EDUCATIONAL CURRENT NEWS
We would like to take this opportunity to inform you about an exciting initiative taking place in our school: the ´10 Moments` programme for our IB students.
This programme welcomes ten professionals from diverse sectors through the school year, who visit the school to speak directly with our IB students. They share their personal journeys through the pre-university stage, university life, entry into the workforce, and their current professional positions.
The aim is to create a close and informal environment where these professionals can openly discuss their concerns, key decisions, turning points, and reflections along the path that led them from school to their present careers.
Each session concludes with a dedicated question-and-answer segment, allowing students to engage further and making the experience even more enriching.
We are confident that this initiative will provide our students with valuable insights and inspiration as they prepare for their own future steps.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN EYFS?
Nursery Rhymes Week: a celebration of music, stories, and togetherness
Nursery Rhymes Week was an unforgettable experience for our youngest learners! Throughout the week, our Nursery and Pre-Nursery classes had the privilege of welcoming the wonderful team from the music workshop “Taller de música.”Their visit transformed our classrooms into lively spaces filled with rhythm and creativity.
The children explored a variety of musical instruments, listened to enchanting stories, and enjoyed interactive activities that combined music, movement, and imagination. There was plenty of dancing, laughter, and opportunities for every child to participate and express themselves through sound and rhythm.
To make the week even more special, all Early Years students came together in the Sensory Room for a joyful sing-along. This gathering was a beautiful moment of community, where we sang the nursery rhymes learned during the week—along with many beloved favorites. The room was filled with smiles, clapping, and voices joining in harmony, creating an atmosphere of pure happiness and shared learning.
Nursery Rhymes Week reminded us of the power of music to bring people together and spark creativity in young minds. We can’t wait for more musical adventures in the future!
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PRIMARY?
Year 3 trip to Arqueopinto
As a fantastic finish to our Stone Age topic, all of Year 3 visited the Arqueopinto museum on Wednesday. The students were inquisitive and developed their knowledge during the tour. They experienced the daily life of people during prehistoric times and even saw the Stone Age version of a mobile phone which they used for communication!
Year 5 Visit the Lunar Museum in Fresnedillas
Year 5 pupils enjoyed an exciting and educational visit to the Lunar Museum in Fresnedillas, marking one of the highlights of their space-themed studies. The trip offered the children a unique opportunity to step into the history of space exploration and discover the key role Spain played in one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
During the visit, pupils learnt in detail about the importance of the Fresnedillas de la Oliva tracking station, which formed part of NASA’s global network supporting the Apollo missions. They discovered how the station communicated with astronauts on their journey to the Moon, and how engineers and specialists worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every mission ran safely and successfully.
The children were particularly captivated by the chance to see original suits, equipment and communication technology used during the Apollo era. Museum guides explained how each piece of technology contributed to the astronauts’ survival and the success of the missions, helping pupils to appreciate the complexity and bravery involved in space travel.
One of the most memorable parts of the day was an interactive space experience, which allowed pupils to simulate a journey into space. This hands-on activity brought their classroom learning to life, giving them a sense of what astronauts encounter as they leave Earth and travel into the unknown.
Teachers praised the museum staff for their engaging presentations and noted how inspired the pupils were by the visit. The trip not only deepened their understanding of space science and history but also sparked curiosity and enthusiasm for future learning.
Trip Year 1 Micropolix
As part of their learning about communities, on Thursday 6 November, Year 1 children visited ‘Micropolix’. Here they experienced first-hand some of the different roles of important people in the community, such as police officers, shop keepers, vets, pilots and television presenters and reporters. By taking on responsibilities and working together, the children all enjoyed finding out more about communities and the responsibilities of others in the real world.
Year 5 Opera Kids project 2025/2026
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Year 5 Opera Kids Project, an exciting year-long initiative that will introduce our students to the captivating world of opera from multiple perspectives.
Throughout the year, children will have the opportunity to:
Visit the Opera House and explore its fascinating interior
Experience opera singing techniques through class sessions and workshops led by professional opera singers
Learn about opera as a musical genre, including its history, key composers, structure, and voice types
Study and sing selected arias from L’elisir d’amore by Gaetano Donizetti, specially adapted for children
Share their progress with families during open lessons at school
The project will culminate in a full theatrical performance of the opera, accompanied by a chamber orchestra and staged in a theatre on Gran Vía — giving our students the unforgettable experience of participating in a complete operatic production.
This ambitious and enriching initiative offers a unique opportunity for pupils to engage with opera in a hands-on, meaningful way. We are proud to collaborate with Más que Ópera, who will provide expert guidance through workshops, learning materials, and support for the final performance.
During Year 6, students will also attend a live opera performance specially adapted for children at the Teatro Real de Retiro, further deepening their appreciation and understanding of this art form.
The project will begin with an educational guided tour of the Teatro Real, scheduled for November. During this visit, pupils will explore the main hall, rehearsal rooms, costume and set design workshops, wigs and make-up departments, backstage areas, and dressing rooms — discovering the remarkable artistic world that exists behind the curtain.
We look forward to sharing this inspiring journey with our students and their families as they discover the magic of opera.
A wonderful celebration of reading at our RPS Book Fair
Students from Nursery to Year 12 thoroughly enjoyed exploring the wide range of titles at our book fair on Friday. Regular reading is essential for developing emotional, creative, and academic skills, and it was inspiring to see such enthusiasm for books throughout the day.
The event was a great success, with many students selecting new stories to enjoy at home. After school, parents joined in the excitement, browsing the collection and sharing in the joy of reading with their children.
At RPS we host at least three book fairs each year, and each one provides a fantastic opportunity to foster a love of reading within our community. We hope all our students and families take great pleasure in their new books and continue to make reading a regular part of their lives.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SECONDARY
Photography literally means, drawing with light and throughout its almost two-hundred-year history, artists have strived to maintain their individuality while grabbling with the machine of glass and knobs. Now it was Year 10 art students turn when they embarked on an exciting project that not only honed their technical skills but also unleashed their burgeoning potential. The Mise-en-Scène initiative aimed to combine foundational photographic techniques while fostering that elusive spark of creative interpretation, and personal artistic style.
The students delved into the “golden trinity” of photography: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Through hands-on workshops, they manipulated these settings to achieve many desired photographic effects. Extended shutter speeds created ephemeral images in the school corridors. Macro close-ups produced frozen moments, at 1/1000 second when an apple impacted a glass of water. This playful foundation was crucial in enabling the students to advance to more individual possibilities.
Learning for a greener future: Year 9 climate change session
This week, Year 9 students took part in the first of two workshops focused on understanding the global climate crisis. During the session, pupils explored the causes of current climate change and discussed how human activity has contributed to rising carbon dioxide levels on our planet.
The workshop also examined the impact of climate change on biodiversity, highlighting how different ecosystems and species are being affected. Students then investigated how various countries are turning to renewable energy sources— such as solar, wind, and hydro power — as part of the solution to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
It was an engaging and thought-provoking session that encouraged students to reflect on their own role in helping to create a more sustainable future.
Student volunteers shine at the American Women’s Bazaar
On Sunday 23 November, our dedicated student volunteers represented the school at the American Women’s Bazaar held at the Hotel InterContinental. Their enthusiasm and commitment contributed greatly to the success of this vibrant community event.
We are proud of their efforts and the positive spirit they displayed throughout the day. Opportunities like these allow our students to engage with the wider community, develop valuable skills, and make meaningful connections.
- Music – Top in Spain
- Foreign Language: Spanish – Top in the World
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE IB CENTRE
IBDP Coordinator joins Global Conference in The Hague
Our IBDP Coordinator recently attended the IB Global Conference in The Hague (23–26 October), which brought together over 1,600 educators from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Centred on the theme “Our Humanity, Connected,” the event explored how education can strengthen global connections in an era of rapid change. Sessions covered topics such as cultures of thinking, the impact of AI in assessment, and inspiring approaches to lifelong learning.
This experience was especially meaningful as we welcomed our first IB Diploma Programme cohort in September, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing independent thinkers and responsible global citizens.
IB Centre opening
We are delighted to share with you the successful opening of our IB Centre, which took place on the evening of Thursday, 13 November. Parents of Years 10, 11 and 12 were invited to discover our new IB facilities and experience firsthand the environment in which our IB students are working.
The event lasted approximately one hour. During this time, parents were guided through the different areas of the centre by IB students and teachers, who explained the purpose of each space and described what a typical day looks like in this section of the school.
The highlights of the event were, in order:
- ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the IB Centre
- informative talk by Mr. Conway, Director of Secondary & IB, offering insights into the programme and vision for this IB section
Following these moments, we enjoyed a cocktail provided by our dining and kitchen service, accompanied throughout by wonderful background music that created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
It was truly a pleasure to share this special occasion with our community, and we sincerely thank all parents and teachers who attended.
‘10 moments programme´: second visit for our IB students
Cristina Saracho visited Richmond Park School to give a talk to Year 12 students. She shared her professional journey, highlighting the many rewards and challenges she experienced along the way. After working in several important companies, she decided to become an entrepreneur and now runs her own jewellery rental business. Through her experiences, Cristina showed that career paths are not always predetermined.
The main aim of her talk was to motivate students and encourage them to reflect on their own choices. She emphasized that while it is important to carefully consider the career path you choose to study now, this does not mean your future is fixed. Life may open many new doors, and it is always possible to explore different jobs and directions. Cristina’s story demonstrated that your work experiences can shape your future in unexpected ways, and that thoughtful decisions today are essential in building the career you want, even as new opportunities arise.
Year 12 trip to the Banksy Museum
Text created by Julia Year 12:
On 4 November all of the students in Year 12 were treated to a guided visit to the Banksy exhibition. The trip was integrated into the curriculum to provide a foundation for our class studies of the artist’s collection as a body of work. By allowing us to directly observe the artworks, we gained a clear understanding of the style and overall impact of the pieces, which are often not conveyed through photographs online. In my opinion, this opportunity facilitated a more accurate interpretation of Banksy’s intended messages. Furthermore, all the students agree that visiting the artworks in person sparks our interest more than through a screen, which helped us enjoy more the process of researching and breaking down the piece.
Following the exhibition, we were invited to share our thoughts and feelings about the artworks in a discussion during lunch. We focused on sharing initial observations and our personal interpretations. Each student was then asked to select one of the artworks in the exhibition to analyse in further detail. The analysis was to be delivered as an oral presentation to the year group. This assignment aimed not only to develop our critical thinking skills, but also to enhance our confidence while presenting. This is a key skill for the Internal Orals, a component of IB first language courses. Personally, I find it very helpful to be encouraged to present the artwork orally rather than through an essay, since I feel I need to practice my oral expression more than my written one.
In conclusion, Year 12 students found the visit was more than just a useful academic trip, but an inspiring and interesting way to introduce us to this body of work. Our teachers plan to use the exhibition as a foundation for future lessons, using Banksy’s work as a starting point to explore how art can serve as a commentary on global issues.
Two-day visit to Universidad de Navarra: a special event for Career Advisors
Our Career Advisor had the opportunity to attend a special two-day event at Universidad de Navarra, organised exclusively for career advisors. The goal of the visit was to showcase the wide range of programs the university offers, explain the admissions process in detail, and provide a comprehensive tour of the campus.
The experience was extremely interesting and useful, allowing us to gain first-hand insight into the academic opportunities and campus life at Universidad de Navarra. Feedback from the event highlighted that it is a remarkable university, with strong programs and excellent support for students.
This visit has provided valuable information that will help us better guide students in their future educational paths.
CIS International Universities Fair
Our Career Advisor attended the CIS International Universities Fair, where representatives from leading international universities presented their programs, scholarships, and campus life. This kind of event offers a unique chance to gather first-hand information and make valuable contacts with university representatives.
Connecting with universities in this way allows us to provide our students with tailored guidance, helping them make informed decisions about the higher education paths that best match their interests, strengths, and future ambitions. It also helps students understand the variety of programs and opportunities available worldwide.
We encourage parents to discuss these insights with their children and support them as they explore the wide range of possibilities for their academic and professional journey.
Year 12 trip – Oliver Twist
Text created by Sara Year 12:
On Thursday 20 November, the Musical Theatre Club and IGCSE Drama students attended Oliver Twist El Musical in Teatro La Latina. Through this opportunity they experienced the work environments of professional performers. This exciting experience allowed them to explore more drama perspectives, as well as giving them the opportunity to take on board some behaviours to improve their work at school.
The students enthusiastically learned about different direction styles by observing the scenography and dramatism of each scene as well as inspiring themselves by the example of other young actors like them. This musical brought them closer to what a full dramatic piece looks like, helping them develop their performative skills in their curricular and extracurricular activities.
Students highlighted some of the dramatic licences the producers and directors made in relationship with other adaptations of Dickens’ book, making them reflect on how they can take on board these skills in their projects at school. This may open some doors to explore their spontaneity on stage or inspire them for other artistic pieces they may create during the academic year.
Many of the stage decisions, including dance moves, furniture placement and movement, were really inspiring for the students. This knowledge will inspire their future projects.
The experience can be considered a huge success. Students learned, laughed and enjoyed themselves through the medium of theatre.
SPORTS
Year 7 & Year 8 tag rugby tournament
On Monday 27 October, our Year 7 and 8 students took part in a Tag Rugby tournament hosted at Richmond Park School. Students have been working on their Tag Rugby skills in their PE lessons and have developed a range of skills including passing, tagging, defending and attacking. This tournament was an excellent opportunity for them to apply various skills and strategies within competitive scenarios against other schools.
We are delighted to announce that Richmond Park A boys team came away as overall winners.
We are very proud of all who took part!
Year 7 to Year 9 tag rugby unit
Over the past four weeks, our Year 7, 8, and 9 students have been fully engaged in their Tag Rugby unit in PE. During this time, they demonstrated impressive teamwork while refining their attacking and defensive strategies, as well as their overall game awareness. To wrap up the unit, we organized a intra class competition for students to practice their skills. All classes really enjoyed this and there was some really good performances. All students demonstrated good sportsmanship and fair play.
As well as students participating in an intra class competition we also organized inter house tag rugby competition in lessons. This allowed students to practice their tag rugby skills that they had been learning for the past four weeks.
The atmosphere was electric as students competed fiercely, showcasing their skills and enthusiasm on the field. The competition was incredibly close, and we congratulate everyone involved.
“Every try counts, reminding us that perseverance leads to growth and success.”
Year 9 tag rugby trounament
On Friday 7 November year 9 students took part in a Tag Rugby tournament hosted at Richmond Park School. Students have been working on their Tag Rugby skills in their PE lessons and have developed a range of skills including passing, tagging, defending and attacking. This tournament was an excellent opportunity for them to apply various skills and strategies within competitive scenarios against other schools.
We are very proud of all who took part!
RichMOVE
On Friday 21 November we have launched our new RichMOVE initiative MOVE AND GO. It involves the whole school from Year 1 to Year 12. During morning work/tutor time on Friday 21st November each year group will do the exercise below for 3 minutes.
Year 1 and Year 2– Hopping for 3 minutes
Year 3 and Year 4– Star jumps for 3 minutes
Year 5 and Year 6– Squats for 3 minutes
Year 7 and Year 8– Mountain climbers for 3 minutes
Year 9 and Year 10– Burpees for 3 minutes
Year 11 and Year 12– Plank challenge (which student can hold the plank for the longest)
RPS Benjamín 1–4 CEIP Nuria Espert – brave start, lessons learned in a spirited display
RPS Benjamín started brightly, showing clear progress in their understanding of formations, positions and supporting their teammates. That confidence paid off early when Henry smashed in a brilliant strike to put us 1–0 up.
Despite the positive opening, CEIP Nuria Espert grew into the game and we went into half-time 3–1 down.
The second half was much more solid. Every player worked hard, stayed committed, and showed resilience. There are a few areas to focus on in training this week, but the attitude remained excellent throughout.
Final score: 4–1 loss, but spirits remain high and development continues.
RPS Girls 6–2 Sacochamartín – Ángela hits five as RPS girls power to victory
A brilliant team performance saw the RPS Girls claim a 6–2 win in style. The team flew out of the blocks, racing into a 3–0 half-time lead thanks to sharp attacking play and excellent teamwork.
Ángela was unstoppable, scoring five goals, including a superbly taken free-kick. Ana added the other goal, rounding off a confident and composed performance in front of goal.
Sacochamartín fought back early in the second half to make it 3–2, but the girls responded superbly, took control again and finished the match strongly.
A deserved victory full of energy, attitude and quality.
RPS Alevín A 5–0 E.F. Hortaleza B – Alevín A cruise to victory with dominant all-round display
A superb performance from Alevín A, who controlled the match from start to finish and deservedly ran out 5–0 winners. The team played with confidence, energy and quality in possession throughout.
Diego spent the entire game threatening an overhead kick, keeping everyone entertained, and delivered a strong all-round performance. He, Guille, and Gabriel all stood out and shared the goals between them, capping off an excellent team effort.
A convincing win built on teamwork, creativity and hard work across the pitch.
RPS Alevín B 0–8 Asociación Alacrán 1997 – tough afternoon in the rain but valuable learning for Alevín B
A difficult match played in heavy rain, but the team still showed moments of good passing and effort. At 2–0 down at half-time, the boys had been solid enough and continued trying to apply what they’ve been learning about positioning, both with and without the ball.
Chances were limited and we didn’t test their goalkeeper enough given the conditions.
The second half started well, but as Alacrán’s goals came, our heads dipped and the scoreline finished 8–0. It’s a tough result, but another important step in the team’s learning and development.
Encín Golf Hotel hosts thrilling first tournament of the 2025–26 Federación de Golf de Madrid inter-school circuit
Volley first round
Volley is back at Richmond Park School!
On 8 November, our Richmond Park School junior, youth, children’s and cadet volleyball teams played their first matches in the 2025-26 Madrid Catholic Schools League.
It was a very special start, as for many students it was their first official match. They all showed great team spirit, commitment and enthusiasm, values that define sport at our school.
The junior team faced Colegio Corazonistas B. Although they did not achieve victory, they showed a great attitude and enjoyed the experience to the fullest.
The junior team played against San Patricio Moraleja B in a very close match in which our students fought for every point and enjoyed playing as a team. The children’s team faced Ntra. Señora de la Consolación B, winning one of the sets and showing remarkable progress in their game.
Finally, the cadet team, with more competition experience, faced FEC Sta. Joaquina Vedruna D, achieving a resounding victory that reflects the effort and perseverance of the players.
With this day, we inaugurate a new season full of enthusiasm, learning and sportsmanship. 1, 2, 3 – RPS!
Volleyball second round
On Friday 14 and Saturday 15 November, our Richmond Park School volleyball teams played the second round of the Madrid Catholic Schools League, continuing a season that is demonstrating the effort, enthusiasm and commitment of all our players.
The youngest team, which is competing for the first time this year, celebrated its first official victory against Nuestra Señora de la Merced School, winning two of the three sets in the match. An excellent result that confirms their progress game after game.
The junior team faced Virgen de Mirasierra ‘C’ in a hard-fought match in which our students showed great improvement over their debut. They won one set and came very close to winning another, although in the end they did not achieve victory. Even so, the team’s progress was evident.
Next, the children’s team played against Colegio Ntra. Sra. Maravillas, a high-level opponent. Despite their effort and good play, they were unable to prevail on this occasion. The match served to continue learning and reinforce their preparation for upcoming matches.
To close the day, the cadet team faced Asunción Cuestablanca, achieving another victory that consolidates their experience and strength in the competition.
Once again, all our players showed great commitment and sportsmanship. We continue to move forward step by step, proud of the work of our teams.
Basketball RPS-San Blas & Hastings
Benjamín: RICHMOND 10 – SAN BLAS 48
Alevín: RICHMOND 10 – HASTINGS 48
Same result for both of our teams, two logical defeats that don’t overshadow the good performance in terms of effort from our kids. There will always be teams that are more experienced, stronger, taller/older by a year, as happened to us this Saturday and will happen throughout this year in the youth category, and you have to lose, but if the attitude is what we have, full of determination and effort, things will turn out well. We just have to wait.
Basketball League 22 November 2025
On the second matchday of the league we already achieved our first victory, specifically the Benjamin team, which defeated Distrito Olímpico. It would have been a morning with two wins if in the previous game our Alevín team had been a bit more accurate, but due to absences—and partly my fault as the coach—we couldn’t complete a full set of victories. That said, I drew very positive conclusions to help plan the upcoming training sessions.
PABELLÓN PEPU HERNÁNDEZ
ALEVINES:
Ciudad Pegaso 19, Richmond 17
BENJAMINES: Distrito Olímpico 10, Richmond 27.
Volleyball third round
This weekend, our volleyball teams once again demonstrated that the 2025-26 season is full of energy, perseverance and a strong desire to continue growing with every match.
The youngest team had a day off, a well-deserved break after last week’s exciting victory. The team took advantage of this to recharge their batteries and return with even more enthusiasm for the upcoming matches.
The junior team played on Saturday 22 against Sagrado Corazón Chamartín ‘A’ school. Although the result was not favourable, the team showed an exemplary attitude, fighting for every point and making it clear that they continue to improve with each match.
The children’s team took to the court on Sunday 23 to face Patrocinio San José Azul. It was a very competitive match, with very close sets in which our players gave their best. Despite the defeat, they demonstrated a high level of skill and fantastic teamwork.
To close the day, the cadet team faced Colegio Santa María la Blanca ‘C’, achieving another victory that reflects their great form and experience in the competition. It was a very serious and well-played match by our players.
Once again, all our teams continue to progress with effort, enthusiasm and a strong sporting spirit. Each match is an opportunity to learn, enjoy and continue to fly the flag for our school. 1, 2, 3, RPS!
RPS Benjamín 3–7 CEU San Pablo Sanchinarro C
Battling Benjamín side show promise despite defeat
A competitive match that stayed tight until half-time, with both teams evenly matched across the pitch. RPS Benjamín worked hard throughout, but CEU San Pablo Sanchinarro were clinical, taking their chances well and backed by a very strong goalkeeper.
RPS found the net through two goals from Henry and one from Borja, and were unfortunate not to score more, with two clear penalty shouts not given.
The focus in training this week will be on the final pass around the box and positional understanding, but the effort, attitude and moments of quality were clear to see.
Final score: 7–3 loss with plenty of positives to build on.
RPS Alevín A 11–0 Highlands El Encinar B
Total football from Alevín A in stunning 11–0 victory
A dominant performance from Alevín A, who played with focus, intensity and excellent structure throughout. The team led 6–0 at half-time but never became complacent, continuing to press, combine and play out from the back with real confidence.
Every outfield player got on the scoresheet except Pablo, who was pushed up front for five minutes late on as the team tried hard to help him grab a goal. Defensively, the group were rock solid, and Lucas made several top saves when called upon to keep the clean sheet intact.
A brilliant all-round display built on teamwork, sharp passing and strong concentration from minute one to ninety.
RPS Alevín B 5–1 KCS La Moraleja Sports Club
Alevín B shine with strong team play and wide attacking threat
A well-earned 5–1 win for Alevín B, who controlled large parts of the match with intensity and organisation. Both Beltráns (Beltrán R) and Beltrán (Beltrán F) were excellent, driving the team forward and contributing heavily to the attacking play.
Pablo was outstanding at full-back, bombing up and down the line with energy, power and commitment, giving the team constant width and a reliable defensive presence.
A confident performance with strong individual displays and a clear step forward in the team’s understanding of their roles.
RPS House Points
