PARENT AWARENESS
SCHOOL NEWS
Conference summary: “We Love SENCos”
On 10 June 2026, Nadine Douglas and Kim Beadon attended the “We Love SENCos” conference, organised by Talamo, an organisation focused on early identification and support for SEND/ALN through digital screening and data-informed approaches.
The conference highlighted the increasing complexity of learner needs alongside ongoing reforms, with a strong emphasis on inclusion as a whole-school responsibility. Staff at all levels play a key role in embedding inclusive practice within everyday teaching.
There was a focus on practical resources, research, and innovative tools—including Talamo’s work on early screening—to support identification, intervention, and classroom provision. A clear message was the importance of evidence-based, data-driven approaches and the need for early intervention to support both progress and wellbeing.
Networking opportunities reinforced that many settings are facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared practice moving forward.
Fifteenth anniversary of the Vipeika Foundation
On Thursday 11 June, representatives from RPS were honoured to attend what became a truly beautiful evening celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of the Vipeika Foundation. During the event, its founder and president, together with the foundation’s board, offered a heartfelt review of these fifteen years—years marked by remarkable achievements and milestones that, when viewed in perspective, reveal an extraordinary and inspiring project.
Above all, the evening highlighted the commitment, tenacity, and transparency of its exceptional founder, whose vision and determination have shaped this initiative from the very beginning. What started as the dream of one individual, driven by a deep desire to address the unequal distribution of basic resources in the world, has grown into a transformative force for thousands of children.
Among the many accomplishments shared, one figure stood out: 21,966 children have received early education thanks to this project. To date, the foundation has established 16 educational centres, awarded 43 secondary scholarships and 10 university scholarships, and provided employment to 132 teachers, creating long‑lasting impact across communities. Looking ahead, the foundation’s next and most ambitious undertaking is the construction of a high‑quality primary and secondary school—designed to meet the highest African educational standards—scheduled to open in January 2027.
We would once again like to express our sincere gratitude to Silvia Flórez, whose support allows us to participate actively in this meaningful mission. Our contribution may be small, but it is significant, and it is something our entire school community can feel profoundly proud of. Together, we continue to help build opportunities, dignity, and hope for children who deserve every chance to thrive.
RPS Family Day draws over 500 participants and raises €2,607.20 for RPS school in Africa
The RPS community celebrated a highly successful Family Day on Saturday, 13 June, bringing together more than 500 families, teachers and staff for a morning filled with activities, music, and shared enjoyment. The decision to begin two hours earlier proved to be a wise one, as the weather remained favourable throughout the event.
Families arrived in staggered groups, ensuring a smooth and well‑organised flow of participants. This year’s edition featured new attractions alongside the traditional workshops, including water slides and a foam cannon that served as the event’s grand finale. Children and adults alike enjoyed a wide range of entertainment options.
Live music played a central role in creating a festive atmosphere. The Music department and several student bands performed throughout the morning, offering a lively selection of pop and rock songs.
A special acknowledgement goes to RPS Families, whose continued support made the event possible once again. Their contribution included subsidising several of the new attractions and assisting with organisational tasks. Particular recognition is given to Mariana P.V., who coordinated the second‑hand sale among other responsibilities.
The school’s kitchen team also played a key part in the day’s success, preparing a delicious barbecue‑brunch that was enjoyed by the entire community.
Thanks to the generosity and participation of all attendees, the event raised an impressive €2,607.20 for the school’s project in Africa — a collective achievement that reflects the strong spirit and commitment of the RPS community.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN EYFS?
Reception open classroom event – exploring phonics together
Reception parents recently joined us for a wonderful Open Classroom event, giving them the opportunity to experience first-hand how phonics is taught in our Early Years classrooms. During the session, parents observed a phonics lesson based on the Supersonic Phonics Friends programme, which is used to support the development of children’s early reading, writing, and communication skills.
The lesson provided an insight into the engaging and interactive approach we use to teach phonics, helping children to develop their understanding of letter sounds, blending, segmenting, and word recognition. Parents were able to see how the colourful characters and structured activities within the programme help make learning both enjoyable and effective for young learners.
Following the lesson, parents and children took part in a variety of hands-on phonics activities together. These activities encouraged children to apply their phonics knowledge in fun and meaningful ways while allowing parents to see practical examples of how learning can be supported at home. The classroom was filled with enthusiasm as families worked together on games, reading tasks, and sound recognition challenges.
The event was a valuable opportunity for children to proudly share their learning and demonstrate the progress they have made since the beginning of the year. It also helped parents gain a deeper understanding of the methods and strategies used in school to support early literacy development, strengthening the important partnership between home and school.
We were delighted to welcome so many parents into the classroom and would like to thank everyone who attended. Their support and engagement play a vital role in children’s learning journeys, and we hope the session provided useful ideas and confidence for continuing phonics practice at home. It was a highly successful and enjoyable event, and we look forward to hosting similar opportunities for families throughout the year.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PRIMARY
Year 6 residential trip to Gandía
Our Year 6 pupils recently returned from a fantastic residential trip filled with exciting activities, new experiences, and wonderful memories. The trip provided a perfect opportunity for students to enjoy time together, develop their independence, and explore some of the highlights of the Valencia region.
One of the favourite parts of the trip was spending time at the beach, where pupils were able to relax, play, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The excitement continued with a thrilling day at Terra Mítica, where students experienced a variety of rides and attractions, sharing plenty of laughter and adventure with their friends.
The group also visited the Oceanogràfic in Valencia, where they were fascinated by the incredible variety of marine life on display. The visit offered a unique educational experience, allowing pupils to learn more about ocean ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
To complete their cultural experience, the children had the opportunity to try a traditional paella, giving them a taste of one of Spain’s most famous dishes and adding another memorable element to the trip.
Throughout the residential, the pupils represented Richmond Park School exceptionally well. Their behaviour, enthusiasm, and positive attitude were outstanding, and it was clear to see that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We are incredibly proud of the Year 6 students and the way they embraced every opportunity the trip had to offer.
Year 5 Opera Kids Project
The Year 5 Opera Kids Project has been a rich and inspiring experience that has accompanied our students throughout much of the academic year. We began this journey with a guided visit to the Teatro Real, where pupils had the unique opportunity to explore from the inside what makes an opera house distinct from other types of theatres or auditoriums.
During the visit, students discovered the fascinating diversity of opera houses around the world, recognising their architectural features as well as the careful design considerations that ensure the specific acoustics required for this type of performance. They also learned about the highly specialised craftsmanship involved in opera production, including costume design, characterisation, footwear, wigs, stage sets, and all the elements that combine to create what Richard Wagner famously described as a “total work of art”.
In music lessons during Term 2, students began to understand and experience the fundamentals of opera singing technique, focusing on posture, breathing, and vocal projection. At the same time, they learned to sing the choruses of five arias from L’elisir d’amore by Donizetti, performing them in Italian, just as in the original musical score.
Professional opera singers from the company Más que Ópera visited the school on two occasions to work closely with the students on staging, choreography, and other performance details, helping them prepare for their final showcase.
Alongside this practical work, pupils explored the origins of opera, different types and styles within the genre, vocal ranges, the life of Gaetano Donizetti, and the story of L’elisir d’amore. This combination of practical and contextual learning gave them a well-rounded understanding of opera as an art form.
In May, we welcomed parents of each Year 5 class to three open lessons, where students proudly shared what they had learned and even invited their families to join them in singing opera.
The project reached a wonderful climax with a live performance at the Teatro EDP Gran Vía, where students had the unforgettable experience of joining professional soloists on stage. Accompanied by a live orchestra and performing in front of their families, they sang their choruses as part of the opera, bringing this extraordinary journey to a truly memorable close.
It has been a real pleasure to see how the students have engaged with this project and grown in confidence as performers. Opera Kids has provided a valuable context for bringing together everything explored in Music lessons, culminating in a shared experience on stage that they will hopefully remember for years to come.
Trip Year 1 to the Real Jardín Botánico
On Monday 8 June, Year 1 visited the Real Jardínn Botánico de Madrid as part of their learning about plants. During the visit, the children practised their map-reading skills as they navigated their way around the gardens. The guides were very impressed with the children’s plant knowledge.
The children enjoyed observing and comparing a variety of plants, helping them to develop their understanding of how plants grow and differ from each other. They were amazed by some of the interesting plants that they saw.
Everyone also had the opportunity to sow seeds so that they could grow and care for their own plants at home. A wonderful time was had by all.
Year 6 end of year concert
Our Year 6 pupils brought the school year to a wonderful close with an outstanding end of year concert, celebrating their achievements and marking the end of their primary school journey. The performance showcased the many talents of our students and provided a fitting reflection on the friendships, experiences, and memories they have shared over the years.
The audience was treated to a varied programme that included impressive instrumental performances, energetic songs, and a thoughtfully written drama that looked back on the pupils’ time in primary school. The show struck a perfect balance between humour and sentiment, with moments that had the audience laughing out loud and others that prompted reflection on how much the children have grown.
Throughout the performance, the pupils demonstrated remarkable confidence, enthusiasm, and teamwork. Their dedication and hard work were evident in every aspect of the production, and they should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.
The concert was a truly memorable occasion for students, staff, and families alike, and a wonderful celebration of the Year 6 cohort. We congratulate all of the performers on their fantastic efforts and wish them every success as they take their next steps into secondary school.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SECONDARY
Year 9 residential trip to Salou
Key Stage 3 Drama
This term, Years 7, 8, and 9 have been working on theatre performances to showcase their learning in Drama Studies and English. Students from the primary and secondary school were privileged to enjoy the exciting series of performances this week.
All the students involved showed an impressive talent for public speaking, costume design, and teamwork, and the show was met with resounding applause from the audience.
Year 7 trip to the Madrid Zoo
Year 7 enjoyed a fantastic trip to the zoo, where they had the opportunity to observe a wide range of animals and learn about the fascinating adaptations that help different species survive in their habitats. As they explored the zoo, students discovered how animals have evolved unique features and behaviours to find food, avoid predators and thrive in diverse environments.
The visit also highlighted the importance of conservation, with students learning about the vital work zoos and wildlife organisations do to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity. Through engaging talks and exhibits, they gained a greater understanding of the challenges facing wildlife around the world and the actions being taken to support conservation efforts.
The trip was both informative and enjoyable, giving students the chance to connect their classroom learning with real-life examples. It was a memorable day filled with discovery, curiosity and plenty of opportunities to deepen their understanding of the natural world.
Year 10 IGCSE Geography Fieldwork
On 16 June, the students from the Year 10 IGCSE Geography class spent the day collecting data for their coursework. This date was aligned with the National Festival of Fieldwork organised annually every June by the UK Geographical Association.
Their fieldwork took them on a journey from the centre of Madrid at Sol, stopping at various metro stations before moving north to Mirasierra. They were collecting data of liveability, and this included surveys on: urban quality of life, crime, residents perceptions, noise levels, and traffic and pedestrian counts.
They will use this data to write up their coursework project which counts for part of their IGCSE grade next year. All students will receive a certificate of participation.
Continuous Professional Development
Our Secondary teachers continue to engage in ongoing professional development, working collaboratively to share ideas, reflect on practice and learn from one another. Drawing on the wealth of experience and expertise across the staff team, colleagues regularly exchange effective strategies and innovative approaches that support high-quality teaching and learning.
These professional discussions and training opportunities enable teachers to refine their practice and stay informed about the latest educational research and methodologies. The strategies explored are then implemented in classrooms, helping to create engaging, informative and inclusive lessons that meet the needs of all learners.
This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that students benefit from effective teaching approaches, enriching learning experiences and a classroom environment where they can thrive. By investing in professional growth, our staff continue to strengthen the quality of education across the school and support the best possible outcomes for every student.
Our Extra-Curricular Club Performs Alice in Wonderland
Our extra-curricular theatre club, for students from Years 7 to Year 10, performed the musical version of Alice in Wonderland. It was a colourful, energetic and vibrant show that showcased the dedication, creativity and wide range of skills required to perform at such a high level. From acting and singing to dancing and stagecraft, students demonstrated remarkable talent and confidence throughout the production.
The performances were enjoyed by audiences from Year 5 to Year 10, as well as parents, all of whom responded with great enthusiasm and appreciation. The lively atmosphere and positive feedback reflected the success of the show and the hard work that had gone into bringing this much-loved story to life on stage.
Ms Orton and Ms Lydon would like to thank all the students involved for their commitment, enthusiasm and perseverance during rehearsals and performances. They are incredibly proud of what the students achieved and grateful for the effort and teamwork that made the production such a success. Most importantly, the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and created lasting memories through their participation.
Year 11 Enrichment Programme
Following the completion of their examinations, our Year 11 students participated in a three-week Enrichment Programme designed to broaden their experiences beyond the classroom and prepare them for the next stage of their educational journey. The programme combined adventure, leadership, service, career exploration, practical life skills, and academic preparation, offering students a wide variety of meaningful opportunities.
Throughout the programme, students took part in activities including climbing, hiking, community service projects, event management workshops, a Model United Nations experience, first aid training, and specialist sessions on topics such as road safety and career development. They also enjoyed creative and cultural experiences, including theatre production, cooking workshops, and Bollywood dance.
A key feature of the programme was the introduction to IB-style lessons, which provided students with an opportunity to experience the teaching and learning approaches they will encounter in the Diploma Programme. These sessions encouraged inquiry, critical thinking, discussion, collaboration, and independent learning. Students explored subject content through a more analytical and reflective lens, helping them develop the skills and mindset required for success in the IB. The lessons also gave students valuable insight into the academic expectations of the next phase of their education and helped build confidence ahead of the transition.
The programme concluded with opportunities for celebration and reflection, allowing students to look back on their achievements, strengthen friendships, and consider their future goals. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with students particularly enjoying the variety of experiences, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the chance to spend time with their peers in different settings.
The Year 11 Enrichment Programme successfully provided students with memorable experiences that promoted personal growth, independence, resilience, and leadership. We are delighted that so many students embraced the opportunities available and thoroughly enjoyed this special part of their Year 11 journey.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE IB CENTRE
CAS activities in June 2026
«10 Moments» programme
As the final highlight of the 10 Moments for IB Students programme, we welcomed Dr. Raúl Barco, Head of Shoulder and Elbow Traumatology at Hospital La Paz. He delivered an engaging presentation in which he walked students through his university path, academic milestones, and professional career.
The session offered a rare opportunity for students to hear first-hand the inner workings of this medical specialty across both the public and private sectors. Dr. RB also shared insights into his research contributions, lectures, and national and international collaborations. His visit provided valuable guidance for students exploring future careers in the health sciences.
Aitana, Year 12:
Listening to the shoulder and elbow surgeon, Raul Barco, speak at our school was a very inspiring experience. As someone interested in studying medicine, I found it fascinating to learn about his journey into the profession, the training required, and the work involved. I was particularly interested in how surgery combines scientific knowledge, problem-solving, emotional skills and practical skills to improve people’s lives. The talk also gave me a realistic understanding of the challenges of a medical career, including the long hours and responsibility involved. Overall, the experience strengthened my interest in medicine and motivated me to continue working towards a future career in healthcare.
SPORTS
A GREAT SEASON FINALE
Spring Tournament Final, San Blas – San Blas Basket 32 – Richmond 19
Our Benjamín team followed in the footsteps of the Alevín squad and also finished as spring runners‑up. In the final, San Blas once again showed they are still a couple of steps ahead in overall quality, earning them the tournament title. Even so, the match was nothing like the huge 45‑point gap they beat us by back in January. This was our best performance of the entire season in every aspect, and this team is clearly on the right path.
Congratulations on a fantastic season, boys!
Third Place for our artistic swimming team
We are delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievement of our Richmond Park School Artistic Swimming Team, who proudly earned Third Place at the 6th Carabanchel Sports Month 2026.
Our students delivered a beautiful and captivating performance, demonstrating not only their technical skills but also their creativity, synchronization, elegance, and confidence in the water. Every routine reflected the many hours of training, perseverance, and commitment they have dedicated throughout the school year. Their teamwork and determination shone through from start to finish, making us incredibly proud.
Participating in this competition was a wonderful opportunity for our swimmers to put into practice everything they have learned while representing our school with enthusiasm, respect, and outstanding sportsmanship. Their success is the result of their continuous effort, the support of their coaches and families, and the positive spirit they bring to every training session.
Congratulations to all our talented swimmers for this well-deserved accomplishment! Your hard work, dedication, and passion for artistic swimming have been truly inspiring, and this third-place finish is a reward for everything you have achieved together.
Well done, champions! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Trophy‑awarding day for the basketball competitions 2025/2026.
On Saturday 20 June, our basketball teams received their trophies for their achievements during the academic year 2025/2026. The Alevín team received the cup and the medals corresponding to second place in the Spring Cup, and the Benjamín team received medals and the trophy for third place in the league. The event, organized by the San Blas district council, brought together many attendees who applauded all the award winners. Sportsmanship was the defining feature of the ceremony.
