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Welcome to the final newsle�er of 2017. On behalf of the school, thank you for all your support during
this very busy Autumn term. As you are aware this is my final
term at Richmond School. I have thoroughly enjoyed working
with my colleagues, with parents and of course our terrific
students. When I look back and reflect on what a good school is
about it is certainly one that nurtures and enriches young
peoples’ lives so that they can leave with happy memories, a
sense of achievement and the skills to succeed in the wider
world. Richmond School is certainly a good school today and
one that I believe will go on to realise even greater success in
the future. I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who
have contributed to the school’s success and to the students
themselves who have taken every opportunity to demonstrate
their terrific talents and for giving me so much pleasure as
headteacher over the last eight years.
Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2018!
Ian Robertson
Headteacher
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - It has indeed been a busy and very fulfilling first term of the
academic year. I am genuinely delighted to see how the close
focus on our three key values - Independence, Resilience and
Excellence - has developed over this -me. The school‘s musical
performance of ‘Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour
Dreamcoat’ has provided a set of learning experiences through
which all involved have worked on demonstra-ng these
values. I am sure that anybody who saw the show will agree
that all the hard work paid off and it really was excellent.
We look forward to next term with an-cipa-on. Joined-up
school improvement work with Stokesley School has started. It
has already prompted healthy discussion about teaching and
learning, which we know are the key factors in improving
schools and providing the best experiences and outcomes for
students.
I wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas and look forward
to working with you all in the New Year.
Very best wishes,
Jenna Po8er
Head of School
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Performing Arts ... 2-3
In The Community 4-6
Sport ................... 7-8
Academic News .. 9-13
Diary dates .......... 14-15
Bad weather procedure 16
DECEMBER
NEWSLETTER
EX-STUDENT WRITES AND
STARS IN PADDINGTON 2
If you’ve seen Paddington 2, then you’ve been
entertained by our ex-pupil, Simon Farnaby,
who not only co-wrote the blockbuster but
had a cameo part too! You may also have
experienced Simon’s wri"ng talents if you are
fans of Horrible Histories, which he also pens.
Thank you to Simon Hogg, in the
maintenance team, for highligh"ng this.
Simon was Richmond School student at the
same "me as the actor.
Richmond School & Sixth Form College North Yorkshire
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PERFORMING ARTS
Way, way, back half a century ago… Joseph took to
the stage and thousands of performances later the
cast and crea-ve team at Richmond School have
made it their own. With energy in abundance and
burs-ng with colour, the audience was enthralled
from start to finish. Narrator, Sophie Montgomery,
sang her opening words and we all knew we were
in for something very special. Her stunning vocal
range was dynamic and pitch perfect. She
effortlessly went from a sensi-ve tone through to
an incredibly-powerful one that hit the ra;ers
whilst adding plenty of character to her role. This
was quickly matched by the rich -mbre of Joseph,
Stefan Wardale, coupled with the beau-ful voices
of the brothers and the choir. Stephen Birdsall led
the choir, honing the students’ performance skills
to perfec-on. The choir included pupils from
Richmond Methodist Primary School, who gained
so much from being part of such a professional and
polished produc-on.
“Performances will have inspired
our pupils to work hard to be
involved in such a project in the
future. There were such posi�ve
role models for boys and girls
alike. The live music was a
par�cular delight. It was so
polished and brilliantly put
together, so many people must
have worked incredibly hard to
make it so professional
Liz La�a, Crakehall Primary
School
Uni-ng the dance, drama and music departments, Ian Henderson, Head of Crea-ve Arts, directed over 100
enthusias-c students who took part in the show. Alongside the cast and band members, an indispensable
back-stage crew, worked -relessly, suppor-ng the cast with make-up, cues, ligh-ng, sound, costume design
and artwork.
GO-GO-GO JOSEPH IS A RUNAWAY SUCCESS
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Humour was an essen-al element of the script
and this was carried off so naturally by the cast,
with great examples by Saul Tuite as one of the
brothers and Brandon Parker as Po-phar. Patrick
Alderson was immersed in the character of
Pharoah, transpor-ng the audience to Memphis
with his fabulous take on Elvis. The dancers,
beau-fully choreographed by Danni Fox, added
immense visual impact and movement to the
story, their rou-nes executed with precision and
elegance. Spine--ngling harmonies were evident throughout the
show and the immaculate -ming of the fabulous
band, directed by Andy Wardale, ensured the singers
were completely in control. Whilst this was a show
that ran apace with such vitality, there were
incredibly-poignant moments too, no more so than
Joseph’s soulful rendi-on of ‘Close Every Door To Me’.
An immense amount of work was clearly going on
behind the scenes, from the striking scenery by
Ann-Marie James and the art department, the
elaborate dreamcoat, designed and made by Eleanor
West, costume accessories by Stella Wardale, plus
the back-stage crew, make-up ar-sts, sound and
ligh-ng technicians, front-of-house, programme
design and -cket sales.
This was a truly-magical produc-on, rivalling
many-a-West-End produc-on and demonstra-ng the
School’s values of teamwork, crea-vity, excellence,
independence, respect and resilience. The students
were in their element, throwing every last ounce of
energy into the show. Their huge enjoyment was
reflected by the audience’s rapturous applause and
frequent bursts of laughter.
It was, without doubt, a toe-tapping, show-stopping,
can’t-help-clapping show, culmina-ng in a standing
ova-on and two encores, which spoke for itself. With
this amount of talent we can’t wait for the next
produc-on.
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Amanda said, “You have brought me to tears, I am overwhelmed with your incredible response to the appeal, .”
Sixth Form students have been
working hard to support local
and na�onal fundraising
ini�a�ves. Prefects Charlo�e
Kell and Liberty Noke organised
a day where students could
wear their pyjamas to College.
The students had fun but also
raised £192 for Children in
Need. Earlier in the term the
girls also raised £141 for the
Macmillan Cancer Trust by
holding a bake sale.
THE BIG SWITCH ON
The Concert Band braved the elements and played to
delighted crowds as the town’s Christmas lights were
switched on. With a dus�ng of snow on a clear, starlit
night, it certainly was beginning to feel a lot like
Christmas. Twenty students played for thirty minutes
before the big switch on, followed by twenty minutes
under the clock in the market square. The band ensured
that everyone was in fes�ve spirit, crea�ng a
fes�val-type atmosphere, with fair rides and vans selling
hot food and drinks. Stephen Boyd, ac�ng Head of
Music said, ”It was absolutely freezing so I am really
proud of all the students for their hard work and
dedica�on.” Richmond Duck Club put up the lights,
which were switched on by Stuart Parsons, Mayor of
Richmond, with Richmond Round Table erec�ng the tree
in the marketplace.
IN THE COMMUNITY
SIXTH FORMERS PUT THE FUN IN FUNDRAISING
SUPPORTING LOCAL CHILDREN
Staff and Sixth Form Students pulled out all the stops to
help local children who need support over Christmas.
Member of staff, Jackie Wilson spearheaded the
heart-felt response to Tesco’s appeal, with over 100
presents donated. Amanda Smith, Community
Champion at Tesco called in at School to collect the huge
haul of gi;s and to personally thank everyone for their
generosity and kindness. To find out more about this
extremely-worthy cause visit Tesco’s Ca�erick Garrison
Community Facebook page.
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STATION CALENDAR SCORES 10 OUT OF 10
As part of our engagement with the wider community, the Art department teamed up with The Sta�on to
produce an alterna�ve version of a 'Yorkshire' Calendar for 2018. In
July, Year 10 GCSE students photographed unusual features of
Richmond's Victorian Railway terminus and these images were then
judged by local portrait photographer, Fraser Wright. Thirteen
winning images have been cra;ed to make a stunning, modern calen-
dar for 2018. Profits from this shared enterprise will be split equally
between the School and The Sta�on charity. Cos�ng just £7.50 the
calendars are an excellent way to both support the School and give an
exci�ng and contemporary gi; to some of the trickier people on your
Christmas-present list. Available at The Sta�on Shop, on the plaEorm.
Calendars are limited in number so don't leave it too late. Please
consider suppor�ng this project, it celebrates the excellence of our
photography students and the engagement of Richmond School with the local community.
WE WILL REMEMBER
On Friday 10th November, Year 13
students, Mikey CoHngham and Tom
Gleisinger, accompanied Mrs Po�er to
represent Richmond School at the Service
Pupils' Service of Remembrance at Ripon
Cathedral. John Jeffries, a 95-year old
veteran from Richmond gave a very
emo�onal reading. He recently recreated
the parachute jump he made in 1944
during Opera�on Marker Garden; be�er
known as the ba�le of Arnhern. He made
the jump 73 years a;er his service there
during World War 2.
All the messages delivered were very
moving and provided everyone with �me
to reflect upon the courage of soldiers
who at any �me have fought for their
country.
IN THE NEWS
We are delighted with our
recent feature in the Garrison
Gaze�e. If you’d like to see
the extensive 3-page
coverage , please visit
www.ca�erick-garrison.com/
Ca�erick-Garrison/Ca�erick-
Garrison-Gaze�e-
27072017.htm and download
the latest Dec/Jan edi�on. Our
editorial is on pages 31 to 33.
MAYOR’S CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS
Sixth Formers, Sophie Montgomery (vocal), George Mayo
(piano) and Imogen Goodchild (violin) gave a wonderful
rendi�on of O Holy Night to a packed church. The Saxophone
quintet, including Year 8 Aleisha Bruce and Year 9s Megan
Crozier, Finlay McKechnie, Ka�e Rawson and James Roberts
performed the beau�ful Everlas�ng Light to a very apprecia�ve
audience. The concert was an opportunity for a number of local
schools to perform and our musicians certainly inspired the
future genera�ons. The evening was hosted by the excellent
Leyburn Band.
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MAKING THE WORLD BETTER WITH A SWEATER
Our Sixth Formers helped to make the world be�er with a
sweater, donning their Christmas jumpers in aid of Save
the Children. Students really embraced the challenge to
‘Go Big, Go Bold, Go Baubly AntlerKnit’ crea�ng
fabulous fes�ve knits that stood out from the crowd, to
make the day great fun whilst raising money for this
extremely-worthy cause. Staff also joined in the fun and
the event raised £230 for Save The Children. Staff paid an
extra £1 to raise an addi�onal £104 for Adam Gedye’s
Movember founda�on, in aid of prostate cancer, tes�cular
cancer, mental health and suicide preven�on.
RICHMOND SCHOOL IS THE VENUE ….. for a
number of events in the coming months. If you s�ll have some
last-minute Christmas shopping to do then you may like to come
along to Christmas Fest this Saturday, 23rd December.
On 2nd February, The Motown Brothers are in concert. Further
informa�on at rlkpromo�ons.co.uk/tribute/mowtown-brothers/
CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS
SERENADED AT TESCO
Shoppers in Tesco were given an
unexpected treat on Sunday, when
students played fes�ve music in the store.
A wide selec�on of popular Christmas
carols serenaded shoppers and staff from
11am un�l 4pm. Students and parents
were also giving a helping hand at the
checkouts, packing bags in return for
dona�ons towards the band’s trip to
Germany next July. An incredible £1,160
was raised. Huge thanks to all students,
staff and parents who gave their �me and
to Tesco for hos�ng the event.
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FACING THE ELEMENTS
On 30th November, a group of 35 runners
travelled to Northallerton for the Area Trials.
Condi�ons were almost arc�c, it was bi�erly
cold with snow and strong winds.
Our runners were determined, however, to do
their best and put in some fine performances.
As a result, we have 21 runners who will go
forward to compete in the County event at
Knaresborough in January.
COUNTY SUCCESS
Our students have scored another success a;er
securing 10 places in county teams. Ka�e Wood, Year
10, has been selected for the U16 Area Netball Squad
and we have nine players in the county football team.
Our students again play for the North Yorkshire squad
a;er successfully comple�ng rigorous trials for places in
the U16 and U18 squads, con�nuing our tradi�on of
providing some of the best footballers in the country.
Six will play in the U18 squad and three in the U16s
tackling sides from all over the region. Richmond
School and Sixth Form College has an enviable record
for footballing success with countless league and cup
awards in the trophy cabinet.
Sean said: “We have played together for many years
now and training has started well. We are really looking
forward to the season ahead. There are some strong
sides in the region which helps us raise our game.”
SPORTING NEWS
SIXTH FORMERS’ 100% RECORD
The Sixth Form football team have qualified for the
North Yorkshire quarter final a;er finishing top of
their group with a 100% record. Their first victory was
an 8-1 win at home to Stokesley School followed by a
close game versus Ripon Grammar with Richmond
School winning 4-2. The last two games have resulted in
big score lines for Richmond with the team living up to
their early season poten�al with an 11-0 victory against
Thirsk School and a 13-0 win versus Northallerton
College.
Vice captain, Adam Walker, has been in great form
lately scoring 15 goals from 4 games supported well by
his strike partner Ma�y Redfearn and Tom Gilroy who
has scored 7 goals from midfield. Regular fixtures
and results can be followed on twi�er @RichmondPE1.
Coach Jonathan Kellett said: “ All the players show exceptional levels of skill,
dedication and passion for the game, which makes them a delight to coach.”
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AREA SWIMMING GALA
SAVE THE DATE
The Area Swimming gala will be
held at Ca�erick Leisure Centre
on 6th February 2018. We are
looking to enter full squads of
boys and girls from Y7-13.
Anyone interested in being
considered for selec(on please
speak to Mr Westgate in January.
FABULOUS TEAM SPIRIT….…….BE PART OF IT
The School’s ski team recently competed at the Bri�sh Schools Championships in Pontypool. All of the skiers put in
very strong runs, with the girls' team coming 16th in the country out of 26 and the boys coming 11th out of 19.
Great individual ambi�on and a fabulous team spirit led to excellent results for both teams, compe�ng amongst
the best schools in England, Scotland and Wales. The ski team is seeking new members, so if any students are
willing to challenge themselves and take part in this exhilara�ng and fun sport then please contact Jill Cole on
[email protected] or Karen Bushell on [email protected]. To become a member skiers must be able to
make parallel turns but do not need any previous race experience, just plenty of enthusiasm!
YEAR 7 FOOTBALLERS ARE
5-A-SIDE CHAMPIONS
The Year 7 football team were crowned Hambleton
and Richmondshire 5-a-side champions a;er an
empha�c victory. Bea�ng St Francis Xavier 4-2 in the
first game followed by a 5-2 victory versus
Easingwold School, Richmond school needed at
least a draw in the final pool game to qualify for the
final, where they produced the performance of the
tournament bea�ng Wensleydale School 9-1. In the
final, Richmond were just as dominant and at half
�me they led 5-0 with players of the tournament
captain Fin Tulip scoring 3 and defender Sam Booth
scoring 2.
Richmond finally ran out 6-1 winners against a
strong and physical team from Northallerton
College.
(Team top from le; to right, Sam Booth, Jacob
Dunn, Anthony Edwards, bo8om from le; to right
Will Ru8erford GK, Preston Gredziak, Fin Tulip (c)
Luke Wade, Fraz Proudlock.
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TOP OF THE BENCH
Well done to Becky Po�s (Year 11), Dan Baines (Year 10), Adam
Dixon (Year 9) and Henry Bushell (Year 9) for compe�ng in this
year’s TOTB chemistry compe��on at Teesside University. The
compe��on included both knowledge and prac�cal rounds. A great
team effort and they came a well-deserved 2nd
place out of 10
schools from across the North East.
YEAR 11 GET A FLAVOUR OF LIFE
IN THE SIXTH FORM Our Sixth Form College is offering a taste of Sixth Form
subjects to Year 11 students. In the first Subject Bite,
the focus was on mathema�cs. Students were able to
talk to current Sixth Form students and tackle
problem- solving ac�vi�es. Further subject tasters will
take place in the New Year.
We are currently receiving applica�ons via the link from
the school website to our online applica�on form and are
delighted to have already offered Sixth Form places.
ACADEMIC NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS …....to Ben Blakeston, Year 13, who has
been offered an Advanced Appren�ceship in Accoun�ng. Ben
studied A Levels in Maths, Business and Economics and
completed his Year 12 work placement with
Streamline Accoun�ng in Bedale. Ben made
such an impression that Streamline have
offered him a job and he will be studying for
his AAT exams in Leeds. We wish Ben every
success.
A CLASSIC TRIUMPH
Joel Nesbit (Y11) triumphed in the
North East Regional Classical
Associa�on Reading Compe��on, held
at the Royal Grammar School,
Newcastle on Saturday 25th November.
Amongst compe��on from schools as
far afield as Hexham, Morpeth and
Sedburgh, Joel won first prize in the
Beginners Greek and in the
Intermediate La�n, with confident
expressive readings that really
impressed the judges.
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HISTORY HOMEWORK REVEALS A
STORY OF COURAGE AND LOVE
HISTORY homework revealed a story of courage
and love a;er 13-year-old Grace Morris traced
her family tree to a heroic soldier. Challenged to
find a World War I story in her family Grace
discovered a rela�ve who won the Victoria Cross.
Her great, great, great uncle Edward Dwyer had
single-handedly fought off German Infantry, at
the In-famous Hill 60 in the ba�le of Ypres, by
hurling countless hand grenades to protect his
trench. Sustaining a head injury in the a�ack he
was nursed back to health in a front-line hospital by a Canadian nurse who he later married.
One of the youngest to be ever awarded the Victoria Cross, the Lance Corporal, of the 1st
Ba�alion East Surrey Regiment, was used in a na�onal recruitment campaign. A recording of
his voice is now the oldest remaining WWI audio record of its type. He married his nurse
Maude Barre�-Freeman in December 1915 but returned to France to fight again as he didn’t
like his recruitment role. In September 1916 he was killed leading his men at the Ba�le of the
Somme. Find out more about this fabulous story at www.richmondschool.net/News-Events/
SIXTH FORM ENHANCEMENT
Sixth Form enhancement goes from strength to strength. This
term sixth form students have had speakers from Student Finance
England and "Speakers for Schools". Year 12 recently had a
presenta�on from Nestlé on Degree Appren�ceships as part of the
ESH Employability Programme. Pictured are Sapana Pun and
Sophie Montgomery working on their ESH Employability
workbooks. For further informa�on please contact Liz Mannion,
Manager, Careers and Employability
HEART-FELT THANKS
A baroness paid paramedics and our students a heart-felt thanks for their life-saving work which she believes
should be rolled out across the country. Year 8 students were among 30,000 Yorkshire-wide learning CPR skills
which have resulted in the best heart a�ack survival rates in the country. Na�onally only 10 per cent of pa�ents
survive if they suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital. But in Yorkshire the rates are an incredible 43 per cent
thanks largely to a Yorkshire Ambulance Service ini�a�ve with schools. The students were instructed by
Yorkshire Ambulance and NHS trained community first responder Alan Clements, under the watchful eye of
Baroness Harris of Richmond.
The member of the House of Lords was so impressed that she
plans to talk with colleagues in Parliament about the possibility of
CPR being part of the na�onal curriculum. Find out more about
this ini�a�ve at www.richmondschool.net/News-Events/
News/
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ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL GERMAN EXCHANGE
At the beginning of December a group of 18 students took
part in Richmond School's longstanding German exchange
visit to the town of Wedel in Schleswig Holstein, near the
city of Hamburg. Students experienced the life of a German
teenager for a week, staying with students from the Johann
Rist Gymnasium. Our students accompanied their
exchange partners to school and as a whole group enjoyed
drama and sport workshops, as well as a bowling trip. Our
students were lucky this year to be in Germany on the 6th
December, Nikolaustag and some of them even received
chocolate in their shoes in the morning! Any visit to
Germany at this �me of year is not complete without a visit
to a Christmas market and we all enjoyed seeing the
historic Luebecker Weihnachtsmarkt which is one of the
most beau�ful in northern Germany. The memorable visit
was led by Frau Du�on and Herr Po�er. GCSE SHOWCASE EVENT
23rd JANUARY—YR 8 & 9
On 23rd
January parents and Year 8 and 9 students
are invited to a�end the “GCSE Showcase Evening “
at school. We are launching the new Programmes of
Study” for Key Stage 4 at this important informa�on
evening. The new “Programmes of Study” provide
students with the choice of subjects at GCSE from the
English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) subjects of French and
German with Geography and History, as well as the
other subjects which are available to select for study.
The “Programmes of Study” also include the Sciences,
Mathema�cs and English. Informa�on will be
available for parents and students on all the courses
we offer and there will also be focus talks on post-16-
career progression routes and informa�on on
University choices and post-18 progression.
This is an exci�ng development and one which will
give students the “Programme of Study” with
subjects which will ensure they are compe��ve in the
Na�onal and Interna�onal employment market, in
the future.
SPORT STUDENTS
SHOWCASE THEIR
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Year 12 CTEC Sport students have made an
excellent start to their first term, developing
their leadership skills by organising and
running a number of sports events for our
own Richmond School students and pupils
from our Primary cluster. In September the
CTEC students managed over 200 KS1 pupils
for a mul� -skills
fes�val held in
Richmond School
sports hall,
demonstra�ng
their ability to
encourage and
work with very
young children. In
November they were fantas�c role models in
helping to lead and officiate at the School
Games Sports Hall Athle�cs event. The group
also delivered a fantas�c par�cipa�ve sports
event to all students in Year 8 during their PE
lessons as part of their Organisa�on of Sports
Events unit. Now students are turning their
hand to independently coaching Year 8
students in football and netball ac�vi�es as
part of their Sports Coaching unit.
TOP 20 RANKING IN
THE SUNDAY TIMES
School performance tables do not give a true indica�on
of what makes a really good school and as such, for the
most part, we can take them with a pinch of salt. For
those who like to read them, however, for the first �me
Richmond School appears in the top- twenty-performing
state schools in the North. (“Parent Power” publica�on
26.11.17)
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YR 13 STUDENTS BRRR..AVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS!
In November, Year 13 CTEC Sport students braved the
cold and wet condi�ons in Askrigg, and the surrounding
area, as part of a three-day residen�al visit to Low Mill
Outdoor Centre. Students par�cipated in abseiling,
canoeing, gorge walking and mountain-biking ac�vi�es
to gather evidence towards their Prac�cal Skills unit for
their Level 3 CTEC Sport qualifica�on. Mr Moore and
Mrs Carruthers said all students had a fantas�c aHtude
during the visit and really got stuck in to every ac�vity,
despite the uncomfortably-cold condi�ons. Students
were a credit to Richmond Sixth Form College.
YEAR 10 & YEAR 11
Homework HUB with Mrs Sla8ery
3:30pm- 4:15pm
M-./01, W4/.45/01, T6785/01 9 F8;/01
ICT R--< - JF03 -8 JF11 • Struggle to focus on school work at home?
• Need extra help to complete a project on �me?
• Want to work with friends to complete work to-
gether?
• Looking for a quiet place to se�le down and get it
all done?
Come along to the Homework Hub for
addi(onal help and support
STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THE LIVES OF WW1 NURSES
Last year, current Year 10 History students took part in a project with Manchester University to commemo-
rate the role of nurses during the First World War. The students learnt about the work and lives of nurses at
the frontline and had to write a le8er or diary entry
reflec-ng the nurses’ experiences. We were very
proud that Professor Halle8 had chosen some of
Richmond School students’ work to be published in
the e-journal ‘Bulle-n of UK Associa-on for the
History of Nursing’ towards the end of 2017. The
work was praised for the quality of descrip-on and
historical detail. Bella Hall, Erin Caps-ck and Harry
Mawer’s contribu-ons can be seen, as well as a
summary of the Arts and Humani-es Research
Council funded project our students were involved
in. All our students’ work was also displayed at a
commemora-on service for nurses at Wakefield
Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday.
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CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY…… on 24th
November,
when the fes�ve season started for Year 11 students. Not only did
they miss their first two lessons, but they also all watched a
professional theatrical produc�on. Quantum Theatre, based in
London, ventured north to stage a well-received produc�on of
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, which most students are
studying for GCSE English Literature. The three-person cast
transported us to Victorian today. London, where we witnessed
Scrooge’s evolu�on, thanks to the ghosts, from tyrannical miser to
benevolent employer. It was a magnificent reminder of the
humour and poignancy in Dickens’ work, and how its key message is
s�ll absolutely relevant today.
THINKING PHYSICS!
Year 13 Physics students recently
enjoyed a taste of university at the
“Think Physics Lab” at Northumbria
University. All of the students were
able to carry out an inves-ga-on
using radioac-ve sources to verify
the inverse square law and an
ac-vity which modelled radioac-ve
decay using the head on a
measuring cylinder of beer. The
event was run by Carol Davenport,
in the “Think Physics Lab”, and
allowed all of the students to com-
plete a required-prac-cal ac-vity as
part of their A-level Physics course.
They were exemplary in their
behaviour and successfully
completed their inves-ga-ons.
JAMES WINS YOUNG PHILOSPHER OF THE
YEAR AWARD
We were delighted James
Chapman, student, successfully
applied to the Nuffield Founda-on
for a coveted 4 week-research
placement at York University.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING
YES@ RICHMOND SCHOOL
It’s been a busy term of well-a�ended training events for parents, pupils
and professionals. Highlights included Vlogger and blogger Sean Douglas’
'A Fresh Look at Dyslexia', inspiring pupils and teachers alike. Training
was also hosted on LEXIA, Access Arrangements, Memory Skills, Dynamo
Maths and Read&Write. On 19th
January, parents are invited to a�end
training by Judi Hornigold, an independent consultant, who will be the
main speaker on 'Dyscalculia - A Specific Learning Difficulty in Maths.' She
will be joined by Penny Topsom who published the book 'Mul�plica�on
Rules' as a result of her own and her son's difficul�es with maths. A
follow-up session, led by the YES team, will also be available for parents
on 29th
January 2018. Visit www.yesatrichmondschool.net or @YESSpLD
on Twi�er for full details of upcoming events and informa�on for
parents, pupils and professionals around learning differences.
Each year, the Founda-on provides over 1,000 students in the first year of a post-16 science, technology,
engineering and maths (STEM) course with the opportunity to work alongside professional scien-sts,
technologists, engineers and mathema-cians. James spent most of his summer holidays working in the
Astrophysics department at the University of York,. His achievement, was celebrated at a Recep-on at
Tempest Anderson Hall, York Museum & Gardens. All students had to produce a report describing the
research they undertook and display them for discussion at the mee-ng of the York Philosophical
Society. In addi-on to his Nuffield cer-ficate James was also awarded the Young Philosopher Award by
the Yorkshire Philosophical Society; the first -me this award has been presented at this event.
Congratula-ons James!
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UPDATE ON PPEs & PARENT EVENINGS
Year 11
16th January: Parents’ Evening
w/c Monday 15th
January for a fortnight: - Individual Student Interviews. All Yr 11 students will have an individual
interview with a senior member of staff to discuss ac�on planning following the recent PPE results and career plans/
applica�ons.
w/c 26th
February: Re-sit PPEs these may involve all students in some subjects whereas other subjects will target cer-
tain students for re-sits.
Year 10
12th
January: OCR Level 2 Cambridge Na�onal Cer�ficate in Health & Social Care
19th
January: PPE launch assembly
5-9th
February: Prac�cal PPEs: Art, DP, Drama, Dance
8-9th
February: MFL Speaking PPEs
19-23rd
February: Wri5en exams in the hall
This is immediately a8er February half term and we will be preparing the students for these exams in the lead-up to
the holiday. There is an expecta�on that students will organise and follow their revision plan during their week off.
24th
January: Revision Workshop Mrs Weston and Mr Coldwell will present a two-hour revision workshop with
students. We are sure that the students will appreciate some focused input in our study skills agenda and very much
hope this will help them to improve their revision approach for PPE re-sits in February and for other examina�ons
throughout the year. Informa�on from the workshop will be shared with parents.
Key Stage 3
The Aiming High 2 report will allow you to see the academic progress of your son or daughter. There are three academic grades;
the end of year target, current grade, and the subject teacher’s predic�on of where the student will be at the end of the
academic year. If you have any queries about these reports Jim Coldwell will be happy to discuss them.
There are some important dates coming up next term.
Year 9
6th February: Parent’s Evening
Year 8
13th March Parent’s Evening
The Year 7 and Year 8 Assessment Week takes place immediately before the Easter holiday (26th
-29th
March).
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DIARY DATES
Monday 8th January: School reopens
Tuesday 16th January: Year 11 Parents’ Evening
Tuesday 23rd January: GCSE Showcase, Years 8 and 9
Tuesday 30th January: Year 12 Parents’ Evening
Tuesday 6th February: Year 9 Parents’ Evening
Tuesday 6th February: Area swimming gala
12th-16th February: Half-term closure
Thursday 8th March: ‘A Celebra�on of Dance’ at The Georgian Theatre (�ckets £7 from The Georgian
Theatre www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk t: 01748 825252
Tuesday 13th March; Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Thursday 15th March: Year 13 Theatre Studies produc�on at The Georgian Theatre. Hilarity, audacity,
ferocity…….all will be unleashed when this talented group of you actors and designers
present their gradua�ng show for Theatre Studies A-Level. Tickets £7 from
The Georgian Theatre.
Thursday 17th March: ‘Richmond Remembers’ at Richmond School. Richmond School are hos�ng this event
in conjunc�on with the Town’s ‘Richmond Remembers’ fes�val. Student dancers,
musicians and the Sixth Form theatre company will perform with the Military WAGS’
choir in a joint collabora�on. Set to be a wonderful evening of entertainment it marks
the 100-year anniversary of a World War 1 baAle involving the town’s Green Howards’
regiment.
Wednesday 21st March: Sixth Form Open Evening
26th-29th March: Years 7 and 8 Assessment Week.
Wednesday 28th March: Year 12 Theatre Studies produc�on at The Georgian Theatre. Drama�c intensity will
be unleashed when these students present their group-devised performance for
Theatre Studies A-Level. Tickets £7 from The Georgian Theatre.
Friday 30th March: Easter (first day of closure)
Tuesday 17th April: School reopens
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BAD WEATHER PROCEDURE
In the event of heavy snowfall during the remaining Winter months, please keep an eye on the website for
any school closure announcement. Always assume school is open unless the website says otherwise. In
snowy or icy condi�ons, students should wear sensible warm clothing and appropriate footwear.
Start of Day Closure - It is always the School’s aim to inform parents by 7:00 am, at the latest, if it is
necessary to close the School. This informa�on is posted on the home page of the School website
(www.richmondschool.net). Unfortunately it seems that the local radio sta�ons will no longer be able to
guarantee announcing school closures through their breakfast programmes. We will therefore arrange for
the School’s switchboard to be manned from 7.00 am so that those who do not have access to the Internet
can use this facility as an alterna�ve.
Day-�me Closure - If condi�ons are such that we have to close during the day we always try to give
parents as much no�ce as possible and will use the tex�ng service during the school day as well as the School
website to inform you. Any students who come to us to say that they cannot get home safely or do not have
an alterna�ve agreed loca�on to go to will be kept at School.
It is important that parents have their own emergency plan to ensure that their children can either get in at
home or have a safe alterna�ve to go to. Please discuss this with your child(ren) to ensure that they are clear
about what is required of them.
We know that some parents have expressed concern that it is very difficult geHng through on the school
numbers once a closure announcement has been made. Please be assured that we do everything we can to
take calls, but the volume o;en exceeds our capacity to get through them all. We do appreciate that
announcing on the website that school is open and then subsequently having to change this can cause a
great deal of confusion and frustra�on. We always aim to avoid such situa�ons, however, weather
condi�ons can deteriorate very quickly and for the sake of everybody’s safety, risk assessments are ongoing
and occasionally lead to earlier decisions having to be adjusted or reversed.
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas
and all the best for 2018
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Richmond School & Sixth Form College North Yorkshire
Headteacher: Mrs J Po�er
Darlington Road, Richmond,
North Yorkshire, DL10 7BQ
T: 01748 850111,
W: www.richmondschool.net
Areté Learning Trust is an exempt charity regulated by the Secretary of State for Educa�on. It is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number 9471240), whose registered
office is at Stokesley School, Sta�on Road, Stokesley, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom,TS9 5AL
