That’s a wrap.
And that’s a wrap on the school year. What a brilliant one it’s been. These past few months have been filled with events and successes and we’re already looking forward to more in September. For now, we’ll leave you with updates from the last few months. We’ve had Pride Week, a Welcome Evening, multiple sporting achievements and University visits. Read on for all the wonderful updates.
Banner Artwork: Year 9, 10 and 11.
Pride week
Our annual Ryburn Pride Week was a huge success and we couldn’t have pulled it off without the hard work and dedication of our LGBTQ+ society and supportive staff. We had a week of parties, face paints and colour runs. Teachers were able to cover LGBTQ+ within lessons and the society put together a well thought out and informative iGen lesson around gender, sexuality and attitudes towards the community. For a full breakdown of events read our Pride Week Rundown.
champions in Sport
Our Year 7 Football team played a nail-biting game against Rastrick in the Calderdale Schools FA Cup Final. There was a lot of back and forth between the teams and by full time the score was 2-2. As it got to penalties, everyone was holding their breath, but the team came out with an impressive 3-1 win! They now add another cup along with the West Yorkshire cup they won earlier in the season. For the full match report, click here. Well done everyone We are all really proud of you.
Our Year 10 Cricket team became the Yorkshire Champions in June when they beat Grammar School at Leeds at Sowerby St Peter's Cricket Club. Chasing 104, Ryburn won the game in the last over registering 108-4. Well done team! For images of the match report, check out our RVHS PE Facebook page.
Our Year 8 Rugby League Team has achieved the well-earned title of National Champions for 2022. In a nail-biting game against Standish, the final result after 50 minutes saw the game end in a tie. The trophy and title are to be shared between both teams who all performed fantastically and gave spectators an enthralling performance. See here for the full match report.
We want to say a huge congratulations to Year 11 student Oliver Smart. Oliver has been selected to represent England Lions Rugby League. After numerous trials and impressive performances, he earnt his well-deserved spot as part of the 20-player squad. They are now preparing for internationals against Wales and Scotland. Well done to a great player and brilliant student.
A warm ryburn welcome evening
Monday the 4 July was our welcome evening for all of our new students starting in September. Students and their parents received a presentation delivered by the head teacher, their soon to be head of year and two of our current students who have been in their position before. Form tutors were in classrooms to introduce themselves to their new form groups and there were several stalls set up in the gymnasium showing glimpses into life at Ryburn.
We’re so glad that everyone in attendance had such a great time and the feedback on our student leaders present throughout the night was especially nice to hear. We hope that everyone is looking forward to starting in September.
Outside of the Classroom
Well done to Toby Moore in Year 10 who took part in the Yorkshire ‘Speak Out’ Challenge final. The competition is a great opportunity for young people to have their voices heard and increase their confidence in public speaking. Toby gave a thoughtful and passionate speech about ending racism which was eloquently delivered to a large crowd amid some tough competition.
Another fantastic out-of-the-classroom achievement comes from another Year 10 student, Stan Moody, who won the EPSB under-18 championship trophy. His next challenge is the under-16 title and we are all wishing him the best of luck. You can find information on Stan’s most recent win here.
here at last
We received a visit from popular and talented boyband Here At Last who came to perform for our Year 8 and 9 students. Not only that but they spoke with students about various topics surrounding mental health in young people including online safety, bullying and some of their own experiences and how they overcame them. Students thought their music was fantastic and they all listened and responded well to the topics discussed. Thank you very much to Zach, Tommy, Pedro, James and Ryan.
Goodbye and Good luck Year 13
It’s that time of year again when we say farewell to our Year 13 students. They had their leavers assembly and a brunch celebrating all of their hard work and looking back over their time at Ryburn.
Students finally got to have their prom as well, with everyone having a great time and looking amazing doing so.
We’re wishing them the best of luck with their results and in their objectives beyond Ryburn. It’s been a pleasure to have you all with us.
Year 7 camp
In June we had our Year 7 camping trip that we know the students have been excited for all year. They all had such a fantastic time and really engaged with all of the activities.
Throughout the week they got to try lots of different outdoor pursuits such as archery, climbing and high wire courses that even our staff would have trouble tackling. They also participated in tasks to build up their teamwork and leadership skills.
Our Year 7 students are a fantastic bunch full of kindness and positivity and we look forward to seeing more of their journey through the school.
University Visits for Ryburn Sixth
Our Year 12 students have been on two University visits recently helping them to explore their options beyond Year 13. They were to the University of Huddersfield and the University of Cambridge.
First was the trip to the University of Huddersfield. Here, the students took part in a series of workshops that explored different careers within the NHS. Students really enjoyed the experience and really engaged with the different sessions. Their eyes were definitely opened to the different careers within the NHS and the routes into them. Thank you to the University of Huddersfield for having us and inspiring our students.
Next was our trip to the University of Cambridge. Students spent two jam-packed days at Selwyn College, getting to explore the campus, experience fascinating sample lectures in English, Maths and History and spending the night in the halls of residence.
During the first-day students were given lots of useful advice about the application process and what the admissions team look for in a personal statement. They took a tour of the beautiful Selwyn College buildings and accommodation - did you know that all first-year students get en suite accommodation!? In the evening everyone competed in a quiz hosted by the Selwyn Ambassadors with the victors winning signed Selwyn napkins - no grander prize if you ask us!
On the second day, students went on some fascinating tours. They received their own private tour of the Scott Research Institute. Next was the tour of the University Library which has a copy of every book published in the UK. Rebecca Seaman asked if they had a copy of a book written by her grandma, Trish Colton, called 'Not a Guide to York'. They took the students into the cellar storage and found it for her! Everyone also got to look around the Darwin in Conversation Exhibition at the library which the students found fascinating. A really well-curated and interesting exhibition which demonstrated Darwin's lifelong passion for discovering, analysing and investigating the world around him. They also saw the invaluable notebooks (worth millions) that were recently returned to the library in a pink gift bag, after being 'lost' for over 20 years! Read more on that here.
It was a fantastic experience that inspired many of the students to apply to Cambridge! Watch this space to find out if they get offered a place.
Platinum jubilee party
In celebration of the Platinum Jubilee, Our SEN students put together a fantastic party fit for a Queen. This was part of a project they were working on where they had to work within a budget to plan and cost the event. In addition, they also had to design and make a cake and we think you’ll agree the result was amazing. They invited their teachers and some of the new students who will be joining the class next year. Everyone who came really enjoyed it and complimented the students on their hard work and efforts.
Getting Stuck in on the Year 10 Business Trip
Our Year 10 Business Studies Students recently had the opportunity to visit the York Chocolate Story. Here they received a guided tour of the virtual factory learning how chocolate was discovered and seeing how it is made today in a live demonstration from one of the story’s chocolatiers.
They then got their hands messy while creating their very own brand of chocolates. Everyone engaged really well during the tour and chocolate-making activity. The staff at York Chocolate Story commented that they were 'a credit to the school'.
a not-so-blue Monday
On Monday 4 July we held a Blue Monday fundraiser event across Ryburn Sixth and lower school, raising money for Unmasked Metal Health. Part of the event included a notice board where students could write positive messages to one another. It was wonderful to see so many students across the school getting involved and encouraging each other.
Unmasked Mental Health has donated many hours of support to our students over the past two years, which has made a great difference to well-being across the school. In September they are running a sponsored bike ride to raise more awareness around mental health. Any donation will ensure that they can continue to support as many people as possible. See their website to donate.
Ryburn alumni we want you!
If you studied at Ryburn then we would love to hear from you and find out what you are doing now. We want to start showcasing more of what our students have gone on to achieve following their time at Ryburn and post regular features. Get in touch at publish@rvhschool.co.uk.
Upcoming Dates:
Monday 5 September - Staff training day
Tuesday 6 September - School re-opens for Years 7 and 12
Wednesday 7 September - School re-opens for all year groups
Are our emergency contact details and medical records up to date for your child?
If you have any feedback or suggestions for this newsletter, please feel free to email publish@rvhschool.co.uk.
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