RGS Challenge Set by Man in Red with a Belly That Shakes Like Jelly

To mark our remarkable Quincentenary year, this Christmas brought with it a celebration unlike any other - a very special 500th Anniversary Christmas Party, hosted with a little help from Santa himself.

In the run-up to the festivities, students and staff were challenged by the big man in red, to earn an exclusive golden invitation by completing an extraordinary feat: 500 repetitions of an activity of their choice. The results were as creative as they were impressive. Across the school, mince pies were heroically consumed, fist bumps enthusiastically exchanged, lost property jumpers patiently folded, and ties meticulously fixed, all in the name of reaching that magical number.

The excitement reached new heights when three of Santa’s elves paid a surprise visit to RGS. Tasked with inspecting the efforts and verifying the challenges, the elves toured the school, meeting participants, admiring the determination on display, and ultimately issuing the coveted golden invitations to those who had successfully completed their 500.

Headteacher Mr Stanford praised the school community’s response:

“When Santa set this challenge, he did so with the utmost seriousness, and I am pleased to report that the RGS community responded in exactly the same spirit. The commitment shown to completing 500 repetitions was both admirable and uncompromising. I am extremely proud that students and staff alike rose to the challenge with such focus, discipline, and festive resolve.”

What made the challenge truly special was the way the entire school community embraced it. From classrooms to corridors, staff and students alike threw themselves into the spirit of the occasion, supporting one another and sharing plenty of festive laughter along the way.

The final party was a joyful celebration of everything the Quincentenary represents: tradition, community, and a shared sense of fun. With music, decorations, and plenty of Christmas cheer, it was a fitting reward for the collective effort — and a memorable way to celebrate 500 years of RGS.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, helped organise the challenge, and made this Quincentenary Christmas one to remember.

Enjoyed this?  Why not visit Memory Lane, our collection of videos featuring life at RGS over the years.