EDUCATIONAL CURRENT NEWS
We are pleased to announce that RPS’s Senior Leadership Team as part of our Parent Awareness programme will soon launch a series of talks focused on current and educational topics of interest to our parent community.
As part of our commitment to family engagement, we also recommend two films for thoughtful viewing: The Holdovers (2023), a heartwarming story about human connection, suitable for family audiences (Rated PG-14), and Fall (2022), an action-packed film that highlights resilience and overcoming challenges (Rated PG-13). Please review the ratings before watching.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN EYFS?
Open Day EYFS & Primary
We are delighted to share the success of our recent Open Day, held on the morning of Saturday, 18th October. The event welcomed more than 50 families, who attended an engaging presentation led by our Early Years and Primary team. Parents showed great interest in our educational philosophy, strategies, and protocols, asking insightful questions that sparked meaningful dialogue throughout the session.
Following the presentation, attendees were divided into small groups by our Admissions team and guided through the school by IB students, teachers, and teaching assistants. During the tour, families received detailed explanations of our day-to-day routines and had the opportunity to observe our vibrant learning environment.
A highlight of the morning was the preparatory football matches for the upcoming municipal leagues, held on our 7-a-side pitch between RPS and R. Our home teams emerged victorious in all matches, promising an exciting season ahead.
Due to high demand for places in our Early Years, many families chose to enroll their child on the day with our Admissions department. Each family left with a small keepsake to remember their visit, and we were delighted to see so many smiling faces as the day came to a close.
We are pleased to announce a second Open Day on the 15th of November, this time focusing on families interested in the Secondary and IB curriculum. We look forward to welcoming many more!
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PRIMARY?
Year 6 trip to Rainfer sanctuary
As part of their topic on sustainability and learning about evolution, Year 6 visited the Rainfer sanctuary. During the trip, they learned about the importance of animal welfare and the efforts taken to protect rescued primates.
The sanctuary staff explained how the animals ended up there, and explained their role to give the animals a safe and enriching environment. The children also explored how actions affect wildlife and discussed practical ways to protect the environment, such as recycling, reducing waste, and supporting conservation projects.
Tracy Ibberson visits RPS
On Thursday, 2 October, we had the honour of welcoming Tracy Ibberson, founder and former owner of Cambridge House British International School Valencia and current founder of the Tracy Ibberson Literary Trust. During her visit, Ms Ibberson toured our facilities and enjoyed meeting our management team.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the presentation of the individual award to Noah, a Year 6 student, who was the winner of the 2024/25 literary competition. In addition to his award, the school received 5,000€ in books from the Trust which will contribute to the promotion of reading and the enrichment of our school library.
It was a real pleasure to share the morning with such a prominent and respected figure in British Education in Spain. We are deeply grateful for her visit and hope to see her soon as a guest speaker to our community.
First Deer Day of the academic year – new activities and community spirit mark a memorable celebration
Richmond Park School’s annual Deer House Day, held at the beginning of October 2025, was a wonderful success filled with joy, colour, and community spirit.
Students and teachers proudly wore blue polo shirts and T-shirts as Deer House celebrated together with new activities and greater participation than ever before.
This year we introduced a Community Fair in the afternoon—bringing together the entire school, from EYFS to Secondary, for an inclusive and lively event. The fair offered fun games, creative activities, and the popular bake sale, held outside the reception area.
The bake sale was a highlight, featuring tables filled with homemade cakes, biscuits, and desserts. Thanks to the generosity of RPS families, the event raised valuable funds for the Vipeika Foundation, supporting educational projects at the RPS Nursery in Kenya.
“It was wonderful to see so many students and parents coming together to celebrate, have fun, and contribute to a meaningful cause,” shared by a member of the school community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, participated, organised, or joined us on the day. Your kindness, enthusiasm, and support made this Deer House Day truly special.
“Events like these remind us how powerful our shared values of cooperation, empathy, and kindness truly are,” said a school spokesperson.
The afternoon was filled with smiles and laughter, captured in these photographs.
Key Stage 1 Silly Sock Stomp
On Friday 10 October, KS1 children and staff held their annual ‘Silly Sock Stomp’. This is one of the highlights of the KS1 school calendar as we gather together to raise money for an important cause. The children excitedly arrived at school with decorated socks full of colour, accessories, bells and sparkle, ready to show them to their friends and participate in a morning of movement and fun. Mr. Brougham (the KS1 PE teacher) had organised an array of obstacle activities and challenges for the children to complete. The morning ended with a tug of war competition between the teachers and the children. In total, we raised just over 500 euros for the Vipeika Foundation to support RPS Nursery School in Kenya.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SECONDARY
Year 8 Residential trip to Gredos – learning, adventure and team spirit
At the end of September, our Year 8 students enjoyed an exciting three-day residential trip to Gredos, combining outdoor learning, scientific exploration, and plenty of teamwork.
The adventure began on Wednesday with a high mountain walk through the stunning Gredos Natural Park. Guided by geography specialists, students learnt about the park’s unique landscape, the ecosystems, and the importance of environmental conservation. After settling into their accommodation and receiving a few orientation guidelines, the day concluded with a fun-filled treasure hunt, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
Thursday offered a full day of hands-on learning and discovery. Through both Biology and Geography sessions, students explored a wide range of topics — from ecosystems, habitats, and food chains to renewable energies and meteorology. The Freshwater Survey, which involved identifying aquatic invertebrates, proved to be a highlight of the day. Between activities, the students also enjoyed a lively Food Chain Game, along with team-building exercises and even a session of archery, blending education with outdoor adventure.
The trip concluded on Friday morning with more team-building games and archery before sharing an early lunch at the Gredos Centre.
Throughout the trip, students demonstrated enthusiasm, curiosity, and great team spirit. It was a memorable experience that strengthened friendships, deepened their understanding of natural science and geography, and reminded everyone how much learning can happen beyond the classroom walls.
IGCSE students take learning beyond the classroom in Sierra de Gredos
As part of their IGCSE studies, students recently embarked on an enriching field trip to the stunning Sierra de Gredos, where they combined academic learning with practical, hands-on experience.
The programme was designed to support both Geography and Biology coursework through a range of field-based investigations. Pupils carried out detailed river surveys, conducted comparisons between freshwater habitats, and explored the impact of tourism on the local environment. These activities not only deepened their understanding of key curriculum topics but also strengthened their analytical and research skills in real-world contexts.
In addition to the academic focus, the trip encouraged the development of CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) values. Students demonstrated environmental responsibility by taking part in trail clean-up projects, promoting care and respect for natural spaces while making a tangible contribution to the preservation of the area.
The experience concluded with a challenging and enjoyable orienteering session, during which pupils applied their map and compass skills to navigate through the natural landscape of Sierra de Gredos.
The trip proved to be a truly rewarding experience, offering valuable opportunities for academic growth, personal development, and teamwork — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Spain’s most beautiful mountain regions.
A joyful journey into the world of clowning with Fausto Ansaldi
This October, students from Years 8, 9 and 10 took part in an inspiring clowning workshop led by a visiting specialist. Through creative exercises and improvisation, they explored expression, imagination and the art of authentic performance.
The Year 10 IGCSE Drama class enjoyed an extended session focused on developing stage presence, spontaneity and confidence. They discovered that clowning is much more than comedy — it is a powerful artistic practice that encourages self-awareness, creativity and connection.
The day was a great success, filled with laughter, teamwork and artistic growth. Students and teachers alike left energised and inspired, celebrating the joy of learning through play and performance.
Mr Conway attends the prestigious CST Conference, bringing fresh insights to our Richmond Park School Community
Mr Conway represented our school last week at the annual Confederation of School Trusts (CST) Conference, held in Birmingham in the UK. The event brought together educational leaders from across the globe to explore innovative strategies for school improvement, leadership development, and student success.
Mr Conway’s participation marks a significant step in Richmond Park School’s commitment to continuous growth and international collaboration. The conference featured keynote speakers, including the Secretary of State for Education in the UK, the Chair of OFSTED and many other senior leaders of education in the UK, panel discussions, and workshops focused on topics such as curriculum innovation, safeguarding, governance, and the future of education in a rapidly changing world, including the safe use of AI.
Speaking after the event, Mr Conway highlighted the value of connecting with other school leaders and gaining insights into best practices from high-performing UK schools. “The CST Conference was a powerful opportunity to reflect on what’s working in education and how we can adapt those ideas to benefit our students and staff at Richmond Park,” he said.
Richmond Park School continues to position itself as a forward-thinking institution, and Mr Conway’s attendance at the CST Conference reinforces its dedication to educational excellence and global engagement.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE IB CENTRE
A warm welcome for our first IB cohort
After a lovely summer break, we were delighted to begin the 2025–26 academic year by welcoming the students of our first ever IB cohort — an exciting milestone for our school community.
To mark the occasion, parents and guardians were invited to an informal gathering held on Thursday, 11 September, in the Performance Centre. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to be the first to visit our state-of-the-art new IB Centre and to meet some of the teachers who will be guiding students through this enriching academic journey.
The event was a great success, filled with enthusiasm, engaging conversations, and a shared sense of pride in this new chapter for our school. Parents enjoyed exploring the new facilities, learning more about the IB programme, and connecting with staff and fellow families.
We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making this celebration such a memorable and positive start to the year. We look forward to the exciting months ahead as our IB students continue to grow, learn, and inspire.
IB students receive a visit from Hallate
On Friday 19 September, we welcomed Fatima Muguiro and Aurina Delgado from the Hallate organisation to speak with Year 12 IB students regarding their CAS opportunities.
Hallate is a social enterprise that connects young people in Madrid with volunteering organisations around the city. They shared their work and the experiences of young people who had undertaken the various volunteering activities.
If you’d like to find out more, follow Hallate on Instagram or have a look at their webpage. This was a wonderful opportunity for our IB students to learn more about the service possibilities that could be undertaken in their CAS journey.
Inspirational talk with Eva Longoria, partner and director of the Rockwell Group studio in Madrid
Our Year 12 students had an inspiring opportunity this week as we welcomed Eva Longoria, Partner and Studio Leader of Rockwell Group’s Madrid office, for a special talk. The session aimed to motivate students to pursue their passions and offered valuable insights into the world of architecture and interior design.
Eva shared her professional journey and discussed how creativity, dedication, and curiosity shape successful design careers. Students were highly engaged throughout the talk and left feeling inspired to explore their own interests and future paths.
It was an enriching experience for everyone involved.
University Fair
RPS is very proud to have hosted the British Universities Fair, a major educational event that brought together over 45 of the most prestigious academic institutions from the United Kingdom.
Many of these universities are ranked among the top 20 nationally, with several even appearing in the UK’s top 10. Notable participants included universities like Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Warwick, Edinburgh, Kings College London- renowned for their academic excellence and global reputation.
The fair welcomed more than 300 students from other schools, accompanied by their teachers, making it a valuable inter-school gathering. RPS had the exclusive opportunity for our students in Years 10, 11, and 12 to visit the exhibition. Year 12 students, in particular, benefited from highly personalised attention, receiving tailored guidance on academic programs, admission requirements, and funding opportunities.
Networking cocktail at the British Embassy
On Wednesday, 15 October, our Career Adviser and our Director of Strategic Development attended a networking cocktail organised by the British Embassy. The event gathered representatives from various UK universities and educational institutions to promote collaboration and exchange valuable insights.
Participating in this event was an excellent opportunity to build connections and gather updated information about university programs and admission processes, which will help RPS provide more accurate and personalised guidance to our students.
The timing was ideal, as the following day our school proudly hosted the British University Fair, welcoming several of these representatives on campus.
SPORTS
First Basketball match vs. Fuentelarreyna
Our basketball teams’ pre-season friendlies are underway, with our players performing well. The work done over the last three weeks is paying off. The highlights have been our two newcomers, Ian and Bruno, scoring baskets and the leadership shown by the more established members of the teams.
Richmond Park School enjoy strong pre-season friendlies
All three Alevin teams were in action on Saturday as Richmond Park School played a series of friendlies to prepare for the new season.
The Alevin girls started brightly with a 4-1 win over St George School, showing great teamwork and attacking intent. The Alevin Year 6 side followed with a 4-2 victory against Escuela Hortaleza, a positive display full of energy and goals. Finally, the Alevin Year 7 team produced a dominant 8-0 performance, rounding off a very encouraging day.
Plenty of positives to build on – well done to all players involved!
Year 4 football fixture vs Dallington
On Monday 6 October all Year 4 students from Richmond Park participated in a football event with children from Dallington School. The children played several friendly matches to develop teamwork and participation amongst girls and boys. There were some excellent performances from the Year 4 children and lots of exciting matches. This was also the first time the Year 7 and 8 Sports Leaders refereed the games. They did a really good job and should be very proud. We are really looking forward to many more opportunities for our Sports Leaders to help run and organise sporting events at Richmond Park. We would like to thank Dallington for coming to our school and we hope there are many more events in the future.
Cricket competition
On Friday 10 October, our Year 7 and 8 students took part in a Madrid Schools Cricket competition hosted by St George´s School. Students have worked hard on their batting, fielding and gameplay skills in their PE lessons this term which meant that this competition 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 Team came away as overall winners. After winning all of their games. Big well done to Alex and Guillermo who were chosen as players player and managers player of the match.
We are very proud of all who took part!
Year 7, Year 8 & Year 9 cricket unit
Over the past few weeks, our Year 7, 8, and 9 students have been busy with their cricket unit in PE. During this time, they demonstrated incredible teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as developing their batting, bowling, and fielding skills. To wrap up the unit, we held an interhouse competition featuring our four houses: Fox, Owl, Deer, and Badger. The energy was exciting as students competed strongly, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm on the field.
Sports Leaders
This term our PE team has launched the Sports Leaders programme for students in Year 7 to Year 11.The students had to apply for this role explaining why they are a suitable Sports Leader. The Sports Leaders are going to have an active role in helping support different sporting events at Richmond Park. They are also going to be in charge of running lunchtime sports clubs in the sports hall for different year groups. The Year 7 and 8 Sports Leaders have already supported at the Year 4 football tournament against Dallington. This event was ran very successfully with the help of the Sports Leaders organising teams and helping to referee. We are excited for the next opportunity for the Sports Leaders to assist at future events. We would like to say a big well done to all the Sports Leaders and thank them for their support within team PE so far.
BISSL Football at RPS
On Wednesday 15 October and Thursday 16 October Richmond Park hosted the first BISSL (British International School Sports League) tournaments of the year. The Year 6 girls and boys tournament took place on Wednesday. This was a fantastic tournament with both the Year 6 girls and boys team winning the tournament. The Year 7 and 8 girls and boys tournament took place on Thursday. This was another fantastic tournament with the Year 7 and 8 girls and boys team narrowly missing out on first place and finishing second behind Dallington. We want to congratulate all the 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.
Staff Sports
This term the PE department have launched a staff sports event once a month on Friday afterschool. This is an opportunity for all staff members at Richmond Park to come together and participate in a wide variety of different sports.
The first one took place on Friday 10 October and twelve teachers participated. They took part in a very intense rounders match. The two team captains were Ms Young and Ms Brosnan. Ms Brosnan´s team took the win with a 5 rounder lead. We are really looking forward to the next one and encourage all teachers to come and try it out.
Stairs Challenge
The week of the 20 October Richmond Park was holding the first health and wellbeing initiative. The aim of this initiative is for staff and students to participate in activities that promote healthy active lifestyles outside of PE lessons and competitive sport.
The first challenge was a stairs challenge. Upper KS2 and KS3 staff and students need to record the number of stairs they climb from Monday 20 October to period 8 on Friday 24 October (PSHE and golden time). There were merits awarded for the top 3 students in each tutor group. Tutors recorded final stair count during PSHE and golden time on Friday 24 October.
