Emily was nominated by Mr Maddocks who said: “I have taught Emily in Drama since the start of Year 7, and she has come so far within the subject. There are multiple ways she has shown determination in my lessons, the first being with her reading.  Furthermore, Emily seems to get quite anxious and nervous about performing in front of others, but at the end of last half-term, she got on the stage and performed in front of the whole class. 

For independence, creativity, and excellence, Emily took a lesson task and turned it into inspiration. We are looking at War Horse at the moment in Year 8 with a focus on puppetry and in our last lesson we created puppet designs for the Crow puppet used in the play. Emily took her design home and made her own working marionette puppet! 

Emily is a hard worker in every lesson, has lots of CREDITs and hardly any Cs, and embodies what this school is all about.” 

Earlier this week, Richmond School Sports Partnership proudly hosted the U11 Boys and Girls Area Football Tournament.  

Despite relentless driving rain and storm-force winds, every pupil displayed outstanding resilience and determination. The level of football across both competitions was exceptional, showcasing impressive skill and teamwork throughout the day. 

The event was expertly officiated by Richmond School’s Year 10 Sports Leaders, whose professionalism and enthusiasm contributed greatly to the success of the tournament. 

The results of the tournaments can be found attached to this post. 

The winning team from each tournament now qualifies for the North Yorkshire final in January. 

Thanks to Emmy Raggett, Year 12 student and coach and manager of the U13 girls football team, for this report about a recent friendly match against Risedale School:  

“The U13 girls played Risedale this week in a local friendly, and finally came away with a very well-deserved 8-3 win!  

Initially the game started slowly, but the girls eventually found their feet and played some of their best football yet, continually finding the back of the net after many phases of lovely play. Just before the half time whistle blew, a brief lack of attention and communication led to a one-on-one attack against our keeper, resulting in Risedale slotting it nicely into the bottom corner, pulling one back against us. Half time 4-1. 

After an almost an entirely new starting lineup in the second half, Richmond still looked menacing - truly showing the strength and depth we are building in this squad. The girls went from strength to strength, laying off perfect passes, whipping in beautiful crosses and pulling off impressive strikes, leading to a fine score of 8-3! Well done, girls! "

Goals:

Charlee Stead x3, Maddie Leighton x2, Kezia Kendall x1, Aisha Ali x1, Izzy Taylor x1. 

Player of the match: 

Charlotte Stone. 

Just after half term, the Richmond School and Sixth Form College media office was visited by Kitty Curzon and Erin Preston, both Year 9 students, who told us about a dance showcase they (and two other students in Year 7) were involved in the following weekend. It was being put on by Encore Dance Studio in Northallerton. Kitty and Erin asked whether we would like to know a bit more about the show and how it went. We said yes, of course, and arranged to meet all four students (Kitty, Erin, Imogen Preston and Mia Carter) during the week after the show. 

RS: Ok – the show was called ‘Rewind’ - why? 

IP: We did dances from past shows, so it was looking back at things we’d already done. We didn’t want it to be a big new show – just a showcase of previous work. 

RS: That makes sense – it means that you don’t have to learn lots of new dances. 

IP: Yes, exactly – it also means that the parents in the audience get to see their children doing different dances... 

KC: ...quite a few of the younger groups did some of the older groups’ dances and the older groups had learned the dances of the students who had recently left, so people in the audience had plenty of new dancing to see. 

RS: And how was the show structured – how many different dances were there? 

IC: There were about 15 different dances. They were all to different music - one of them was to Rewind by Craid David! There were also lots of different styles of dance – ballet, tap, jazz, commercial, lyrical and acro – all the different styles we learn at the studio. 

RS: And what different age groups were involved – it looks like quite a range?! 

KC: The youngest ones in the show were the Twinkling Stars – they're about three up to school age, then up to 15 years old – Year 11. The categories have different names - me and Erin are in the Royals, then Mia and Imogen are in the Lilacs. 

RS: Ok – what about some highlights: 

EP: I liked the acro dance – a mixture of dance and gymnastics – lots of flips and lifts and things. Lyrical is my favorite style, but we didn’t do a lyrical dance in the show, so the acro was my favorite. 

KC: My highlight is quite specific: I nailed my aerial – a no-handed cartwheel - three times in the second show! They didn’t go so well in the first show – I had to put my hands down – but we won’t talk about that! 

IC: Not really a highlight, but I had a really quick changeover between two dances and only managed to get one tap shoe on! I think everyone noticed! 

My highlight was the lyrical dance ‘Speechless’ - I like the dance and think I performed it really well. 

MC: My highlight was the tap dance ‘Wake me Up’. I had both shoes on! There were only five of us onstage during that dance – I like tap, and also that particular dance. 

RS: It sounds like an excellent show – well done to everyone for taking part! 

So, Rewind is done – what's next? 

EP: Ballet exams in two weeks – ISTD Standard 2. 

RS: Ah – that's a bit different. Are you ready? 

EP: I think I’m on track, yes... 

To read more, head over to our Facebook page.

Grace was nominated by Mrs Cheesbrough who said: “I'd like to nominate Grace Broderick for the Head Teacher's CREDIT Values Award. 

I first taught Grace in Year 7 and was immediately impressed by her enthusiasm and natural aptitude for German. It was a real privilege to teach her again at GCSE and to see that her commitment and positive attitude to learning have remained unwavering. 

Grace is a mature, respectful member of the group who has grown significantly in confidence since Year 10. Her engagement in lessons is exemplary—there is rarely a grammar point or piece of vocabulary introduced that she does not actively use. Her determination to succeed is outstanding; even after a full day participating in the orchestra at the Festival of Remembrance at Ripon Cathedral, Grace was keen to collect any work she'd missed so as not to fall behind. 

She is a delight to teach, consistently demonstrating resilience, determination, and a genuine love of learning. Grace thoroughly deserves this recognition and I am confident she has a very bright future.” 

Earlier in the week, we received a message from Jenni, mum of Oscar Ventham-Hebden, Year 8 student at Richmond, about a fundraising event he and his uncle Richard had taken part in over the weekend. Over to Jenni for a bit more information, and well done to Oscar and family for supporting such a brilliant cause:  

“On Sunday, Oscar and 2800 others dressed up as Santa and took to the streets of Headingly in Leeds for a joyful 3km fun run that brought families, friends and festive cheer together forming the final leg of Kevin Sinfield's 7in7: Together Challenge in support of the MND Community.   

It wasn't just any Santa Dash, it was a chance to cross the finish line helping to raise vital funds for six charities making a difference to those living with Motor Neurone Disease.  

It was fantastic to support and help raise funds for such a great cause.” 

Last week, Richmond School proudly hosted two full days of exciting Sportshall Athletics competitions for pupils in Years 5–8. The event brought together local primary and secondary schools, with an impressive 27 teams participating in total. 

Across both days, pupils showcased their athletic skills in a variety of disciplines, including running races, jumping, and throwing events. Each performance earned points for their respective school teams, contributing to an overall team score and fostering a strong sense of teamwork and healthy competition. 

The success of the event was greatly supported by our Year 9 and 10 Sports Leaders, who demonstrated outstanding independence and maturity. Their professionalism in managing the activities ensured that every participant enjoyed a positive, well-organised, and competitive experience. 

For the reults, head over to our Facebook page:.

For more photos go to this link: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tff8F5hoLWryEpyj8 

Thank you to Mrs McFall, coach and manager of the Year 9 and 10 girls football team, for the following report about a recent Area Cup fixture against Wensleydale. 

“The Year 9 and 10 girls' football team played a tight but largely uneventful game, with Richmond having the better chances but unable to convert. Despite good periods of possession, neither side managed to break the deadlock, and the match finished 0–0. Brilliant performances from Ava Dinsdale and Chloe Hollins in the middle, with solid performances from Annie Holliday and Eleanor Dinsdale at the back.  

The result came down to a six-player penalty shoot-out. Richmond held their nerve, and a superb save from goalkeeper Grace Baleilekutu proved the difference, securing the win. Bea Hayes scored the winning penalty.  

Well done girls, and we go again in the next round of the Cup.”  

Thank to Miss Jeans, PE teacher at Richmond, as well as coach and manager of the Year 7 and 8 netball teams, for the following report about a recent fixture against Easingwold: 

Year 7 

“The Year 7 team put in a fantastic performance in what was a well-balanced and competitive match. Despite a narrow 4-2 loss, the team showed real determination and resilience throughout. After a challenging start, they pulled the game back in the second quarter, demonstrating excellent adaptability and spirit. 

One of the most impressive aspects of the match was the way the players transitioned from an individual style to a more unified team approach. Their communication and support for one another really shone through, making some great passages of play. 

A special mention goes to Darcy Scandrett, who played brilliantly in the centre position and was deservedly awarded Player of the Match for her energy, vision, and leadership on the court. 

Well done to all involved – a promising performance and plenty to build on for the next fixture!” 

Year 8 

“The Year 8 team put in a brilliant effort in their recent fixture against Easingwold. It was a closely contested and well-balanced match, with much of the play concentrated in the centre third. This meant both teams had to work extremely hard to create scoring opportunities, making every point hard-earned. 

Although we didn’t come away with the win, the highlight of the game was the incredible support and encouragement the players showed for one another. Their teamwork and determination were evident throughout, and they should be proud of how they represented the school. 

A special mention goes to Kitty Brindle, who was outstanding and deservedly awarded Player of the Match for her skill and energy on court. 

Well done to all involved – a great display of resilience and team spirit!” 

We recently received an email from Gary Harrer, dad of Ronnie, Year 7 student at Richmond School. He informed us that Ronnie was taking part in a double-race weekend at Teesside Karting circuit, racing his 200cc kart in rounds 8 and 9 of the 2025 NRG Teesside Series, competing in the Honda R200 Inter category. He wondered whether we’d be interested in finding out more about Ronnie and how he got into karting – we said yes, of course! Gary provided us with a few more details as well as some photos, and we recently caught up with Ronnie himself to get his side of the story and to find out how he did at his race weekend. 

RS: So, Ronnie, your dad has given us a few details, saying that you started karting on your 10th birthday – not that long ago! Tell us what happened. 

RH: I went to a place called Level X in Middlesbrough for my 10th birthday party. I had wanted to try karting for a while, so this was my first time. I was there with some friends, and I got absolutely destroyed by them - I loved it! I wanted to get better and also move on from electric karts to petrol, so we went to TeamSport in Stockton – an indoor place where they have petrol karts. I was quite quick, even to start with, and really enjoyed it, so we started going there a bit more.  

RS: It sounds like you’d been bitten by the karting bug! 

RH: Exactly! My dad and grandad bought me a helmet and then a race suit and I joined the race academy there. They taught us how to race, and we got lots of practice. I went through the rankings – Starter, Intermediate, and then Advanced. I felt I was getting better and faster and entered the Grid Series at TeamSport. I kept improving as the series progressed – up to third in some races. The karts at Teamsport were ok, but not always completely reliable, though. It was also about now that a friend of ours suggested that we try outdoor karting. That was very different! 

RS: I bet it was! Where did you go and what was different about it? 

RH: We went to Warden Law near Sunderland first. The karts are a lot more powerful, the track is so much bigger, and the weather makes a massive difference! I loved it even more than indoors, and progressed quite quickly. Then there was a big surprise – my parents got me my own kart – that was so exciting! 

RS: I can imagine! 

RH: It’s a proper racing kart – so much more capable than the rental karts I’d been racing before, though to start with I wasn’t driving it much faster. It didn’t take me long to get my foot down, though!  At about this time, earlier on this summer, we started to go to Teesside autodrome track which is where they hold the NRG Teesside Series I started racing in. 

RS: Ok. Before you tell us about that, tell us a bit more about this kart. 

RH: It’s a Honda R200 – 200cc. It was virtually brand new when we bought it, so it didn’t take too much work to get it ready for me to race. It came with two race engines. My dad does most of the work on it, but I do help out sometimes – I like the mechanical side of it, though it is quite complicated! 

RS: Ok – thank you – now back to the racing. How did you end up entering the Teesside series? 

RH: We did lots of practice and my times gradually improved. We got an invitation from someone in the Honda R200s to come and see how the racing works – we learned a lot and decided that after another couple of practice sessions we should have a go at the series. My first race in my own kart was round 6. 

RS: And how did that feel? 

RH: I was absolutely petrified - my leg was shaking just holding the brake! Most people had been racing in the series from the start, so they knew what they were doing. This was my first race, and I’d really only just started driving outdoors and this kart very recently. It was quite scary! 

To read more, head over to our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/RichmondSchoolandSixthFormCollege