International Outlook
We are proud to celebrate the richness of global culture and the strength of our international partnerships. From student-led societies – including our Polyglot and Diversity societies – to annual events such as Culture Week, International Music Day and Express Yourself Festival (Northeast) for Languages. Our community is vibrant, outward-looking, and inclusive.
Our international links span across Europe and North Africa, including active partnerships with Hilali Targa School in Marrakesh, Max-Planck-Gymnasium in Gelsenkirchen, and IES Margarita Salas in Málaga. These collaborations not only enrich our language curriculum but also create opportunities for meaningful exchange through student trips and visits.
We also welcome trainee teachers from the University of Borås in Sweden and encourage our A Level linguists to explore work experience abroad through our partnership with Blue Stamp Travel.
This page celebrates the many ways in which the whole RGS community (from our staff, students and Old Novocastrians) connects with the wider world - nurturing cultural awareness, global citizenship and lifelong curiosity in every student.
Intermediate International School Award Certificate
In 2024, we were delighted to receive the Intermediate level of the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of our work to bring the world into the classroom. This achievement reflects our commitment to embedding an international dimension at the heart of academic, co-curricular, and pastoral life at RGS.
Languages for Life: RGS Alumni
School Partnerships
Max-Planck Gymnasium Gelsenkirchen
As part of our long-standing partnership with Max-Planck-Gymnasium in Gelsenkirchen, in April 2025, we welcomed 20 students and their teachers for a week of cultural exchange and friendship. From exploring Newcastle’s landmarks - including a memorable meeting with the Lord Mayor - to visiting Beamish Museum and the Quayside, our students proudly showcased the best of the North East.
The visit highlighted the 75-year bond between our twin cities, with a special moment in the Lord Mayor’s Silver Gallery where students saw a commemorative plaque from Gelsenkirchen.
The exchange offered an invaluable opportunity for language immersion, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences - described by one student as “es war der Hammer!” Plans are already in motion for our next visit to Germany in 2026.
Hilali Targa
Our newest international partnership with Hilali Targa in Marrakech was formally established in Autumn 2024, and is already flourishing through creative collaboration and shared learning.
Year 9 French students have been connecting with their Moroccan peers through a “getting to know you” video project and regular Teams calls during class time -building friendships while practising their language skills in real-world conversations.
The partnership will take a big step forward in February 2026, when around 20 RGS students from Year 8 upwards will travel to Marrakech to visit the school and explore the city. The visit will be led by Tom, with support from our Communications team, and promises to be a rich cultural and linguistic experience for all involved.
IES Margarita Salas
Our partnership with IES Margarita Salas in Málaga, supported by Newcastle Civic Centre and International Newcastle, continues to grow from strength to strength.
In 2025, our Year 9 Spanish students have embraced a pen-friend-style exchange, regularly sending handwritten, personalised letters to their partners in Málaga. These thoughtful messages have shared insights into life at RGS and the wider North East, helping to build meaningful connections across borders.
We were thrilled to receive this message from Pilar, a teacher at IES Margarita Salas: “Transmite nuestro agradecimiento a todos tus compañeros por el compromiso y la constancia en mantener esta actividad tan bonita entre nuestro alumnado y el vuestro... será un encuentro muy bonito.”
"Please pass on our thanks to all your colleagues for their commitment and consistency in maintaining this lovely activity between our students and yours... it will be a very special meeting."
Interest in the partnership has surged, with nearly 60 students expressing a desire to participate in our upcoming visit. In October 2026, a group of 30 students, will travel to Málaga to meet their partners in person – a much-anticipated moment in this enriching cultural exchange.
Student Led-Events
Since 2024, RGS Diversity has run the student-led RGS Culture Festival which is a spectacular and moving celebration of the range of world cultures here at RGS, aimed to help people become more confident and prouder of their backgrounds and ethnicity.
RGS Diversity – is a passionate group of students dedicated to educating and empowering their peers on the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in society – who encourage the whole RGS community (staff and students) to join in the week-long celebrations.
Each year, on June 21st, students collaborate with the RGS Performing Arts to celebrate World Music Day through vibrant performances that echo throughout the school - culminating in a show-stopping cultural takeover of the popular, student-led Friday Agora Gig.
From the rhythmic energy of percussion ensembles to soul-stirring solo performances, students bring global sounds to life - showcasing the rich tapestry of music and talent that defines our school community.
Musical highlights included heartfelt renditions in Hindi, Mandarin, and French; original jazz compositions; and powerful performances on traditional instruments such as the mridangam and djembe.
Global Old Novocastrians
Our ONA Magazine offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and accomplishments of our Old Novos showcasing where life has taken them beyond our school gates.
From Oscar-nominated film directors and professional athletes to pioneering architects, diplomats, and explorers, many of our ONs have made their mark on the world stage.
