As we prepare for a summer telephone campaign, we are excited to introduce our amazing group of current Sixth Form students and recent RGS leavers who are looking forward to speaking to you in the next few weeks!

Hana Bashir (RGS 2015-2021)

What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Biology – I have so many great memories from these lessons and loved my biology teacher, Miss Cuthbert, who made lessons so engaging.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I took part in netball, rounders and hockey. I was especially passionate about netball and really enjoyed playing in matches, especially on the 2017 Paris netball tour. I danced in the drama department’s Choreography Slam, receiving second place in 2017 and 2018 for my solos. I also ran the Biology Society and Biology Reading Society. This was a super fun experience where I lead discussions on various biological books.

Any accolades that you held at RGS? I was a Student Peer Supporter and did Bronze, Silver and (in the process of) Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

What are you doing now? I am now studying Biology at the University of Oxford, where I have had an amazing first year.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? So that I can develop my people skills further. I am also quite confident and willing to talk to people, so feel that it would be great to put these qualities to good use.

Tom Dénecé (RGS 2015-2022)

What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Either chemistry or biology. There’s so much to learn with both, and the way they interlink excites me tremendously!

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I played in hockey, rugby, tennis and cricket teams and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with friends during games and fixtures. The highlights were playing rugby in Biarritz and cricket in Jersey. I also took part in the DofE award scheme from Bronze through to Gold and the hikes allowed me to form my deepest friendships. I was part of the Bio Break Club and also attended TSI Friday (thank science it’s…) sessions. These two clubs were really enriching!

Any accolades that you held at RGS? I was the Head Boy, 1st XI hockey Captain and 1st team tennis Captain.

What are you doing now? From September, I’ll be studying Natural Sciences at the University of Durham.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? I know the impact the Changing Lives initiative can have. On top of this, I’m thrilled by the prospect of talking to former RGS students about their time at the school and what they’re up to today!

Aneesah Dhillo (RGS 2014-2021)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Biology because, whilst I enjoyed the content, I also enjoyed how the subject was taught and the environment in the classroom.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I took part in CREST (a science club where we would devise and carry out our own experiments), Junior Language League, Textiles and The Academy (a debate-style club where someone would come up with a topic, then deliver a presentation with both for-and-against sides of the discussion).

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS? I was a Peer Mentor, Junior Ambassador and Prefect.

What are you doing now? I am currently studying Medical Physiology, but I am hoping to transfer to Medicine for September 2022.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? I enjoy spending my free time doing activities that are beneficial to others. For the last seven years I have been volunteering and thought that being a member of the call team would be a valuable thing to do. The RGS Foundation is also a charity that has personal ties to me, which is another reason why I chose this role.

Mawadda Edbagi (RGS 2020-2022)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Theology and philosophy, as I enjoyed discussing prominent issues in the light of different philosophical thought, and I like how it linked to the other two subjects I studied, English literature and psychology.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I was involved in A Novel Approach, MUN, and being in the netball team.

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS? My student leadership roles involved being Head of the Library Committee – to help share my love of reading, as well as being a mentor.

What are you doing now? I am currently preparing to study English at Royal Holloway University in the autumn term.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? I applied because I understand how important the work of the RGS Foundation is to help students of all different backgrounds attend the school.

Aurora Egalla Dewage (RGS 2019-2021)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Biology – the heart dissection practical in Lower Sixth was a definite highlight! The practical displayed how complex these structures are compared to what we learn from a book.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I was part of the Medical Discussion Group, where we went through medical case studies that have either changed or impacted the practice of medicine.

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS? I was a House Captain for Cranston House, which involved public speaking and working in a team.

What are you doing now? I am now studying Medicine at Keele University and my first year has been amazing. I love taking part in practicals and applying the theory I have learnt within a clinical environment.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? I applied to be a student caller as RGS helped me to follow my lifelong dream of studying Medicine. I was an academic scholar at RGS and would not have been able to attend without the bursary scheme. This allowed me to gain an amazing education and provided opportunities that allowed me to flourish. Therefore, this summer I would like to give something back to RGS and help raise money for the Changing Lives scheme to help other students like me to get the chance to receive excellent education.

Jasmine Foster (RGS 2015-2022)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? I have a passion for sustainability, which definitely came from studying geography. And very broadly, I just love learning about the world around us – there’s nothing more current and exciting to me!

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I completed my Gold DofE, which was one of my favourite experiences ever – there were loads of difficult times, but it was also incredible to be with your friends walking in some beautiful Welsh mountains. I’ve also helped to run the Eco Committee, where we have been exploring all sorts of ways to get more sustainability engagement in school and attended Geography Society every week.

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS? I was Head Girl and Captained the 1st XI girls cricket team.

What are you doing now? I am planning to take a gap year and will be heading off to Fiji in September on a Youth Development Volunteer programme, helping to enhance sustainability and public health engagement in rural communities. Then, I am hopefully off to the RGS school in Vietnam in January. Afterwards I am hoping to study Geography at Bristol University… results day dependent!

Why did you apply to be a student caller? I feel it’s a good skill to have for future employment, and I enjoy talking about my school!

Olivia Hamilton (2014-2021) 
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Politics and English. I really enjoyed writing essays and learning through group discussion and debate. English GCSE and A level really played into my love of reading and creative writing.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I enjoyed playing hockey and being part of the English Society and The Academy (theology and philosophy). But the extra-curricular I felt most passionately about was Model United Nations (MUN). I found it slightly daunting at the beginning, but each week we would discuss policy around a different topic, and I got more confident in my debating ability. In Lower Sixth, I chaired a committee at RGS’s MUN convention.

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS? I was a Foundation Ambassador.

What are you doing now? I have just finished my first year at the University of Bristol studying Politics and International Relations with study abroad.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? It seemed like a great opportunity to give back to a community that set me up so well, as well as to gain experience working for an organisation that aligns with my fields of interest. I want as many people as possible to be able to receive as much of a positive school experience as I did, and the Changing Lives campaign seems like a brilliant way to do that.

Lucy Hangartner (RGS 2013-2020)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Probably art, due to the fantastic Mrs Genillard and Mrs Burns, and the wonderful facilities we had.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? My favourite extra-curricular activities were probably sport, particularly hockey and tennis. And also working backstage on drama productions – it was always amazing to be a part of creating shows and the family atmosphere that comes with show week.

What are you doing now? I am currently studying History of Art at the University of Nottingham, and have just finished my second year. Outside of my degree I also have just finished a creative placement at Backlit Gallery in Nottingham in which my own work was exhibited.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? I applied to be a student caller after reading about the RGS Foundation in an edition of The Reigatian magazine and seeing how fellow students have benefited from the bursary programme.

Sereena Pallana (RGS 2014-2021)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? My favourite subjects at RGS were drama and art. I’m quite a creative person and these allowed me to do something I really enjoyed!

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I did so many extra-curricular activities: symphony orchestra, polyphony, roller-skating, string quartets, hockey, drama shows, choirs, tennis, dance competitions, art competitions, rounders, netball, a monologue slam, and the majority of school music concerts.

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS? I was a part of the Performing Arts committee in Upper Sixth and was a Mentor.

What are you doing now? I am currently on a gap year, my aim was to focus on my music and singing this year. I am starting at St Andrews in September 2022.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? I think it is such a great opportunity to develop individually and independently in preparation for living alone at uni. I guess every job does this, but I knew that being at RGS again would make it a lot easier to feel comfortable and would be really rewarding since I love chatting to people.

India Rawlinson (RGS 2014-2021)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? My favourite subject at school was maths. I liked how logical it was and it was a nice contrast to the other subjects which I studied, in particular art.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? While at RGS I was in the choir and enjoyed singing at various well-known venues in London and had the opportunity to visit Tuscany. I also did Textiles Club, where I expanded my skills and learnt new techniques, many of which I still enjoy doing.

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS? I was on the Charity Committee in Sixth Form and also volunteered for my local Brownie group for five years.

What are you doing now? I am currently on a gap year before going to the University of York in September. During my gap year I did a six-month internship and have travelled around the US and Scandinavia. I have loved the opportunity to visit a range of different places and meet people from all over the world.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? It is a unique opportunity to talk to a range of different people who all attended RGS at some point. It will also be great experience in expanding my communication skills.

Purvaja Sivakumar (RGS 2015-2022)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Biology – I enjoy studying about the complexity of living things and how they interact with each other and the environment.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I have been involved in dance at school and have participated in the Choreography Slam and won Best Choreography and Performer two years in a row. I have also been involved in badminton.

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS? I was Deputy Head Girl and a Peer Mentor.

What are you doing now? I am planning on studying Medicine or gateway to Medicine through Biomedical Science.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? I applied to be a student caller as I am a student that has benefitted from the Scholar scheme and I believe this is a way for me to give back to the school and help children in the future benefit the way I have. I would like to play a small part in the support that future Reigatians receive and I believe this is a way that I can do that.

Maddy Westley (RGS 2015-2022)
What was your favourite subject at RGS and why? Biology, because I found it very interesting – in particular human biology, as I always enjoyed discovering the complexities of our anatomy. I also loved languages, especially Spanish as I feel they are very important.

Any extra-curricular activities you took part in at RGS? I have been part of the 2nd hockey team and 1st girls cricket team and participated in the eco-committee, writing articles for the weekly newsletter.

Any positions of responsibility that you held at RGS?I was a Foundation Ambassador.

What are you doing now? Next year I hope to study Biology with Spanish at university.

Why did you apply to be a student caller? Having been part of the RGS Foundation committee this year, I have been to see the impact of activities like this and how beneficial they are to prospective students, which is why I wanted to be a caller.