Learning for the future and from the past

Ideas

Mission

Learning for the future,
learning from the past.

Richmond Park School is an educational centre focusing on the academic and holistic development of each student. Core moral and ethical values such as respect, kindness and integrity underpin our working philosophy which, together with our broad, rigorous and challenging curriculum, empower our students to fulfil their potential through the acquisition of high-level knowledge, understanding and skills.

Within this carefully structured, effective framework, our students develop into creative, independent and reflective thinkers, ultimately becoming valued professionals and individuals capable of taking the lead in their own lives as well as making a positive and effective contribution to the world.

Vision

To create an ideal environment for the development and learning of children from 2 - 18 years old.

To be the best place to enjoy learning.

To become a key reference amongst British schools.

To achieve a unique identity for our students and staff.

For the whole school community to be proud of the school and to value and support its mission.

Values

In order to ensure our vision is put into practice, Richmond Park School has defined the following approaches to learning:

Our pupils will learn according to a curriculum firmly based on the English National Curriculum, significantly extended through global topics and projects.
Our teachers will dedicate time and pay special attention to global knowledge, thinking skills, communication skills, mindfulness and personal integrity through the curriculum and special projects.
Our pupils will also learn and develop through co-curricular experiences, which provide different contexts for learning, reinforce other skills and provide a wider understanding; for example, of other people, different environments and different cultures.
Our teachers will ensure that pupils have a strong knowledge base, but will also reinforce the development of their comprehension, abilities and skills, adapting what they have learnt to real life situations.
During the learning process, we shall stimulate the pupils appropriately and realistically, and we set high expectations.
We shall help the pupils to think, act creatively and reflect on their learning.
We shall efficiently and continuously assess, record and report the pupils’ progress in all educational aspects.
Each child will receive care and support in terms of personal, social, emotional and academic development.
We shall help the pupils develop strong moral and ethical values, and the desire to help and support others.
Assessment will be continuous and constructive, defining the next steps in pupils’ learning.
Personal and academic achievement will be recognised and celebrated.
We shall create a structured system for the pupils’ additional learning needs, which includes early identification, continuous monitoring, planned intervention, and reviews.
In all its educational work, this school will highlight the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and keeping fit. We shall provide a wide range of options so the pupils can actively participate in sports activities, as well as specific and high-performance training for those who request it.
The school will raise far greater awareness of environmental issues and ecological lifestyles and organise collective efforts to solve problems or support communities.

Curriculum

Joy in learning

Richmond Park School offers a curriculum based on the English National Curriculum but significantly broadened by the inclusion of co-curriculum subjects such as communication and thinking skills. We want our students to be fully prepared for a fast-changing world both 'Learning for the future, learning from the past'.

While traditional values and approaches support our broad and rigorous academic programme, our co-curriculum extends and enriches learning experiences, providing academic excellence and sound personal and inter-personal skills. This programme, together with our emphasis on good health and well-being ensures our students are well prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century and life beyond school.

The first three years

The youngest children need opportunities to develop their self-confidence socially and emotionally by meeting new challenges on a daily basis in a safe and stimulating environment. Children are encouraged to be curious and creative through active and varied learning opportunities both inside and out in the fresh air.

Pre-Nursery2 to 3 years

A British programme is provided, based on the 0-5 years learning programme:

Emotional and social development
Learning basic routines and developing autonomy and independence
Becoming familiar with English through stories, songs, games and art activities

Nursery 3 to 4 years

Reception 4 to 5 years

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is introduced. Areas of Learning:

Communication and language
Physical development
Personal, social and emotional development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the world
Expressive arts and design

Primary

Enthusiasm for learning is encouraged through a wide variety of teaching approaches that include investigation and discovery, questioning and creative responses.

Academic and personal learning are consolidated and extended during the Primary years. Students are encouraged to be independent learners and also to work co-operatively with others. We expect our pupils to show an increasing awareness of the world community and their own social responsibility as they move on to Secondary education.

The next six years are divided into two
stages as follows:

Key Stage 1 - Years 1 and 2 (5 to 7 years old)
Key Stage 2 - Years 3 to 6 (6 to 11 years old)
Years 3 and 4 are referred to as Lower Key Stage 2
Years 5 and 6 are referred to as Upper Key Stage 2

The curriculum for these Key Stages is based on the National Curriculum for England with the inclusion of the official Spanish language and humanities (Conocimiento del Medio)

Subject Areas:

Literacy (core subject)
Maths (core subject)
Science
Computing
Geography
History
Art and Design
Music
PE
PSHE
Spanish

The core subjects are taught discretely while others are integrated within our topics.

We recognise that young people develop with different needs and progress at different rates. We aim to recognise, encourage and support such as for dyslexia and also those who are particularly able or gifted.

Secondary

In the secondary school, we aim to provide continuity and progression from the primary section. It is vital that students keep learning in creative, varied and stimulating ways. They have to be motivated and curious, wanting to discover more knowledge and ideas, finding new ways to think and resolve problems, working together, listening to, and learning from each other. Above all, students must never lose the joy of learning, even when they face the challenge of external examinations.

We provide a broad and balanced curriculum, complemented by co- curricular themes such as communication and thinking skills. Students are well prepared for the multiple opportunities and challenges of modern society.

Key Stage 3 curriculum:

English language and literature
Mathematics
Science
Spanish studies
Computing
Geography
History
Art and design
Music
Physical education
PSHE

Key Stage 4 curriculum:

English language and literature
Mathematics
Science (3 sciences)
Spanish studies
Physical education
2 optional subjects

Students usually study seven obligatory subjects and two optional subjects, leading to examination at the level of International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

Post 16- onwards to University

At Richmond Park School we will be offering courses that enable our students to progress to the best Universities within Spain and internationally. Many of our teachers have previously taught UK A Levels and / or the International Baccalaureate and we are working to develop our exciting and engaging post 16 offer.

We will be planning to include the following subjects in our offer for students after they complete IGCSEs:

English
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Spanish
French
Geography
Sports Science
Business Studies
Art and Visual Studies

Richmond Park School SIXTH Form Centre

Why should you choose RPS Sixth Form Centre?

At RPS we are striving to become a reference school in all aspects of education, in all key stages of a student’s academic journey, and particularly now as we open our post 16 provision – RPS Sixth Form Centre. Our commitment to developing excellence is evident in our new Sixth Form Centre (6FC), we realise the importance of this last phase of our students education as they prepare to enter some of the top universities internationally. The owners, senior leaders and every staff member share our vision of “making sure every child meets their full potential and is ready to become a happy citizen that can contribute positively to the future world in which they will be living”.

With our experienced and greatly talented team of professionals, we have teachers who understand very well the impact they need to have on students in order to obtain the best outcomes for them. We have recruited and retained well trained and experienced teachers and ensured the school has provided them with all the resources and equipment needed to make sure all students can meet their ambitions and expectations. Our commitment is evident in our state-of-the-art new building, strategically annexed to the existing secondary section which provides a personalised 600m² structure with a modern style where students can have a fantastic Young Adult Experience (YAE) before they enter university. Our design is comfortable, business oriented and equipped with the latest technology so that that our Sixth Form Centre will provide everything that the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme requires for the successful education of our students.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is increasingly recognised as one of the most comprehensive and robust educational qualifications available globally. For students at British schools in Spain, the IB offers numerous advantages that make it an excellent choice, which is why we chose to work towards being able to offer the IB at Richmond Park School.

The IB Diploma Programme is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, which challenge students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students who undertake the IB are exposed to a curriculum that encourages depth and breadth of knowledge. The program requires students to study six subjects across different disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded education.

These subjects include:

Languages

Spanish
English
French

Social sciences:

Business Management
Geography
History

Art subjects:

Visual Arts

Science and mathematical subjects:

Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Computer Science
Sports and Health Science

Furthermore, the IB emphasises independent research through its Extended Essay, a 4,000-word research paper on a topic of the student’s choice. This component develops essential academic skills, such as formulating research questions, conducting independent research, and presenting findings coherently. For our students, these skills are invaluable, as they prepare them for the demands of higher education and professional environments, where such abilities are highly prized.

One of the key strengths of the IB Diploma is its holistic approach to education, which aligns well with contemporary educational philosophies in British Schools. The program does not solely focus on academic achievements but also on the personal development of students. The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. This is achieved through the program’s core components: the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

The TOK course encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. This course is particularly beneficial for students as it promotes critical thinking and philosophical inquiry, encouraging them to question and understand different perspectives. CAS, on the other hand, requires students to engage in various extracurricular activities, fostering personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning. By participating in creative projects, physical activities, and community service, our students develop a sense of social responsibility and a balanced lifestyle, which are crucial for their overall well-being.

The IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide, including top institutions in Spain, Europe and beyond. This international recognition provides students with a competitive edge when applying to universities, both domestically and internationally. Spanish universities, such as the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and the Universidad de Barcelona, acknowledge the rigor and comprehensive nature of the IB, often offering special admission considerations for IB graduates.

We are excited to be a new IB centre in Madrid.

Meet our team

Meet our team: enrolment in the full diploma

Richmond Park School will enrol students who agree to commence the Full Diploma Programme:

3 subjects at SL

3 subjects at HL

Diploma Programme Core

Theory of Knowledge
Creativity, Activity, Service
Extended Essay

Group 1

STUDIES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Is the study of literature in a student's first language, including the study of selections of world literature

Group 2

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Emphasizes language acquisition and use in a range of context and for different purposes

Group 3

INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES

Provides for the development of a critical appreciation of human experience and behavior, the varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit and the history of social and cultural institutions

Group 4

SCIENCES

Consists of subjects such as biology, chemistry, computer science, sports science and physics. Each of these subjects contains a body of knowledge together with scientific methods and techniques which students are required to learn and apply

Group 5

MATHEMATICS

Enables students to develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles; develop logical, critical and creative thinking; employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization. Students are also encouraged to appreciate international dimensions of mathematics and the multiplicity of its cultural and historical perspectives

Group 6

THE ARTS

Includes visual arts. These subjects allow a high degree of adaptability to different cultural contexts with the emphasis on creativity in the context of disciplines, practical research into the relevant genres

Teachers

Michael Connolly

Mathematics

Bachelor of Science (Hons) -University of Galway, Ireland

Alice Orton

Music

Bachelor in Geography – University of Bristol

Master in Psychology of Music in Education -University of Sheffield

Andrei Clark

PE

Bachelor of Education (Hons) Secondary Education and Physical Education - University of St Marks & St John.

Nuno Novo

Sports, Exercise & Health Science

Bachelor in Physical Education (Hons) - University of Coimbra

Master in International Education and IB teaching and learning - University Camilo José Cela

Benjamin Bird

Pastoral

PGCE Secondary in MFL - Roxhampton University

Combined Honours in Spanish & French BA - University of Exeter

Gregory Williams

Art

Art Bachelor of Arts (Hons) – Ravensbourne College of Art

Master in International Education and Leadership – Endicott College

Karen Prentice

Business Studies

Bachelor or Art (Hons) in English Literature & PgDp Journalism - University of Stirling

PGCE - University of Southampton

Kathryn Slack

Science Bachelor

in Biology and Movement Studies (Hons) – St. Mary’s College, University of Surrey

Leyre Chueca

Computing

Bachelor in Engineering and Agronomic Science – University Politécnica de Madrid

Master in Educational technology and digital skills – University of La Rioja

Mª José Jorge

French

Bachelor in Spanish, Literature and Foreign Civilization – University of Dijon

Petrina de Gouttes

English

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (Hons) - University of Reading

Rebecca Dodds

Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in History & Theology/Religious Studies - University of Surrey

Postgraduate Certification in Education - University of Exeter

Rosa Martínez

Science

Bachelor in Biology – University of Alicante

Course in Pedagogical Aptitude – University of Elche

Sam Zeito

Science

Bachelor in Aeronautical Engineering – Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm

Master of education in Mathematics and Physics – University of Stockholm

Susana García

Spanish

Spanish Bachelor & Master in History (Hons) - University of Sevilla

Postgraduate – Teacher of Spanish as a second language – Pablo de Olavide University. Teacher qualification for Spanish Language & Literature

Luisa Lovelle

Careers Advisor

Bachelor in Law - Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Bachelor in Law – Universitá di Parma

Master in Politics, Economics and Community law – Collegio Europeo di Parma

Carmen Vicaría

Spanish studies

Spanish studies Degree in English Education – University of Cordoba

Master’s degree for English Professional Qualification – Universidad de Cordoba

Clara Gómez

Lab technician

Bachelor in Science (Hons) – in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology with Industrial/Professional Experience - University of Manchester

Master in Research and Integrative Neuroscience -University of Edinburgh

Facilities

ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT
Contact details:

Nieves Norris
Telf.: +34 677.25.78.68
Email: info@richmondpark.school

Requirements for entry

At Richmond Park School we aim to offer an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to our students who wish to continue their studies at the end of Secondary School IGCSE Year 11.

The requirements for our current Y11 students are slightly different than for students coming from another school.

Richmond Park School student requirements:

Enrol in the Baccalaureate by selecting appropriately the subjects of the list offered by the school (prior knowledge in Science, languages and Mathematics subjects will be taken into account).
Students to have passed the Spanish Secondary Programme (ESO) and hold 5 IGCSE qualifications.
Minimum entry requirements –Cs in English Lang & Maths plus 3 Bs in other subjects.
Min. B in Maths for Maths HL. Min. BB in Combined Science for Biology or Chemistry HL. Min. BB in Coordinated Science and B in Maths for Physics HL
Show an academic and personal school trajectory in accordance with the philosophy of the IBO.
Age between 16 and 18 years old.

Students who come from a Spanish or other international school:

Enrol in the Baccalaureate by properly selecting the subjects from the list offered by the school.
Have passed the approved the Spanish Compulsory Secondary Education program or the equivalent secondary education program from their country of origin. Where IGCSEs are taken then the student must meet minimum entry requirements –Cs in English Lang & Maths plus 3 Bs in other subjects. Min. B in Maths for Maths HL. Min. BB in Combined Science for Biology or Chemistry HL. Min. BB in Coordinated Science and B in Maths for Physics HL
Prove a good level of English (first certificate or Advanced Cambridge) or, failing that, take an oral and written test at our school.
Pass a maths test to assess the student's level in this subject.
Submit a letter of application and a positive set of references from previous school(s).
Show an academic and personal school trajectory in accordance with the philosophy of the IBO.
Complete a successful interview with the IB Coordinator, the Secondary Leader, including meeting the student's parents or guardians.
Age between 16 and 18 years old.

IMPORTANT - Admission of Students with ALN:

Students with Additional Learning Needs will be able to access the IB at Richmond Park School, as long as they meet the requirements established by the IB Organisation for these cases, and the general conditions indicated for all students. More detail is in our Access and Inclusion Policy.

Richmond Park School is a candidate school for the Diploma Programme. This school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy -a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Richmond Park School believes is important for our students.
Only schools authorised by the IB Organisation can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.

2025/26 Sixth form scholarships

2025/26 Sixth Form scholarships

We are happy to announce the following three scholarships (not full scholarships) that will be granted to our first cohort of sixth form students, this is a sum of money that can help students and their family towards their future studies awarded at the end of the IB Diploma programme.

Once students have completed the 2-year programme (Years 12 & 13) at RPS at the end of June 2027, in their graduation ceremony and according to their success within the IB Diploma programme (overall IB score and participation in activities such as CAS), we will be giving out the following 3 scholarships:

Golden Sixth Form student: 30% of full tuition (not including any extras) according to RPS official fees for Yr 12 & 13 back to the family as a bank cheque.
Silver Sixth Form student: 20% of full tuition (not including any extras) according to RPS official fees for Yr 12 & 13 back to the family as a bank cheque.
Bronze Sixth Form student: 10% of full tuition (not including any extras) according to RPS official fees for Yr 12 & 13 back to the family as a bank cheque.

This will be officially reviewed on the third term of the academic year 2025/26 in order to make a revised scholarship offer to our second cohort, who will be starting Year 12 in 2026/27.

CO - Curriculum

Sustainable development goals

Co-curricular projects and experiences sit alongside the main curriculum and provide greater breadth and depth.

Our sustainability programme is a perfect example of how Richmond Park School will enable our pupils to know and understand so much more about the world. Over the years, they will participate actively and creatively in integrated projects based on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In the second and third terms of our initial academic year, pupils will focus on the themes of water, energy, and peace. After that, the programme -gradually covering all the UN objectives-will be a permanent feature of the pupils’ education. In a deep sense they will develop their own inner sustainability, founded on key values, thoughtfulness, empathy and compassion, which will allow them to sustain other people and cultures, and the global environment.