Myles Fairhurst, Year 12 student at Richmond Sixth Form College, has been a committed and active student of all things historical and archaeological from a very young age. As well as working hard in college to achieve the A level results he needs to study archaeology at university, he is also very much involved in the history and archaeology of his local area and community. He recently gave a talk to his local archaeology group, Altogether Archaeology, about a site that he has been working on for well over a year.  

Thank you to Myles for providing more information:  

Information about the site:

The site I have been researching is a small village in County Durham. The village, amazingly, has a 1900-year history, spanning right back to the early 2nd century during the Roman occupation of Britain. It also has a church which dates back to the Early Medieval (Anglo-Saxon) period, but the current church is the Victorian re-modelling, like many churches across England - very annoying! At the site there has been several finds including from the Roman period, Early Medieval and Medieval periods. Between the Tudor Period and the Victorian period, the village seemed to have declined in population and size. As previously stated, the Victorians re-built the medieval church on top of the original foundations, making it very hard to dig the original church!  

Information on my research: 

I started my research 18 months ago after I found the earthworks of buildings and medieval ploughing, called ridge and furrow. I found this using data from a technique called LiDAR which is where lasers are fired down from a plane or helicopter and the lasers bounce off every lump and bump in the ground, even the ones that aren’t able to be seen by the human eye on the ground and in the air. From this point I spent nearly every weekend doing some form of research on the site, up until my talk.   

Information on Altogether Archaeology: 

Altogether Archaeology is a volunteer archaeology group based in County Durham and Teesdale. The group started in 2015 and has researched and dug at several sites across Teesdale, such as Blanchland, Brignall Old Church, Plover Hall and Gueswick. Their website states: ‘The aim of the group is to promote awareness of the archaeological heritage of the North Pennines and the surrounding area by the involvement of its members of all ages in archaeological fieldwork and research.’  

Information about the talk: 

The talk was refined from a large research document, as I only had 45 minutes to cover the key information. I talked about examples of medieval villages and their layouts, then covered the periods of occupation of the village, the archaeology associated with them and finally what can be done to protect the site and how excavations could be carried out. The talk was very well received by those who attended, and they asked some fantastic questions, giving me many other areas and angles to explore at the site. I can’t thank everybody at Altogether Archaeology enough for this amazing opportunity!”  

Altogether Archaeology’s website can be found at the link below: 

https://altogetherarchaeology.org   

Their Facebook page can be found at this link:  

https://www.facebook.com/altogether.archaeology/ 

Thank you to Mr Oliver for the following report from the Area 7-a-side tournament just before Easter: 

"The Year 9 boys arrived at the Area 7-a-side tournament in Bedale with ambitions of winning the competition for a second year in a row. This would not be an easy task as the tournament featured many talented teams, and a format where dropped points could quickly become very costly.  

We started our defence of the title in a positive way with a 1-0 victory against Thirsk thanks to Freddie Curtis' first goal of the day after a good ball from Harry Coyle. This was followed up with an impressive 2-0 victory against Bedale with both goals coming from Harry with Seth Bell assisting the first and Connell Lacey the second.  

Early momentum was starting to build, but the next game was a tricky fixture against a determined Northallerton team. Freddie scored to give us an early lead, but Northallerton fought back, managing to equal the scoreline. Our opponents then wrestled complete control of the game and created many chances, but we defended brilliantly to deny them a breakthrough. Northallerton did find a goal, but it was disallowed as the central whistle had already been blown, confirming a point for both teams. 

Next up was a clash against an Easingwold team that had started the tournament in good form. Richmond knew that this game was crucial for our title hopes due to multiple dropped points in a row being costly. We started the game very well with an excellent finish from Kai Morfoot after good play from Connell to set him up. Easingwold found an equaliser after their striker rounded Junior Latcham in the Richmond goal to finish into an open net. Richmond restored their lead through another goal from Freddie with Kai assisting. We then managed the rest of the game brilliantly to confirm a 2-1 victory.  

The final game of the tournament saw us play SFX in another tightly contested game. The first goal came from Olly Middlemiss after combining with Seth. Shortly afterwards, Owain Hyatt doubled our lead after some brilliant play dribbling through the entire SFX team, then volleying the ball with his weak foot into the net. Finally, Archie King got a deserved first goal of the day after he rounded the keeper from another Seth assist, his second of the game. This result sealed our tournament victory and gave us the retention of the Area 7-a-side cup we set out for at the start of the day. Brilliant work from everyone involved - well done!  

Player of the tournament - Seth Bell (pictured) 

Back row: Harry Coyle, Archie King, Connell Lacey, Seth Bell, Owain Hyatt, Oliver Pickles, Freddie Curtis, Olly Middlemiss, Kai Morfoot 

Front row: Junior Latcham 

Thank you to Mr Moore for the following report: 

“The Year 9 rugby team delivered an outstanding performance to be crowned champions at the Ilkley Grammar School Rugby 7s tournament, showcasing determination, teamwork, and resilience throughout the day. 

Facing a strong field of competitive schools, the team progressed confidently through the group stages, demonstrating excellent ball movement, disciplined defence, and a real understanding of space. Each player contributed meaningfully, with impressive support play and communication evident in every match. 

The final proved to be a thrilling and closely contested encounter against a very well-organised St John Fisher side. Both teams displayed high-quality rugby, with strong defensive lines and quick transitions in attack. Our team showed great composure under pressure, maintaining structure and discipline even as the game remained on a knife edge. 

The highlight of the final was surely Charlie Miller finding himself with space on the wing, before making a 50m dash to the corner. A real feather in the cap of anyone in the front row union! 

In the closing stages, with the score finely balanced, the players dug deep and demonstrated tremendous character to edge ahead. A crucial score, followed by determined defensive work, ensured a narrow but well-deserved victory by just three points. 

This result is a testament to the squad’s hard work, commitment in training, and their ability to perform as a cohesive unit. Every player should be extremely proud of their contribution to what was a fantastic team achievement. 

Well done to all involved on an excellent tournament victory!” 

Thank you to Mr Shami for the following report: 

“Richmond School’s Year 9 and Year 10 girls recently faced strong opposition from Wensleydale and Thirsk schools in an exciting set of fast-paced rugby sevens matches. Throughout the games, the girls demonstrated confidence, determination, and excellent teamwork. 

It was particularly impressive to see the players take ownership of their development. They organised their own warm-up and, after each match, took time to reflect on their performance. They then worked together on specific skills they felt needed improvement, such as tackling and hand-offs, showing great maturity and commitment to improving their game. 

The results were as follows: 

Overall, it was a fantastic day of sport, with all players showing determination, teamwork, and a positive attitude throughout. Well done to everyone involved!” 

We recently heard from Izzy Lundberg, an ex-student who left Richmond Sixth Form College in 2023 to study French and Russian at Somerville College, Oxford University. 

Izzy was a very keen rugby player when she was at Richmond, and it was this she had news about. She told us that she had just played in one of the most prestigious university rugby matches in the country – the Oxford vs Cambridge Varsity match, helping the Oxford team to a convincing victory. Izzy also mentioned that she had continued her rugby during her year abroad in Estonia, playing with the national team in tournaments in Finland and Latvia. She said that she had seen a recent article about the success of the Richmond girls rugby team and offered to come into talk to and train with the squad – something we are very keen to arrange for next season. It was great to hear of Izzy’s success and achievements after her time at Richmond, but we wanted more detail! She was kind enough to take time out of her very busy schedule at Oxford to provide the following insight into her rugby, her Oxford experiences and her year in Estonia – thank you Izzy! 

“My rugby journey started aged 16 with the Wensleydale Heifers. The team had just started some months before with no one having ever played previously. This meant the atmosphere was very encouraging and perfect for beginners, as we all improved together. With two years under my belt as scrum half with the Heifers, I was in a great place to go into university rugby once I began my studies at Oxford. However, I did get a bit of a shock due to how intense our training and fitness schedule was! I played for the first team in my first term, but my degree grew more demanding meaning I was unable to play a lot of matches that year. Nevertheless, I went to as many training and gym sessions as I could, knowing I’d be back to play for the Blues (Oxford 1st XV) after my year abroad.  

The Modern Languages course at Oxford is a bit different to courses elsewhere, if you study Russian or Arabic from scratch. Usually, a languages student would go abroad in their third year, but Oxford choose to send you in second year, after one year of very intensive teaching – they aim for you to be A-level standard by the end of first year. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Oxford students have been going to Estonia, to study in a language school in Tallinn.  

I was extremely lucky that my Oxford rugby coach knew the coach in Estonia, Graham Smith, former England Red Roses and world cup winning coach! I landed on the Saturday in Estonia, met Graham and the girls on Sunday, and by Tuesday I was at training! For August and September, we played outside, but once the cold winter set in we were playing indoors in sports marquees, which can still get incredibly cold but at least the ground doesn’t freeze! With this team, I played in 7s tournaments in Latvia and Finland, and we even did a training camp with Sweden’s Malmö team.  

Thank you to Miss Jeans for the following report: 

“The Year 7 girls delivered an outstanding day of netball at the recent Y7 Rally, competing across six well‑fought, competitive games. They came sixth in the rally, but from the first to the last match, they demonstrated just how much they have grown this season. Watching their development, teamwork, and confidence progress over the time they have played together has been a genuine pleasure. 

A wonderful highlight of the day was the way the Player of the Match changed with each game. This perfectly reflected the depth and balance within the squad—every player made meaningful contributions, stepped up when needed, and showcased their strengths at different moments throughout the rally. 

Across all six games, the girls showed impressive unity. They supported one another brilliantly, both on the court and from the sidelines, offering constant encouragement, guidance, and positivity. Their communication, resilience, and willingness to work together were evident in every match. 

Overall, it was a fantastic day of netball and a proud moment for the team. Well done, girls—you represented the school superbly, and your hard work is truly shining through. We can’t wait to see what you achieve next!” 

With A Level exams looming, Richmond 6th Form College Maths Department recently took Year 13 Maths and Further Maths students to Cote Ghyll Mill, Osmotherley, for two days of intensive revision. Thank you to Ms Turnbull, Ms Richardson, Mr Dalgleish, Mr Lunn and Mrs Johnson for their intensive mathematical input!  

Matty Partridge, one of the students attending, gave this insight:  

“I found the Osmotherley maths trip was a fantastic and interesting revision experience, and I undoubtedly gained a lot from it. By emphasising the connections and synergy between various areas of maths, covering multiple topics in a single session helped me gain a deeper understanding. In addition to making it simpler to understand how ideas relate to one another, this integrated approach allowed me to review and solidify my understanding of previously material that I might have partially forgotten.  

The trip had a significant social component in addition to its academic one. We spent a lot of time playing card games and unwinding together in groups during the evenings, which was especially fun. The trip also incorporated multiple breaks between session allowing us to go outside and enjoy the sunshine - many played football or ping-pong. Both activities enhanced the trip's overall excitement and fostered a sense of unity, making it both successful and unforgettable.” 

Thanks to Mr Swanwick for the following report:  

“Last Friday our Year 8 boys arrived at Bedale to defend their Area 7-a-side crown against some tough opposition. In a competition that is renowned for upsets and closely contested matches, our Year 8 team managed to go unbeaten against our area rivals. We started with victories against Thirsk then Bedale before taking on Easingwold who had also started well. Despite early pressure and taking the lead, it was Easingwold that hit back as the boys hung on for a vital point. Next up was Northallerton, a team that had recently dumped us out of the Area Cup. Their team was full of pace and skill, but it was Richmond that stole an early march as Seth Ward broke clear twice in the early exchanges to put us 2-0 up. Northallerton then put us under enormous pressure, and with four minutes to go they pulled one back. The boys were resolute in defence, however, and clung on to take the win.  

With Easingwold slipping up against Bedale, we knew wins against local rivals Risedale and SFX would seal the trophy; however, it wasn't plain sailing. Risedale took an early lead and managed to keep us at bay until the closing stages, but a little bit of luck with an OG followed by some tidy finishing from Seth settled the nerves. The final match was against our neighbours SFX, who were keen to throw a spanner in the works. Despite an early missed penalty, we came out on top, rounding off the day with another victory and finishing the day unbeaten.  

It was a great way for the boys to end our competitive season in Year 8 after an up and down 11-a-side campaign, but the lads have been positive throughout. They never get on each other's backs, and the effort they have put in throughout the season has been a joy to watch. Working hard for each other and supporting one and other regardless of the scoreline; teamwork which will serve them well as they continue into Year 9.” 

Thanks to Mr Swanwick for the following report:  

“This week our U15 girls were invited to compete at Ampleforth in a round robin indoor pairs competition against MacMillan Academy, Acklam Grange and Ampleforth College.  

Having faced both Acklam and MacMillan in the North Yorkshire finals we knew it would be a testing day, but the girls acquitted themselves brilliantly, with performances improving as the day progressed. The day culminated with a victory over Ampleforth in our final match. Acklam went on to narrowly beat MacMillan to claim the trophy.  

As ever, the teamwork shown by the girls was brilliant against tough opposition. Once again backing one another and encouraging each other all day. The camaraderie is lovely to see, and the girls are improving with every game they play. After Easter we move onto the outdoor competitions, and I look forward to seeing how they attack the hardball season. Well done girls!” 

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.”