Head’s End of Term Letter Christmas 2009

Dear Parents,

what an eventful term this was! Just over a month into the autumn term we were inspected by Ofsted; whilst it was a stressful time for us all, we were given a clean bill of health. A good school with some outstanding features. I posted our Ofsted report on the website and sent it to those parents who have not yet signed up for e-alerts and e-newsletters from the school. Congratulations to our staff and students! As a result of the inspection, we will be working next term to put in place a new school improvement plan which will set out our agenda for the next three years. At the heart of it will be to embed those improvements we have already made.

It seems only yesterday that our new Year 7 pupils joined us. They seem to be making the most of their learning opportunities and are working very hard, just like all the pupils I see when I walk around the school and go into classrooms. There have been a number of successes this year, building on the excellent examination results last summer. Technology continues to develop as a specialist area: a group of Year 9/10 pupils take part in the National Formula 1 for Schools final in January having got there with hard work and imaginative and innovative approaches to science and technology; hospitality and catering ran a medieval night; the school fashion show was the best yet (not just my opinion, ask those who were there). The Scary Guy visited us in October to help launch our new anti-bullying policy: this was a really successful event for the whole school, raising some important questions to pupils and adults about how we work together to solve problems. Our non-uniform day for Years 7-10 (Year 11 were in non-uniform already for their careers interviews) and other charitable deeds raised £1,000 for Children In Need. Well done!

This year we are involved in a European Comenius project with schools from France, Germany and Spain. The subjects involved are music, with sport and hospitality joining when appropriate. All schools will come together for musical performances written collaboratively over a two year period. I am very proud we are involved in such a high profile initiative putting learning at its core and look forward to updating you on its progress in the coming year.

Earlier this term, the governing body agreed changes to the school’s attendance policy. The policy is on the school’s website, or you can ask for a paper copy. It is important that all parents know what changes were made:

• Parents should inform school of pupil illness no later than 9.30am on the first day of absence, and then contact school every other day during a child’s absence

• Students can not be sent home without being collected by a parent or family member

• Pupils in Year 9, 10 and 11 will not be given authorisation to take holiday in term time – these are GCSE years

• Pupils in 7 and 8 will be given authorisation for up to 10 days’ holiday leave, but at the discretion of the headteacher, as long as attendance is at least 90%

Year 11 pupils are about to begin trial examinations. The aim is to replicate as closely as possible the summer examinations. It is vital that pupils prepare and revise thoroughly – taking into account their own preferred learning style. The outcomes of the trial exams can then be used as a basis to prioritise what needs to be done for pupils to achieve their target grades and succeed. It is our expectation that Year 11 should now be exclusively focused on learning and working towards their examinations and completing coursework/controlled tests to the best of their ability. It is very noticeable to us when a huge majority put ‘the rest of their life’ before ‘their social life’. To the minority, my advice is to know what is important before it is too late! Parents, you can play your part to help your sons and daughters have the best possible chance to achieve and succeed.

Mr Evans has recently led school assemblies to raise awareness about on-line computer/internet safety. We have produced a guide for young people who use the internet. You may wish to view it yourself in the parents’ section of our website. There is particular concern over young people sharing personal information, and the dangers of the virtual world and real world coming together in a ‘meeting’. The increasing use of mobile technology makes it easier for young people to be more active in the virtual world without you, their parents, being aware. Please help us to ensure that your young people ‘stay safe on line’. Whilst on an IT theme, can I remind all pupils that they should use their dinner card to release their printing – if they do not have a dinner card, any card with a magnetic strip can be programmed by our technicians.

I met the School Council Executive at the end of last month. The minutes of the meeting are now on the website for you to read. The ‘pupil voice’ is important to us, and although I can not always readily agree to every suggestion, the process of listening and having the debate with pupils’ representatives is important. Seeing each others’ point of view is often the most useful outcome!

School uniform is good at the moment for the vast majority. Can I remind you that school shoes must be worn, not canvas pumps. This applies to boys and girls. I would bring to the attention of parents of girls that we have a no make-up policy. We will expect make-up worn in school to be removed. It appears that some girls seem to have lost the subtleties of ‘appropriate appearance’. The current uniform list and presentation rules are shown in pupil planners.

Your help and cooperation during the term is much appreciated. On behalf of everyone at Ribblesdale, I wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

School opens for the spring term on Monday 4 January 2010. Pupils should be on site for 8.45am.

Yours sincerely

S A Smith
Headteacher