RTS Parents' Newsletter 18 March 2022
Head Teacher's Message
I must commend our Year 10 on their AP5 assessments over the last week and a half. Sitting their core subjects under exam conditions in the Hall for the first time was a challenge - that they more than rose to. Their behaviour and maturity in these circumstances was good to see and will stand them in good stead moving forwards for their mock GCSEs and, of course, their GCSE exams next year.
There are many wonderful charitable causes at the moment that are asking for support and we know that many families are financially cautious right now with the seemingly constant increases to the cost of living; and this is why we make sure that any charitable events that we organise and support are entirely voluntary for families to contribute to. With this in mind, our Student Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Values Ambassadors are working on putting together ideas and suggestions for fundraising events in and around school and we hope to share these ideas with you and the students as soon as we are able to. With all that has been going on we made the difficult decision not to support activities for Red Nose Day in school this year but if you wish to make a donation to Comic Relief we have opened an option on ParentPay for you to do so.
Mr Reynolds has shared below some information on the Ukranian cafe, Prosperity, in the heart of Twickenham who have worked tirelessly over the last 3 weeks to provide and send aid to Ukraine and we hope that as a school we can contribute in a small way with their efforts.
I wish you all a peaceful weekend.
Ms K Dooley
Dates for the diary
Monday 21 March: World Poetry Day
Monday 21-Wednesday 23 March: School Production - The Lion King Musical, 19:00-20:30
Wednesday 23 March: GCSE Year 10 Sociology trip to St Mary's University
Wednesday 23 March: SEND Information Evening, 16:15-17:30
Contacting the School
If you wish to contact the school, the School Office is open:
Monday-Thursday - 08:15-16:30
Friday - 08:15-15:00
Telephone: 020 8891 2985
Email: info@rts.richmond.sch.uk
Please use the Parents Communications Summary for guidance on types of query and where advice may be found/who to direct your query to.
Assembly Topics
Assemblies for the coming week and next are as follows:
National Poetry Day - Years 7 & 8
Keeping Yourself Safe - Years 9 & 10
Mental Health Awareness - Year 11
RTS Productions - The Lion King!
Tickets for the performances on Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 March are available to purchase via ParentPay. Please come along and support our students who are continuing to work so hard at putting on an incredible show for you all.
Young Enterprise students will be selling their final products on Monday at the school production. Students were given a budget as part of the National Young Enterprise Competition and have worked extremely hard on their products. Please bring some money and support their efforts - their items are complete one-offs and once their stock has gone, it's gone! They will be selling brownies, emoji keychains and t-shirts.
All money raised by them will be going to DEC Ukraine.
Refreshments will also be available during the evenings, and FoRTS will be on site as well.
We are so excited for these performances and can't wait for you to see the result of the hard work of students - and staff!
Show Performances Lion King Poster.pdfRTS Sporting News
It has been another busy week of fixtures for PE Department. On Tuesday the Year 7 and Year 8 girls netball teams travelled to The Green School for Girls. On the back of their successful netball tour the girls again played exceptionally well and the Year 7s won their game 6-2.
Throwing it back to last week - on Thursday 10 March the U15 girls' rugby team travelled to Barn Elms Sports Centre to compete in the London Youth Games. The girls have been extremely successful on the pitch in 2022, coming top of their league, and then winning the Middlesex Plate in February 2022. This qualified them for the London Youth Games - which they also went on to win!
It has also been a busy time for the Year 9 girls football team against Waldegrave, and the Year 7, Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 boys all took part in the Fulham Boys School Rugby Tournament during this week.
Intermediate Maths Challenge
On Thursday 17 March we had a record 9 students taking part in the 'Kangaroo' follow up to the Intermediate Maths Challenge that took place on 02 February. Around 8,000 of the highest performing students across the country are invited to take part in the 'Kangaroo' so this is a testament to those students hard work in and out of lessons. Overall, we had 46 certificates from the Intermediate Maths Challenge. This is a massive achievement for all the students who took part.
Ukraine Support
It has deeply saddened the whole of our school community to witness the sheer devastation unfolding in Ukraine, not only the tragic loss of innocent lives but also the millions of people being forced to leave their homes not knowing if or when they can ever return.
At RTS, we have been thinking about how our community can help from afar. We have decided to collect donations, which will be delivered to the Ukrainian restauraunt 'Prosperity' in Twickenham. The owners have been working hard, collecting donations from across South West London and delivering to the Poland/Ukraine boarder. If you would like more information, please go to the cafe's Facebook page ( search for Prosperity Ukrainian Cafe & Restaurant).
Prosperity request donations which change regularly, based on information on what is needed urgently at that specific time.
We would like to donate to their cause, with your help. We will be collecting donations during school hours at Reception until Friday 25 March. Your child may also bring in a donation and give it to their academic tutor. Finally, we will be collecting donations at our three showings of the first ever RTS musical production, the Lion King on Monday 21-Wednesday 23 March, so if you are attending please bring along any items that you have then.
Finally, if you or your family have been affected by the war in Ukraine, please do contact us and we will do our best to support.
The list of items required by Prosperity as at 15 March is as follows:
All in date medicine / medical supplies
Sedatives / sleeping medication
Dettol / disinfectant (including wipes)
Water purification tablets
New socks
New underwear, including new bras and nursing bras
Good quality water resistant winter coats
New winter gloves
New thermal wear
Sleeping bags
Sleeping camping mats
Winter blankets (new or freshly cleaned)
Thermos flasks
Torches & batteries
Heat patches (e.g. ‘Hot hands’)
Dried and tinned food / non perishable food including snacks and gluten free food
Baby formula (especially newborn 0-3 months)
Infant food
Condensed milk
Wet wipes
Nappies (all sizes, especially newborn 0-3 months)
Sanitary towels, tampons and adult sanitary products
Pillows - new only
Duvets - new only
Power banks (please provide fully charged if possible and label CHARGED
New small toys, e.g. colouring books, crayons, felt tips, small packs of Lego. No battery/electrical operated toys
Pet food
Tape (to fix up shattered windows and for packaging our goods)
Adaptors for EU sockets
Exam Guidance
Ofqual has published the Student Guide to exams and formal assessments in 2021 to 2022. This is a guide for students on how GCSEs, A levels, vocational and technical qualifications are graded and awarded in the academic year 2021 to 2022.
Exam Invigilator
We are seeking to add to our bank of Examination Invigilators. We are looking to appoint a flexible, reliable people to who will thrive in a fast paced environments. You will work as part of a team of invigilators who will ensure exams are carried out according to the JCQ regulations. This role will primarily involve supervision of candidates sitting public examinations and internal mocks examinations.
Hours are variable according to exam schedules.
The post would be ideally suited to applicants who:
Are reliable, punctual, and readily available during exam periods
Have effective communication skills and good interpersonal skills including the ability to give instructions
Will manage situations involving different groups of people
Are can work effectively both on their own and within a team
Have good organisational skills
Have basic ICT skills (are familiar with use of email, mobile phone messaging etc).
Will be a reassuring presence to candidates in the exam room
Please share if you know someone who may be suitable and direct them to our website here. If you have any questions about this role, please contact Mrs Munro, Head Teacher's Executive PA in the first instance via pa@rts.richmond.sch.uk.
FORTS NEWS
Spring Term Subject Leader Bids
We are pleased to share with you that with the money you have helped raise, FoRTS have funded the following:
The Short and Long Listed books for the Carnegie Medal Award. The Carnegie Medal is a prestigious book award for Children’s and Young Adult Fiction which is held each year. This was a successful joint bid by the Library and English Department.
Sound equipment for the Music and Drama departments. This will be used in the upcoming performances of The Lion King along with other events, including GCSE performances.
External Richmond RFC coaches to deliver girls rugby in both curriculum and enrichment.
Activities for the intervention focus group to build confidence and self-resilience.
The Lion King Production – Volunteers Required
The school’s first ever musical production begins next week with performances on Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 of March. The Drama Department are raising funds to purchase their own school sound system for future productions and other school events. You can help by donating on the night (they will be taking cash and card payments), but we really need another couple of volunteers to help taking donations on Wednesday evening. Can you help? Please email us! Good luck to everyone involved, break a leg!
Rugby Parking – Thank you
Another great result from the rugby parking team, raising £1,950 from the last match. We move forward working with the College for the final two matches of this academic year. As always, if you can help please email us on forts@rts.richmond.sch.uk. The next event is the Oxford/Cambridge Varsity match on Saturday 02 April.
Second Hand Uniform Sales
We have three confirmed dates to sell uniform at events in school before the end of the school year. We will be sure to give you a couple of weeks’ notice for each event. Please do donate any unwanted, clean items which are in a good condition to resell – students can drop these off at Reception. If you could volunteer to help sell uniform, please email fortsuniform@rts.richmond.sch.uk. Thank you in advance.
Your FoRTS Team,
Vanessa (Chair), Mark (Treasurer) and Carey (Secretary)
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)
Local News - Please note RTS does not endorse items included as Local News
No Straight Answer- LGBTQ+ youth group based in Twickenham
No Straight Answer (NSA) is a youth club for young people aged 11-19 who are or feel they may be a part of the LGBTQ+ community. No Straight Answer is held at Heatham House Youth Centre, Twickenham every Friday. (We don’t advertise the exact time of the session on publicity material as we are keen to protect the identities of members of the group.)
The session is really diverse with full access to all of Heatham’s activities including sport, music, cooking, and art. It provides support, guidance and a safe space for young people to make new friends, socialise and take part in a wide range of activities. We also promote and explore young people's understanding of LGBTQ+identity, relationships and mental health through activities, discussions and workshops. As well as activities and discussions, young people also have the space to speak with a counsellor who is in session once a term that is also part of the community.
Please contact: Alex Quennell or Justin Johnson for more information and to find out the time of the session (email addresses can be found on the flyer).
3861 LBGQTi NSA.pdfHeatham House Easter Programme
Please find attached the Heatham House Easter Programme, 2 weeks of free arts, sports and developmental activities for young people aged 9-16 years old.
The programme is funded via the government's HAF Fund so young people will also receive a hot meal each day.
Activities can be booked for free at HeathamHouse.Eventbrite.Com although young people are welcome to spend the day with us regardless if they have an activity booked or not.
3577 Heatham House Easter activities programme 22.pdfSENDIASS Consultation
Today we’re launching the consultation on the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) in Richmond. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SENDIASS2022Richmond
The service was last commissioned in 2015 and is well overdue a review. Richmond PCF have been asked to work with Local Authority commissioners to shape what the new service will look like and we can’t do that without your help.
It’s really important that we hear from as many parents as possible, even if you’ve never used the SENDIAS Service before. Never needed advice or support? Or does the way the service is currently commissioned not meet the needs of your family? The reasons why you haven’t used the service are as important as sharing your experiences if you have. You can contribute in whatever way you feel most comfortable. You can complete the anonymous survey here, email us telling us what your experience has been, arrange a 1:1 telephone consultation or take part in a drop in event. Want to share your views in a different way? Please let us know what works for you and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Drop in events will be taking place as follows:
Friday 25 March, 9.30am - 11.30am, My Veggie Plate, Whitton High Street (near the train station)
Monday 28 March, 12.30pm - 2.00pm, The Park, 19 Park Road, Teddington
Wednesday 30 March, 10.30am – 12.00pm, Harris and Hoole, King Street, Twickenham
ONLINE Friday 25 March, 7.30pm - 9.30pm
ONLINE Tuesday 29 March, 7.30pm - 9.30pm
ONLINE Thursday 31 March 10.00am – 12.00pm
SENDIASS Consultation Poster.pdfPlease let us know at information@richmondpcf.org.uk if you would like to attend one of these events or would like to arrange a 1:1 consultation.
Please share details of this consultation with other parent carers.
You’ll find details of the minimum standards of the SENDIAS Service the Local Authority have a statutory duty to provide here.
The FUEL (Feed Ur Everyday Lives) programme
The FUEL (Feed Ur Everyday Lives) programme, now in its second year supporting children on benefits-related free school meals, will once again be running over the Easter Holiday.
Please promote the programme, and support your families who are entitled to free holiday activities and food to sign up.
After a successful first year, where over 2000 children across Kingston and Richmond engaged with holiday activity and food providers, the programme continues to grow with new locations, providers, and activities available for children across the two boroughs.
As a reminder, the programme offers completely free access for children receiving benefits-related free school meals to attend holiday clubs, sports groups, play sessions and more.
For further information on the programme and the providers that we will be working with, please visit the website or email us. Click here for the leaflet.
Free wellbeing programme
The Wild Mind Project is running a free young people's (16-25) emotional and mental wellbeing programme, from 03 April from 11am-1pm for 4 weeks (excluding Easter), at Chiswick House & Gardens. More details here.
Filmmaking Classes & Holiday Camps
A5 Flyer Chiswick, Richmond & Wimbledon.pdfEaster Activities at Ham Youth Centre and Piper Hall Kingston
Choose from a wide range of exciting activities and workshops designed for 10 to 19 year olds to do in their school holidays including archery, mixed martial arts and fencing! All activities are free and run by qualified youth workers tutors and coaches. Healthy lunches will be provided.
Both youth clubs are open 12pm to 4pm each day. Young people can just drop in any time. However, some courses must be booked online as there are limited spaces.
More information:
Term Dates 2021-2022
Full term dates and Inset day information is available on the website:
End of Spring Term: Friday 31 March
Easter Break: Friday 01 April-Monday 18 April
Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 19 April
INSET Day: Monday 16 May