A Day of Exploration Beyond the Classroom

Students from every year group enjoyed an inspiring and action-packed Field Day 1, taking part in a remarkable range of activities that extended learning far beyond the classroom.

Outdoor Adventure and Personal Challenge

The lower school embarked on memorable educational visits and outdoor experiences. First Form students embraced a Bushcraft adventure in Kent, learning wilderness skills including shelter building, fire lighting and outdoor survival techniques. Many chose to sleep beneath the stars, enjoying a true taste of outdoor life.

Meanwhile, Second Form students travelled to Bletchley Park, where they explored the history of wartime codebreaking, tackled cryptography challenges and discovered one of Britain’s most significant intelligence operations.

Third Form students headed to High Ashurst for a programme of climbing activities and leadership challenges designed to build teamwork, resilience and confidence.

Across the senior school, students continued to challenge themselves through a variety of adventurous activities, including mountain biking through the Surrey Hills, a demanding hike around Haslemere and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, indoor climbing competitions and watersports training featuring kayaking and skateboarding. Cadets also took part in a tri-service induction programme, developing practical skills through obstacle courses, field exercises and team challenges.

Creativity, Culture and Performance

Field Days provide numerous opportunities for students to explore their creative interests.

Art students travelled to London to visit galleries and draw inspiration from some of the capital’s most iconic locations. Drama students immersed themselves in the interactive experiences of the Paradox Museum, engaging with exhibits that challenged their perceptions and stimulated creative thinking.

Musicians dedicated the day to rehearsal, composition and performance preparation, while students involved in technical theatre and set construction developed practical design and production skills through a range of hands-on projects.

Developing Leadership and Communication Skills

A number of activities focused on leadership, mentoring and professional development. Students working towards sports coaching qualifications combined practical instruction with theoretical learning, developing skills that will support future coaching and leadership opportunities.

Elsewhere, mathematics outreach groups prepared engaging lessons for younger students, while aspiring journalists spent the day researching, interviewing, writing and editing content for The 1509, the School’s publication. These experiences provided valuable opportunities to strengthen communication, collaboration and organisational skills.

Enterprise and Community Impact

Field Days also encourage our students to engage with the wider community and develop entrepreneurial thinking. Participants in the Tycoon Enterprise programme refined business concepts and delivered pitches to secure potential investment, demonstrating creativity, commercial awareness and confidence.

Students involved in volunteering projects worked with local charities, care homes and community organisations, making a meaningful contribution while gaining valuable insight into the importance of service and civic responsibility.

A Defining Feature of the RGS Experience

Field Days remain a cornerstone of life at RGS Guildford, providing students with opportunities to discover new interests, challenge themselves and develop skills that complement their academic studies. The extraordinary range of activities undertaken on this first of five Field Days reflects the School’s commitment to offering an education that extends far beyond the classroom, fostering curiosity, character and confidence in equal measure.