PARENT AWARENESS
During the inauguration of the new RPS school in Kenya, our representatives were accompanied by members of the Comboni missionary community in Lodwar.
Among their remarkable stories, one in particular stood out. Darío, known locally as “the water wizard”, has spent more than fifty years in Africa locating natural water sources. It was a privilege to share time with such a humble man, whose tireless work has likely saved hundreds of thousands of lives in one of the driest regions of the continent.
We have also found a video about his extraordinary mission, which we believe could be a meaningful watch for families. His example reminds us of the profound impact that dedication and compassion can have on a community.
Parent workshop organised by RPS Families
On Friday, 6 February, RPS Families organised a workshop for families entitled: ‘Sex education: a comprehensive approach with a focus on pornography consumption’ with Patricia Gutiérrez as the speaker.
It was a very interesting workshop, attended by more than 30 families in person and online. The workshop aimed to identify the keys to sexuality in adolescence as a formula for identity building and to provide guidelines for effective emotional and sexual communication with our children, which is key to addressing the dangers of pornography.
We also have other workshops planned on specific topics related to adolescence, which will take place on Friday, 17 April, on mental health, and Friday 22 May, on social media and screens.
This is a unique opportunity to learn and share experiences among families and to accompany our children through the magical and challenging stage of adolescence.
SCHOOL NEWS
RPS Nursery Kenya official inauguration
In February, the owners of RPS had the priviledge of attending the official inauguration of RPS Nursery in Lodwar, Turkana—one of the poorest regions in East Africa. The experience was both unforgettable and deeply rewarding for everyone involved, especially at a human level.
They were able to meet the more than 120 students who began the new academic year this January, as well as the dedicated teaching team leading this beautiful social project. Although the children were initially surprised by the visit, their curiosity quickly opened the door to warm and genuine interactions. This project adds the 16th school in Africa for the Vipeika Foundation and has a full capacity of 200 students.
Juan Pedro González, CEO and Luis Mures, CFO spent a couple of days observing the school’s daily routine: morning arrival, breakfast, lessons, recess, lunch and afternoon pick‑up. They also listened to teachers describe the challenges they face each day and celebrated the progress already achieved. One of the most emotional moments was hanging the beautiful drawings sent by RPS Madrid students in the classrooms. The visit continued with meetings alongside the missionary team and the president of Vipeika to discuss future needs and potential projects for this new educational unit. They also toured nearby villages where some students live, witnessing firsthand the difficult conditions families face, especially regarding access to food and water.
During their stay, they were hosted by the local community of nuns, whose residence will soon offer full‑board accommodation for RPS students completing part of their IB CAS programme in Turkana.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire RPS community for making this meaningful project a reality. Now more than ever, we remain committed to improving the lives of these children in every way we can.
RPS ski trip 2026
From 16 to 20 February, around 90 students – accompanied by three teachers and a team of monitors – enjoyed an unforgettable ski adventure in Astún. The trip delivered everything one could hope for in a winter getaway: excellent skiing conditions, great company, and a whole lot of fun.
Students were able to make the most of their time on the mountain thanks to fantastic weather, which even included a magical snowfall on one of the days. Conditions were described as even better than on previous trips, allowing everyone to ski extensively and confidently throughout the week.
Beyond the slopes, afternoons were filled with shared activities, laughter, and the kind of memories that make school trips so special. The atmosphere was warm, energetic, and full of camaraderie. Despite a couple of accidents, the trip ran smoothly thanks to the excellent organisation and the attentive work of teachers and monitors. Their coordination ensured that students felt supported, safe, and free to enjoy every moment.
The combination of ideal weather, enthusiastic students, and a dedicated team made this year’s ski trip one of the most successful yet. It was a week of learning, adventure, and joy—one that will be fondly remembered by everyone who took part. We are already looking forward to the ski trip in 2027.
RPS Open Day 28 February 2026
We are delighted to share that Saturday’s Open Day was a wonderful success. More than 40 families joined us throughout the morning, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Our secondary students took great pride in guiding visitors through the building, showcasing classrooms, specialist areas, and shared spaces. Their confidence, enthusiasm, and genuine love for the school shone through in every tour. EYFS & Primary Directors were also on hand to meet families, answer questions, and offer insight into our learning approach through the general presentation that took place in our performance centre.
We were pleased to see how engaged parents were, asking thoughtful and relevant questions about curriculum, wellbeing, and school life. Many families commented on the positive energy of the school and the warm interactions they observed. The event provided a valuable opportunity for prospective parents to experience our community firsthand. We are grateful to all students and staff who contributed their time and effort to make the day run smoothly. Their teamwork and commitment were key to the event’s success. A special thank‑you goes to the families who attended and showed such interest in our school. Your participation helps us continue building a strong, connected community. We look forward to welcoming many of you back in the near future.
We are proud of the vibrant learning environment our students help create every day. Saturday’s Open Day was a wonderful reminder of what makes our school unique. Thank you once again for your support and engagement. We are excited for the months ahead and the new families who may soon join us. Together, we continue to grow, learn, and thrive.
Richmond Park School — Official IAPS Membership
We are proud to announce that Richmond Park School is now an official member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), joining over 650 leading prep and junior schools globally.
IAPS membership recognises our high standards of education, broad curriculum and strong pastoral care. As part of the association, our school will benefit from enhanced professional development, expert support, collaborative networks with other schools, and participation in IAPS events and competitions.
This is an exciting step forward in our ongoing commitment to excellence.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN EYFS?
Nursery classes enjoy an exciting learning adventure at the farm
The Nursery classes recently spent a delightful day at the farm, where learning and exploration came together in the most wonderful way. From the moment they arrived, the children were eager to discover all the sights, sounds, and experiences that the farm had to offer.
Throughout the visit, the children had the opportunity to meet a wide variety of farm animals. They learned about what makes each animal special—from the soft wool of the sheep to the playful nature of the goats and the gentle movements of the cows. The children were encouraged to observe the animals closely, ask questions, and share what they already knew. Teachers guided them in exploring the characteristics, needs, and behaviors of each animal, helping the children build a deeper understanding of the natural world.
A guided tour around the farm allowed the children to see how animals live in their different habitats. They learned how farmers take care of the animals, what they eat, and how their homes are kept clean and safe. One of the highlights of the tour was the chance to feed the animals, which brought lots of excitement and happy smiles.
The day also included a creative, hands-on activity that the children absolutely loved: making their very own beeswax candle. With gentle guidance, they shaped the warm wax into beautiful candles to take home—a lovely reminder of their adventure and a chance to talk to their families about what they had learned.
It was a day full of wonder, fun, and discovery. The farm visit helped bring classroom learning to life, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for animals and nature. The children returned to school tired but joyful, carrying new knowledge, treasured memories, and their handmade candles.
Reception trip to the Alamo Farm
EYFS carnival
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SECONDARY
RPS students very successfully attending the UK Math Trust Challenge 2026
Richmond Park School is delighted to share the accomplishments of the students who chose to participate in this year’s UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge, held on 28 January 2026. This respected 60‑minute competition encourages students in Years 9–11 to stretch their mathematical reasoning and problem‑solving skills, and those who opted to take part did so with genuine interest and dedication.
We are particularly pleased with the results of our three Year 9 participants — Germán, Bruno, and Antonio — who entered the challenge for the first time and achieved excellent outcomes while competing alongside older students. Germán earned a Silver Certificate, and both Bruno and Antonio received Bronze Certificates, demonstrating strong promise and a very positive start to their UKMT experience.
The school also congratulates Álvaro, who achieved an outstanding Gold Certificate and was named Best in School. Several other students across the year groups earned Silver and Bronze certificates, reflecting consistent effort and a constructive approach to mathematical challenges. We commend all participants for their hard work and look forward to seeing how they continue to develop their skills in future competitions.
IGCSE Music students attending a 1927 silent film
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE IB CENTRE
Year 12 visiting the university fair Unitour
Written by Julia Year 12:
RPS IB students explore future pathways in law and business
As part of the ongoing “10 Moments” careers initiative—an annual programme in which RPS IB students meet one professional each month—our students recently had the pleasure of welcoming Mariana García Fernández de Mesa, General Counsel for the hospitality and real estate industries. Her visit offered a valuable opportunity for students to engage directly with an expert working at the intersection of two dynamic and globally relevant sectors.
Mariana’s talk went far beyond outlining the traditional responsibilities of a lawyer. She shared insightful perspectives on the evolving nature of legal practice, especially within industries as fast‑paced and multifaceted as hospitality and real estate. Through real examples and thoughtful reflections, she helped students understand the breadth of the legal profession and the variety of roles it can encompass.
One student noted that the session “helped me picture a plausible future in law,” describing it as an enriching experience that broadened their concept of what law can be. Many students were particularly intrigued by Mariana’s explanation of how business and law intersect, forming a professional pathway that is both intellectually stimulating and increasingly relevant in today’s global landscape.
Events like this lie at the heart of the “10 Moments” programme, giving students meaningful exposure to real‑world careers and the chance to ask questions directly to industry professionals. Each monthly encounter empowers RPS IB learners to explore their interests, expand their horizons, and begin shaping their own future academic and professional journeys with confidence.
SPORTS
Volleyball League
Our Richmond Park School volleyball teams recently played their first match of the year in the Madrid Catholic School´s League. The day was marked by heavy rain that forced some fixtures to be postponed. However, our players once again showed their commitment and ability to adapt throughout the competition.
The Cadet team faced Asunción Cuestablanca in a very evenly matched game that was decided in the third set. After an intense and hard‑fought match, the final score was 2–1 against us, leaving very positive feelings thanks to the determination shown until the end.
The Benjamín team also played a very tight match that ended in a narrow 2–1 defeat. Despite the challenges of the weekend, the team demonstrated enthusiasm, effort, and clear progress in their play.
Meanwhile, the Infantil team achieved an excellent victory against Asunción Cuestablanca “B”, winning all three sets. It was a very rewarding match, reflecting extensive training and good communication amongst the players.
It has been a demanding weekend, with last‑minute changes and adjustments, but our players responded with attitude, sportsmanship, and a great desire to compete.
Day 7 Basketball – one draw, one defeat
Ten points down, our youngest team was still fighting for a comeback.
They managed to get 2 points ahead, but a foul in their favour that went unrecognised by the referee cost them the tie. A final tactic, designed and executed perfectly by the RPS players in the final seconds, narrowly missed the basket.
The youth team suffered from injuries and the intense cold, while playing on a covered but not enclosed court. It taught them valuable skills in coping with adverse conditions.
RichMOVE – Bollywood Dancing
On Friday 30th January, the whole school participated in the RichMOVE Bollywood dancing initiative. It was fantastic to see all students and teachers up out of their seats following the Bollywood dance routine Ms Bala and the PE team had pre filmed.
A big thank you to Ms Bala and the PE team for organising this. We cannot wait for the next RichMOVE initiative which will be coming soon!
RPS Girls 13–0 Sacochamartín
Ruthless RPS girls deliver statement win
An outstanding team performance saw RPS Girls dominate from start to finish, producing one of their most refined displays of the season.
RPS Girls were in complete control from the opening whistle, racing into a 7–0 lead by half-time and never easing off. The second half followed the same pattern, with the girls continuing to move the ball well, create chances, and play with confidence, eventually finishing with a 13–0 victory.
Goals were shared across the team, underlining the collective strength of the squad. Cristina deserves a special mention for scoring two goals, while Irene led superbly as captain, setting the tone with her determination and leadership despite not getting on the scoresheet herself.
A dominant display full of energy, quality and unity.
Year 9 & Year 10 volleyball tournament
On Friday 6th February, Richmond Park school hosted a volleyball tournament for Year 9 and 10. This tournament was an excellent opportunity for them to apply various skills and strategies within competitive scenarios that they had recently learnt in lessons.
Richmond Park entered both a Year 9 and a Year 10 team into the tournament. It was fantastic to see both teams in the final and the Year 10 team won the tournament in a very close final against the RPS Year 9 team. Both teams played very well and should be proud of themselves.
The Year 11 sports leaders were also fantastic in helping coach the teams and making sure the tournament ran smoothly.
Day 8 Basketball League
Day 8 of the basketball league. Our junior team, despite being few in numbers, improved on the first leg result by 25 points.
We had to rely on two under-10s to make up six players, one of whom, Mateo, sacrificed himself by giving up playing with the under-10 team.
This challenged our younger team, who despite having five players missing, did not back down against San Blas and had a strong finish to the game.
Year 7 volleyball tournament
On Friday 13th February, Richmond Park school hosted a volleyball tournament for Year 7. This tournament was an excellent opportunity for them to apply various skills and strategies within competitive scenarios.
Two Year 7 teams entered the tournament and both teams played very well. The A team finished the tournament second and the B team finished the tournament fourth.
The Year 9 and 10 sports leaders were also fantastic in helping coach the teams and making the tournament run smoothly.
RPS Benjamín 3–8 La Merced
Strong response after slow start shows Benjamín progress
Despite a difficult opening spell, RPS Benjamín showed real improvement and resilience to compete strongly against La Merced.
RPS Benjamín got off to a slow start and found themselves 4–0 down early on, largely due to avoidable mistakes. However, once the boys settled into the game, their response was excellent.
The team began competing properly, pressing higher and showing more confidence on the ball, pulling the score back to 4–2 by half-time. Borja scored twice, while Santi produced a superb left-footed strike.
Although further mistakes proved costly in the second half, the overall performance showed clear progress. The improvement in competitiveness and effort was evident, and the addition of a new goalkeeper will make a big difference moving forward. Plenty of positives to build on.
RPS Alevín B 6–2 F.S. Halcones
Clinical finishing and good possession drive Alevín B victory
One win and one loss in matchday number 5. The youngest team had no problem in defeating their opponent, with extensive rotation of minutes among all the players on our team. The slightly older team, in a first half without substitutions, played the best first half of the season, in which we were only 4 points behind a larger team with substitutions. In the second half, we ran out of steam.
Overall, the individual development of our players is on the right track, which is a prerequisite for good development of the team. Improvement is still needed. However, with patience and determination good progress is sure to follow.
RPS Alevín A 9–0 Valdebebas GSD Alevín B
Fee-flowing football as Alevín A dominate from start to finish
RPS Alevín A produced a complete performance, dominating every phase of the game in a convincing home victory.
From the first whistle, RPS Alevín A controlled possession, tempo and territory, eventually running out 9–0 winners. The goals were spread across the team, with Gabi scoring four, Álvaro adding two, and Diego, Ibán and Guille each contributing one.
The quality of football on display was excellent, with sharp movement, quick passing and intelligent positioning throughout. Gabi stood out with his outstanding dribbling, consistently breaking lines and creating chances for himself and others.
A dominant, mature performance that highlighted both individual quality and collective understanding.
Year 7, Year 8 & Year 9 Volleyball Unit
Over the past few weeks, our Year 7, 8, and 9 students have been busy with their volleyball unit of work in PE. During these lessons students have developed their skills and have had the opportunity to play mini games to consolidate their learning. We are excited as students will have a chance to practise their volleyball skills in our upcoming volleyball tournament.
To wrap up the unit, we held an inter-house competition featuring our four houses: Fox, Owl, Deer, and Badger. The students played 2 v 2 games. The next unit of work is fitness and boxercise.
RPS Benjamín 2–1 Pintor Rosales
Benjamín’s breakthrough – first win sparks wild celebrations
A moment the team, coaches and parents will never forget — RPS Benjamín claimed their first win of the season in dramatic fashion after months of hard work and steady progress.
RPS Benjamín went into half-time 1–0 down despite creating chance after chance, dominating large spells of the game but failing to convert. Refusing to panic, the team pushed on in the second half, committing extra players forward and at times leaving just one defender at the back in search of an equaliser.
The breakthrough finally came when Henry was hacked down in the box to win a penalty. Although the spot kick was missed, the belief never dropped. Manu V stepped up to fire in the equaliser, sending energy through the team and crowd.
With momentum fully on their side, Borja sealed the win with a stunning top-corner free kick, sparking scenes of pure joy. Parents went wild, teammates piled together, and it felt like a league title had been won.
This victory was the reward for weeks of hard training, patience, and gradual progress, backed by incredible parental support. A huge milestone for the group.
RPS Alevín Girls 5–2 Sacochamartín
Ángela’s five-goal masterclass lifts girls to second place
A dominant second-half performance and a stunning individual display powered RPS Alevín Girls to a crucial league win.
The match began evenly, with both teams battling for control. Sacochamartín came close to taking the lead, but a magnificent save from Vega kept the scores level. At the back, Irene, Cristina and Olivia were calm and composed, while Ana and Natalia began to assert control in midfield.
The turning point came when Ángela exploded into life, scoring a hat-trick in just ten minutes to put RPS 3–0 ahead. A late goal from the opposition made it 3–1 at half-time, but RPS never looked back.
In the second half, RPS dominated completely. Defensive and attacking roles were rotated seamlessly, with Irene, Cristina and Olivia pushing higher, while Valeria and Natalia dropped back to maintain solidity. Vega moved out of goal and delivered an excellent outfield performance.
Two more goals from Ángela sealed a 5–2 victory, moving RPS into second place in the league, just two points off the leaders.
RPS Alevín A 7–1 E.F. Hortaleza B
Title statement as Alevín A destroy second place rivals
RPS Alevín A sent a clear message to the league with a dominant win that opens up a commanding points gap at the top.
Facing the team in second place, RPS Alevín A produced one of their most complete performances of the season, winning 7–1 and extending their lead at the summit to six points.
From start to finish, the boys controlled the game with fantastic build-up play, quick passing and intelligent movement. Gabriel was outstanding, scoring brilliant goals after weaving past defenders with confidence and creativity.
Further goals from Diego (2), Álvaro (2) and Ibán capped off a ruthless display. The team pressed aggressively, dominated possession and showed maturity well beyond their years.
A huge win, full of quality and intent.
RPS Alevín B 3–7 Asociación Alacrán 1997
Effort and individual brilliance shine despite tough defeat
Although the result didn’t go their way, RPS Alevín B showed resilience, character and moments of real quality.
RPS Alevín B battled hard throughout a challenging match against Asociación Alacrán 1997. Beltrán scored twice, including an outstanding goal from the halfway line that was one of the highlights of the day.
In the second half, Nico stepped in as goalkeeper and delivered an excellent performance, making several important saves and showing great bravery. At the back, Alejandro was solid and dependable, continuing to lead by example defensively.
Despite the 7–3 defeat, the team never stopped working and showed strong spirit until the final whistle. A tough lesson, but plenty of positives to take forward.
BISSL fixture
On Thursday 5th February Richmond Park hosted the second BISSL (British International School Sports League) basketball tournament of the year. The tournament was for Year 6 and both a boys and a girls team were entered.
Both teams played really well but unfortunately did not place in the top three. We want to congratulate all students who took part, they played incredibly well. We also want to say a big thank you to Mr Brougham for organising the event and the sports leaders who helped run and referee the games. We are excited to host the next BISSL event very soon.
RPS Benjamín 5–2 Ramiro de Maeztu B
Back-to-Back Wins as Benjamín Hit Top Form
RPS Benjamín continued their upward momentum with a confident second consecutive win, showing growing belief and attacking intent.
After going 1–0 down early, RPS Benjamín responded superbly, growing in confidence as the game progressed. By half-time the score stood at 2–2, reflecting a much-improved performance built on effort and bravery.
The goals came from Manu, Santi, Henry, and Borja (2), highlighting the team’s attacking depth. In the second half, RPS went fully on the offensive and never looked back, pressing high and committing numbers forward.
Defensively, the team handled set-pieces well and were dangerous on the counter, breaking forward with real pace and purpose. A strong all-round display that confirms the progress being made week by week.
RPS Alevín A 6–0 Highlands El Encinar B
Dominant Display in the Rain as Alevín A Cruise to Victory
Despite extremely wet conditions, RPS Alevín A delivered an excellent team performance built on quality football and concentration.
RPS Alevín A controlled the match from start to finish, adapting superbly to the heavy surface and playing with confidence and composure. The ball was moved well, and chances were created consistently.
Gabriel led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Álvaro added two goals and Diego completed the scoring. The performance was a clear example of the team’s technical quality and collective understanding, even in challenging conditions.
A convincing win that underlined the group’s maturity and consistency.
RPS Alevín B 1–8 KCS La Moraleja Sports Club
Character on Show Despite Difficult Afternoon for Alevín B
A challenging match for RPS Alevín B, who showed resilience and commitment despite difficult circumstances.
RPS Alevín B faced adversity from the very start, beginning the match with only six players due to a late arrival, and welcoming Borja from Year 4 to help out as the squad battled illnesses and injuries.
Further setbacks followed when goalkeeper Guillem was injured, adding to an already difficult afternoon, all played in heavy rain. Despite this, the players continued to compete and work for each other.
Beltrán scored a fantastic goal, providing a moment of quality, while Borja impressed with an excellent all-round performance, stepping up admirably in tough conditions.
A tough result, but one that showed the team’s spirit and togetherness in the face of adversity.
Day 9 Basketball League
On Saturday 7 February 2026, we needed to put in a strong performance against the team sitting fourth in the table, and we delivered. The team showed real discipline and effort; although we lacked accuracy in some easy shots, we began to see passages of play with good decision‑making in our passing.
We also improved on the result from the first half of the season. The players demonstrated greater confidence as the match progressed, and the overall teamwork suggested that we are moving in the right direction.
RPS House Points
