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.” 

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. 

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