‘November: the last month of autumn, but the beginning of a new adventure.’
The academic year is in full swing, and before we know it Christmas will be upon us.
There has been so much happening, and so much that is going to happen. The atmosphere in the school is electric as the Ryburn community comes together to create all kinds of magic.
Continue reading to know more about our magical open evening, how the year 9 students worked with a professional stage combat coach, and how Ryburn recognises kindness, putting the power in students’ hands.
Banner Artwork: Art Star Competition Winners
Recognise Kindness for Anti-Bullying week
It is Anti-Bullying Week and at Ryburn, we wanted to encourage students to show kindness towards one another. That is why we are giving you the power to award points by nominating your classmates for acts of kindness. Inclusion, respect, support, are all great examples of how our students already show kindness. Students can nominate each other here.
Ryburn Sixth Open Evening
Come along to our open evening from 6.30pm on 24 November and hear from current students about why Ryburn Sixth is the best place for a fresh start.
Gone but not forgotten
Our students attended the Crow Wood Remembrance Service on 14 November, to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Restart a Heart day
Our Year 8 students got ‘hands on’ with some CPR training as part of Restart a Heart Day on 15 October. Thank you very much to the amazing staff and volunteers from Yorkshire Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance who came in and delivered some potentially life-saving lessons. Everyone can get involved and learn these vital skills by visiting www.lifesaver.org.uk.
A round of applause for drop down day
On Year 11 Drop Down Day, students received some useful tips on important revision skills, focusing and blocking distractions. They also learnt how to count to ten in Japanese as a method of training them to recall information.
We also held sessions for the students on the importance of developing healthy sexual relationships and how to check themselves for signs of cancer.
We were really impressed with the maturity of our students who are quickly becoming bright and well-rounded young adults.
Thank you to Shenaz from Positively You for your revision techniques. If you would like more information on performing self-checks, go to www.coppafeel.org
Everybody was (not actually) kung-fu fighting
Our Year 9 students had an amazing time learning stage combat from professional, and Ryburn alumni, Charlie Cornforth. They were taught the importance of safety and control and gave some excellent examples of what they had learnt. A big thank you to Charlie, who can be found on Instagram and through his website.
A morning of Mindfulness
Thank you to Pollyanna Steiner for delivering an art well-being workshop to our year 9 students. The session was all about zooming out of everyday life and screens and zooming in on a mindful art project, focusing on aspects of nature.
Put on your dancing shoes
Members of Ryburn Dance Company are excited to be performing again and travelled to York on Sunday 14th November to take part in the Yorkshire Schools' Dance Festival.
It is an annual event involving 1200 dancers from across the region, over 2 weekends. Dancers from years 9-13 took part in a creative workshop before performing their piece 'Rise Up' inspired by the 'Clap for Carers' movement.
Safeguarding Concerns: Squid Game
+ What is Squid Game?
“Squid Game” is a South Korean television series streaming on Netflix. The plot revolves around a group of adult debtors, thieves, and gamblers competing in a series of childhood games for a large cash prize. However, there is a dark twist to these seemingly innocent games – losing competitors are violently killed off in ways that grow more twisted as the games grow more intense.
+ why is it harmful?
Currently, Squid Game has a rating of 15+ as the visual content includes high levels of gore, death, violence, and physical assault. It also contains graphic depictions of suicide, murder, and sexual assault.
Children and young people are likely to know about Squid Game via word of mouth and social media/gaming platforms. They may be unaware of the extent of gore, death, and violence the show contains. It also focuses on adult themes (such as gambling, debt, and sex) that are not appropriate for younger viewers. For young people who live with mental health issues, they may be triggered by some of the content.
The aesthetic of Squid Game in promotional materials is quite childlike in appearance. This is to provide a contrast with the excessively violent content intended to jar and unsettle viewers.
+ How does my child know about this?
Squid game has become a trending topic in online conversation, memes, and games. It is possible that a child may know all about Squid Game without having ever watched the show.
Popular gaming platforms Roblox and Fortnite have also seen a sharp increase in user-designed games recreating those in Squid Game. These can be played by anyone. They are also being heavily live-streamed by many gaming streamers on YouTube and Twitch as the show is currently trending, and mentioning it is an easy way to attract an audience.
Parents and carers should be aware that video content from this show is found extensively on TikTok, which could also increase interest in watching the show. Remember: even if you restrict the young person in your care from watching Squid Game, they may be able to access content on other platforms.
+ Is there guidance for Parents/Carers?
Our latest Online Safety Newsletter contains information and advice on checking the age ratings of content accessible by young people and how to put appropriate boundaries in place.
Ineqe have put together a Netflix Safety Guide to set viewing restrictions, profile locks, PIN codes and more.
If you notice a child in your care is recreating one of the games found in Squid Game or if they mention it to you, it is important not to assume they have watched the show. Ask them what they know about Squid Game and how they heard about it. Ensure that children and young people in your care know who they can talk to if they come across something that upsets or distresses them online.
+ PAUSE
Consider the age and ability of your child alongside the platform they use.
+ THINK
Consider talking to your child about harmful content online.
+ TALK
Engage your child in a natural way and ask questions to see what they know.
points make prizes, and just in time for christmas!
Our Year 11 scientists have been working really hard every week on the bonus science revision tasks. The results boards are always filled with names, meaning that our students are getting into good revision habits. It also means we’ve been giving out a lot of chocolate. Students who achieved a weekly average of 70% or more had their names put into a prize draw to win a £40 Amazon voucher, and we have our first winners.
A huge congratulations to Isobel (pictured) and Jordan, this prize is well deserved and we hope that you will enjoy spending them throughout the holiday season.
Big thanks go to Vision for Education Huddersfield for their kind sponsorship of the incentives on offer for students who complete the extra science challenge each week in addition to their regular homework.
Who could resist the appeal of weekly chocolate prizes and a regular draw for a £40 Amazon voucher? But as they say…you’ve got to be in it to win it!
All the fun of the book fair
From 5-11 November, our school library ran the Scholastic Book Fair at lunch time. Students were able to get new books with a discount of £1.00. There was an amazing selection, from teen spies, hacker heroines, and classics we all know and love. We hope students will enjoy reading their new books!
What is lost can be found
We have a large build up of unnamed and unclaimed lost property that we are not able to store. Therefore from today, lost property will be laid out in room 205 every A week Friday lunch time. Please encourage students to come and look for their lost items. At the end of this month, unclaimed items will be donated to the charity shop 👟 🎒 🧣.
Thank you Stem club scientists
Miss Akhtar and Miss Nettleton would like to say a massive thank you and well done to the amazing students that have joined us in STEM. You have shown initiative, worked impeccably as a team and have been a joy. We are SO impressed. Come join us on a Tuesday after school in 311, we would love to see you!
Back of the Net for Ryburn Sixth!
Our Year 12 and 13 Football teams were amazing in their recent tournaments.
Year 13:
Won 1-0 against Crossleys.
Won 1-0 against Brooksbank.
Drew 0-0 with Brighouse.
Achieving 2nd in their group.
Year 12:
Won 2-1 against Brighouse.
Drew 0-0 with Brooksbank.
Lost 1-0 against Crossleys.
Achieving 3rd in their group.
Congratulations to both teams! You should all feel really proud.
Upcoming Dates:
Children in Need Non-uniform Day - Friday 19 November
Ryburn Sixth Pyjama Day - Friday 19 November
Year 10 Drop Down Day - Wednesday 24 November
Ryburn Sixth Open Evening - Wednesday 24 November
Year 7 Virtual Parents Evening - Tuesday 30 November
Year 12 Virtual Parents Evening - Tuesday 7 December
Year 7-11 Vaccinations: Nasal Flu - Monday 13 - Tuesday 14 December
Year 9 Drop Down Day - Wednesday 15 December.
Ryburn Sixth Winter Formal - Wednesday 15 December.
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.
You can also keep an eye on our social media channels for more frequent updates and stories.