

RTS Parents' Newsletter
14 February 2025
Head Teacher's Message
We have come to the end of the first Spring half term and hopefully the sunshine will continue into the half term break. The sun was a very welcome sight today and I have certainly been enjoying the noticeably lighter evenings when the students leave school.
As Mr Briggs has already said in his email to you - thank you for your support with our uniform checks this week. It may seem like a minor matter, but uniform standards do set the whole tone and attitude of the school and signal a preparedness to learn.
He will write to you again before the start of the second Spring half term with our expectations and focus for the coming weeks.
Wishing you a restful and enjoyable half-term break whatever you choose or are able to do.
~Ms K Dooley | Head Teacher
Excellence Through Endeavour
Speak Out Challenge
Throwing it back to the Year 10 Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge - The external facilitators nominated one student from each class as the best speaker.
The winners were:
- 10 Anderson - Lucas, Shuaib and Erika;
- 10 Berner's Lee - Huw and Jia-Yun;
- 10 Madiba - William, Mollie-Rae and Elsie;
- 10 Shakespeare - Euan and Chris; and
- 10 Stoop - Dylan B and Sophia.
Well done to every student involved for your participation and support and encouragement of each other.
Spotlight On...
University of Oxford - Year 10
A group of Year 10 students recently embarked on an exciting and inspiring trip to the University of Oxford, an experience that left a lasting impression on everyone involved. The visit provided a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of higher education and gain insight into what it takes to get into one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
During the trip, students participated in a taster session focused on the application process for Oxford University, where they learned about the steps involved in becoming a successful applicant. This session provided valuable advice on how to strengthen their university applications, including tips on personal statements, entrance exams, and interviews.
In addition, the students attended an engaging session on the Humanities and Arts, where they explored subjects such as history, philosophy, and literature. This session sparked new ideas and encouraged students to think critically about the importance of the humanities in shaping society.
The day was made even more memorable with a complimentary lunch that offered a delicious and nourishing menu. Students enjoyed Teriyaki Salmon with Jasmine Rice, a flavorful and healthy main course, followed by a rich and indulgent sticky toffee pudding for dessert — adding a sweet note to the day.
Overall, the trip to Oxford was a life-changing experience for the Year 10 students, opening their eyes to the possibilities of higher education and inspiring them to work hard toward achieving their academic goals. It was an unforgettable day filled with new knowledge, inspiration, and the excitement of envisioning their futures at one of the world’s top universities.
Old Operating Theatre Trip - Year 8
In English lessons, Year 8 students are currently studying the novel Sawbones by Catherine Johnson. The novel explores the way medical surgeries were carried out in the 1800s, as a young surgeon’s apprentice seeks to solve a mysterious crime. We took students to the Old Operating Theatre to learn more about surgery and how doctors studied cadavers to learn about the anatomy of the human body. We then took students on a scavenger hunt to discover famous landmarks in London. Altogether students had a lovely day out in London!
National Apprenticeship Week
RTS students have had a range of information and guidance about the apprenticeship pathway this week in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week. KS4 students have had the opportunity to sign up for webinars and presentations across different industries to hear about real life apprenticeship experiences. KS3 students have had Bitesize guidance each morning this week to start learning about the apprenticeship pathway.
For more information, there are some useful resources on the BBC Bitesize Careers that you may find useful to explore with your child.
Parent Zone
- Reminder - Monday 24 February is an INSET Day. School is closed to Y7-10 students on this day for staff training. Year 11 students are in school for intensive GCSE revision sessions.
- Year 9 parents - Y9 Parent Consultation is on Wednesday 26 February, an email with the booking link was sent out last week. A reminder that school will close early at 15:00 for all students across the school.
Try Jerk!
We are excited to announce that on Saturday 22 February, Chef Laurie & Assistant Rano will be on the school site serving up everyone's favourite Jerk Chicken and Mac n'Cheese! They will be based just inside the school gate, near the car park, and will be selling food pre-rugby, 15:30-17:00 (England v Scotland, kick off 16:45).
Please spread the word around the local community and if you are interested in picking up some food on Saturday (even if you aren't going to the rugby!), please complete this pre-order form so we know how much to prepare!
Help support RTS!
Friends of RTS (FoRTS)
Pre-loved uniform: upcoming sales for your dairy
A reminder of upcoming pre-loved uniform sales:
Please see the dates below - Fridays 2:30-4pm - PLEASE NOTE: no entry into the school until 2.30pm - please access the Atrium via the Main Reception entrance only there are extra-curricular events happening elsewhere in school. The FoRTS banner will be up to show you where the entrance is!
21 March
16 May
20 June
These will be held in the Atrium of the school. Please pay by card wherever possible but we will also accept cash.
Rugby car park marshalling
Last weekend, we achieved our highest fundraising amount to date, raising over £3,000 through our school car parking initiative for rugby fans.
This incredible success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our parent volunteers. To those of you who have contributed this academic year and in previous years, we extend our heartfelt thanks.
Our student volunteers have also been remarkable, and for those in Year 9 and above, your participation counts towards your Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
If you would like to join the parking marshalling team click this link - they are very professional and always have a laugh Join the FoRTS Car Parking Team
Easyfundraising
Please take a minute out of your day to register for Easyfundraising.
We have registered Friends of Richmond upon Thames School with #easyfundraising, which means over 7,500 brands will now donate to us for FREE every time you use easyfundraising to shop with them.
These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE. Sign up here: Easyfundraising
FoRTS Volunteering
We do have a lovely small team of volunteers and do have fun especially with the rugby parking marshalling Join the FoRTS Car Parking Team
We are seeking a Treasurer to shadow our current Treasurer this year, with a full-time start next academic year. If you are interested in learning more about this role, please contact Carmelle.
All processes are already in place, so there is no additional work involved. The responsibilities include totaling any money raised, sending it to the bank, and providing termly updates on funds raised and spent.
All the above and more cannot be done without your help so please look to donate a couple of hours of your time when requested.
Join FoRTS by clicking here. It’s as simple as that!
Your FoRTS team,
Carmelle (Chair and Acting Secretary) and Jason & Somi (Treasurers)
General: forts@rts.richmond.sch.uk
Parking: fortsparking@rts.richmond.sch.uk
Safeguarding
If you have concerns in relation to a student at RTS or indeed with regards to your own child, you may want to contact Single Point of Access (SPA) which acts as a central information hub for all professional agencies in Kingston and Richmond.
Richmond and Kingston SPA
The SPA phone lines are now open as follows:
Monday-Thursday 08.00-17.15 and Friday 08.00-17.00 - the phone number during these times is 020 8547 5008
Out of hours: 020 8770 5000
Hounslow Early Help Assessment
Telephone number: 020 8583 6600
Out of hours: 020 8583 2222
Email: earlyhelp@hounslow.gov.uk
NSPCC:
Speak to a counsellor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone number: 0808 800 5000, or text 88858
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Signvideo using British Sign Language (Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm)
Terms Dates 2024-2025
Full-term dates and Inset day information is available on the school's website:
Spring Term 1: Monday 06 January 2025-Friday 14 February 2025
Spring Term 2: INSET DAY: Monday 24 February, Students: Tuesday 25 February-Friday 04 April
Parent Calendar Summary
Please find the Parent Calendar Summary for 2024-2025. Please check this regularly as some dates and times may be adjusted throughout the year.
Local News - Please note RTS does not endorse items included as Local News
Mega Skip Day!
Following last year’s successful programme, Richmond Council is continuing to host a series of mega skip days in each area of the borough during 2025, where local residents can get rid of bulky unwanted items for free.
The mega skip next Saturday 15 February will be placed in your community at the junction of Andover Road and Meadway, from 9am to 12pm. Residents can bring loads of things, like furniture or mattresses, electrical appliances, black bags, etc. Items are then recycled. Any furniture that’s brought and still in good condition is taken by local charity Richmond Furniture Scheme, who upcycle second-hand furniture and sell on for a discount.
Netball Coach UK are running a February half term and Easter holiday netball camp in the Richmond Upon Thames area.
The Tween Tribe is an award winning tween only (10-13) kids club - Our mission is to get tweens off screens & safely exploring the real world, providing a gateway to independence, adventure & some unforgettable experiences!
Barracudas
We know that many children from local schools love attending our holiday activity camps, and we’re delighted to offer a special discount for your families. Parents can use your school’s exclusive code SCHOOL20 at checkout to receive an extra £20 off when they book a minimum of 2 days!
Even better, we’ve extended our lowest weekly rates for Easter and weekly and daily rates for summer, giving families the chance to save up to £100 per week! With flexible payment options, including Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers, and interest-free monthly instalments, it’s the perfect time to book.
Dramacube
Join us for musical theatre magic in Agrabah, at Harvard Law School, and down in Wonderland!
Tickets for our sensational Spring term productions - Aladdin JR and Legally Blonde JR - go on sale next week. Plus, Early Birds can save on our Alice in Wonderland-inspired Easter workshops.
Our shows and holiday workshops get booked up fast. Keep reading to make sure you don’t miss out on what’s set to be a spectacular Spring term finale!
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Early Birds Save 10%
This Easter, 5-7 and 8-12 year olds can enjoy 3 days of musical theatre fun, inspired by the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland!
Filled with singing, performing, games, and creative activities, these fantastical workshops culminate in a mini-showcase for families to enjoy.
Hampton Hill - 7th to 9th April
Walton on Thames - 14th to 16th April
Save 10% when you book a place before the 9th of March 2025.
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Be One Jump Ahead
Join us at the Hampton Hill Theatre from 15th to 22nd March for our enchanting production of Aladdin JR.
This vibrant show, full of magic and wonder will be brought to life by the incredible talents of our young performers, aged 8 to 12.
Don’t miss out on being part of this spell-binding, fun-filled musical adventure!
Tickets go on sale 10am 14th February!
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Bend, Snap & Save The Date.
Get ready to be dazzled as our award-winning Youth Theatre takes to the stage on 23rd & 24th March to perform the high-energy, feel-good musical Legally Blonde JR!
With catchy songs, heart-warming moments, empowering storyline, and plenty of pink, it's a show you won't want to miss!
Tickets go on sale 10am 14th February!
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Perform With Us Next Term
We'll shortly be announcing our exciting Summer term production and we'd love your young performer to join us.
Stay signed up to our newsletter to be notified when our cast lists open.