There’s a brand-new space for creativity, performance and play at Richmond House!
Over the summer holidays, an area of our school grounds was transformed into a fantastic new outdoor stage and play area, and, just a few weeks into the new term, it has already been thoroughly enjoyed by our pupils.
The new stage was officially opened on the first day of term, providing the perfect backdrop as we welcomed everyone back to school. It was particularly lovely to see families stopping to capture those all-important first-day photographs in front of the displays on the stage – a very special way to begin the year in a space that we hope will create countless happy memories in the years ahead.
As part of the project, our existing wooden pagoda has been opened out to create a more welcoming space where pupils can enjoy some quieter time, sit with friends and chat during their breaks. Nearby, the hedges alongside our sports courts have also been removed, completely opening up this part of the grounds. This gives families a much better view when cheering on our teams during fixtures – but it has also created something of a new Richmond House activity hub at breaktimes!
Pupils can now move easily between the sports courts, Adventure Playground and outdoor stage, whether they fancy a game of football, a climb and an adventure, or taking centre stage for an impromptu performance. The more open layout also means our staff can supervise the whole area much more easily, although we suspect keeping up with everything our pupils dream up on stage may be the greater challenge!
And that is exactly what this new space is all about.
For generations of Richmond House pupils, the stage will provide another opportunity to play, imagine, create and perform during their breaktimes.
We’re also excited about the possibilities beyond playtimes. We hope to make the stage part of school life and learning throughout the year – somewhere to present, sing, dance, perform, deliver talks, share work, hold outdoor lessons and much more. You name it, we hope our pupils will find a way to use it!
Most importantly, this wonderful new facility has been made possible by the incredible fundraising efforts of our Parents’ Association.
Funds raised through initiatives including last year’s brilliant 12-hour Dance-a-thon, which saw pupils, staff and families dance from 7am until 7pm and raise an amazing £1,695, have helped turn this idea into a reality. From the Cha Cha Slide and YMCA to Irish dancing, the Hokey Cokey and even Baby Shark, all those hours of dancing have left a lasting legacy for our pupils.
We cannot thank our Parents’ Association enough for the time, energy and hard work they put into raising money to enhance our school and give our children the very best facilities, experiences and opportunities.
We are incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive Richmond House community – one that continually comes together, gives so generously and, above all, wants the very best for one another and for every child at our school.
The stage is built, the audience area is ready… now it’s over to our pupils!
