Christmas Newsletter
Our Christmas 2010 Newsletter is now available, produced by our pupils. Parents will receive a copy in the post or via e-mail.
Download the Christmas Newsletter.
Head’s End of Term Letter July 2010
Dear Parents,
once again, I am writing to you at the conclusion of another busy and successful school year. As usual, I would like to remind you what some of our priorities are as a school:
- Support progression routes for pupils (how we support pupils moving here from primary school, through Year 9 and, of particular importance, moving from Ribblesdale to other institutions as the raising of participation age takes effect from 2013)
- Involving parents in discussion about the curriculum in Years 9-11 (we now have a parents’ focus group and they take the opportunity to meet us regularly)
- Professional development for teachers focused around making learning in class consistently ‘active’
- Enable access to pupil information by parents via the internet as set out by the government
Last week, we held our ‘Shine’ event; this celebrated the diversity and talents of our pupils and staff. The week began with a sport and music evening in the sports hall. Over 70 pupils demonstrated and showcased their sporting and musical talent to a good audience. Some pupils, who are national or regional champions in their respective sports, gave a short presentation. It is truly amazing how many of our young people have such high level skills. ‘Spotlight’ was held mid-week at the Grand in Clitheroe and there was a packed hall each evening. Every year I do not believe that the quality and standard of what we see can be improved on – but it does get better and better. Well done to everyone involved in the organization of performances. It was fantastic! At the end of the week we had the ‘Shine’ event in school, a day in which every pupil did something a little but different: African drumming; climbing; cooking; celebrating fashion; animals; gardening; model making to name just a few. It was a truly incredible day and well worth all the hard work. It was an exciting and memorable way of celebrating cultural diversity and the society we live in.
Earlier this term members of my team and I spent the week looking at the sport/PE curriculum and lessons. Working with the PE teachers, we observed lessons, spoke to the pupils and looked at the work of the department. We do this termly in different curriculum areas, and I am really pleased to report back to you that what we saw was an incredibly hard working department focused on achieving the best in everything they do – just like all the other successful subject teams we have in school. This year, there have also been more successes in competitions.
In my summer letter to parents, I always make a plea to you. When buying your son or daughter’s new school uniform, please buy the right thing! In particular, footwear. It is incredibly frustrating trying to keep 1300 pupils looking smart, but it can be done! Black shoes only please – not pumps, anything with a stripe or trainers. Hair pieces, to tie long hair back, should be simple and not elaborate flowers, etc. Hair styles: please note that on the first day back, hair styles must not be extreme – in colour or style – and fake tan should not be worn – I don’t want orange pupils!
At this time of year, we say goodbye to a number of staff who are leaving the school. We thank Mrs Allonby, Mrs Woodward and Miss Woods from the support staff; Mr Hanslip, Miss Thomson (RE), Mr Harris, Mr Hetherington and Mrs Simpson from teaching staff. Miss Sumner and Mrs Crewe are retiring and we wish them well in whatever they do next (Mrs Crewe will be working with us part-time next term). We welcome back in September, from maternity leave, Mrs Schofield, Dr Osborne and Ms Holaday.
My own thanks of course go to governors, staff, parents and pupils for their hard work this year. I wish everyone connected to the school a very restful and enjoyable summer break.
School re-opens for (new) Year 7 and Year 11 pupils on Thursday 2 September at 8.45am and for all pupils the following day on Friday 3 September at 8.45am.
Yours sincerely
S A Smith
Head’s End of Term Letter Easter 2010
Dear parents,
since our inspection earlier in the school year, we have started to think carefully about our priorities for the next couple of years. Our thinking at the moment is about developing the themes of:
- progression routes for pupils (how we support pupils moving here from primary school, through Year 9, and of particular importance, moving from Ribblesdale to other institutions as the raising of participation age takes effect from 2013)
- involving parents in discussion about the curriculum in Years 9-11 (Year 7 parents have been invited and a number took the opportunity to meet us earlier this term)
- professional development for teachers focused around making learning in class more consistently ‘active’
- enabling access to pupil information by parents via the internet as already set out by the government
There are more too, but more work is needed to be done before I share our thoughts with you in the summer.
Assemblies are held on a weekly basis for all pupils. The themes often relate to broad areas covering matters such as charity, respect for others, substance abuse, internet safety, ‘first impressions’ or making the right choices. Being ‘a good citizen’ could sum up much of the above. Sadly, a small number of our pupils do not endear themselves to others in our local community in a particularly positive way. Low level anti-social behaviour is too common by some young people, but especially when some of them are wearing the uniform of Ribblesdale. We, as a school, challenge those pupils whom we see and hear about. Obviously it is difficult to challenge these pupils when they are near their own homes and away from school. I want to tell you that in the last few weeks we have received help and information from some pupils who know exactly what our expectations are. With their help we have dealt effectively with several pupils letting us all down. We would like to say ‘Well done’ and ‘thank you’ to the overwhelming majority who take pride in their uniform and school and work with us to promote excellence in all we do and build up a sense of community.
I would like to again raise your awareness about internet safety. In the last few months, a number of pupils have got themselves into difficulty whilst using social networking sites at home (Facebook Bebo, etc). Do not give any personal information to anyone. Since Mr Evans led an assembly last term about e-safety, we know about pupils have done the right thing and reported the suspicious activity of others to CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection).
Our attendance policy is on the school’s website. It is important that all parents know what it says. Here is a summary:
- 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 over age 18. (Nobody else may sign out any pupil on the grounds of health and safety)
- Pupils in Year 9, 10 and 11 will not normally be given authorization to take holiday in term time – these are GCSE years
- Up to 10 days’ holiday leave is allowed as long as attendance is at least 90% and permission has been requested (ie, writing to ask, not to tell me, you are taking your son/daughter out of school!)
Thank you for the cooperation you gave us earlier this term when the heavy snow prevented the school from opening for two days. The attendance was excellent in the two days that followed. We are grateful for the feedback, especially about the usefulness of the school’s website to keep parents and pupils fully informed. Initially, we made concessions to aspects of school uniform – we allowed boots/trainers for a time whilst we had snow/ice on the ground. Since then the core aspects of uniform have been good; but some girls persist in wearing scarves, flowery hair grips and badly applied fake tan: totally inappropriate! Boys do better, but their ties could be neater and shirts tucked in. Hooded tops are not allowed.
Year 11 and some Year 10 pupils are just weeks away from their final examinations in some subjects. We have been running revision programmes and workshops after school (programme on the school’s website), and last week, 60 pupils followed a revision technique workshop delivered by some of our staff for pupils who indicated they would like this kind of specific support. This proved hugely successful. A number of pupils have also attended a Saturday morning revision session for History; again, very successful. Over the Easter holiday break it is vital that Year 11 take every opportunity to revise thoroughly. I would ask and encourage parents of pupils in Year 11 (and Year 10 where appropriate) to support their sons or daughters by making time for them: practical help such as ‘testing them’; help by making sure they have peace and quiet for a period of time in the house, or simply cajoling them in any way possible to open their books and files and revise!
On behalf of all our staff I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your help and support this term and wish you a very happy Easter holiday.
School opens for the spring term on Monday 19 April 2010. Pupils should be on site for 8.45am.
Yours sincerely
S A Smith
Headteacher
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
Christmas Newsletter 2009
A group of Key Stage 3 Gifted and Talented pupils have worked together to create our Christmas 2009 newsletter. Parents of our pupils should receive a printed copy of the newsletter or an electronic copy via email near the end of the Autumn / Winter term, but anyone is welcome to download a copy here.
Head’s End of Term Letter July 2009
Dear Parents and Pupils,
at the end of a long academic year, after so many positive achievements, I always begin my letters by reminding you of our current priorities as a school. They are to:
· Continue to improve the examination performance of our pupils, especially for those pupils who do not achieve the national benchmark of level 5 in Year 9
· Provide more choices of learning styles for students in Years 9-11 linked to their personal learning pathway
· Build up a sense of community in the school
· Improve the understanding of parents, pupils and the community about our specialist status in technology and applied learning
Learning and innovation
Earlier this term, we undertook a programme of lesson observations. I saw a wide range of lessons with all year groups. I know that our pupils benefit every day from vibrant, focused activities that develop skills and subject knowledge. It is wonderful to see our young people making progress.
One of our greatest successes this year was the Year 7 Foundation Programme, more commonly known as SPLAT. The programme is skills driven. A few weeks a go, parents of Year 7 pupils were invited to school to look at their outcomes which included displays from The Olive Press and Roefield Leisure Centre.
In 1999, Ribblesdale became one of the first Technology Colleges in England. Ten years on, we celebrated our first decade with The Great Exhibition. The event demonstrated the impact this specialism has had on technology, art, textiles, hospitality and catering, to name just a few areas. I was pleased to welcome to school the Deputy Mayor of Ribble Valley, and Mr Bob Stott, Assistant Director for Universal Services with Lancashire County Council. I know they too were bowled over by the quality of what was on display. Thank you to everyone involved for making the event an outstanding success.
Standards of uniform and school ethos
Last term I wrote to you about the standard of some pupils’ uniform. I said that we expected uniform to be of the same high standard every day irrespective of the time of year, age of the pupil. Whilst there has been some improvement, some aspects of it are still not good enough: footwear, in particular. Please see the enclosed page dedicated to uniform. When we start the new school year in September, everyone should be clear what the expectations are.
Unfortunately, I have recently excluded permanently two pupils who possessed and attempted to pass on drugs to other young people. A simple message again: zero tolerance in this school.
Enrichment programmes
This year has been one of the most successful for the school, particularly in sports competitions. Our teams have achieved:
· HRV Cup: Year 7 came 2nd on goal difference; Year 8 winners; Year 9 runners up; Y10 quarter finalists; Year 11 Double Winners League and Cup
· HRV Cricket Cup: Year 7 winners
· Athletics: Overall boys’ track champions
· Netball: HRV winners in Year 8 and 9
· Golf: Lancashire Schools Championship – 1, 2nd or 3rd place across different categories
· Individual honours for Lancashire and England
Congratulations! You can see a full list of enrichment activities reviewed or advertised on the school’s website. The next update will be in September.
The performance arts at Ribblesdale have produced a number of events this year. Last night, I attended “Stars” at The Grand. There were 500 very lucky people watching a hundred pupils perform and support behind the scenes. How would I describe it? Outstanding.
Educational visits continue to take place. This year we have seen a number of overseas visits and more local ones. Each continues to have an important impact on pupils’ learning providing them with opportunities to develop and grow up beyond the classroom. In the coming months, we expect to be awarded ‘International School Status’.
Ribblesdale is now a Full Core Offer Extended School. This means that we provide or ‘signpost’ to a range of services that support young people. This term we have had a bicycle club, teaching boys in particular to ride responsibly; cooking/camping group looking at life skills; a ‘big sister’ group for girls; Indian head and foot massage. Such opportunities are available next term as well, and I would like to remind pupils that the Learning Resource Centre is open and staffed after school on Tuesday and Thursday until 6pm and on Monday and Wednesday until 4.30pm.
Getting healthy
Last Friday was the “Get Healthy Day”. This was a superb day where health matters were tackled in lessons and activities provided in the LRC during lunch time. I am grateful to staff, pupils and many agencies that supported us including the NHS. What did we do? Blood pressure, pulses, skate-boarding, army sports, learning about sleep, dietitians, to name just a few. Also, our School Travel Plan has just been approved by the DCSF, which means we now have some additional resources to support our plan and try to make a positive impact on the environment.
As we prepare for the autumn term, I must ask for your help. Given the likely escalation of the H1N1 flu virus, I would ask that the parent of any pupil who has a clinical diagnosis given after Monday 24 August must inform us by telephoning the main school number during office hours (you can leave a message – please tell us your son or daughter’s coaching group). This will help us plan more effectively for the start of term.
And finally
At this time of year a number of staff are leaving the school: Miss Vercoe, Mrs Bootle, Mrs Brayshaw and Miss Richardson. Miss Richardson is also getting married: congratulations! Also leaving are Mrs Court and Mr Hammond. Mrs Loxham is retiring after seven years working in learning support, and Mr Wild is also retiring after committing most of his working life to the young people of Ribblesdale – 28 years! We are grateful for all they have done in moving Ribblesdale forward.
We wish every success to Year 10 and 11 pupils who await their summer examination results due in August. I would personally like to thank pupils, parents and all staff for their help and cooperation this year and wish all of you a great summer holiday and a good rest.
School opens on Friday 4 September for (new) Year 7 and Year 11 pupils and for all other pupils on Monday 7 September. Pupils must be on site at 8.45am prompt.
Yours sincerely
S A Smith
Headteacher
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