Thanks to Mr Haye for the following report:  

“The Year 12 biology students recently completed their two-day ecology field trip to the North York Moors and coast. In the blazing heatwave we were happy to be at the cooler coastline studying the ecological succession of species on the dunes at Redcar. Marram grass, rest harrow and hawkweed were found, amongst many others. We also visited Runswick Bay where, despite the awkward tide times, we were successful with our sampling of limpets but failed in our quest to capture a crab.  

Finally, we visited the high moors at Danby to study the ecological impact of land management there. The bird song was excellent, and we were captivated by lizards soaking up the heat. Multiple ice creams were consumed across both days, and a smug feeling of having avoided sitting in classrooms for two of the hottest days in recent memory was enjoyed by all.” 

Year 8 students recently took part in an exciting Neon Futures Pipe Bridge Challenge, competing against other schools across our trust in a day filled with creativity, problem-solving and teamwork. 

Each school entered four teams, with students tasked with designing and building both bridges and rockets using KNEX construction materials. The challenge encouraged participants to think like engineers, applying their knowledge of design, structure and mechanics to create models that could withstand testing and meet specific design criteria. 

Throughout the competition, students worked collaboratively to plan, build and refine their creations. All students demonstrated impressive resilience and determination as they adapted their designs, overcame setbacks and found innovative solutions to engineering problems. 

The rocket challenge tested their creativity and understanding of construction techniques as well as looking at the logistical challenges of ordering parts overcoming challenges such as the parts they needed no longer being available. The bridge-building element of the challenge required students to consider strength as well as stability in the construction of their bridges. It was amazing to see the different designs they came up with, with staff commenting: “They are not just engineers but also architects!” due to their fabulous designs. The atmosphere was competitive yet supportive, with students enjoying the opportunity to meet and compete against their peers from across the trust. 

Mrs Harrison said, “I am incredibly proud of all our students who represented the school so enthusiastically. Their excellent teamwork, communication skills and positive attitude were on display throughout the event, and they proved to be fantastic ambassadors for our school” 

The winners for Richmond School were Annie Martinson, Lydia Matrinson, Ellen Ford and Alice Cane, who received an LED torch kit each. 

Events such as the Pipe Bridge Challenge provide valuable opportunities for students to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills in a practical and engaging way. The experience not only allowed students to put their learning into practice but also inspired them to think about future careers in engineering, design and technology. 

Congratulations to all who took part as well as special thanks to Abbie Hope for organising the day, Catherine Scott and Josh Allen for getting teams together from Northallerton and Nunthorpe, and to Dave Bennett from Hartlepool Power Station for running the day (and providing his unbelievable volume of KNEX!) We look forward to participating again next year and taking on even more exciting engineering challenges.  

Noah was nominated by Miss Merckx who said: “Noah is one of those students who quietly gets on with things. He doesn't draw attention to himself, but he has consistently demonstrated almost all the values throughout the year. He is always pleasant, polite and respectful to all. He is punctual and well organised. He makes a brilliant contribution to every lesson by participating fully and doing his very best in all activities. He always completes independent learning. 

Noah is in a large, mixed ability group. He shows excellent teamwork, working brilliantly with other students in the group and supporting and motivating others to do well. 

In a recent test, Noah achieved above his target, and this reflects his excellent work and determination throughout Year 9. 

He thoroughly deserves to be recognised for everything he does.” 

Thank you to Mr Maddocks, coach and manager of the Year 7 boys football team, for this report about the recent Area Cup Final against Outwood Academy Easingwold: 

“In the first half of the cup final, the boys really showed what Richmond is all about: fluid football, going for every challenge, and running for every loose ball. Plenty of shots on goal saved by their keeper, and Harry Adams hitting both the post and the crossbar unfortunately meant our efforts went unrewarded. Easingwold grew into the game, and for the last few minutes of the first half some strong defending from the Richmond back line, led by Owen Mundell, meant they couldn't break the deadlock either. 0-0 at half-time. 

A quick summary of the half-time team talk: “More of the same please lads!” 

Now playing towards the goal in front of a brilliantly supportive crowd, that's exactly what the lads did. Harry Adams on the left wing played a beautiful cross-field pass to Jaxon Tarrant on the other side, who finished the goal with aplomb. 1-0 Richmond.  

Continuing our relentless pressure, team captain Archie Porter fired in a second following in from a corner and put Richmond 2 in front. Following the celebrations, the referee controversially decided to allow Easingwold to take the kick off with none of our players in our half. Charlie Davies, the Richmond goalkeeper, sprinted from one half of the pitch to the other to make a miraculous save. The following corner for Easingwold was turned in as the Richmond players refocused following the decision. 2-1.  

Easingwold kept up the pressure, and even though a great challenge was made to stop their attack, the referee gave them a penalty. At this point, it felt as though the world was against Richmond, with the ref’s decisions taking the game away from us. However, once again super keeper Charlie Davies came to the rescue and stopped the penalty - justice prevailed! Continuing to play brilliant football, we finished the game with yet another goal, a great finish from Oscar Anderson. The full-time whistle blew, and Richmond's Y7s were Area Cup CHAMPIONS! 

I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone for all their support and help with the team this year. Myself and the lads could not have done it without you. I'd like to give special thanks to all the PE staff at Richmond School, Mr Potter, Mrs Potter, Mr Sandell, Sandra Johnson, and all parents and carers of the boys, particularly Toni Mundell and Neil Tarrant, for all their extra support!  

Finally, of course, a massive shoutout to all the boys. They have worked hard as a full squad this season, both the boys who have come to the first-team games and the boys who attend training each week - Archie Porter, Charlie Davies, Owen Mundell, Harry Cowperthwaite, George McKevitt, Finlay Hayward, Tom Pickles, Noah Atkinson, Harry Adams, Jake Kirkbright, Rhys Vinton, Jaxon Tarrant, Oscar Anderson, Max Read, Billy Kenealy, Cameron Pick, Jack Austin, Henry Bielby, Max Bell, Logan Rose, Rafferty Willmore, Dan Chapel, Seth Chapel, Teddy Beattie, Elijah Dunn, Marcus Kirby, Riley McLurg, Rowan Pearce, Aaryun Singh, Arthur Young, Thomas Wise. 

Thank you!" 

Team photo from left to right, back row: Harry Adams, Jake Kirkbright, Max Read, Owen Mundell, Charlie Davies, Harry Cowperthwaite, Tom Pickles  

Front row: Rhys Vinton, George McKevitt, Oscar Anderson, Jaxon Tarrant, Noah Atkinson, Archie Porter  

To see a short video of the team celebrating, go to the link below: 

https://youtu.be/56N8E2FEORU 

We have recently published a number of stories about Richmond students achieving great success and playing at the highest level of girls football. Here’s another one! Charlotte Noone, mum of Orla, Year 8, contacted us asking us whether we’d like to share Orla’s recent achievements. Of course, we said yes! Over to Charlotte: 

“Orla was recently selected by the school to try out for the County Football Team. She went through a series of vigorous trials in June, completing against 100 of the best girls in the county. She was successful in gaining a place in the U14 North Yorkshire County Football Squad for next year. This will be the first year that the county will have had a team. 

She also has been selected as part of the U14 Girls Team for York Academy. She will play in the Junior Premier League (JPL) next season. 500 girls trialed for teams from U10 to U16, with only 20 girls being accepted per team. 

Orla captained the school Year 7/8 team this year to win the Area Plate. She also played up a year with the Year 9 and 10 squad to win the Area Cup. 

She also captained Bedale Juniors U14 this year to become winners in the Russell Foster League Division One. 

Orla was keen to point out that other girls have done brilliant things with their football this season too, especially her good friend Charlee Stead, who was also successful in getting into the County Team and the York Academy.” 

Well done to Orla, Charlee and the many other players from Richmond School who continue to achieve such great success. We look forward to hearing from you next season! 

Photo credit: Gary Dickson Sports Photography 

Thank you to Mr Westgate for the following report: 

“Richmond began the day with a reduced-overs semi-final against Holmfirth and made an excellent start after being put into bat. 

Opener Bertie Morris and fourth batter Sam Fudali laid the perfect foundation, both reaching 50 and retiring, helping Richmond post an impressive total of 164. The momentum continued in the field, where Richmond's bowling and fielding were exceptional throughout. Lewis Pybus starred with the ball, taking six wickets as Holmfirth were dismissed for 110, securing a convincing victory and a place in the final. 

The final saw Richmond take on Abbey Grange School from Leeds. 

Batting first once again, Richmond made a more cautious start. Abbey Grange bowled and fielded superbly, preventing any of the Richmond batters from building a substantial innings. However, Jake Wright showed great composure and determination, anchoring the innings and retiring on 50 with two overs remaining. His efforts helped Richmond reach a competitive total of 143 all out. 

Richmond then started strongly with the ball, taking early wickets to settle any nerves. At 16 for 2 after five overs, Abbey Grange were under pressure, with Bertie Morris producing an excellent stumping behind the wickets to further boost Richmond's confidence. 

To their credit, Abbey Grange fought hard and built several useful partnerships, but Richmond continued to strike at crucial moments. The wickets kept falling, with Charlie Beadle leading the way by claiming four wickets. Abbey Grange were eventually bowled out for 101, handing Richmond a deserved victory and the championship title. 

This was a fantastic team performance from start to finish. Every player made an important contribution with either bat or ball, and the commitment, effort and attitude shown by all of the lads throughout the day were outstanding. 

A brilliant day of cricket and an incredible achievement for the team. Congratulations!” 

Rosie was nominated by Mrs Southgate who said: “Last week was the North Yorkshire Sport Wellbeing Festival in Dalby Forest for which we had been invited to provide some Sports Leaders to run the Kinball activity.

The two women supporting the session commented throughout the day on how well our leaders were doing (particularly given the challenging conditions) but they were particularly complimentary about how excellent Rosie was as a leader. She stepped up from the start and led with confidence and enthusiasm. She worked brilliantly in a team with the other leaders and showed respect for the students she was leading, ensuring they were involved and included at all times.

When an activity wasn't quite working how she had hoped, Rosie adapted it, demonstrating superb creativity and independence. Her determination to not allow the miserable conditions dampen her enthusiasm resulted in smiles all around from her groups.

Her cheerful energy on a grey day was much appreciated by us all! An excellent ambassador for our school - well done Rosie!” 

MAGGIE ACHIEVES NATIONAL SUCCESS IN NEVER SUCH INNOCENCE ART COMPETITION. 

A huge congratulations to Maggie Armstrong, Year 10 students at Richmond, who has been named the winner of the Civilian Category in the prestigious Never Such Innocence Month of the Military Child Art Competition, after taking part in an Art Workshop with Mrs Cheesbrough, Service Children's Advocate in April. 

Maggie's artwork, inspired by this year's theme "Winds of Change", impressed the judges and earned her a place among the national winners. As part of her award, Maggie was invited to London with her mum and sister to take part in a special winners' celebration in the Tower of London, recognising the creativity and voices of young people from military communities across the country. 

Never Such Innocence works with children and young people to give them a voice through the arts, and this competition highlights the experiences, resilience and perspectives of military-connected children. 

We are incredibly proud of Maggie's achievement and the fantastic way she has represented Richmond School. We have included the winners’ booklet produced by Never Such Innocence. 

Well done, Maggie – a truly outstanding achievement! 

The timing of this award is particularly poignant, with Armed Forces Day being celebrated at the weekend. It's inspiring the level of empathy members of our school community have with our armed forces community. For all current and past serving personnel, along with their families, we thank you for sacrificing your normal for our country.” 

To see the official winners’ booklet from the ceremony in London, click on the link below: 

https://tinyurl.com/WindsOfChangeArtwork 

Thank you to Miss Pemberton for the following report: 

“A huge congratulations to our Pom Dance Team Onyx, who successfully defended their title and remain National Champions after this weekend! We're equally proud of Cheerleading Level 1 Team Ruby, who delivered a fantastic performance to achieve a brilliant top-five national finish. 

As I reflect on this weekend, I am incredibly proud of how far this programme has come. From receiving funding from our Trustees in 2021 for our very first uniforms and attending our first small-scale cheer and dance competitions in County Durham, to growing into a nationally competitive after-school programme, it has been an incredible journey and an absolute privilege to be part of. 

More than the trophies and results, I will always be proud of the commitment, resilience and teamwork these athletes have shown. Watching so many young people grow in confidence, try something new, support one another and represent our school with such pride has been the greatest reward. 

Although I am sad to say goodbye to these incredible athletes and teams, I couldn't be leaving them in better hands. I am handing over to Mrs Fox, who will start the new season in October. I know the programme will continue to thrive under her coaching, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Royals! 

Thank you to every dancer, parent, supporter, member of staff and Trustee who has believed in this programme over the years. Your encouragement and commitment have helped make this journey possible. 

Congratulations once again to Onyx and Ruby. You have all done our school incredibly proud, and I know this is only the beginning of what you'll achieve.”  

To watch videos of the routines, click on the links below: 

https://youtu.be/rkY0RLUCFvk 

https://youtu.be/-WD_5JlgVWA 

Thank you to Mrs Moore for this report: 

History Club recently launched a time capsule competition in which students were asked to create something that summarises life at Richmond School in 2026.  

The time capsule will be opened in 25 years' time.  

The history department were very happy to receive lots of competition entries, including photographs, drawings, exercise books and posters.  

There could only be one winner, however! 

Our winner is Alice Cane, Year 8 student. She wrote a very creative poem summarising school life at Richmond. 

We buried the time capsule last week. The students wrote this message to their 2051 peers: 

Dear 2051, 

It is July 2026. We have buried a time capsule and marked it with stones. 

In it, we have put a collection of items to show you what Richmond School and our lives were like in 2026. We enjoyed making it with our History Club leaders, Mrs Moore and Mr Mawer. 

Richmond School History Club