Izzy was nominated by Miss Garrick who said: “I would like to nominate Izzy Armitage for the Headteacher’s Credit Values Award in recognition of her fantastic attitude, leadership and the positive impact she has both in school and in the wider community. 

Since the beginning of Year 7, Izzy has consistently shown a really positive attitude towards her learning and always tries her very best in everything she does. She is a kind and thoughtful member of our school community. Izzy makes a point of holding doors open for both staff and her peers each morning and approaches all opportunities with enthusiasm. 

Izzy has also grown in confidence since becoming Student Leader for 8BGA. She showed great maturity and diplomacy during the election process, delivering an excellent speech and even wishing the other pupil good luck. This demonstrated real leadership and respect for others. 

Outside of school, Izzy is a very keen gymnast, and she has taken the initiative to volunteer at her former primary school, Richmond Methodist, every week since January. She supports the gymnastics club alongside one of her former teachers, helping younger pupils to develop their skills through demonstrations and technical support. Izzy has chosen to do this to gain experience ahead of beginning her official coaching qualification when she turns 13. She has also volunteered to help at the upcoming primary school gymnastics competition at Richmond School. 

Izzy's efforts have already been recognised by the primary school, who recently presented her with a card and gift to say thank you. Key emphasis was made to praise her patience with the children; this is a lovely quality which seems to come naturally to Izzy. Even though Izzy is very humble and never makes a fuss about her achievements, I feel this would be an excellent opportunity to celebrate her hard work. 

Izzy is a wonderful role model who shows kindness, initiative and a genuine willingness to help others.” 

As part of Science Week, we were delighted to welcome Year 4 and Year 5 pupils from St Mary’s Primary School for a hands‑on, high‑energy lesson all about stretching sweets! The sessions gave our young visitors the chance to investigate how stretchy different types of sweets were, and the results amazed and delighted everyone. 

Armed with curiosity (and plenty of sweets!), the pupils worked like true scientists—making predictions, testing ideas, comparing results and, of course, having a lot of fun along the way. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they impressed everyone with their thoughtful questions and excellent teamwork. Mrs Harrison said "I forgot how bouncy younger students can be! The students from St Mary's made me laugh from beginning to end. Thank you to Laura England for arranging the visit, to the teachers of Year 4 and 5, as well as the helpers they brought along. I can't wait for next year." 

We were equally proud of our own Year 12 and 13 science students, Ethan Aston, Isaac Lamb, Will Swainston, Robbie Slater, Oscar Nicholson, Matty Partridge, Charlotte Harrison and Guy Feakins, who took on the role of demonstrators and mentors throughout the sessions. They guided the primary pupils with confidence and patience, modelling practical skills, and encouraging scientific thinking. Their support helped the younger pupils get the most out of the experience, and they represented the school brilliantly. 

The lesson was organised through the Ogden Trust partnership between local secondary and primary schools with an aim to improve access to quality physics education and to build students confidence in physics. 

The whole event was a fantastic example of our school community coming together to celebrate science in an engaging and memorable way. We would like to thank the staff and pupils from St Mary’s for joining us—and we hope to see some of these budding scientists back in our labs again in the future! 

Year 4 students from The Methodist primary school recently visited the Richmond School science department for a hands‑on investigation all about stretching sweets—and what a fantastic group of scientists they were! 

Throughout the sessions, the pupils showed wonderful enthusiasm and curiosity. They listened carefully, worked collaboratively, and demonstrated impressive scientific thinking as they tested how far different sweets could stretch before breaking. From making predictions to recording results, Year 4 approached every step with focus and excitement. Their energy, excellent behaviour, and eagerness to learn made the lesson a real pleasure to teach.  

Thank you to our Year 12 and 13 science students, Ethan Aston, Isaac Lamb, Will Swainston, Robbie Slater, Oscar Nicholson, Matty Partridge, Charlotte Harrison and Guy Feakins, who took on the role of demonstrators and mentors throughout the sessions. They guided the primary pupils with confidence and patience, modelling practical skills, and encouraging scientific thinking. Their support helped the younger pupils get the most out of the experience, and they represented the school brilliantly. 

The lesson was organised through the Ogden Trust partnership between local secondary and primary schools with an aim to improve access to quality physics education and to build students confidence in physics. 

Well done, Year 4—you were brilliant scientists! 

We recently heard that Lottie James, Year 8 student at Richmond School, had passed her grade 3 Singing exam with an impressive score of 93/100, giving her a Distinction by quite a considerable margin. Knowing that she also plays violin in the school orchestra, sings in the school choir and plays piano, we thought that this would be a good opportunity to catch up with Lottie and find out a bit more about her already-impressive musicianship. 

RS: So, Lottie, take us back to the beginning of you and music – how did it start? 

LJ: I was five. We’d just inherited a piano and I was interested in starting to play, as were my parents. I started having lessons with Linda Walsh. She came over to the house for lessons, and I just fell in love with playing piano. I loved the feeling of being able to create music. I especially remember performing a duet with Linda in a little recital quite soon after I’d started – it felt amazing! 

RS: So, that was the beginning – where are you now with your piano? 

LJ: I’m currently working on my grade 6. I’m not sure when I’ll do the exam – my teacher makes good decisions about when I’m ready! I’m still with Linda Walsh, but we’ve stuck to doing the lessons online since Covid. 

RS: How do you deal with that delay you get with an online video link – doesn't that make the music teaching and learning really hard?! 

LJ: There’s definitely a delay, but we’ve learned to deal with it quite well. We both have a metronome, and we can’t play in time with each other’s, but we tend to play separately – I play, then she plays and shows me how to improve – we've definitely found a way to make it work! 

RS: You’re on grade 6, but it’s not just about the exams, is it? 

LJ: No, it’s mainly about enjoying it. I love the playing, but also composing music. 

RS: That’s interesting, and a bit different! If you were a GCSE music student, I wouldn’t be surprised because composing is part of the course, but you’re two years away from that – tell us a bit about your composing. 

LJ: I was about eight. We had found out that I had really good pitch recognition – perfect pitch – which is quite rare. 

RS: Wow – it is rare! So, if you hear a note, you can name it... 

LJ: ...and if you ask me to sing a particular note, I can. It's really odd – my brain just sort of does it without me having to think about it. It helps with composition because you can hear what chords you’d like to play and what notes fit with other notes – it makes me quicker at working out melodies and harmonies. I got some recording equipment to help with my composing for Christmas – a microphone and a little mixing desk. They’re good, but I’m still in the process of figuring out how the software works – it's quite complicated! 

RS: But you're not only a pianist and a composer-in-the-making; you also play the violin. When and how did that start? 

LJ: I was seven or eight. My dad and my auntie both played the violin when they were the same age – we're quite a musical family and they were very supportive of me starting a second instrument. My grandparents also had a violin in the attic which I’d had a go with. I started having lessons with a teacher called Anna C Smith from Darlington and I just really loved it – the instrument and the way she taught. 

To read more, head over to our Facebook page.

Thanks to Emmy Raggett, Year 12 student and coach of the U13 girls football team, for this report: 

“The U13s took on Wensleydale in the Area Cup Plate Semi Final recently, resulting in a 3-2 win! 

It was a quiet start from the girls but eventually a brilliant ball from Orla Noone played Charlee Stead on, who slotted it neatly under the keeper. A second came shortly after when Charlee played herself through multiple players, leading to a one-on-one with the keeper and gaining her second of the game. In the second half Kezia Rodway put in a brilliant performance and finally got her first well deserved goal for this season, an impressive finish in the bottom corner!  

A slight switch-off from the girls allowed the opposition to regain two respectable goals, however the game fortunately finished in Richmond's favour.  3-2 Richmond and a place in the final vs Easingwold!” 

The English Schools Cross Country Championships are the end of season pinnacle of school cross country running. The very best athletes from the entire country gather to compete at the highest level in very fast, hyper-competitive races. Qualification for the English Schools is a fantastic achievement in itself, reflecting an excellent season of running with some outstanding performances. The year Aiden Johnson, Year 10, was the only Richmond student to qualify, demonstrating the high standard required – Richmond has many excellent cross-country athletes! Aiden’s mum Emma provides this report – thank you!  

“Aiden qualified again this year for the English Schools Cross Country Championships held on 14th March at Sefton Park in Liverpool. He travelled to the event by coach with the North Yorkshire team, staying in a hotel the night before the race. Aiden was racing in the Intermediate Boys race (Years 10 and 11) with over 300 runners. It was a fantastic day for it with lots of sunshine, although the course was still very muddy underfoot. Aiden had a great run and a strong mid-pack finish against some very fast competition!” 

Thank you to Mrs Carruthers for the following report: 

“Pupils from Years 1–6 recently took part in this year’s Key Steps Gymnastics Festival, showcasing an impressive range of skills, teamwork and confidence. The atmosphere throughout the event was supportive, energetic, and full of enthusiasm as pupils represented their schools with pride. 

The festival was expertly led by Sports Leaders from Richmond School, who played a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the entire event. Their responsibilities included judging the routines, coaching and supporting pupils, scoring each performance with accuracy and presenting final results to competitors. 

Every gymnast completed three components: 

1. Floor Routine 

Pupils demonstrated control, balance and creativity while performing set sequences on the floor. Many participants showed excellent extension, timing, and confidence in front of the judges. 

2. Body Management Routine 

This section tested flexibility, strength, and core stability. Pupils performed movements such as balances, shapes, and transitions with precision. It highlighted the fantastic physical development of all age groups, especially the progression seen from the younger years to the older gymnasts. 

3. Vault 

The vault event allowed pupils to demonstrate power, coordination, and good technique. There were many impressive runs and controlled landings, showing the hard work pupils have put into practicing their vault skills this year.” 

Results 

Teams competed across Steps 1, 2 and 3, with exceptionally close scores in all categories. Results can be seen in one of the images in the album below. 

These photos are only a selection. To see more go to this link: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KhWCxSUevLQsg3Bb6 

Myles Hartland, Year 8 student at Richmond, already has many years of equestrian experience behind him. He competes with his ponies at a high level across the whole country. Once again, one of this year’s big goals was to qualify for the Royal International Horse Show held at Hickstead in July. Rebecca, Myles’ mum, takes up the story.  

“Myles recently competed at the first qualifying show of the year at Onley Equestrian in Rugby, Warwickshire. Qualifiers are held from March until the middle of June throughout the country with 25 spaces available at the Royal International Horse Show final in July.  

Myles and his pony Mount Pleasant Tanzanite competed in the 133cm Show Hunter Pony section, performing in front of two judges. To start with, all competitors perform a go-around together in walk, trot , canter and gallop. Each competitor then performs an individual show for the judges. Finally, riders dismount, remove the saddle and stand the pony up for the judge so they can assess the pony's conformation - how the pony is put together. 50% of the marks are given for manners and way of going in the show, then another 50% on conformation and type of pony.   

Myles and his pony did brilliantly, being the first combination in the country to qualify for the finals! 

Myles also has another pony he is hoping to qualify this year. The owners have specifically asked Myles if he will ride their pony for them. He will be competing in the Junior Mountain and Moorland Royal International qualifiers this weekend in Uttoxeter and later in the year, hopefully, Horse of the Year Show qualifiers.” 

Last week, Miss Spittlehouse’s Year 12 tutor group held a bake sale at Richmond Sixth Form College to support the MS Society. The tutor group had discussed which charity to support, and student Jeavon Love suggested the following:  

“I proposed that the bake sale should support the MS society which is a charity that helped support my dad when he was diagnosed with MS last year and helps support many people who suffer from the condition. The charity does important work and deserves recognition of the ongoing work they do and to raise awareness of the condition and its impacts.  

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable, and often disabling disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). There can be a range of symptoms, as well as a range of treatments and impacts on people's lives.”  

Miss Spittlehouse said: “The group made some wonderful homemade cakes and bakes. The display was amazing and they raised £342.50 in total! Huge congratulations to Jeavon for organising such a successful event, for the courage of sharing a personal story with not only his tutor group but the whole college, and how fortunate we are to have lovely students who support each other in every way.” 

Lauren was nominated by Mr Shami who said: “"Lauren is an exceptional student who truly deserves recognition as this week's HTCVA winner.  

With over 200 credits and no negative consequences, she consistently demonstrates the very best of our school values. She is a perfect example of a student who works incredibly hard while remaining humble. 

Across all her lessons, Lauren is known for her diligence, focus and dedication to her work. She approaches everything with determination and quiet confidence, always striving to do her best and supporting those around her. 

In French, Lauren has been particularly outstanding. Her teacher describes her as exceptional in both her hard work and effort, and a model student who embodies the values of Richmond School. Her hard work pays off in achieving full marks nearly every week. This is an impressive reflection of her commitment and consistency. 

In PE, according to her teacher: "Lauren is a wonderful student that always tries to be the absolute best she can be. She definitely slips under the radar as a student that is continuously doing the right thing around school. She has been working exceptionally hard in PE responding to any feedback she is given immediately and always striving to better herself!" 

Beyond the classroom, Lauren’s achievements are just as remarkable. Too shy to boast, her recent orienteering success was shared by her mother: Lauren is the W12 British Orienteering Champion 2026, winning the recent competition in the Brecon Beacons, mid-Wales. While it is clear that she is competitive and loves to succeed, she spoke to Mr Wardle, Richmond’s Media Lead, with genuine modesty about her accomplishments. 

Lauren is a truly determined and inspiring student who leads by example every day. Her work ethic, humility, and achievements both inside and outside of school make her an absolute star and a very deserving nominee for the HTCVA."