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. 

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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." 

Thanks to Mrs Fox, Lead Teacher of Dance at Richmond, for the following report: 

“Our GCSE Dance students recently enjoyed an exciting and insightful trip to the Phoenix Dance Theatre, Leeds, to take part in the event Inside Phoenix: Shadows. This unique opportunity allowed students to explore one of the professional works studied as part of the GCSE specification, choreographed by the renowned British choreographer Christopher Bruce. 

During the visit, students participated in an engaging lecture demonstration which explored the creative and technical elements that bring Shadows to life on stage. They learned first-hand about the use of costume, lighting, and set design, gaining valuable insight into how these components contribute to the work. 

Students also took part in a contemporary dance class led by a company dancer, followed by a practical workshop where they were taught movement directly from the performance. Experiencing the choreography physically provided a deeper understanding of the movement style and intention, making it an invaluable learning opportunity ahead of their written exam. 

The visit also included the opportunity to watch a live performance of Shadows and participate in a question-and-answer session with the professional dancers. Students were able to ask about the rehearsal process, working alongside Christopher Bruce and life within the professional dance industry. 

The students demonstrated impressive subject knowledge throughout the day. In a knowledge quiz involving several schools and colleges in attendance, three Richmond School students achieved 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places - a testament to their hard work and understanding of the work studied. 

The dancers fully immersed themselves in the experience and demonstrated enthusiasm and professionalism throughout the day. It was a fantastic experience for all and a wonderful opportunity to bring their GCSE Dance learning to life.” 

We recently received an email from Rebecca Simpson, mum of Lauren, Year 7 student at Richmond School, passing on some information about Lauren’s performances in two orienteering events. These events weren’t local events with a few competitors, but much bigger – the British Orienteering Championships in the Brecon Beacons and the Portugal ‘O’ Meeting, a week-long competition featuring some of the world’s best athletes, held in Mira, Portugal. Just competing in these events is an achievement in itself, but Lauren won the W12 category in Wales, becoming British Champion, and came second overall in Portugal after competing in five different events over the week. As mum said in her email – she's pretty good at running and navigating! We caught up with Lauren to find out a bit more about these events and her background in orienteering – read on! 

RS: Can I confirm that I’m talking to the W12 British Orienteering Champion 2026? 

LS: Yes. 

RS: I ‘m honoured! How did it feel to be British Champion – standing on the podium receiving your medal and the trophy and the Welsh Red Dragon? 

LS: Good. I like winning. 

RS: Are you quite competitive? 

LS: Yes. 

RS: And you also went to Portugal over half term to compete in a week-long competition. Your results from five events meant that you came second overall? 

LS: Yes. 

RS: And last weekend you went to the Lake District with your club, the North East Junior Squad, to train for a big event in Scotland over Easter – the JK Festival? 

LS: Yes. 

RS: And am I also right in saying that the whole family competes: Isla in Year 12, Rae in Year 9 and mum and dad too? 

LS: Yes. 

RS: Ok, good that I’ve got my facts right – thank you. 

Let’s go back to the beginning – how did you get into orienteering? 

LS: Hmm – I can’t really remember exactly – there wasn’t really a choice! 

RS: Fair enough! I guess because the whole family was doing it, it made sense that you did too. 

What do you like about orienteering? 

LS: I like seeing my friends from the club. Some of them live quite far away like Stokesley, so it’s nice meeting up with them at events and training sessions. I like actually doing the events too – running and navigating and especially winning! 

RS: For those people who don’t know anything about orienteering, can you talk us through how an event works – you can use the British Championships as an example. 

LS: Ok – you go to the start and pick up the control descriptions from a box, then you get to look at a map without the controls marked so you can get an idea of the area. Then you go to the end box and pick up your map – but you’re not allowed to look at it until you go. The controls are marked on the map, joined with lines, so you know what order to do them in. Then you start running! 

RS: And do you try to follow those lines? 

LS: Not really – they just tell you which control is next. You have to use paths and tracks that are marked on the map to get between the controls. 

RS: Ah, ok – you obviously have to be very good at reading a map. And what happens when you get to a control? 

LS: You have a dibber – an electronic thing that registers when you get to a control. Then you head off to the next control. You orientate your map, so you know which direction it is. If there are paths you use those, or you take a bearing and run in a straight line. 

RS: How do you do that? 

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