Expectations were high going into the final of the English School Under-15 cup and with an unbeaten run stretching back 14 months the local boys were brimming with confidence. Looking resplendent in their new green and white kit the game kicked off in the superb surroundings of Pride Park, the home of Derby County FC. Cheered on by around 250 fellow pupils who had travelled down on coaches supplied by the school it was Oasis Academy who started the brightest. Packed with Crystal Palace Academy players from the highly successful link the school has with the professional outfit it was clear to see the difficulty of the task facing our boys.

For the first twenty minutes the Ribblesdale boys chased the ball and worked hard to contain some excellent link up play from Oasis. However, the Ribblesdale defence stood tall long range efforts did little to trouble Josh Pomfret in the Ribblesdale goals. With twenty-five minutes on the clock Oasis took the lead in dubious circumstances. After David Robinson was pushed to the floor by the Oasis midfielder the referee waved play on, with Fordham advancing to block the midfielders shot the ball fell kindly to the Oasis forward who calmly slotted the ball home.

Within two minutes the locals thought they had equalised after Robinson raced clear of the imposing Oasis defenders and finished clinically, only for the linesman to raise his flag, much to the dismay of the travelling army of green and white supporters. The game was even going in to the break and the Ribblesdale boys were still in the game.

The second half started in a tentative manner with both defences looking strong. With twenty minutes remaining the lively Telford found himself clear inside the 18-yard box, however his left foot strike was well saved by the Oasis Keeper and the chance passed. This seemed to unsettle the Ribblesdale lads as the Oasis Academy went straight on the attack, scoring immediately to make it 2-0. As the locals pushed forward to try and reduce the arrears, Oasis broke once more and finished clinically.

Ribblesdale finished strongly as they pressed for a goal with Scott Hughes dominant in midfield. Although it was to no avail and when the final whistle blew the Oasis Academy were deservedly crowned the champions of England. The achievement of reaching the English Schools final cannot be underestimated with the whole of the community getting behind the school. Special thanks must go to The Mayor of both Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley for travelling down to support the boys, it was really appreciated. The next big occasion for the team is the Lancashire Schools final which will be played against Archbishop Temple from Preston in the next couple of weeks.

After losing last years final on penalties at the Etihad Arena in Manchester, Wright Robinson had a convincing run of results in this years knock-out competition and were deserved favourites going into the game.

Playing away at the home of Stalybridge Celtic the Manchester team were full of Academy players and included Manchester City’s Talented England Under 16’s player Kean Bryan in their starting line up.

The game started brightly in the grim Manchester rain and the strength and skill of the Manchester team looked evident as they knocked the ball around with precision and purpose. Although it was the Ribblesdale boys who had the first attempt on goal as Telford’s pace caused problems down the left wing. Patrick Fordham and Tom Jackson tackled fiercely and Josh Pomfret tipped a rasping drive onto the crossbar, before the ball was hooked away to safety. Wright Robinson played some excellent football and showed why they are so highly regarded throughout schoolboy football. Kean was trying to dictate but was becoming frustrated by the resolute Ribblesdale defenders with Luke Wilde and Andrew Tomlinson making some superb tackles. As the game approached half time the Ribblesdale boys continued to press and as the whistle blew it was the Valley lads who walked up the tunnel with their heads held high.

With a chance to rest and recover the Ribblesdale boys confidence grew as they realised a famous victory could be theirs. The second half was very even and all 22 players demonstrated an outstanding attitude with strong tackling, intricate team play and some outstanding goal-keeping. With extra-time on the horizon Dominic Telford produced an outstanding left-footed volley which crashed down off the inside of the bar before bouncing to safety. This seemed to spur the Valley lads on even more and when Alister Lofthouse threaded a neat ball through the home sides defence Telford was on to it in a flash, as the Wright Robinson keeper advanced to narrow the angle Telford calmly slotted the ball home. Wright Robinson seemed shocked by this, but things got even worse for them a couple of minutes later when Telford collected the Ball on the half way line, turned his man and unleashed a magnificent left foot strike which sailed into the top left hand corner of the net. The whole team celebrated together with keeper Pomfret running the full length of the pitch to join in. With tireless running from midfielder David Robinson and clever defending from Max Wyn-Jones the team looked invincible. Another first class save from Pomfret left the home side bewildered and with Fordham and Jackson holding the team together with some outstanding defending Wright Robinson were thrown a lifeline when Fordham was adjudged to have fouled on the edge of the box. Bryan showed his class as he fired the ball into the top left hand corner. With just two minutes left on the clock the Ribblesdale lads showed maturity beyond their years as they kept the ball until the referee decided enough was enough and a new chapter in the history of Ribblesdale School was to be written.

The scenes at the final whistle were one of jubilation as players and family celebrated together, it is a moment many will never forget. The final is scheduled to be played on Monday 14th May against The Oasis Academy from Croydon, London at Pride Park, the home of Derby County FC. This is an outstanding achievement from a group of players who have shown that with desire, commitment, skill and an unbelievable team spirit, so much can be accomplished. Well done lads, you were awesome!!!!!!

Drawn away to RSA Academy from West Bromwich the local lads started the game brightly, with some neat passing the green and whites began to dominate. They were rewarded when a superb cross caused confusion the RSA box and the ball flew into the net off the head of the RSA central defender. This seemed to settle the home team down and they began to show the form that Knocked the famous footballing school Thomas Telford out in the previous round. The Ribblesdale defence were under tremendous pressure but remained resilient as the half-time whistle sounded. The second half saw Ribblesdale really take the game by the scruff of the neck, with the lively Dominic Telford going close, before the class of Scott Hughes saw his shot go agonisingly over the crossbar. Ribblesdale piled on the pressure with some fierce tackling by Robinson, Fordham, Jackson and Lofthouse. They were very unlucky to not go two in front when Telford’s 35 yard lob bounced down of the crossbar and seemed to have crossed the line by a considerable distance, only for the visiting linesman to adjudge that the ball didn’t cross the line, much to the dismay of the army of travelling support. It came as no surprise when the Referee gave the home side a penalty with five minutes remaining. Josh Pomfret once again produced an amazing save, although the joy was short-lived as the rebound fell kindly to the home team and the resulting strike saw the game head towards extra-time. Showing the character and determination which has seen the Ribblesdale boys win every game in the last twelve months, extra-time was not an option for them. With the final whistle approaching rapidly a long ball into the box saw the ball land at the feet of towering central defender Patrick Fordham, with a first touch equal to that of Lionel Messi and a turn which wouldn’t have looked out of place on ‘Come Dancing’ Fordham found himself with only the goal-keeper to beat. As he went to shoot he was hacked down from behind by the RSA defender and a penalty was the only option the home referee could give. After a conversation between the confident Robinson and prolific Dominic Telford it was the latter who placed the ball on the spot. With what turned out to be the very last kick of the match, Telford smashed the ball into the bottom right corner of the net to send the team into the Semi-finals. The scenes at he final whistle were ones of triumph and jubilation as family, friends and players alike hugged and cried. The feeling of personal satisfaction and team togetherness was abundant to all, even the 300 strong home crowd. This was a glorious afternoon and one now written firmly into the history of Ribblesdale School, its an achievement and experience that will never be forgotten by 15 outstanding young men.

Dear Parent and student,

Year 11 Study Leave

I am writing to tell you that study leave for Year 11 will commence for all on Thursday 31 May. This day will be different: pupils will have the opportunity to have an assembly together and mix together in school before leaving early for their ‘last day’.

This is a little later than usual, in part due to the late half-term break because of the Jubilee weekend. I trust Year 11 will take every opportunity now to consolidate what they know and prepare well for the examinations in a few weeks.

Just a reminder that there is a wealth of material for almost every subject is available on the VLE “Moodle” section of our website. This can be accessed from a PC or ‘on the move’ from a smartphone. Parents as well as pupils need to see what information is there for both parents and pupils.

Best wishes and good luck to all of you!

Yours sincerely
S A Smith
Headteacher

This spring, we have worked hard to begin a process of self-evaluation, to look at what we do well, what we could improve, and to seek others’ opinions. Your opinions have recently been sought through a questionnaire, posted home to you, which I am grateful many of you have completed and returned to school. We have not received an analysis of the results yet, but I think in the next term we will be in a position to share with you the areas that you think we do well in and those we can do better in.

This term has seen some exceptional sporting achievements and drama performances. Those worthy of note here are the boys’ Year 7 and Year 10 football teams. The Year 7 boys made it through to the last sixteen of the English Schools’ Cup, and the Year 10 boys are just one win away from the final in the same competition. To have two teams in the late stages of this competition is exceptional and my congratulations, and yours, to them. As with many of the enrichment activities – sport, music, SHINE, cheerleading, GRAB, technology showcases, book events, trips, food, art community projects – all our pupils, supported by our staff, ‘give their all’. Well done and thank you!

The house system is working very well in Years 7 and 8. Having evaluated its success, we have decided to roll this out into the other year groups from September. The five houses – Downham, Mitton, Waddington, Chatburn and Edisford – complete against each other in different competitions and settings. The Christmas quiz was superb and encouraged all the young people to support and encourage their respective teams.

Year 11 continue to be focused on their summer examinations. The vast majority are working on target, on track and making progress towards their goals. All year 11 need to step up now to the next level. We have supported them through mentoring sessions, workshops and revision classes, so I hope these opportunities are made the most of in the coming weeks. I would like you to note that it is our expectation that Year 11 pupils undertake a minimum of 2 hours per day ‘revision’; it may be this is done in several sessions, which is better.

We recently asked for nominations for a parent governor. There was only one nomination, and therefore, no ballot of parents is necessary. A new parent governor has been appointed.

Finally, a number of residents on Turner Street and Langshaw Drive (where the pavilion and access to the sports field is) continue to complain to me about inconsiderate parking blocking driveways. A plea: please park with courtesy and use the school car park for after school hours activities.

Year 11 have received a separate letter with this mailing in relation to study leave.

I hope you and your families have an enjoyable break at Easter.

School opens for the summer term on Monday 16 April 2012. Pupils should be on site for 8.45am – not 8.50am when the register is taken.

Yours sincerely

S A Smith

Headteacher

Story telling was the backdrop for the workshop at the Platform Gallery on 15th March. Fifteen art students were lead around the gallery by Matthew Roby ( artist, illustartor, graphic designer and author ) reading from his book ‘The Fateful Fable of 13′. The year 9 students were then invited to create their own figure. They chose 3 words from a selection and using a revolutionary product ‘Super Sculpey’ began molding and sculpting their 3 dimensional work. Personifying 3 words e.g ‘magic’, ‘frog’ and ‘king’ proved challenging, but all the students exceeded expectations and after working solidly for 3 hours produced wonderfully imaginative creatures. It was an experience the students will never forget!

Once all of the other 6 schools from around the country had arrived, some as far as Belfast, we had a workshop with BBC staff and Martha Kearney from Radio 4 to try to come up with the best questions to ask the leader. Travelling by BBC Cars they were then taken to the Royal Horseguards 5* hotel on the Thames which much to Maisy’s surprise even had a TV in the bath!

Bright and early on Thursday morning the girls had to hone and practice their questions. Maisy had decided to focus on tuition fees and the cuts to the youth service while Poppy focused on the NHS reforms. It was then straight off to the Cabinet Office where we bumped into Andrew Lansley MP to interview Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Unfortunately we didn’t have much time with him but the girls agreed he was very approachable but perhaps didn’t answer their questions as directly as they hoped.

Next it was off to Ed Milliband’s office in Portcullis House, despite the scary security at Portcullis, the girls found Mr Milliband very lovely and even got to pose for photographs with him at the end.

Final stop was Downing Street where the girls had a private tour of the state rooms and then sat down in the Cabinet room to grill the Prime Minister himself. Throughout the 2 days the girls were filmed by BBC Cameras and the films and interviews will be on the BBC School Report website from Thursday. Their interviews were also broadcast on Radio 4 World at One programme and they have already received national press attention in the Daily Mail, The Telegraph and the Lancashire Telegraph.

Ribblesdale pupils were out in force with 50 competitors entered for solo events and girls in Years 8-11 also took part in the Under 17 team event in their third outing at the Tower. Year 7 pupils did themselves proud with Ellie Clayton, Cara Vose, Nina Telford and Olivia McClelland all reaching the semi final stages of their solo events. Ellie went on to be placed 6th in the final and Nina 1st in her event. In the older age categories Katie Edmundson, Daisy Huntoon, Leah Burke, Abbie Barton, Emily Billington, Toyah Clifton and Jo-Anne Stevenson again made it to the semi finals with Katie eventually coming 5th in the final, Abbie 5th, Toyah 2nd and Emily 2nd. Many pupils had to endure 3 or 4 rounds before reaching the closing stages and they danced superbly.

Congratulations goes to Mrs Ormerod, one of our cheer mums who bravely competed in mum’s cheer dance 1 to raise money for the team. She danced exceptionally well and made it to the semi finals whilst raising money for the squad at the same time.

The team dances at cheer competitions are the most prestigious and fiercely competitive events as teams design their own choreography to music of their choice which they perform to 7 judges in a 3 minute time period. Ribblesdale had a brand new dance with a mix of Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory, Bonnie Tyler’s Holding out for a hero and Kenny Login’s Footloose. One of the largest squads at the competition they danced amazingly well and were placed 3rd overall which is a remarkable achievement.

Miss Robinson will be working hard with the Year 7 girls over the coming months so they can enter a team for the first time in June and all pupils will be busy preparing for their next event at Leigh Sports Village in Manchester on 20th May.

Pupils prepared for the event by making their own pom poms from supermarket carrier bags. They were lead through a 10 minute warm by Miss Robinson who then taught them all a cheer dance to Katy Perry’s “Firework”.  Pupils practised different cheer moves before learning the routine. The atmosphere was amazing with the sports hall completely full of enthusiastic and energetic pupils who all learnt the dance superbly. After numerous practices, each house then performed the routine whilst they were judged by members of staff. Although all houses were excellent, Edisford were voted the best house and all pupils will receive house points and chocolate for their efforts.

A number of pupils performed particularly well on the day. These included: Claire Callus, Jacob McCue, Alex Hadaway, Lewis Haliday, Jessica Brunskill, Curtis Baker, Caroline Dewhurst, Chelsea-Louise Wilkinson, Daniel Hollingdrake and Jordan McTear. They will receive prizes in a special celebratory assembly.

The whole event was incredibly successful, both staff and pupils had a great time, whilst trying something new for the first time and the element of competition was strong but nevertheless friendly and all pupils supported one another throughout the hour.

The final total raised was £1000 and Miss Robinson would like to thank Ms Cooper for all her help with the organisation of the event; the pupils that took part as well as staff who helped on the day and those who generously sponsored the pupils and contributed to such a large final total!