As part of the German Week activities before half term, the Richmond School German department ran a German themed baking competition.  

Miss Dutton, Lead Teacher of German said: “This was a first for Richmond School, and we were blown away by the number and quality of entries. We had over 35 entries from students in Years 7-10. All entries were tasted by the judging panel which included Mrs Potter, Miss Tucker, Ms Doak and the MFL team. We tasted apple cake. Black Forest gateau, apple strudel, traditional gingerbread biscuits, marble cake,  Streuselkuchen, Baumkuchen, and Bienenstich to name but a few.   

The bakes were decorated in creative ways: we saw flags, hearts as well as more unusual ideas including a Miniatur Wunderland, the Swiss mountains, a traditional German Bollen hat and a beer stein. A lot of deliberation was involved but eventually we decided on 10 overall winners. We have definitely seen the work of some future Bake Off stars - well done and thank you everyone for taking part!”  

The certificates were presented in Assemblies last week.  

Winners   

In preparation for an exciting educational visit to Switzerland later this month, A‑level Physics students from Richmond, Northallerton, and Stokesley Sixth Form Colleges came together this week for a special introductory event hosted by Catherine Scott at Northallerton. 

The session was designed to help students from the three colleges meet one another, begin forming friendships, and build a sense of teamwork before travelling together on the upcoming trip to CERN. From the moment everyone arrived, there was a lively buzz as students took part in a series of ice‑breaking activities aimed at helping them feel more at ease in their new group. 

A highlight of the morning was a fast‑paced ‘getting to know you’ game of Herd Mentality, which encouraged students to share fun facts and discover common interests.  

The group then turned their attention to Physics, taking part in a session about the synchrocyclotron—CERN’s first particle accelerator. Students learned how it operated and how it paved the way for the modern accelerators they will soon see in action during their visit.  

After a productive morning, students enjoyed lunch together, giving them further opportunities to chat informally and continue building connections. 

The meet‑up proved to be a valuable start to the CERN experience, helping students feel more confident, comfortable, and excited for the journey ahead. With new friendships already forming, the group is looking forward to exploring the world‑leading research facilities at CERN together. 

Many thanks to the teachers Catherine Scott at Northallerton for hosting, and Abbie Hope and Anna Harrison from Stokesley and Richmond for organising the visit for their students. 

Thanks to Mrs Southgate for the following report: 

“A fantastic day for our U13s at the Hambleton and  Richmondshire Area 7‑a‑side Tournament last Thursday. 

After a losing 2-0 to Easingwold in the first game, the team bounced back brilliantly with wins over Queen Mary’s, Northallerton, Stokesley and Risedale, finishing 2nd in their pool on goal difference. 

They then capped off the day with a 2-0 win against Wensleydale to claim 3rd place overall. 

A huge well done to all the players for their teamwork, determination and great football throughout the tournament. 

Congratulations to Bedale High School who beat Stokesley to win the competition and thanks to Bedale High School and Bedale Junior Football Club for hosting the tournament. 

Thanks also to Emmy Raggett (Year 12) for her expert coaching and refereeing!” 

We recently heard that Jess Miller, Year 13 student at Richmond Sixth Form College, was to take part in this year’s Birmingham International Tattoo as part of the Royal Air Force Cadets band. According to their website, this is: “Britain’s biggest indoor tattoo featuring military and other marching bands, pipes and drums, field gun racing, dog racing, standard bearers, dance teams including a spectacular Grand Finale with over 1,000 performers.” Looking at the images and videos from previous years, this is a huge event with performers coming from all around the world to show off their skills. We caught up with Jess to find out a bit more about the event from a performer's perspective: 

RSFC: Before we talk about the event, tell us how you became an Air Cadet. 

JM: Some of my friends invited me along – I joined in February 2024 – Year 11. That’s relatively recently – many of the cadets have been there for much longer than me. 

RSFC: The event was about being a cadet, but also a musician – tell us about your music. 

JM: I definitely started early! – in about Year 3. Clarinet first, then sax and oboe two years ago. I wanted to widen my skillset by learning more than one instrument. 

RSFC: So, how did the cadets and your musicianship come together for the Birmingham tattoo? 

JM: I’m a member of the wind band and the regional band – both cadet bands. They put forward names for the national band which I was selected for. Everyone who was selected was invited along to a week’s long residential at RAF Holton near Luton in October to prove themselves. It was quite an experience – there are 40,000 cadets in the country and only 58 places in the band – it was quite hard to really believe that we could do it! 

RSFC: But I guess there aren’t that many excellent quality musicians – you had obviously earned your place! Was the week in October purely about rehearsing for the Birmingham event? 

JM: Yes, exactly. We worked for nine hours every day, learning the pieces, then learning the band drill, then putting the playing and the drill together for the display. 

Thank you to Mrs Carruthers for the following report: 

“Richmond School recently hosted a lively multi‑sport festival featuring boccia, archery and kurling, with 18 teams taking part. The event was expertly delivered by 30 Year 9 Sports Leaders, who organised equipment, officiated and supported participants throughout the day. 

Pupils showed great teamwork, determination and enthusiasm across all three activities. Boccia saw some incredibly close matches, archery produced several impressive personal bests, and kurling brought excitement with dramatic final‑stone finishes. 

The atmosphere was positive, inclusive and energetic, and visiting schools praised both the organisation and the sportsmanship shown by all involved. 

A huge well‑done to every team and a big thank‑you to our fantastic Sports Leaders for making the festival a great success. 

Many thanks to all schools for supporting this event. Results can be found in one of the images attached to this post. Schools highlighted achieved the top 3 positions.” 

Thank you to Miss Jeans for the following report: 

“The game started well with the girls keeping control of their pace of play. From the opening moments, they moved the ball confidently through the court and settled quickly into a strong rhythm against a determined Thirsk School side. 

Throughout the match, the team displayed impressive consistency, scoring points in every quarter. Their balanced approach was evident in attack, with accurate shooting and well‑timed feeds into the circle, supported by calm and controlled play through the mid‑court. 

Defensively, the players were disciplined and alert, making key interceptions and disrupting Thirsk’s attacking flow. Their work rate remained high, even when faced with the challenge of playing against two different Thirsk line‑ups across the fixture. 

The match remained close from start to finish, with both teams showing excellent determination. After four competitive quarters, the game concluded in a well‑fought 8–8 draw, reflecting the effort and teamwork shown throughout. 

A special mention goes to our Players of the Match: Izzy Hunter (Centre) and Chloe Devlin (Goal Shooter). Izzy controlled the tempo brilliantly through the mid‑court, while Chloe showed impressive accuracy and composure in the shooting circle. 

Overall, it was a fantastic display of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Well done, Year 8!” 

No photo was taken on the day – this one is from a previous fixture. 

Thank you to Mrs Harrison, Lead Teacher of Physics, for the following: 

“Our Year 10 Triple Science students had an exciting and enriching day at the GCSE Science Live event held at St George’s Hall in Bradford, where they experienced science brought to life by some of Britain’s most inspiring experts. 

During the event, students attended a series of captivating lectures delivered by five leading scientists, each working at the cutting edge of their field. The line‑up included Professor Robert Winston, Professor Andrea Sella, Professor Jim Al‑Khalili, Dr Kate Lancaster, and Professor Suzie Imber. Their talks gave students a glimpse into real‑world scientific research, ranging from cutting‑edge physics and chemistry to biology and space science.  

In addition to the scientific lectures, students also benefited from an invaluable session led by experienced examiner Stewart Chenery, who provided expert advice on how to succeed in GCSE Science exams. 

Throughout the day, our students represented the school brilliantly. They listened attentively, engaged thoughtfully, and demonstrated curiosity and maturity during each session. Their conduct was exemplary, and they made the most of this unique opportunity to deepen their understanding and broaden their scientific horizons. 

The event aims to inspire young people to pursue further study and careers in science, and our Year 10 students certainly left feeling motivated and enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead.  

Well done to all who took part—you were a credit to the school, and excellent ambassadors for the Science Department.” 

Thanks to Mrs Southgate for the following report: 

“Richmond School’s U13 girls put in an excellent team performance to secure a 6–0 win over Risedale in the Hambleton and Richmondshire Plate competition.  

Richmond started strongly, with Charlee Stead scoring from the first attacking play to give the team early control. Madeleine Leighton and Phoebe Willis added three well‑taken goals between them before half‑time, extending the lead to 4-0 through great passing and attacking play. 

In the second half, Risedale demonstrated some determined defence and Richmond had to work hard in attack to find a way through. Their determination paid off with Phoebe Percival and Charlee scoring to make the final score 6-0. The team are looking forward to facing Wensleydale in the next round.” 

In the latest of our almost-regular alumni profiles, we catch up with Nic Perks, owner of the Easby-Loop Café, a brilliant street food outlet situated on one of the most popular walks from Richmond. If you haven’t been, you are definitely missing out! 

Below, Nic provides us with an insight into his journey from Tanzania, via Richmond School and Sixth Form College, the Tan Hill Inn, achieving the role of Head Chef at only 19, to his current position as owner and manager of a successful local business – read on! 

RS: Describe your time and your memories of school and college. 

NP: Joining Richmond School in 2017, in Year 8, after 13 years growing up on the coast of Tanzania, was a bit of a shock! Coming from a French school, the education, habits, hours, and everything else was night and day to what I was used to, but I couldn’t have been happier. I went straight into a great group of friends who showed me the ropes of Richmond, the education system, and how to not get into ‘too much’ trouble!  

Going into the final years of secondary school, things got serious. The tests came and the study seemed endless, but it was so worth it. I look back on all my grades with great pride, knowing that I gave it my all - but I didn’t forget to enjoy it, especially the football!  

Some teachers really made an impact on me, looking back on it, not only in terms of the work, but also their personality and attitude - they were so important to me, and still are.  

My business studies teachers, Mr Stamford and Mrs Clish, were some of the most important figures I thought about when setting up my first business, The Easby-Loop Café. My Media teachers, Mrs. Weston and Miss Dunwoodie, taught me things I use every day in customer interaction - generally just being kind to everyone you see! The main figures I can remember really making the switch from Tanzania to the UK easier for me were, of course, Mrs Potter & Mr Speakman, who helped me massively. 

RS: What did you do straight after school?  

NP: I achieved three A Levels – all Bs, so straight after Sixth Form I had a serious decision to make: go to university or take my time and figure out my own path. I chose the latter. I went straight into hospitality, working as a bartender, to save up some money to go travelling. I got lucky enough to have a chance to work in the kitchen and really took it - loved it! I trained up at the Tan Hill Inn, Britain’s highest pub, and after that led multiple local restaurants, becoming a Head Chef at only 19 - one of my biggest achievements! 

RS: What did you do next? 

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