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Vote Now for Rich’s Students Shortlisted in Writing Comp

Vote Now for Rich’s Students Shortlisted in Writing Comp

SJV

Harry Millington and Kieron Amatobi in Year 7 have been shortlisted in the 500 Word Malala Yousafzai Creative Writing Competition, and students can vote for them online now! Voting closes 15 December, students just need to visit https://app.connectedcreatives.co.uk/# and register using their school email address. The four pieces with the highest...

House Quiz Results

House Quiz Results

DD

A new format for this year's House Quiz saw individual quizzes for each year group bubble. Each quiz was run over a lunchtime during last week (W/C 7 December) and by a member of staff and an observator who also compiled the quiz. Each house won at least one quiz and...

Nikolaustag at Sir Thomas Rich's

Nikolaustag at Sir Thomas Rich's

JKH

Last week, pupils in 7B, 8B and 8C enjoyed celebrating Christmas early with the arrival of St. Nikolaus. Usually this traditional feast day is celebrated on 6 December, but as it fell on a Sunday this year, the boys were able to enjoy treats even earlier. The tradition is that in...

UKMT Maths Challenge Success

UKMT Maths Challenge Success

SJV

Rich’s students have enjoyed tremendous success in United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge competitions this year: with Ed Hart in Year 9 notably achieving gold competing against top students from around the UK in a round usually designed for top Year 12 and 13 students! During the initial lockdown over 220...

Year 7 Create Henry Moore-Inspired Artworks

Year 7 Create Henry Moore-Inspired Artworks

SJV

Year 7 have been doing some great work in their Art lessons with Ms Howell on pattern and texture – students have brought in their own textured materials such as fabric or leaves to create a background, and their homework assignment on Henry Moore has seen them tackling ‘form and value...

Christmas Baking In The German Department

Christmas Baking In The German Department

JKH

Christmas came early last week in the German Department as Year 12 and Year 13 pupils created delicious traditional Lebkuchen and Kekse with Frau Ferguson. This has become a regular event in the Modern Foreign Languages calendar and one that we’ve been pleased to be able to continue this year. Christmas...

Year 8 Student Featured On National Poetry Website

Year 8 Student Featured On National Poetry Website

SJV

Year 8 Student Tate Franz is featured on the Poetry By Heart advent calendar today, reciting the poem The Computer’s First Christmas Card by Edwin Morgan, which was written in 1968. Use the following link and click on the ‘watch video’ icon to see Tate’s recital: www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/a-computers-first-christmas-card-2 Poetry By Heart were...

Drama Students Watch Live Stream of Bristol Old Vic Production

Drama Students Watch Live Stream of Bristol Old Vic Production

SJV

Sixteen of our Drama students from Years 10-13 will be watching a live stream of the Bristol Old Vic’s production of The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk tonight at 7pm. The play tells the story of Marc and Bella Chagall and the turbulent times in which they lived. Head of Drama Mrs...

Year 8 Students Organise Charity Chess Tournament

Year 8 Students Organise Charity Chess Tournament

SJV

Two Year 8 students have been running a charity chess tournament over the last week to raise money for Cancer Research. Matthew Hewer and Thomas Forster organised a chess tournament for 32 students in Year 8, and every lunch time they have been working hard to arrange suitable pairs and log...

Debate Society Works With UK Supreme Court

Debate Society Works With UK Supreme Court

AH

On Wednesday members of the Year 12 Debate Society debated the role of stop and search powers, with the support of three top UK legal professionals in an online debate session run by the UK Supreme Court. The students were delighted to have been granted this opportunity following an application process...

Politics Students Take Part In House of Lords Lecture

Politics Students Take Part In House of Lords Lecture

AH

Some of our Year 12 Politics students took part in an online lecture about the future of the House of Lords this week. The lecture featured input from Lord North of Louth, Baroness Grey-Thompson and Professor Meg Russell, and it examined the role of the House of Lords and the need...

From the Headmaster - 20 November 2020

From the Headmaster - 20 November 2020

MM

In many respects these last couple of weeks have been encouraging, and a time in which to put faith in the hard work and commitment of others. News of a not one but two effective vaccines clearly should have given us a bit of a boost. However, the pandemic continues to...

Vacancy: English Teacher (maternity cover)

Vacancy: English Teacher (maternity cover)

SJV

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, outstanding graduate to teach English from Key Stage 3 up to A Level and Oxbridge entry. This fixed term (up to one year) full or part-time post would be equally well suited to an ambitious NQT or a more experienced teacher willing...

Student LAMDA Success

Student LAMDA Success

SJV

Congratulations to Tate Franz (Year 8), Adit Ravishankar (Year 10) and Cato Pang (Year 9), who all recently received their LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) examination results. The three students took the exams at the end of September, and achieved their excellent results despite having to prepare for...

Vacancies

Vacancies

SJV

We're recruiting for a teacher of Religious Studies (maternity cover) and a cover supervisor. For more details and to apply, visit the eteach website. Teacher of Religious Studies (maternity cover) Religious Studies is taught throughout the age range, up to GCSE and A-Level, by a Department comprising four teachers who are...

Remembrance Service

Remembrance Service

SJV

Today the whole school gathered for Remembrance and two minutes’ silence, with a service broadcast live to classrooms and offices around the school, as well as to alumni and other members of the wider school community. The Headmaster, Mr Morgan, said in his address: “Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day offer us...

Remembrance Day Assembly

Remembrance Day Assembly

SJV

Parents, alumni and members of the wider school community are very welcome to join us online on Wednesday 11 November to commemorate the members of the School who have died in the line of duty. Our Remembrance Day Assembly will be broadcast at the following link: https://strschool.co.uk/network/remembrance. The whole school will...

Latest School Magazine Published Today

Latest School Magazine Published Today

SJV

The new issue of The Richian is available to read now online. We're only printing limited numbers this time round due to the restrictions on handling materials in school, but all Year 7 students will receive a copy in the post in the next week or so, mailed direct from our...

From the Headmaster - 6 November 2020

From the Headmaster - 6 November 2020

MM

It has been good to welcome students back in to school this week, and I am sure this term will be as busy and productive as ever. Our virtual Christmas Concert is something to look forward to; more details will follow over the next few weeks. Also I wish Year 12...

Year 11 Student Tackles Bath Duathlon

Year 11 Student Tackles Bath Duathlon

SJV

Charlie Rule in Year 11 took part in the Bath Duathlon at the weekend and came third in his category. The (socially distanced) event had been rescheduled from April, and comprised two 1500m runs and a 15km cycle ride. British Triathlon have different race 'levels' - there are local events, then...

Year 7 Geography

Year 7 Geography

SJV

Students in 7C have been busy with their field sketches – we would usually head up Crickley Hill for fieldwork at this time of year, but as we can’t at the moment due to Covid restrictions we decided to complete field sketches from photos in the classroom. Year 7 had already...

STRS PA virtual AGM

STRS PA virtual AGM

PA

Dear Parents and Carers STRS Parents’ Association virtual AGM will take place on Tuesday 17th November at 6.30pm - for meeting details please email...

Drama Dept Minute Monologue Challenge

Drama Dept Minute Monologue Challenge

SJV

The Drama Department launches the Minute Monologue Challenge this week – the rules are simple: pick a monologue, one minute in length from an existing film or published play. Rehearse it. Film it. Send it to Mrs S Jones or Mr Sowerby. The competition is open to all students and a...

Extracurricular Music Relaunches 11 November

Extracurricular Music Relaunches 11 November

SJV

The Music Department is delighted to offer students a return to collective music making and ensemble playing from 11 November, and we look forward to inviting parents and the wider school community to see the results of the online rehearsals at our virtual Christmas concert in December. Since September we’ve been...

Former Pupil Awarded Prestigious Engineering Scholarship

Former Pupil Awarded Prestigious Engineering Scholarship

SJV

We’re proud to announce that James Falkiner, class of 2019, has just been awarded a prestigious Institute of Engineering and Technology Diamond Scholarship. James is studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Bristol and the award, worth £1000 a year, will allow him to allocate more of his time...

Year 10 FameLab Finalist

Year 10 FameLab Finalist

SJV

Well done to Harry Walker in 10B who took part in the FameLab Academy finals, organised by the Cheltenham Science Festival, in the Pavilion last night by Zoom. This was the second part of the finals, postponed from March, and it was good to see the competition making use of technology...

Student Leadership Team

Student Leadership Team

SJV

Our new Student Leadership Team were appointed at the end of September and yesterday enjoyed their ‘gowning’ ceremony. Every year all staff and Year 13 students at Sir Thomas Rich’s are allocated 20 votes each for Observators and two for School Captains. School Captains and Observators act as role models for...

Year 13 Biology Fieldwork

Year 13 Biology Fieldwork

SJV

Year 13 Biologists have been busy with their fieldwork this week – periods 1 and 2 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday have been designated for exploring biodiversity around different areas of the school site using random and systematic sampling. Students will then do some statistical analysis of the results, plus they...

Year 8 In Focus

Year 8 In Focus

SJV

We’re celebrating all things Year 8 this week, they may have had a disrupted Year 7 but it certainly hasn't dimmed their energy and enthusiasm! Students in 8B were enthusiastically exploring cybersecurity in Mr Johnson’s Period 1 Computing class this morning, while Miss Howell’s Maths class saw 8R tackling geometry, and...

From the Headmaster - 9 October 2020

From the Headmaster - 9 October 2020

MM

As we end another busy week, I very much look forward to sharing our Virtual Speech Day celebrations with the entire School community tonight at 7.30pm on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/v1otkDG0KWY Speech Day is usually one of the School’s key occasions, and whilst we do not have the usual array of...

Year 12 Netball

Year 12 Netball

SJV

Half the girls who have opted to play Netball this term - 30 students - chose to play in the driving rain on Wednesday afternoon this week. They are allowed to opt for private study if the weather is poor, so we were very impressed at their dedication! All were enthusiastic...

Virtual Speech Day - Friday 9 October at 7.30pm

Virtual Speech Day - Friday 9 October at 7.30pm

SJV

All students and their families are warmly invited to our Virtual Speech Day event on Friday 9 October at 7.30pm. Speech Day is usually one of the School’s key occasions, recognising the achievements of prize winners and cataloguing more general success from the previous academic year. Due to the pandemic, this...

Virtual Open Day Films

Virtual Open Day Films

SJV

Our Virtual Open Day films are now available on the school website: featuring an introduction from the Headmaster Matthew Morgan, information about the test and admissions, a virtual tour of the school and a useful Q&A session with key staff. www...

National Poetry Day

National Poetry Day

SJV

Today is National Poetry Day, and students have been hard at work writing and sharing their poems. The English Department invited each form tutor in Key Stage 3 and 4 to share favourite poems with their form classes this morning or later in the day during guided reading time, and to...

European Day of Languages

European Day of Languages

SJV

Saturday 26 September is the European Day of Languages – to celebrate, students have been enjoying a few French, German and Spanish jokes in lessons today to keep them smiling. It may sound flippant, but whether you can tell or understand a joke in another language is a really good test...

A Level PE Webinars

A Level PE Webinars

SJV

The second of our A Level PE student webinars took place this week in the Pavilion with Ross Howitt and Keynote Educational. We had Year 12 PE students studying ‘Bridging the Gap from GCSE to A Level’ on Tuesday and on Wednesday Year 13 PE students enjoyed ‘Progession and Preparation from...

M5 J11 Golden Valley repairs

M5 J11 Golden Valley repairs

MPH

Please see the attached letter from Highways England regarding repair works to M5 J11. Golden Valley M5 repairs...

Modern Foreign Linguist in Residence

Modern Foreign Linguist in Residence

SJV

We are pleased to welcome our first Modern Foreign Linguist in Residence, Tim Ranken, to the MFL Department at Rich's. Tim will be working primarily with Sixth Form students in developing their conversational skills in French and German, but will also be working with GCSE students as well. You can follow...

New Vacancy – Head of Religious Studies

New Vacancy – Head of Religious Studies

SJV

We’re currently recruiting for an enthusiastic colleague, passionate about their subject, to contribute to the leadership of the successful Religious Studies Department at Sir Thomas Rich’s. This permanent, full-time post is equally well-suited to an experienced RS teacher, or a teacher seeking leadership opportunities. For the right candidate, part-time will be...

From the Headmaster - 17 September 2020

From the Headmaster - 17 September 2020

MM

As we are coming to the end of week three of the new term, it’s clear that our students are displaying all the characteristics of true ‘Richians’ and are immersing themselves in their studies with enthusiasm, focus and determination. My thanks to parents for the support you are continuing to provide...

Open Evenings From Tuesday 22 September

Open Evenings From Tuesday 22 September

SJV

Our next Open Evenings take place over two weeks from 22 September - a great opportunity for prospective pupils in Years 5 and 6 to tour the school and find out more about life at Sir Thomas Rich’s. Sessions start at 4.30pm and 5.30pm. For those unable to attend, we are...

From the Headmaster - September 2020

From the Headmaster - September 2020

MM

I have often remarked that schools appear to be strange places during the long weeks of the summer holiday. While plenty happens in terms of refurbishment and preparation, they still feel unnaturally empty and far too quiet, so I am always pleased to welcome back our pupils at the start of...

Year 13 Students Shortlisted In Prestigious Economics Essay Competition

Year 13 Students Shortlisted In Prestigious Economics Essay Competition

SJV

We’re proud to announce that three of our Year 13 Economics students have been shortlisted for the prestigious John Locke Institute Essay Competition 2020 – competing against 2,740 entries from 80 countries. Robert Hicks and Haydn Balkwill submitted essays on ‘What is the socially efficient level of crime?’, and Tom Morris...

Welcome back!

Welcome back!

SJV

We’ve really enjoyed having students from Years 7, 9, 10 and 12 back in school this week, it’s been great to see so many happy faces around the school site and we’re all quickly getting used to the new routines and protocols. Today Year 9 and 10 students have been enjoying...

From the Headmaster - Addendum

From the Headmaster - Addendum

MM

In recent months, I have become rather more circumspect when deciding whether or not to publish information to students and parents in response to government guidance. Indeed, part of the reason for delaying the publication of the Welcome Back guide was to give us enough time to make critical decisions based...

From the Headmaster - September 2020

From the Headmaster - September 2020

MM

I do hope that this email finds you well and you have enjoyed the summer break and some of the fine weather we have had. We are very much looking forward to welcoming students back in to school at the end of next week for the start of the new term...

Pupils Celebrate GCSE Success

Pupils Celebrate GCSE Success

DD

Today we are celebrating the commitment, resilience and talent of pupils who have received their GCSE grades and also recognise the staff who have supported them in these achievements. We are mindful that these grades have been awarded in a very different way this year but this does not diminish in...

A Level Results Celebrated

A Level Results Celebrated

DD

We would like to congratulate our Year 13 students for the hard work and achievement of the last two years culminating in the grades they have been awarded today. While the mechanism for arriving at these grades has been very different this year, we cannot underestimate the effort and application of...

Our pupils' entries for the Gloucester Royal Hospital's ward design competition!

Our pupils' entries for the Gloucester Royal Hospital's ward design competition!

RT

A number of our pupils entered the competition to rebrand the Children's Centre at Gloucester Royal Hospital. The competition closed on the 24th July and we are eagerly awaiting the results! Here are a few of the designs from Peter, Alexander and Freddie- thank you for sharing your brilliant designs with...

Busy Week In School!

Busy Week In School!

SJV

The last week of term has been a busy one in School and it's been great to see some of our Year 7, 8 and 9 students in for Teams lessons on computers, and our Year 10 and 12 students in for face-to-face classroom sessions with their teachers...

Year 7 Pupils Pass On Shakespeare Knowledge

Year 7 Pupils Pass On Shakespeare Knowledge

SJV

Our Year 7 English students have been working on a Shakespeare project during lockdown – designing leaflets for Year 6 students joining the School in September. The leaflets share some useful information about Elizabethan theatre, Shakespeare and A Midsummer Night’s Dream – the text the new Year 7 students will be...

Former Student Thanks Supportive Teachers

Former Student Thanks Supportive Teachers

SJV

A former Rich’s student is the first care-leaver to graduate from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Kasmira Kincaid joined Sir Thomas Rich’s in September 2012 and left in 2014 with four A Levels at A*. BBC News Online and The Sunday Times have both featured her inspiring story this week, and the...

Year 7-10 Pupils Continue With PSHE Rainbow Journals

Year 7-10 Pupils Continue With PSHE Rainbow Journals

RT

In their Rainbow Journals last week, students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 reflected on how they have changed during the pandemic, how change is a good thing, and their dreams, goals and targets are for the future. On the graffiti wall page of their Journals, students were asked to...

G15 Virtual Celebration of Success: Tonight at 7pm

G15 Virtual Celebration of Success: Tonight at 7pm

SJV

We’re pleased to announce that Sir Thomas Rich’s is taking part in this year’s G15 Virtual Celebration of Success, showcasing the musical talent and creativity of students from across the G15 group of Gloucester schools. Premiering tonight at 7pm, the virtual event sees students engaging in the arts in lockdown, from...

Virtual Summer Concert

Virtual Summer Concert

SJV

Welcome to our virtual summer concert, put together by the Music Department and recorded during lockdown. Well done to all who took part, and to Ethan Hartsoe in Year 12 who put the final video together...

DofE Students Contribute 1,690 Hours Of Voluntary Service

DofE Students Contribute 1,690 Hours Of Voluntary Service

SJV

The School has received a lovely email this week from the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, presenting us with a certificate of ‘social value’: confirming our students have contributed an amazing 1,690 hours of voluntary service to the community from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. Across the South West...

Netball This Year

Netball This Year

SJV

This year’s Netball First Team has been the strongest Sir Thomas Rich’s has had, which has meant more competitive fixtures against schools such as Badminton and Millfield. Coaches Mrs Brown and Mrs Lynn would like to thank all the players across all the teams for their hard work this year...

Year 7 Induction This Week

Year 7 Induction This Week

SJV

This week it's been great to welcome our new Year 7s for induction sessions in the School with Mr Morgan, Head of Year 7 Mrs Robinson and other key members of staff. All a bit different to previous years of course, as we've had smaller groups in over more days to...

Virtual Sports Day 2020: Starts Monday 13 July

Virtual Sports Day 2020: Starts Monday 13 July

SJV

Our annual sports day would have been 9 July - but fear not, the PE Department is organising a fantastic virtual event, starting Monday 13 July, in its place. Students: your House needs YOU! Go to the PE Instagram account (or the main School Instagram) to find out more from your...

From the Headmaster - 9 July

From the Headmaster - 9 July

MM

During this term, Sir Thomas Rich’s has followed Government guidance and invited pupils from some year groups back into School. The detailed planning by staff, to maintain safety of pupils and staff whilst providing a high quality experience for their pupils, has really paid dividends and we know that pupils and...

Year 12 Cambridge Chemistry Challenge

Year 12 Cambridge Chemistry Challenge

SJV

Every year some of our Year 12 chemists take part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge examination, which is set by tutors at St Catharine's College, Cambridge. It's always a stimulating but demanding experience. This year, of course, has brought its own challenges, but despite these the examination was held via Microsoft...

Year 7-10 PSHE Rainbow Journals

Year 7-10 PSHE Rainbow Journals

RT

Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 pupils are continuing their Rainbow Journals at home to help them reflect on the range of emotions they are experiencing throughout lockdown. Each week has a different focus - pupils are encouraged to embrace all of their emotions, and to come up with their own...

PSHE Instagram Account

PSHE Instagram Account

SJV

Head of PSHE Mrs Tomlinson has set up an Instagram account for Year 9-12 students: strspshe. It’s a private account, and Mrs Tomlinson will be setting tasks on Show My Homework and asking for comments on Instagram. So if you’re a student in Years 9 to 12 at Rich’s, give the...

From the Headmaster - 1 July 2020

From the Headmaster - 1 July 2020

MM

You may have seen that the ‘return to school’ plans for September, set to be announced by the Government later this week, have already been published by a number of media outlets. The draft documents suggest that, rather than relying completely on social distancing, the aim is to limit the points...

Gloucester Royal Hospital Bright Ideas Competition

Gloucester Royal Hospital Bright Ideas Competition

RT

Our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 pupils are busy redesigning the Children’s Centre at Gloucester Royal Hospital. Claire Powell is the Matron of the Children’s Centre, which provides care for children and young people who require hospital admission in Gloucestershire. The Children’s Centre was opened back in 2005, and Claire...

Year 8's Virtual RS Trip to a Sikh Gurdwara and a Sikh Cooking Experience!

Year 8's Virtual RS Trip to a Sikh Gurdwara and a Sikh Cooking Experience!

RT

Our Year 8s are touring a gurdwara today from their homes as part of their RS remote learning. This virtual trip is happening towards the end of their unit on Sikh teachings on equality. They have learnt about the importance of the langar (Sikh free kitchen) in the gurdwara when it...

Year 10 Students In School

Year 10 Students In School

SJV

Our Year 10 students have been back in school this week, enjoying lessons and hanging out in the sunshine, socially distanced and with access to lots of hand gel of course...

Home Cooks Serve Up Spag Bol

Home Cooks Serve Up Spag Bol

SJV

Our Year 7, 8 and 9 cooks have been making spaghetti bolognese over the last couple of weeks, both meat and veggie versions – amazing efforts from Jack Miller 7T, James Mitchell 7B, Samuel Shore-Nye 9B, Freddie Hitchen 7T and Harry Setchell 8B, amongst many others. Jack Miller’s recipe is below...

From the Headmaster - 22 June 2020

From the Headmaster - 22 June 2020

MM

Year 10 and Year 12 Face-to-Face sessions There is no doubt that it has been really uplifting to see significant numbers of students in Years 10 and 12 attending face-to-face sessions in school with their teachers. I would like to publicly thank staff for enabling this to happen alongside an increasing...

Business Essay Competition Success For Mimi

Business Essay Competition Success For Mimi

SJV

We’re pleased to announce that Year 12 Business Studies student Mimi Sedgeley has been placed in the top 11 entries for a national essay competition run by Young Enterprise and Telos Partners. Mimi says: “For the competition, we had to write an essay between 500 and 2000 words about characteristics that...

Rehearsing For Our Online Open Days

Rehearsing For Our Online Open Days

SJV

Here we are setting up for our very first live online open day events next week on 23-25 June. There’s still time for parents and carers of pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 to book a place and find out more about admission to Sir Thomas Rich’s in Year 7...

Online Pupil Survey 2020- Lockdown Edition

Online Pupil Survey 2020- Lockdown Edition

RT

In collaboration with Gloucestershire County Council and researchers at the University of Oxford, our school has signed up to take part in the ‘Online Pupil Survey, ‘Lockdown Edition’ which aims to monitor the well-being of school pupils during lockdown and to assess the impact of COVID-19 on mental wellbeing and learning...

Welcome Back!

Welcome Back!

SJV

It's been great to see some of our students and staff on the School premises today - socially distancing and following the one-way system, and with lots of access to hand gel of course. It's good to have you back...

School Brass Band Performs Lockdown Tommy Psalm

School Brass Band Performs Lockdown Tommy Psalm

SJV

Past and present members of the Sir Thomas Rich’s Brass Band have joined together for a moving performance of the School song, the Tommy Psalm. After rehearsing together by Zoom, each band member recorded their piece separately for the final performance; an amazing team effort directed by Headmaster Mr Morgan and...

From the Headmaster - 12 June 2020

From the Headmaster - 12 June 2020

MM

Good afternoon, I hope my email this week finds you well, and that you are, as I am, looking forward to a little sunshine between the rain showers this weekend – a metaphor perhaps for the current situation and a reminder to look for the positives wherever we possibly can. If...

The Rainbow Journal

The Rainbow Journal

RT

The Rainbow Journal (My Journey...Walking The Path Together) has been created by Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning (GHLL) to give pupils the opportunity to reflect and share some of the often overwhelming emotions and experiences they will have had since school closed, and may continue to experience this term. Pupils in...

Schools History Project Essay Competition

Schools History Project Essay Competition

SJV

Joe Crouch in Year 12 has submitted a stunning essay to the Schools History Project competition, the theme of which was “If 1066 was seen to be the most important date in English history, what would be the equivalent in another country?”. The national competition is run in association with leading...

Socially Distanced Practical Science!

Socially Distanced Practical Science!

SJV

Year 9 Biology students have been taking part in a socially-distanced practical lesson, led by parent Dr Sock Koh, mother of Sam Perris in 9S. The session took place after 1 June, where new guidance on lockdown measures allows groups of up to six to meet outside. Students dissected a pig...

Follow Us On Instagram

Follow Us On Instagram

SJV

We have a new School Instagram account - follow us for all our latest news and video clips. While you're there, search out some of our departmental accounts as well, History, PE, Rugby and Art are all well worth a look! Visit the Sir Thomas Rich's Instagram account...

Virtual Open Days 23-25 June

Virtual Open Days 23-25 June

SJV

We're running three Virtual Open Days on 23, 24 and 25 June for prospective pupils and their parents/carers - pre-register for a session now to find out more about the School, hear from Headmaster Mr Matthew Morgan, take a virtual tour of the School and to take part in a live...

Lockdown Science Experiments

Lockdown Science Experiments

SJV

Our resourceful Year 7 Science students have been busy during lockdown - not just with the regular paper and pen or, more accurately, mouse and keyboard exercises - but also making and conducting science experiments at home. In one topic, Separating Mixtures, students have been carrying out filtration and distillation. As...

The 2020 Great Politics Bake Off

The 2020 Great Politics Bake Off

AH

The annual Sir Thomas Rich's Great Politics Bake Off took place at home this year. The politically themed, pun-tastic baking competition resulted in some excellent ideas. The best ones included: The Supreme Torte - a gluten-free chocolate torte as a play on the term 5 topic The Supreme Court; and The...

Talented Year 7 Musician

Talented Year 7 Musician

SJV

Head of Music Mrs Jones set a remote learning ‘stretch and challenge’ task for one of our gifted musicians in Year 7, Alexander Taylor in 7R. In his email to Mrs Jones, Alexander said: “I have attached the music and recording of my finished piece inspired by Debussy. I have named...

From the Headmaster - 1 June 2020

From the Headmaster - 1 June 2020

MM

I hope you are well and managed to enjoy the lovely weather over what would have been the half-term break. The start of a new month provides an opportunity to pause and take stock, and we should all take a moment to consider just how much we have achieved over the...

Year 7 and Year 8 PSHE: Emotions, Mental Health and Self-Care

Year 7 and Year 8 PSHE: Emotions, Mental Health and Self-Care

RT

As part of their PSHE learning throughout this academic year, Year 7s have been covering a unit called Taking Care of Ourselves, where they learn about how to care for their physical and mental health, and the link between the two. As part of their PSHE learning throughout this academic year...

Character Building Drama Challenge

Character Building Drama Challenge

SJV

Mrs Jones has been setting her students challenges every week – and this week’s Friday Fun Day task was to create a lockdown character in one picture using carefully chosen objects. Jasper Sones, 7R, has won the challenge for the second time. Jasper says: “My character is Covid-19, which I know...

Job Vacancy: Teacher of Religious Studies

Job Vacancy: Teacher of Religious Studies

SJV

An opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, hard-working colleague to contribute to the Religious Studies Department at Sir Thomas Rich’s. This full-time, permanent post is equally well-suited to an enthusiastic NQT with a thirst for learning and developing in their chosen career, or a more experienced teacher looking for a new...

From the Headmaster - 22 May 2020

From the Headmaster - 22 May 2020

MM

I said in my email at the end of last week that we can only respond to advice from the Government and Public Health England as we receive it, and at times it does feel as if we are stuck in an endless loop of official briefings and guidance followed by...

Year 7 Pupil Wins Regional Round of Poetry by Heart Competition

Year 7 Pupil Wins Regional Round of Poetry by Heart Competition

SJV

The winner of the first Rich’s Poetry by Heart competition, which took place back in February, has gone on to win first prize in the county section. A video of Tate Franz’s fantastic renditions were put forwarded to the external judges, who gave the following feedback: Poem 1: Jabberwocky: Tate offered...

Face Shields Update

Face Shields Update

SJV

The School has received more lovely feedback on the face shields Head of D&T Chris Bream has been making in the D&T workshops and supplying to local hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes. “Hi Chris, from the NHS to STRS: Many, many thanks for the protective face shields that you and...

Scriptwriting Challenge

Scriptwriting Challenge

SJV

This week the Drama Department challenged students to write a creative and imaginative ‘five moment script’ inspired by the idea of The Great Realisation. The winners were Sam Kane, 11T (1st), Stephen Adeniyi, 7S (2nd), and Alexander Taylor, 7R (3rd). Sam’s fantastic winning script is below. The Great Realisation by Sam...

From the Headmaster - May 2020

From the Headmaster - May 2020

MM

Dear Parents This time last week the country celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day, and it was a pleasure to enjoy a collective experience for once not based around the pandemic, as we remembered those who gave so much for us. It is hard to avoid a direct comparison with...

Fun Day Friday: Optimism

Fun Day Friday: Optimism

SJV

At the end of last week, the Drama Department’s second Fun Day Friday Challenge asked students to identify inspirational lyrics and provide a creative image to support their meaning. We were looking for songs that reflected optimism and hope, making our students feel happy. From many creative entries the winners were...

Open Day Information For Prospective Pupils

Open Day Information For Prospective Pupils

SJV

Our scheduled Open Days won’t be running this week, but prospective pupils and their parents/carers can find out more about admissions and School life on our website. All the information you need can be accessed from www.strschool.co.uk/admissions, and the direct links to the Prospectus, our Admission Information booklet, some useful FAQs...

Key Stage 3 Art On Instagram

Key Stage 3 Art On Instagram

SJV

Head over to the Art Department’s Instagram account at www.instagram.com/strsartdepartment to see some great work from our Key Stage 3 and GCSE students, including these sketchbook pages from Josh King, 9R. “Incredible understanding of detail, texture and perspective,” says Miss Parry...

Drama Department's Fun Day Friday Challenge

Drama Department's Fun Day Friday Challenge

SJV

The Drama Department set up a ‘Fun Day Friday Challenge’ on Show My Homework for students to take part in last week. Students had to set up a photo to represent a famous production, and what an amazing set of entries we received! With over 50 to choose from we finally...

Clive and Sylvia Richards Donate £70k To New Building

Clive and Sylvia Richards Donate £70k To New Building

SJV

We are pleased to announce that Clive and Sylvia Richards have donated an extremely generous £70,000 towards the fitting out of our new building by the tennis courts. Many thanks of course to all those parents who have also donated towards the cost of providing the new building with state of...

School Donates PPE For Key Workers

School Donates PPE For Key Workers

SJV

The School has donated PPE items from the Science Department for use by NHS staff and other key workers. Head Science Technician Katie Gamblin dropped off three boxes of equipment at the Fire Station last week: “The Clinical Commissioning Group is accepting all donations,” says Katie, “itemising and redistributing to local...

Sixth Form Art Students Shine

Sixth Form Art Students Shine

SJV

Our talented Sixth Form Art students have been creating some truly amazing artwork, both before the school closed and during the lockdown. You can follow the Art Department over on Instagram at @strsartdepartment for all the very latest updates from all the year groups. Shown here are works by: Harley Branfield...

Student Star Bakers

Student Star Bakers

SJV

Rich’s students have been cooking up a storm during term time and over the Easter holidays. Taking inspiration from recipe books and TV programmes, Year 7 and 8 pupils have been busy creating some lovely food and sharing their pictures with Mrs Phillips. “I put some optional activities and suggestions on...

D&T Dept Makes Face Shields for Cheltenham Hospital

D&T Dept Makes Face Shields for Cheltenham Hospital

SJV

Chris Bream, Rich’s Head of D&T, has been busy making face shields in School, the first shipment of which went out last week to two different GP surgeries and a local care home, with a large proportion also going to Cheltenham Hospital. We’ve had feedback that the shields were distributed and...

Year 11 Students Excel In Top Physics Challenge

Year 11 Students Excel In Top Physics Challenge

SJV

Late in the Spring Term, over 30 of Rich's brightest and best students volunteered to take the fiendishly difficult Intermediate Physics Challenge, organised by the British Physics Olympiad. The boys did tremendously well, with the majority gaining at least Bronze Awards. Six boys, Hani Chaudry, Jamie Davis, Mohammed Juanroyee, Morgan Keane...

From the Headmaster - April 2020

From the Headmaster - April 2020

MM

As we approach the end of our normal term, it is more than apparent that nothing is normal and it is unlikely that we will achieve a normal way of working for some time to come. Indeed, our understanding of ‘normal’ may well change. One of the usual pleasures of the...

Coronavirus (COVID19)

Coronavirus (COVID19)

STRS

At this unprecedented time, the school is doing what it can to support all pupils, parents and staff. The main line of communication with our school community is currently through email. If you are a parent and have not received emails from the Headmaster and the Key Stage leaders over the...

Bovis Homes and Bennetts Coaches Sponsor Netball Kit

Bovis Homes and Bennetts Coaches Sponsor Netball Kit

SJV

Our Sixth Form Netballers are pictured here in smart new fleeces with new kit bags – many thanks to our sponsors Bovis Homes and Bennetts Coaches for making it happen, and for their continued support of Netball at Sir Thomas Rich’s. We’re sad to have had to postpone this year’s Easter...

Uniform Shop Closed Until Further Notice

Uniform Shop Closed Until Further Notice

PA Uniform Shop

In light of the current COVID-19 advice that&nbsp;"now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others", the PA Trustees have decided to postpone all future openings of the Uniform shop until further notice. This is to protect both our volunteers and customers, especially given the size of our...

Tony Stocks Celebration Event

Tony Stocks Celebration Event

CDAC

The Tony Stocks Alumni event will be taking place in the School Hall as planned tomorrow, starting at 10.30am. The day will involve musical items, speeches, tours of the school, lunch and a chance to look at our archives and reminisce...

Vacancies: Business Admin and Property Maintenance Apprentices

Vacancies: Business Admin and Property Maintenance Apprentices

SJV

We have two great Apprenticeship opportunities at Sir Thomas Rich’s in Business Administration and Property Maintenance. Both posts are being advertised on our behalf by Gloucestershire College, the training provider, and full details and details on how to apply can be found on the Gloscol website at the following links: Business...

Vacancy: Science Technician

Vacancy: Science Technician

SJV

Due to an internal move an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Science Technician with a good background in science and experience of working in a school or laboratory. The successful candidate will start asap and will work as a member of a team of three technicians providing specialist technical support...

World Book Day

World Book Day

SJV

World Book Day is today! All students get a £1 WBD token, which can be exchanged for one of the books pictured on the token, or can be used for £1 off any other title – Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Waterstones and WH Smith all accept them. The LRC also has copies...

BUSK Registered For School Trips

BUSK Registered For School Trips

SJV

We are now BUSK registered in relation to transport for all our school trips – this means we follow Gloucestershire County Council advice and rigorously check all transport providers that we use. BUSK works to promote safe child road transport throughout the UK and specialises in all aspects of home to...

WBD Writing Competition

WBD Writing Competition

SJV

To celebrate World Book Day, we're asking students to rewrite the opening of one of the Top 25 Stories to Share. Read the four openings, choose your favourite and write the next part of the story (150-200 words). Where could it go next? Submit your entry to either Mrs Roche in...

Intermediate Maths success

Intermediate Maths success

NJS

The Intermediate Maths Challenge is a national competition for students in Year 11 and below. It tests their key mathematical understanding and applies it to abstract questions. This year approximately 220,000 students entered where the average was 56 out of 135. We entered 30 of our Year 10 students as well...

RSC Macbeth Today

RSC Macbeth Today

SJV

Something wicked this way comes: Year 10 and 11 students are celebrating World Book Day by enjoying a free Royal Shakespeare Company broadcast of Macbeth this morning in the School Hall. A fantastic opportunity to see the RSC’s acclaimed 2018 production starring Christopher Ecclestone and Niamh Cusack. The RSC says in...

Halsbury German Work Experience 2020

Halsbury German Work Experience 2020

JKH

During half term, our Sixth Form German pupils spent time in Aachen completing a Work Experience placement. This was the ideal opportunity to practise their language skills and experience first-hand the life and culture in the country of their chosen language. The students chose work placements from an extensive list covering...

Vacancy: Examinations Administrator

Vacancy: Examinations Administrator

SJV

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, resourceful and motivated Examinations Administrator with excellent communication and organisational skills. The successful candidate will have sole responsibility for the management and administration of all domestic examinations (internal school examinations – eight sessions per academic year and INSET day exams if required), support...

From the Headmaster - February 2020

From the Headmaster - February 2020

MM

New building takes shape If you have visited the School site in the last few weeks, you will have seen that the new building by the tennis courts is at last beginning to resemble the architect’s plans. Many thanks to all those of you who have supported our Richian 2020 Campaign...

Spanish Play Primera Cita at Sir Thomas Rich's

Spanish Play Primera Cita at Sir Thomas Rich's

JKH

On Monday the Modern Foreign Languages Department was pleased to welcome back the Onatti Company for the Spanish play. The group performed the play ‘Primera Cita’ to a very&nbsp;enthusiastic audience. When you are going on a date you need to get ready. This extremely entertaining play gives the audience an hilarious...

Lake District Latest

Lake District Latest

SJV

Our intrepid Year 7s are thoroughly enjoying their residential trip to the Lake District and were tackling mountain skills and canoes yesterday. The weather is still great, as you can see, but please note the mobile phone signal at the YMCA National Centre in Ulverston is a little patchy...

MenTALK workshops with Cheltenham Town FC in Year 9 PSHE lessons

MenTALK workshops with Cheltenham Town FC in Year 9 PSHE lessons

RT

"MENtalk is a programme designed to support young men’s emotional health and wellbeing. Positive mental wellbeing and emotional resilience have been shown to improve young men’s educational achievement and quality of life...MENTalk uses the medium of football to open up discussion and create an environment in which men feel comfortable...

Lakeside Update

Lakeside Update

SJV

More from Year 7's Lake District residential this week at the YMCA National Centre near Lake Windermere. Today's itinerary features climbing, abseiling, bushcraft, orienteering, crate stack (see photos!) and canoeing, amongst other activities. Good weather and good spirits all round...

Vacancy in School Kitchen

Vacancy in School Kitchen

KITCHEN

We are looking for a kitchen porter/general kitchen assistant to work in a busy school canteen kitchen. Hours can be flexible 9.30am-2.30pm term time only. Please contact Rachel on 01452 338443 between the hours of 9am-3.30pm A full advanced CRB clearance is required for this position...

Coronavirus

Coronavirus

SJV

We can reassure all parents and carers that we have no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the School, and we are continuing to monitor advice from Public Health England. Should there be any threat to the School community we will advise as appropriate. The latest updates from Public Health England are...

Coming up in PSHE lessons with Schoolbeat

Coming up in PSHE lessons with Schoolbeat

RT

Our Schoolbeat representative has run many successful, informative and engaging workshops with Key Stage 3 pupils so far this academic year. Below is a schedule of the remaining workshops to be covered throughout the year. Topic: Hidden Hurt (domestic abuse, healthy relationships, coercive relationships) Monday 9th March 9T Monday 27th April...

Year 7 Lakeside Residential

Year 7 Lakeside Residential

SJV

The Year 7 residential trip to Lakeside activity centre in the Lake District is underway! Setting off on Monday, students and staff were greeted by lovely sunshine on reaching Lancashire, before continuing on to Cumbria and the YMCA National Centre in beautiful Ulverston, overlooking Lake Windermere. All arrived safe and sound...

Debate society win the regional European Youth Parliament debates

Debate society win the regional European Youth Parliament debates

AH

A team of 8 year 12 students from STRS became EYP regional champions on Monday, following a full day of debates with topics ranging from peace in Yemen to disability access to public transport. The team did exceptionally well and were complimented on their mature debating style, teamwork and research. The...

German Onatti Play at Sir Thomas Rich's

German Onatti Play at Sir Thomas Rich's

JKH

Just before half term the German department was delighted to welcome the Onatti Company for the first of the Modern Foreign Language Plays this year. The actors performed the play ‘Das Schlimmste Hotel' in front of a very engaged and enthusiastic audience. The story is billed as a 'ridiculously funny play...

Battlefields Tour 2020

Battlefields Tour 2020

SJV

Four Year 10 students took part in a moving Battlefields Tour last week, as part of an award-winning national education programme led by UCL Institute of Education. The Battlefield Tours are a key part of the Government's plans to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, and aim to provide...

Economics Conference On Today

Economics Conference On Today

SJV

There’s a buzz about Economics today at Rich’s - the IEA Sixth Form Conference is on in the main School hall! Students from Rich’s and other Gloucestershire schools are attending, with lots of expert speakers and resources to keep them entertained. You can find out more about the IEA at their...

Year 11 Ace Your Exams study skills

Year 11 Ace Your Exams study skills

NJS

We were delighted to welcome Elevate Education into our school to host a seminar for our Year 11 students. It was titled Ace Your Exams and contained some really useful revision strategies and ideas for them to employ in the coming weeks.&nbsp; Many ideas were discussed but some of the favourites...

Poetry By Heart

Poetry By Heart

SJV

If you’re into great poetry delivered with passion, then the Drama Studio was the place to be this week! The English Department have been hard at work this term running the Poetry By Heart competition with Year 7 students, who have enjoyed a series of workshops with an expert in poetry...

FameLab Finals

FameLab Finals

SJV

Yesterday was all about science communication at Rich's, as Year 9 and 10 contestants competed to win the honour of representing Sir Thomas Rich's at the Famelab Academy Finals in Cheltenham on 26 March. Ten students spoke for three minutes on a STEM topic in front of a Year 8 audience...

House Music 2020

House Music 2020

CVB

Congratulations to Northgate who won this year's House Music! The competition was hotly contested and featured excellent performances from students of all ages. Individual category winners: Junior Solo - Timmy Lai (Southgate) Junior Ensemble - Northgate and Southgate (joint first place) Senior Solo - Aaron Le Maistre (Westgate) Senior Ensemble...

Aaron Le Maistre recital at Chapel Arts, Cheltenham

Aaron Le Maistre recital at Chapel Arts, Cheltenham

CVB

Congratulations to Aaron Le Maistre (Y13)&nbsp;on reaching the final of Gloucestershire Young Musician and on winning Gloucestershire Music’s Composition Competition. Aaron will be performing a recital at Chapel Arts Cheltenham this evening at 6pm...

Year 12 Students Enjoy Cambridge University Masterclasses

Year 12 Students Enjoy Cambridge University Masterclasses

SJV

Nine of Rich's Year 12 students attended Subject Masterclasses at Robinson College, University of Cambridge yesterday. A great day was had by all! The Subject Masterclasses provide academically-able Year 12 students studying at state-maintained schools with the opportunity to explore a subject they are interested in studying at university. With several...

Sir Thomas Rich's Awarded National Quality Mark For Careers Guidance

Sir Thomas Rich's Awarded National Quality Mark For Careers Guidance

SJV

We are proud to announce that Sir Thomas Rich's has been awarded the Quality Careers Standard, the national quality award for careers education, information, advice and guidance. On completing the final stage of the Quality in Careers Standard, the Investors In Careers assessor congratulated Rich's, stating: "A strong commitment to achieve...

New Titles In The LRC

New Titles In The LRC

SJV

Just in time for half-term, a delivery of fresh new books to our Learning Resource Centre! Last year's Book Fair raised some much needed funds for the LRC, which means we can add lots of great new titles. These books were chosen by Sir Thomas Rich's Head of English, Sarah Roche...

Year 12 Student Writes For The TES

Year 12 Student Writes For The TES

SJV

Rob Hicks in Year 12 has written another in his series of articles on the transition from Year 11 to Year 12 for the Times Educational Supplement. The latest article looks at three ways to bridge the GCSE to A Level divide, and is well worth a read. Rob achieved 10...

Coronavirus – Advice

Coronavirus – Advice

DD

We have been asked by the Department of Education to share the following advice about the Coronavirus: Advice for parents/guardians You should not be unduly worried about the possibility of your children catching the Coronavirus. There is no reason why your children should not continue to attend their early years, school...

Bovis Homes Sponsors Malta Netball Tour

Bovis Homes Sponsors Malta Netball Tour

SJV

We're really pleased to announce a sponsorship deal with Bovis Homes, who have very kindly once again supported the Sir Thomas Rich's Malta Netball Tour, taking place this Easter. Our biennial Netball Tour is the only regular overseas Netball tour offered by a Gloucestershire Sixth Form, and gives 30 Rich's Netball...

Parents' Feedback

Parents' Feedback

SJV

Just a quick reminder to all our students' parents to complete the online feedback survey (see your emails for the log-in code). The survey will only take about 10 minutes of your time, and we would be most grateful for your input; the views of parents and carers are crucial in...

Founder's Week

Founder's Week

SJV

Founder's Week is well underway at Sir Thomas Rich's; today's events included a very popular smoothie bar and raffle in the main hall, a penalty shoot-out in the sports hall and gaming in Q7. This week is also Free Dress Week, plus we have Fancy Dress Day the next two Fridays...

Jazz Night

Jazz Night

CVB

Rehearsals are well underway for the eagerly awaited annual STRS Jazz Night. The pupils have been working hard and are looking forward to presenting an evening of sophisticated live music. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, with performances from the Jazz Band, Wind Band, Brass Band and soloists. Friday 31st January...

Careers and HE Fayre

Careers and HE Fayre

SJV

Today’s Careers and HE Fayre has the School hall buzzing, many thanks to our sponsors Kirby & Knott Financial Planning and to all our exhibitors. https...

New Sixth Form Prospectus Available Now

New Sixth Form Prospectus Available Now

SJV

Our new Sixth Form Prospectus 2020-21 is now available as a PDF in the Sixth Form area of the School website. Printed copies will also be available on Thursday 6 February at the Sixth Form Open Evening: doors open 6pm, Headmaster’s talks 6.30pm and 7.30pm. The PDF is available at www...

Free Teacher Training Event 29 January

Free Teacher Training Event 29 January

SJV

If you're considering training to be a secondary teacher, there's still time to book a place on our free Teacher Training Taster Day on Wednesday 29 January from 9am at Sir Thomas Rich's. Find out what a teacher's day is really like, hear from teacher trainers, observe lessons and get info...

From the Headmaster January 2020

From the Headmaster January 2020

MM

The School was founded in 1666 to provide education to 24 poor boys in Gloucester and to set each pupil securely on his life path on leaving school, equipped with the knowledge and skills to survive and flourish in what could be, back then, a harsh and unforgiving world. Today the...

Job Vacancies at Sir Thomas Rich's

Job Vacancies at Sir Thomas Rich's

SJV

We are currently recruiting for two posts at Sir Thomas Rich's, a teacher of Business Studies and Economics, and a Pupil Data Administrator to join the School support team. The closing deadline for both posts is 3 February, see the Sir Thomas Rich's eteach page for full details of both posts...

New Building Progressing Well

New Building Progressing Well

SJV

Work on our brand new&nbsp;Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Careers and Outreach Centre is progressing well, and we had a lucky double rainbow today to help it on its way. Kitting out the building with state of the art facilities is part of the focus of our Richian 2020 Campaign, for more details...

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 6 February

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 6 February

SJV

The next Sixth Form Open Evening takes place at Sir Thomas Rich's on Thursday 6 February with doors opening at 6pm and Headmaster's talks at 6.30pm and 7.30pm. The Open Evening provides an opportunity for Year 11 girls and boys from any school to view Rich’s modern Sixth Form facilities, to...

Former Pupil Showcased On Radio 1 Dance Music Show

Former Pupil Showcased On Radio 1 Dance Music Show

SJV

Former Sir Thomas Rich’s pupil Jaden Thompson featured on Radio 1 on 3 January, as the first ‘Future Fire’ artist to be showcased on Danny Howard’s regular Friday night house and dance music show in 2020. The show is available on the BBC Sounds app and online for another 25 days...