This is an important part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum and so I invite you to a briefing meeting on Thursday 14th January 2010 from 7.00p.m. to 8.00 p.m. in the school’s Drama Complex.

Year 10 pupils will be learning about what work experience can involve for them, what they might achieve through it and how to complete documentation during coaching periods and assemblies in January.

The programme for 14th January is as follows:

• A presentation outlining the objectives and logistical details of the work experience placements including pictures of pupils on placement.
• An account of the employer’s view of work experience by an employer involved last year
• The opportunity to question two Year 11 pupils who took part in work experience last year

You will be given a pack containing copies of the work experience documentation at the end of the meeting including available placements and advice on securing other placements.

I do hope that you will be able to attend this meeting. Letters with return slips are being sent home with pupils.

Yours sincerely

Virginia Crewe

IAG Co-ordinator

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

It is important that you note that detailed reports and feedback will not be given at this evening. The focus is on each learner’s well-being in school, rather than academic progress. An opportunity to discuss progress more thoroughly will be available later on in the school year. If you – or we – feel it is necessary, you can of course make an appointment to come in to school after half-term.

Light refreshments, including a glass of wine or soft drinks, if you prefer, will be available. This event is informal and also serves as an opportunity to meet other parents with children in Year 7.

I look forward to meeting you if at all possible. Please do try to come to school to see us.

Yours sincerely

S A Smith
Headteacher

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 2^nd 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, 2^nd or 3^rd 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

Re: Use of video in your son/daughter’s History curriculum.

At certain points in the year it is necessary to allow pupils to view a selection of film to enhance their Historical knowledge and understanding and evaluate available evidence. Some of these films have been rated ‘15′ by the UK Certification Board and are not suitable for children under this age. As the History Department feels it is necessary to allow pupils to watch short extracts from these films, they will be edited to exclude any unnecessary scenes containing inappropriate material (e.g. inappropriate use of bad language, sex, nudity and violence) whilst still maintaining a realistic portrayal of events and feelings, as some subjects within History require honesty and realism.

In Year 7, extracts will come from:-

• ‘Gladiator’
• ‘Colosseum’
• ‘Braveheart’
• ‘Robin Hood’

In Year 8, extracts will come from:-

• ‘All’s Quiet on the Western Front’
• ‘Schindler’s List’
• ‘The Pianist”
• ‘Hope and Glory’
• ‘Saving Private Ryan’
• ‘The Pianist’
• ‘Braveheart’
• ‘Roots’
• ‘Blackadder’
• ‘A Knight’s Tale’
• ‘The Trench’
• ‘Battle of the Somme’ (T.V.series)
• ‘The boy in striped pyjamas’
• ‘Band of Brothers’

However, due to the new release of many films and new ideas about the usage of other existing films, it may be necessary to show a section of film not listed here. We will also be using YouTube for suitable videos/documentaries which fit the course. This list can be accessed from the school’s web site and the Year 9 and G.C.S.E. list will be on there. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require more information.

Yours faithfully

Mrs J. Taylor (Head of History)

The end of the spring term always poses a degree of challenge, in that whilst very clearly focused towards the coming examination season, we also begin to look forward and plan for the new school year in September. We have a number of priorities as a school they are:

• To continue to improve the examination performance of our pupils, especially the highest grades
• To provide more choices of learning styles for students in Years 9-11 linked to their personal learning pathway
• To build up a sense of community in the school
• To strengthen the understanding of parents and pupils about our specialist status in technology and applied learning

The learning environment
You may – or may not – have noticed that the windows in the old main block are being replaced. Internal works to improve the corridor of the same building are also being undertaken shortly. £200,000 of work, should make a big difference, making the school brighter and watertight. Spending so much money on the campus is always a bonus, but not when the site is often full of so much litter. Much of it comes from plastic sandwich cartons and cups purchased from the school’s dining rooms. It really is a disgrace that some pupils do not use the bins provided: we need to do something about it. After Easter, food and drink purchased at lunch time in the dining rooms will need to be consumed there. Food will not be allowed to be eaten inside classrooms and on corridors. We hope this will make a difference, making the campus much more attractive to learn and work in. I am expecting everyone’s cooperation to make a real difference.

Earlier this year, I permanently excluded a Year 7 pupil for bringing a small knife into school. Let the message be clear: no offensive weapons are allowed on site nor should they be carried as set out in law. I will permanently exclude any pupil who does so regardless of the circumstances.

Learning
We continue to support Years 10 and 11 for their examinations which begin next month. Workshops, revision sessions and extra lessons are available and we hope every young person preparing for exams makes full use of what is on offer. The teaching staff go to extraordinary lengths to make sure exam classes get the best possible preparation. After Easter, there are only four school weeks (20 days) before the summer exam series begins. The revision sessions on offer can be seen on the website in the ‘pupils’ section or you can refer to the letter I posted home to Year 11 in February.

Year 7 Band 2 pupils have just completed their Science Technology, Engineering and Maths week (STEM). This is part of our specialist status for technology. During the project, visitors from industry helped pupils plan, design, build and demonstrate their model cars which operated using a charged capacitor (Mr Crashley told me this is a battery – I’ll take his word for it). The final session saw them gathered in the sports hall to race them. An exciting way to understand mechanics and physics!

Year 10 will be undertaking a work placement in June. Where possible, we try to link the placement to each pupil’s learning programme. Many pupils also undertake additional placements linked to a specific course, usually an applied course. This has been very successful providing material for coursework.

I was present last week at The Olive Press in Clitheroe as a guest of the Hospitality and Catering Group; a crèche, run by the health and social care pupils was available to parents of pupils in Years 7 and 8 at their parents’ evenings; the school production of Pirates took place; there was a trip to a remote village in Spain which was part of the GCSE Spanish course; The Young Enterprise team attended the National Trade Fair in Stratford, coming fourth out of a hundred: brilliant ambassadors for us. This is our second specialism in action, applied learning, or ‘learning by doing’, at its most innovative.

Standards of uniform
Whilst standards of uniform are good, they are not outstanding. They should be. In everything we do, particularly in relation to learning and teaching, we aim to be outstanding. Pupils and parents expect it, and we as teachers strive for it. The same individuals let us down – let themselves down – by wearing their uniform incorrectly or simply wearing the wrong thing. Footwear and boys’ ties are the most common issues we deal with every day. So again, for the record, the ‘headlines’:

• Ties must be worn around the collar, showing appropriate length (5 stripes)
• Canvas, training shoes and boots are not allowed by anyone
• Shoes must be plain black
• Make up should not be worn
• Year 11 uniform is to be worn in full until after the final examination has been taken

I expect uniform to be of the same high standard every day irrespective of the time of year or age of the pupil. Please work with us to make this aspect of school life outstanding too. Small things do matter.

Communicating with you
Over the past few weeks, 200 parents of pupils in Year 7 and 8 have given their email contact to us. If you are one of them, you will be receiving this newsletter electronically (hopefully!). Everyone who signs up before 30 April is entered into a draw to win £25 M&S vouchers. Please remember to tell us when you change your email, postal address or telephone numbers. Last month, the telephone system was changed to provide for a direct dial to specific extension numbers (Option 5). A selection are given in the ‘contacts‘ section of the website. I hope this is helpful. The more efficient and effective our communication is with home, the better the support and achievements of pupils will be.

Extended Schools
Ribblesdale is now a ‘Full Offer’ extended school. In January, the service was launched on Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 6pm. Drop in activities such as storytelling, dance, careers information, mask making, chess and skateboard-buddying are available. On 28 April ‘Barn Owl Bill’ will show and give a talk about rescued owls! Activities or use of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC)/IT suite are available to everyone. Refreshments can be bought in the café next to the LRC.

‘Pirates’
Well done to the cast of “Pirates” which has been a great success this week. Our thanks go to all who helped over the three evenings and supported the charity raffle. Again, an outstanding show watched by almost a thousand people including local primary school children cements the school’s growing reputation for performance.

Many more news items can be seen on the school’s website, which is updated daily. Thank you to everyone for all their help and support this term. Our young people should take great pride in what they do and in what they achieve. May I wish you an enjoyable Easter break.

School opens again on Monday 20 April. Pupils should be on site and make their way to their first lesson at 8.45am to begin learning at 8.50am prompt.

Yours sincerely

S A Smith

During this week a number of young people and their Coaches/Year Leaders have planned a number of charitable events in support of ‘Red Nose Day’ tomorrow. It seems sensible that the calendared ‘non uniform day’ scheduled  for the Friday 3rd April should instead be held tomorrow Friday 13th March.

The cost to pupils not to wear their uniform will be £1.00.

Yours sincerely
S A Smith
Headteacher

The consultation begins at 4.00pm and finishes at 6.45pm prompt. During this time a queuing system is in operation and all teachers will be available in the Sports Hall. Please be patient. We try to limit conversations to 3-5 minutes recognising that further follow up appointments can be arranged, if needed.

Teachers of the Year 7 Foundation Programme (SPLAT) will not be present as you will receive a separate report and invitation to celebrate young peoples’ achievements and talk to teachers in the summer term.

Some important people will be available to see during the evening: Year 7 Pastoral Coordinator, Mrs Birkett, will deal with any pastoral or welfare issues. Year Leader, Mr Beardsworth, will be able to discuss academic issues across a range of subjects. The School Counsellor/Parents in Partnership (PIP) Representative will also be available. The PIP group has recently been established and has attracted a growing number of parents who want an opportunity to meet regularly, support each other and gain access to outside agencies that support young people and families.

Parents are asked to sign in and out again in the main cafeteria where refreshments will be available throughout the evening. Prefects will be on hand to direct you. You will find members of the school’s leadership team here until 6.45pm.

Over the years, experience has demonstrated that regular attendance at Parents’ Consultation Evenings plays a key role in ensuring that excellent progress is maintained. We would be delighted if you are able to join us and look forward to meeting you.

Subjects covered in this event are: English, Geography, History, PE, Maths, Music, RE, Science, Spanish and Technology. Your son or daughter’s coach will be present.

Please return the reply slip to Student Services no later than Thursday 5th March.

Yours faithfully

S A Smith
Headteacher

Reply Slip

Please return this slip to: Student Services

Name of Student: __________________________ Coaching Group: __________________

I do / do not intend to attend the Year 7 Parents’ Consultation Evening on Thursday 12 March.

Signed _________________________________ Parent/Guardian

Please find below a timetable for revision/extra lessons for some Year 11 subjects in the run up to the examination period. I would ask you to encourage your son or daughter to attend as many as possible on a regular basis. Over the years, it is certainly true that pupils making use of such opportunities do considerably better in their examinations than those who do not take advantage of such opportunities.

I would also like to remind you – but especially the pupils – that the standards of uniform I expect from Year 11 are the same as every other year group. I expect the published uniform list to be adhered to until pupils leave Ribblesdale. We all expect blazers to be worn, shoes suitable for school to be worn – not trainers – boys to wear their ties smartly, etc. I hope my expectations are clear and thank all parents for their cooperation and support in keeping the standards as high as possible.

Over the half-term holiday and in the weeks ahead, it is vital that the focus of every pupil is on achieving the targets they have and getting the best possible grades in their examinations.

Yours sincerely,

S A Smith
Headteacher

13th February 2009

Revision Classes Timetable for Year 11
Commencing 24th February 2009

Due to demand there will be a 2 week timetable for Revision Classes. Hopefully all pupils will therefore be able to attend all classes that they need to.
All classes run 3.10- 4pm unless otherwise stated.

Week 1

Monday R.E. R1 / Law A6
Tuesday History R6
Wednesday French (Also lunchtime sessions) A7/8
Thursday Spanish A2
Friday HSCEY (2.10-4pm) A9

Week 2

Mon Science
Tues PE room / Law A6
Wed Geography G5
Thursday Music E4
Friday Law A6 (2.10-3pm)

Law classes are down in more than one place because of the shortage of slots. Hopefully all pupils can manage one of the classes during the 2 week period. There will also be a booster class for law pupils on 26th/27th May.

In addition

From 19th March Thursdays until 7th May – C/D borderline Revision classes for English

On Friday 13th of February an additional non-uniform day is being held. The purpose of this event is to raise money for an anti-bullying charity ‘kidsvisionheart’. Students are asked to make a donation of £1 for the privilege of wearing their own clothes.

Thank you in anticipation of your support

Yours sincerely
Ian Hemingway
Assistant Headteacher

Ref: IH/CD

5th February 2009