be returning to us in late June for their explorer days, which is part of our transition programme, to ensure that we allay any anxiety they might have about starting a new school.
We also had our Year 8 Options Evening, and I was delighted to see so many parents come with their children to explore the subjects they may choose for their GCSE options. The presentation, led by Vice Principal Mr Haywood, which provided information for each of the option subjects, can be found on our website - please have a look if you were unable to attend. Mr Haywood provided some advice on what students should consider when choosing their option subjects, which will be useful.
We also had a number of visits this week. One of which was to the University of Reading. Our Year 10s had their second Scholars’ Event - providing them with an opportunity to speak to university students and become more familiar with the campus.
On Saturday, Ms Thomson will be taking a group of students to the Magistrates Court Mock Trial Competition. This is an annual competition which our school, and those around Reading, are entered for. Good luck to all of our students who are competing in this event.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, the following will apply in practical PE and Dance lessons to students who are fasting; Students must have their full PE kit and will be given normal sanctions if they do not. We expect them to 'do what they can', this will depend on weather conditions, time of day and the nature of the activity. In PE activities can be adapted. Dance lessons will continue to use music as this is integral to the lesson and is part of the national curriculum.
Changes for the No 91 bus pick up on Northumberland Avenue
From Monday 15th April, the No 91 bus will only pick up students after school from the Buckland Road Circle bus stop on Northumberland Avenue.
Please make sure your daughter is aware of this – from after the Easter holidays the No 91 bus will not stop at the Canterbury Road bus stop, so all students should make their way to the Buckland Road Circle bus stop near the pedestrian exit from the school as indicated on the map below.
I wish you all a restful weekend.
Marika Farrugia, Principal
Principal's Surgery is held every Friday 8.15 – 9.00am.
History Workshop
Some Year 7 History students enjoyed an immersive workshop from Drama students at the University of Reading on Victorian transport. As well as enjoying a performance from the university students, they also had the opportunity to add to it by making tableaus and soundscapes of visual sources from the Museum of Rural Life.
Careers Fair at The Abbey School
The Abbey School warmly invites students in Year 10 upwards and their parents to attend their Careers Fair. It is being held at The Abbey School on Wednesday 20 March from 18.00 to 20.30.
The Careers Fair brings together representatives from a wide range of professions to offer students the opportunity to gain first-hand information on a variety of career areas. Industry professionals will be available to advise the students on the best routes to take to succeed in their chosen area, and the realities of life in that particular field.
In addition, there will be a series of talks exploring the impact of the megatrends facing society and how these are impacting future careers pathways. These include the impact of sustainability, technology and innovation, as well as looking at how the way wellbeing and EDI are recognised and handled is impacting on career pathways.
Please note that parking on the school site will be extremely limited that evening. We therefore strongly recommend if you are coming by car that you make alternative arrangements for parking. Parking in the streets around the school should be more widely available and after 17.30, there is no charge. We apologise that we cannot do more in this instance.
Tickets for the event can be acquired through Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-abbey-school-careers-fair-tickets-859417359457?aff=oddtdtcreator. These should be booked no later than Monday 18 March.
We hope to see you there!
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SEND Short Breaks Easter Holiday's funded by BFfC
SEND Short Breaks Easter Holiday Sessions - Reading Play
Reading Play welcomes you to The Ranger Station as your SEND half term provider, we will be holding two sessions on the 9th and 11th April 2024. Each short break day will consist of 2 sessions, unique activity themes for each session like seasonal arts and crafts where young people can take home their work and crafts. Young people will all have access to mini golf, climbing tree, low ropes, archery and more. Each session is 2.5 hours with 8 spaces per session. Further information and how to book a place can be found here Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks Easter Holiday Sessions Reading Play Education Play and Support, Communications & Bookings Officer 01189373283 E- reading.play@reading.gov.uk
SEND Short Breaks -Chance to Dance Stars CIC - Dance and Multi Activity Program
Short breaks are available for Reading children aged 5 years to 18 years old. We cater for children 5 years to 25 years at all our activities. (discounted short breaks not available for 19-25yrs). Chance to Dance Stars CIC will provide group activities for children & young people with disabilities to have new experiences with sport and dance, to have fun and to build upon social and physical needs. *Note* Cost - £20 per day for anyone outside of Reading. Reading Residents - Session are partial funded by Brighter Futures for Children. You receive a 50% discount only paying £10 per day. Don't forget to enter your discount code: EQN344. Proof of residence will be required in booking. If your child requires 1:1 you must contact Vicky before booking on sendanceclub@hotmail.com or 07736343570. Time 10am till 2pm (sometimes we have to run 9am till 1pm) - Location – Reading. Activities can vary week by week. We will always ask for your feedback. Sports, dance, drama, singing, arts and crafts, table top games, zumba kids, generation pound, yoga, gymnastics, sensory and messy play. Further information can be found here Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks -Chance to Dance Stars CIC - Dance and Multi Activity Program
SEND Easter Holidays 2024 - Short Breaks - Holiday Clubs - Make Sense Theatre
Make/Sense Theatre will be running our ever popular Easter holiday clubs once again this April! Our different sessions cater for young people aged 4-25+ and are designed in a way to ensure that we are fully inclusive, giving all young people with SEN the opportunity to attend. We will be running our Primary Sensory, Secondary Sensory and MLD groups over the first week of the Easter holidays (Tuesday 2nd April - Friday 5th April). Reading Directory | SEND Easter Holidays 2024 - Short Breaks - Holiday Clubs
SEND Easter Holidays 2024 - Short Breaks – Reading FC
Reading FC will be offering short breaks – awaiting information from Reading FC. Please check the SEND Local Offer later this week - Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks (all ability activities & overnight breaks)
Family Information Service/Local Offer, Brighter Futures for Children, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. 0118 9373777 (Option 2).
MENU
FROM 1ST NOVEMBER 2023
All meals are provided by Chartwells - a school meal consists of a main meal and a dessert for £2.78 a variety of snacks and drinks are also available.
Chartwells operate a cashless till system, operated by biometrics. The accounts are topped up online using a secure website called ParentPay, if your daughter is eligible for free meals, £2.78 is credited to her account each day. Your daughter will be provided with her ParentPay login details on her first day at Reading Girls' School. You can find more information about ParentPay on their website http://www.parentpay.com. The school office is also happy to help with any enquiries.
Follow the link for details of the school menu.