RGS Guildford was delighted to welcome students and staff from RGS Guildford Dubai last week for a full and enriching programme of academic, cultural, and co-curricular activities. The visit offered pupils from both schools the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share in the spirit of the wider RGS community.
The week began with a welcome tour and an engaging history session focused on the town of Guildford. This introduction provided valuable context and helped set the tone for the days ahead. A visit to the school’s historic Chained Library followed, where Headmaster Dr Cox introduced students to the remarkable collection of rare texts. The session sparked thoughtful discussion about the history of learning and the legacy of education at RGS.
A particular highlight was the first-ever Joint 200 Seconds Competition between the two schools. Junior pupils from RGS Guildford and RGS Guildford Dubai gave timed presentations on the theme ‘Iconic’. Their delivery was poised, passionate, and articulate—impressive qualities for some of the youngest members of the senior school community. The competition was a celebration of ideas, voice, and confidence, and highlighted the strong culture of oracy within both schools.
The academic schedule continued with a lively Shakespeare workshop, encouraging creative interpretation and performance, followed by an engaging science experiment, where students worked collaboratively to investigate scientific principles in a practical setting. These sessions reinforced the shared emphasis on curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning.
The visitors also explored the town through a treasure hunt, which offered a fun and interactive way to engage with Guildford’s landmarks and history. The week concluded with a joint sports afternoon alongside pupils from RGS Prep, promoting teamwork, energy, and shared enjoyment.
The visit was a truly memorable experience, celebrating the close ties between RGS Guildford and RGS Guildford Dubai. We look forward to continuing to grow this international partnership in the years ahead.