RCPA Grant Funding
Throughout the year the Rendcomb College Parents' Association raises funds through numerous cake sales and social activities including the ever-popular annual Curry & Quiz night, and the Rendcomb Spring Fiesta to name a few.
Funds raised have helped us to make numerous contributions to pupil enrichment via our newly launched grant request initiative, which is open to both pupils and teachers.
REFRESHMENT TRAILER - £4,000.00
The RCPA co-funded the purchase of a horsebox, which was converted into a tailored refreshment trailer for Rendcomb outdoor events.
“A huge thank you to the RCPA for your invaluable help in turning this idea into a reality. It’s a fantastic resource for any outdoor event, from helping us to keep warm and cheerful whilst supporting matches at Top Pitch in the cold winter months, to making the most of the summer sun at special events like the biennial Parent Pupil Tennis Tournament, Sports Day and the Summer Fete. We’re looking forward to making great memories for us all to share.” (Sarah Bell, Head of Hockey and Tennis)
PILLOWMAN- £250.00
This grant enabled a talented group of Upper School thespians to stage a solely student-led drama production of Martin McDonagh's black comedy, “Pillowman” in March.
“I just wanted to say thanks for all your help with Pillowman. We couldn't have done it without you and the rest of the RCPA. It went amazingly on Friday and I couldn't be more pleased with how it all turned out.” (Max McKeown, Student)
PIANO - £2755.40
The RCPA was able to help the music department with the purchase of a fabulous digital grand piano for the Griffin Theatre.
“The RCPA’s recent kind and extremely generous grant to the music department has allowed us to purchase a Yamaha Clavinova CLP 665 digital baby grand piano in a polished ebony case. The new piano has been installed in the gallery overlooking the foyer of the Griffin Theatre, and it commands wonderful views over the picturesque school grounds. The piano allows the foyer to be used as a breakout rehearsal, performance, and teaching space. This latest addition to the College’s Music Department further extends the excellent facilities we have on offer and will allow us to further develop the Griffin Theatre as a focus for musical and dramatic excellence at the very heart of the school.” (Dr T Edwards – Head of Music)
DOUBLE BASS - £170.00
The music department approached the RCPA with a request to fund the restoration of a Rendcomb legacy.
“In June 2017 we were donated several violins and a doubles bass from the estate of John Goodborn OR. The double bass is particularly interesting as it was made whilst John was a pupil here from a tree felled from the estate. When it arrived at Rendcomb the double was badly damaged and unplayable, the RCPA generously funded the complete rebuilding and restoration of the bass, known by its maker as ‘Bertha’, by Chris Monk of Cheltenham Violins. Taking a period of several months Chris has thoroughly restored the bass and return to it to playing condition. I would like to thank the RCPA for their generous support which has enabled us to restore this piece of Rendcomb’s history, thereby allowing future generations to benefit from this kind legacy.” (Dr T Edwards, Head of Music)
PHOTO BOOTH HIRE FOR Y10/11 BALL - £299.00
An annual staple at the Ball, the Photo booth is highly popular and the RCPA is happy to fund fun too. Sadly, no pics available to share!
BUSHCRAFT EQUIPMENT - £500.00
The RCPA was delighted to fund the purchase of equipment to enhance the bush-craft area which is being created next to Forest School for use by pupils across the college. So far, a sheltered teaching area and a new fire pit has been created. Further development will include a tarped fire pit area and new seating.
“Thank you to the RCPA for funding the purchase of additional equipment for our bush-craft area which will benefit pupils across both the Senior and Junior Schools”. (Jon Arnold – Y6 Teacher)
SHOOTING JACKETS - £895.00
The Rendcomb Shooting Team (boys and girls) has grown in reputation, with the girls’ team bringing back the winners’ trophy from the clay pigeon competition hosted by Harrow School last year, and both the girls and boys’ teams beating Harrow, Rugby and Sherborne Schools at the Millfield competition this year, coming in 5th and 8th out of 24 respectively. They felt they needed the kit to match their success and the RCPA was happy to oblige.
“On behalf of the shooting team could I just say a big thank you to you and the RCPA for all the work you put in and for the funding for the shooting jackets we now have. The shooting team are really appreciative of these jackets, and we’re now fully equipped to take the team to the top of the league.” (Robert Sharman - Captain)
NUMNAHS FOR THE RIDING TEAM - £153.00
A request for numnahs – essential saddle pads which cushion the saddle and protect the horse’s back - was happily given the green light.
“I would like to thank the RCPA for this kind donation. I have had the numnahs logged and we are now competing on the inter schools circuit with branding and now our students are recognised as coming from Rendcomb.” (Karen Coups – Head of Equestrianism)
ECONOMICS ENTREPRENEUR SCHEME – loan of £250
Funding was provided (in the form of a loan) for a “Grow Your Tenner Challenge” – where the 6th form ran small enterprise projects over the course of a month. When they paid the £10 back any surplus was donated to ‘Lend With Care’ - a charity which supports entrepreneurs in the developing world.
Some projects included making decorative bowls, importing genuine parmesan from Italy and running a fast food delivery service!
“It was a fun experience for staff and students alike and hopefully will light some entrepreneurial fires for the future. Many thanks to the RCPA for encouraging these initiatives.” (Dan Britton, Head of Economics)
YEAR 6 LEAVERS’ PARTY- £450.00
The RCPA ensures that the Y6 Leavers have a party to remember with an annual contribution to this special event.