RTS Parents' Newsletter

What a wonderfully busy two weeks we have had!

We kicked off our Open Events season with over 600 people attending our Open Evening on Wednesday. It is a privilege to open our doors and welcome in the community - be they Year 6 families, Year 5, or even those organised Year 4 families! It is a great opportunity for us to showcase our facilities and for staff to share what they love about their subject and how we teach at RTS. Our student ambassadors made us extremely proud with their excitement and maturity in engaging with families - from speaking during the Head Teacher's presentation, to school tours, to acting, baking, musical sessions; and of course speaking about their favourite subject in the classrooms. They represented our RTS Values with pride. The Science department certainly pulled out all the stops this year - and if you have arachnophobia, please be warned as Mr He brought in a couple of his 8-legged rather large furry friends and we've shared a photo below.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Ms Dooley | Head Teacher

We are delighted to share an email that we received from a member of the public - we know who the two students are but, one has requested to remain anonymous, so to avoid identification we are not disclosing either name. However, we are extremely proud of their selfless actions and for demonstrating the RTS Values.

I am writing to commend two of your pupils after their heroic actions this evening. Tonight a little spaniel dog went missing from Kneller Gardens. Her owner was distraught and had last seen her swimming off down the River Crane.

The pupils were walking their dogs and while in the playing fields by the recycling centre, they saw the dog deep in the water, in an area that is completely fenced off, desperately clawing to get out.

They sprang into action and went to help. They worked as an incredible team with one pupil taking his shoes off and entering into the water. He managed to scoop the dog up not realising how injured she was. It became clear that she was suffering from deep cuts to her paws which were bleeding profusely. She needed to desperately get to a vet. She was wet and cold, shaking and crying.

Your pupils, now soaking wet, carried the dog between them the whole way from the playing fields down to Twickenham Vets at the end of Second Cross Road! Together, they delivered a very poorly dog to the vet where she was swept up and taken straight in for emergency care. The owner met us at the vets and couldn't have been more grateful. They quite literally saved this dog's life.

I want to highly commend them for their teamwork and kindness tonight. They are a true credit to your school.

It's hard to believe that the brand new Year 7 cohort headed off in their entirety to Thames Young Mariners just two weeks ago! This is an annual tradition that students and teachers alike love! It's a fantastic opportunity to work with their new tutor group, make new friends, and enter into a little inter-house competitive spirit!

We are incredibly fortunate to have this site on our doorstep - The site was established 60 years ago and sits in 25 acres of parkland. Situated on the River Thames, between Richmond and Kingston, TYM features a superb 10-acre tidal lake that is perfect for water-based activities.

During the day the students were able to take part in activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, raft building; and also woodland skills activities which included; fire lighting, shelter building, and environmental games.

The weather always seems to hold out for us and students thoroughly enjoy getting stuck in and getting wet!

As Ms Dooley has mentioned - please skip this section if you have arachnophobia.

A reminder that Imago Photographers will be in school on Tuesday 29 September taking school photographs of Years 7, 9 and 11. Families in those year groups were emailed full details on 14 September.

Thank you in advance for your support in ensuring that the students attend school in full school uniform and looking smart.

Reminder - Year 11 Parent Consultation Evening on Wednesday 30 September.

Early finish at 15:00 for ALL year group students.

Stevensons in Twickenham will be closed for their annual stock-count on Monday 28 & Tuesday 29 September 2026. Any orders placed during this time will be fulfilled as soon as possible after reopening on Friday 02 October 2026 [they are closed on Wednesday 30 September and Thursday 01 October as per their normal operating hours].

• Full-term dates and Inset day information is available on the school's website:

  • Autumn Term 1 2026-2027: Wednesday 02 September-Friday 23 October

  • INSET Day: Friday 09 October - school closed to students

  • Autumn Term 2: Monday 09 November-Friday 18 December

Please find the Parent Calendar Summary for 2026-2027. Please check this regularly as some dates and times may be adjusted throughout the year.

Applications for Kingston University’s free Year 10 Saturday Club Programme open on Wednesday 16th September 2026.

In partnership with the National Saturday Club, Kingston University if offering two exciting opportunities for Year 10 students:

• Art & Design Saturday Club

• Science & Engineering Saturday Club

Both clubs are completely free for Year 10 students and take place on our Kingston University campus across 17-18 Saturdays from 16th January – 26th June 2027.

We’re looking for students with a strong interest in Science & Engineering or Art & Design. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to:

• Take part in hands-on practical workshops in our industry-standard facilities

• Work with expert tutors and academics

• Build creativity, confidence and subject knowledge in a university setting

• Gain valuable experience to support future study and career aspirations

  
  

Please find a PowerPoint presentation with full programme details: Kingston University Saturday Club Recruitment PowerPoint 2027

Information for students:

• Applications open on Wednesday 16th September 2026.
• Application link for students: https://data.heat.ac.uk/
• Applications close on Friday 23rd October 2026 at 6pm.

Please note that students may only apply to one club and successful applications are not based on ability but on who we believe will benefit most from the programme and their enthusiasm for the subject area. To ensure fair access, places may be prioritised for students from underrepresented groups.

We just wanted to remind you and your Year 11 students that applications for Esher Sixth Form College will close at midday on Tuesday 29 September 2026.

Students can submit their application via the online applicant portal on the Esher Sixth Form College website.

STCG Virtual Open Event for Parents and Carers: Post-16 Options Information for Applications for Academic Year 2027-28

We are delighted to also be offering a webinar for all parents and carers with children in Year 11. Our Schools Partnership Team will be sharing important information about post 16 courses, how to apply to a college course and what to expect throughout the process during their child's Year 11 journey, up until they eventually enrol in the next academic year. We would be grateful if you could share this with your Year 11 parents and carers, the link to register to attend can be found HERE. This online information evening is geared towards parents and carers, to inform and support their understanding of post 16 options and of college expectations. This virtual open event will take place on Microsoft Teams - joining instructions will be sent prior to the start date.

Now recruiting: Join our PTA Leadership Team!

We’re seeking committed parents who want to support our school, represent children’s voices, and help shape positive initiatives. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

It is also possible to join as a duo in any one of the roles if you would like to help but would like a partner in crime.

• Chair: Leads the committee and represents parents. Focus: meetings with Head, AGM, events, community and communication
• Secretary: Focus: newsletter, minutes, branding, uniform sales, event support
• Treasurer: Focus: budgets, payments, bank account, HMRC/Charity reporting, summaries

Please take the time to watch this video - then fill in this short form, and we will be in touch.

Contact me if you are interested forts@rts.richmond.sch.uk

Regards Carmelle (Chair)

Pre-loved uniform

We are looking for donations of good condition blazers, jumpers, skirts and game tops. If your child has outgrown any items please ask them to bring in to school and leave with reception.

We are NOT asking for trousers, shirts/blouses or white RTS PE tops.

We will be publishing our new sales dates very soon.

We accept card and cash payment.

FoRTS Volunteering

With your continued support, we can achieve even greater things for our children and their school. You really do make a difference and we certainly cannot do this without you.

If you would like to join this wonderful team click HERE to join the Whatsapp group.

Easyfundraising

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to Friends of RTS through #easyfundraising. Your support is invaluable in helping us achieve our mission.

If you haven't signed up yet, the process is simple and completely free. With over 8,100 brands participating, a percentage of your everyday online purchases will be donated to us—at no additional cost to you. Join us in making a meaningful impact today.

So far we have raised £1,463.17

Sign up here: Easyfundraising

Your FoRTS team,

Carmelle (Chair and Acting Secretary) and Pino (Treasurer)

General: forts@rts.richmond.sch.uk

Parking: fortsparking@rts.richmond.sch.uk

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)

Are looking for new Year 7 players. Many RTS students already play for the teams.

What?: Weekly Walking Football, where every session is packed with fun, fitness and friendly competition. Whether you are returning to the game or trying it for the first time, these sessions promise a lively, supportive atmosphere where you can connect with others at your own pace.

Who?: Walking Football is open to adults aged 18+ of any footballing ability or experience. Session are delivered by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust in partnership with Brentford FC.

Dates: Every Wednesday for 7 weeks, starting September 9th until 21st October

Time: 10:30–11:30

Location: Brentford FC Training Ground, 100 Jersey Road, TW5 0TP (Pitch 11)

Cost: £35 for all 7 sessions (no single‑session tickets are available)

Book on to the sessions here: https://activities.bookpebble.co.uk/activity/brentford-fc-cst-walking-football-september-to-october-hounslow-a3e27aa4-dbf7-4bac-9b4a-98733d26b025

To find out more, please email rdommett@brentfordfccst.com

We have launched a new Cheer program at our Osterley location – we ask if you can please share with all your students and parents. Some classes are funded for children! Please can this be sent to your SENCO team as we have a special SEN/PAN disability group running.

Classes Available

Beginners – Recreational Level

Ages 4-7 Big Bees

Ages 7 -14 Venom

Funded Classes

Disability Cheer – Cheerabilties – Age 7 – 16

Premier League Kicks Cheer – Age 10 – 16

Competitive Squads – must attend a trial for placement

Little Stingers U10 (born between 2016-2020

Sting Squad U12 (born between 2014-2019)

Booking Link - https://activities.bookpebble.co.uk/supplier/brentford-fc-cst-fa5b2e85-6952-44f6-9f02-271c47d8dbe3#categoryId=a3496ddd-4526-4368-b4c4-9d7a6c01339f

Please email – Tumblebees@brentfordfccst.com if you have any questions.

Barnes Eagles FC are looking for Year 9 male players to join an existing team playing in the u14 boys Surrey Youth league on Sunday morning.

If you are interested, please contact our director of football Matt on 07594284209 mentioning Silvano's advert.

I'm Tom Maybey, the Richmond Parenting Lead, and I facilitate the parenting support offer across the borough.

I am writing to share the new Autumn Term Parenting Programme from Achieving for Children. We have a fantastic lineup of accredited courses, one-off bespoke workshops, and drop-in sessions designed to support families.

• Richmond Course Booking & Support Request Form: Parents can use this to book onto any of the courses below or request general support: https://forms.gle/R4aQPsyNwczgAnT58

• Kingston Families Support Form: For families living in Kingston requiring parenting support: https://forms.gle/PAErqUpZic3pqzhu6

• 1-to-1 Parenting Advice Diary: Families can book directly into my diary for a 15-minute tailored advice slot: https://calendar.app.google/qL7MEFk3zSN2yg2H7

Autumn Term Course Summary

Here is a quick overview of what we are running this term. All courses are free to attend (some have a small suggested donation for course booklets).

Workshops & Drop-ins:

• Making Sense of Big Feelings: A neuro-inclusive workshop on understanding emotions and safely de-escalating meltdowns. (Barnes CC: 6 Oct | White House FH: 9 Nov)

• Digital Parenting: Down-to-earth strategies to manage screen time, gaming, and navigate online risks like AI. (Ham CC: 17 Nov | Heathfield CC: 16 Dec)

• Stay and Play Drop-ins: Informal spaces for parents to get quick, face-to-face advice while their children play. (Ham: 24 Sept | Barnes: 6 Oct | White House: 9 Oct | Sunflower: 10 Nov | Heathfield: 10 Dec)

Short Courses (2–4 weeks):

• Playful Parenting (Under 5s): 2 sessions focusing on building strong parent-child attachment and healthy emotional growth through play. (White House FH: 16 & 23 Oct)

• Parents In Conflict: A 3-week targeted course focusing on constructive communication and reducing the impact of relationship disagreements on children. (Ham CC: 1 Dec – 15 Dec)

• Talking Teens: 4 sessions exploring adolescent brain development, breaking down communication walls, and setting boundaries. (Powerstation YC: 28 Sept – 19 Oct)

Longer Programmes (6–10 weeks):

• Teen Life (National Autistic Society): A specialized 6-session programme for parents of autistic 10–16 year olds, focusing on communication and independence. (Ham CC: 6 Nov – 11 Dec)

• The Nurturing Programme: A 10-week evidence-based course for primary-aged families, looking at the 'why' behind behaviors and positive discipline. (Heathfield CC: 23 Sept – 2 Dec)

Local bereavement charity, space2grieve is on hand, during both term time and school holidays, to provide free bereavement support for families living in the borough of Richmond.

When a significant person in a child’s life has died, parents and carers can feel overwhelmed and uncertain how best to support their children as often they are grieving themselves. In a Parenting Through Grief session, our experienced specialist bereavement supporters provide parents and carers with a space to talk it through, as well as key information and resources, so that they feel better equipped to help their grieving children. For children and young people, support is in the form of one-on-one sessions either in school or at our welcoming space at the ETNA Community Centre in Twickenham. The sessions are free, and available via self-referral.

For further information:

space2grieve.org.uk

0751 937 6363

Or email cypsupport@space2grieve.org.uk

It takes courage to ask for help. But for many young people who do, the support they need just isn’t there. Hundreds of thousands of young people are struggling with their mental health, but too many are being told to wait, struggling to cope and hitting a crisis point before they get help.

But things can get better. And Young Minds are leading the movement for change.

We provide young people with the tools to look after their mental health. We empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. And we give young people the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in.

Together, we can create a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health.

The Helpline is a lifeline for parents, carers and children/young people who don’t know where to turn, or don’t feel listened to when their child is, or they are, struggling.

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