RTS Parents' Newsletter

In the constant cycle of school life, this week we welcomed in excess of 350 people into school for our Y6 New Intake Welcome Evening. Some were familiar faces as families introduced their 2nd, 3rd and even 4th child to the RTS family! We absolutely love this first event welcoming and meeting families. The sense of excitement in the children was high as our fantastic Student Ambassadors showed them around the school, introduced them to the haka and talked to them about school life at RTS.

In school Year 10 and Year 11 students have continued with their AP5 and Mock GCSE assessments and their maturity and dedication has been a real pleasure to see. These assessments are incredibly important in setting out the expectations for the real examinations (just a few short weeks away) and ensures that on the day, students are comfortable and familiar with the rules, procedures and environment.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend - and a Happy Mother's Day on Sunday.

Ms Dooley | Head Teacher

Following the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge visiting RTS in January, the Regional Final took place earlier this week. We were incredibly proud to have two students representing RTS, Malaika and Ben, both in Year 10.

There were so many fantastic speeches from students across local schools. Each student spoke for three minutes, with no notes, on their chosen topic. The speeches ranged from funny and emotional to personal and topical, and the variety and breadth of subjects was phenomenal. Our students were supported by their friends, families and English teachers.

Ben and Malaika were outstanding and the judges agreed - Ben was commended personally in private by one of the judges and Malaika was named Regional Runner-Up for the event! Congratulations to both students for exemplifying the RTS Way and working incredibly hard over the past few weeks on their speeches. We are very proud of your achievements.

March has been a busy month on the Sports front - it's been hard to keep up with the teams taking part in fixtures! Here's a quick round up:

• RTS Year 9 Boys Football Team v Christ’s - win 8-3
• RTS Girls Netball Team v Hampton High
  Year 7 - win 16-1
  Year 8 - win 18-0
• RTS Year 9/10 Girls Football Team v Waldegrave - win 4-2
• RTS Year 8 Boys Football Team vs Lift Richmond Park - win 3-1
• RTS Girls Netball Team v Hampton High (2nd round)
  Year 7 win 18-1
  Year 8 win 16-0
• RTS U12 Boys Rugby 7s Team won the county bowl competition

Huge congratulations to all of the teams for their achievements; and thank you to the Sports staff for training, supporting, encouraging and accompanying the teams.

The House and Vice Captains of Year 8 recently shared their reflections on the year so far, highlighting the experiences, challenges and memorable moments that have shaped the year group’s journey since moving up from Year 7.

Many of them described the transition to Year 8 as a step towards becoming more independent learners. While Year 7 focuses on settling into secondary school, Year 8 has brought increased responsibility and more challenging learning. Students spoke about exploring deeper and more complex topics, from practical science experiments and music composition to studying Shakespeare and learning about historical events such as the Industrial Revolution.

Several of the House and Vice Captains also reflected on how their confidence has grown since starting secondary school. Although Year 7 felt daunting for some at first, they shared how friendships, supportive teachers and new experiences have helped them feel more settled and confident in Year 8.

Trips and enrichment opportunities were another highlight mentioned by many this year. The Gripped trip stood out as a particularly memorable experience, giving students the chance to challenge themselves and spend time together outside of the classroom. Looking ahead, students shared their excitement for upcoming opportunities such as the AirHop Trip & RTS Sleepover as well as subject specific experiences like the drama theatre visits.

Some House and Vice Captains also noted the changes introduced this year, including increased homework expectations and new systems within the school. While these adjustments required students to adapt, many recognised that they help prepare them for the future and encourage greater independence as they move closer to the years where GCSE choices will begin to be discussed.

Overall, the House and Vice Captains described Year 8 as a year of growth, where students are developing confidence, strengthening friendships, preparing for the next stages of their school journey and enhancing into more responsible and resilient members of the school community.

Year 7 were excited to participate in our annual tradition of celebrating Pi Day with a photo recreating the next two digits in the sequence (89).

We started this in 2019 shortly after the school opened in September 2017 and have only missed 2021 due to COVID.

Today's activities from the Maths Department included students investigating circles during lessons, and the relationship between the circumference and the diameter using string. We have also celebrated by eating pies at lunch and ran some circle themed competitions.

'Consider Yourself' formally invited to this years annual school production of Oliver! Running on Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March.

Don't miss the chance to watch the hard work that has been put in by our students - your children! We are sure that you will know all of the songs and will be tapping along (leave the singing to the cast!).

Grab your tickets on ParentPay now. Sale ends Friday 20 March.

An update from the Garden Gang:

We are planning to start a small seed library for students and staff. As part of this project, we are hoping to have a small cupboard made (similar to the one shown in the attached pictures), ideally using wooden pallets or other recycled materials to help reduce costs.

Are there any parents who may be able to volunteer their skills to help build the cupboard or who may already have a suitable cupboard they would be happy to donate. If so, please contact the School Office.

Thank you very much for your support.

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 £1,300.47

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)

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

• Spring Term 2: Monday 23 February 2026-Friday 27 March (finish at noon)

• Summer Term 1: Monday 13 April (late start)-Friday 22 May

Please find the Parent Calendar Summary for 2025-2026. Please check this regularly as some dates and times may be adjusted throughout the year.

I am a local parent and former secondary teacher (with an MSc in Psychology), and I am running a small evening workshop for parents on Thursday 19th March at The Warehouse behind St John's Hampton Wick.

The session is titled Parenting Neurodivergent Children: Understanding ADHD, Autism & Everyday Challenges. It provides an accessible overview of neurodiversity, including executive function, sensory differences, masking and after-school collapse, differences often seen in girls and boys, school-related challenges, and practical ways to support regulation at home. There will also be space for reflection and discussion.

Tickets are £28 per parent and can be booked here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984223761685

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 2026, where local residents can get rid of up to six bulky unwanted items for free.

There will be a mega skip in your community on Saturday 21 March at Nelson Road Car Park from 9am to 12pm (or until the skips are full – whichever comes first).

Residents can bring along up to six items (including furniture or mattresses, electrical appliances, black bags, etc). Items are then recycled and 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.

Please find the e-flyer with relevant info attached. Residents can also refer to our website for further information about what can and can’t be brought to the skip.

Richmond Baseball Club, a local community sports club, are launching a youth baseball camp running on Saturdays in March, as part of our youth programme this year. Our goal is to get young people active and introduce them to the sport in a fun, safe and inclusive environment guided by experienced, licensed coaches.

Step into a world of wonder this Easter with Dramacube's 3-day musical theatre workshops - inspired by Mary Poppins!

With a spoonful of imagination and a whole lot of fun, children will sing, perform and play drama games — culminating in a supercalifragilistic showcase on Day 3.

30th March – 1st April | Hampton Hill & Walton on Thames

Book at https://dramacube.co.uk/workshops/

Sign up for Dramacube's production of Matilda JR and see your child shine on stage at Hampton Hill Theatre.

Whether they are new to musical theatre or have taken part in drama, dance or performing arts before - everyone is welcome and will be part of the final production.

Summer Term starts w/c 20th April in the following locations:
8–12 Year Olds – Hampton Hill, Teddington or Walton-on-Thames
13–18 Year Olds – Hampton Hill or Twickenham

Enrol in the cast or book a 2-week-taster at www.dramacube.co.uk

A specialist netball camp is being held this Easter on April 7th and 8th at Grey Court School, Richmond.

Our camps are delivered by qualified coaches and open to all abilities in years 5-10.

Looking to join a local football club? Take a look at the flyers below for more detail!

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.

Please see below details of RUILS April workshops. Both sessions are free to attend but we do ask that parents book a space so that we can monitor numbers expected

SEND Reforms White Paper: What does this mean for parents and young people?

Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Time: 10.00am-12.00pm
Location: DAAC, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington

Join Alex, Richard and Yolanda from our SEND Advice team for coffee and conversation, to learn more about the proposed reforms and what this actually means in practice. This session will be informal, and we will:

• highlight what parents need to know right now
• address any misconceptions
• explain how parents can take part in the consultation process and ensure their voices are heard
• create space for an open Q&A so you can ask questions and share your thoughts

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/send-reforms-white-paper-what-does-this-mean-for-parents-and-young-people-tickets-1984559662373?aff=oddtdtcreator

Family Matters: Exploring Gender Diversity and Neurodivergence

Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Location: DAAC, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington

This welcoming session is aimed at parents and carers in Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow boroughs who may be raising a LGBTQ+ child or young person who is neurodivergent. During the session we will look at understanding more about LGBTQ+ histories and will:

• Go through relevant terminology
• Explore the overlap between SEND/ neurodivergence and LGBTQ+
• Discuss and share how to be supportive and inclusive

Please do join our Family Matters Advisor Martha and our speaker Annie Woods from Spectra to learn more and understand the best way to talk to your young person about this. This will be a small group and a safe space for you to share your thoughts, questions or worries.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985984993577?aff=oddtdtcreator

Parents in Conflict for separated or divorced parents or carers, a 3 week course being held in Ham - afternoon (12.30pm-2.30pm) or evening group available (6pm-8pm). 2 groups are being offered on the same day so separated parents can attend different groups.

Professionals can refer a parent/carer or parents/carers can self refer by completing an online registration form, please see the link below:

https://forms.gle/WsBeMXDAZ2z8N8eUA

For more information and details please contact: karen.williams@achievingforchildren.org.uk

These groups are arranged by Achieving for Children - Providing children's services for Kingston and Richmond

Please find details on MHST Workshops being held over the course of the next academic year:

• "Helping Children with"
• "Helping Teens with"

For advice and resources about mental health and wellbeing, please scan the QR code.

Wed 22 Apr | Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness for Parents

Delivered by Mind, this online session is tailored for parents of neurodivergent young people who want to gain a better understanding of the topic of self-harm and suicide.

https://www.expresscic.org.uk/event-details/suicide-and-self-harm-awareness-online-for-parents-and-carers-of-neurodivergent-young-people

Fri 24 Apr | Express CIC

Delivered by Mind, this session at Express is tailored for parents of neurodivergent young people who want to gain a better understanding of the topic of self-harm and suicide.

https://www.expresscic.org.uk/event-details/suicide-and-self-harm-awareness-at-express-for-parents-and-carers-of-neurodivergent-young-people

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