A Soaked Send-Off in Aid of Mental Health
As part of the celebrations marking the Upper Sixth students’ final weeks at RGS Worcester, the School Captains brought energy, enthusiasm and a splash of humour to the occasion by challenging the Headmaster and some Senior staff to take on the ‘ice bucket challenge’ in aid of mental health.
The Headmaster and staff rose to the occasion, but not without a twist. They agreed to participate but only if both School Captains, Sam and Bella, would join them. Observant onlookers could not help but note that the bucket used for the Headmaster appeared suspiciously larger than the rest! Joining the Headmaster in the challenge were Head of Sixth Form, Mr Mark Evetts, and Assistant Head (Designated Safeguarding Lead), Mrs Sofia Nicholls.
Here is what Bella and Sam had to say about the challenge: “After seeing so many people taking part in the USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge, which had become very much a conversation topic in Joe’s Cafe, by Friday morning we realised that it was something that we had to bring to RGS. After asking Mrs Nicholls to take part, to which she very willingly agreed, we had a meeting scheduled with Mr Pitt to convince him to do the challenge. After a quick chat, he was resigned to his fate, but on one condition: we were to do the challenge with him. Following the Headmaster’s agreement, it was quite easy to convince Mr Evetts to join us, with Mr Jay and Dr Davies more than happy to help pour the water on us. We can only really describe the challenge itself with one word: cold. We were all somewhat taken aback when we saw the buckets themselves, and quite how much ice was in them, but we ourselves are thrilled to have been able to do this at School and think it was incredibly worthwhile. Mental Health Awareness is as important now as ever, and whilst the Speak Your Mind challenge may be a laugh and a bit of fun to do, it is fantastic to see so many people recognising the value of talking about and discussing mental health. We would like to thank everyone that took part in this challenge!”
The ice bucket challenge was a memorable addition to the Upper Sixth’s final week, combining with a number of events including the Leavers’ photographs, Leavers’ Assembly, Leaver’s Breakfast, Upper Sixth Bowling and Grange Day. The challenge was also a powerful reminder of the community spirit at RGS Worcester – including laughter, camaraderie and a shared commitment to supporting mental health. It was a fitting farewell from Sam and Bella, whose leadership has left a lasting impression on the School.
