We’re so proud of all our students and staff for being able to adapt so well to our ‘new normal’.
The start of this new school year was a little like walking into the unknown. However, after much preparation, we were so excited to welcome our students back and to have them walking through our corridors and to have them populating our classrooms again. A big welcome to our new Year 7 students. We’re so delighted with the start you’ve made at Ryburn. These first few weeks have been met with great success and any challenges that arose have been dealt with swiftly. You met our guidelines with positivity and this has helped ensure that everyone is kept safe.
Banner image: photo by Jorden Parnell, Y12
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New head students
Say hello to our brand new team of Head Students. It seems like every year it is getting harder and harder to make this choice. The interviews were of such high caliber that this year we’ve grown from a team of 4 to a team of 6. Some of these students have been ambassadors since Year 8 and have done a wonderful job to represent Ryburn and our values not only to their fellow students but also to members of our wider community. So you can see why it was so hard for us to pick!
Head students 2020-2021
Will Turner, Head Boy
Abbie Gilligan, Head Girl
Rosie Horbury, Head Girl
Will Solomon, Deputy Head Boy
Scarlett O’Connor, Deputy Head Girl
Olive Greenwood, Deputy Head Girl
We have a fantastic Ambassador team here at Ryburn who work hard for our students to provide a voice, to heard and to influence some positive changes to our life here at Ryburn.
Meet the team
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Online Safety Newsletter
As we’re spending more time indoors and online we wanted to give parents and carers some support in understanding of the platforms and games your children are using and how to make sure they are safe online.
Each month, with our newsletter, we are going to provide an online safety guide, produced by Knowsley City Learning Centres. These issues feature information on the new guidelines for children’s online safety, Youtube, Instagram Reels and the new app Triller. This document also provides you with great tips on helping your child stay safe online using great resources. Please take a look.
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Flying off the shelves
During lockdown, creative and enterprising Ryburn Sixth student Jorden Parnell found a way make some money putting into practise some of the skills he had been learning whilst also using his allotted outdoor walking time. Camera in hand, Jorden set out to photograph the stunning views and wildlife that surround Sowerby Bridge. Turning his work into calendars Jorden has sold over 70 copies with some even being sent as far as Australia. Don’t let this opportunity fly by, grab yourself a copy.
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Geometricity Maths Project
Imagine designing your perfect city, from your favourite coffee shop to the best shopping around. After much success last year, the famous Geometricity project is back! Departments have teamed up to deliver Maths with a Technology twist to Year 7 and 8 students. Putting to use their new skills of measuring and angles the students get to design their own mini-city square which will join together to make the Ryburn Geometricity. We can’t wait to see the finished work.
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Votes for Schools
We’re excited about this term’s launch of Votes for Schools - an engaging weekly form activity that allows students time to learn and discuss important issues. This award-winning platform allows students voices to be heard but also to see how their votes compare with the national picture. Some of the past topics have been 'Can homelessness affect anyone?', 'Are disabilities still misunderstood?' and 'Should everyone volunteer in the community?'
We feel it's important for students to learn about many different points of view and we are hoping these questions spark up conversations at home too. Why not ask your child about it?
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Bedrock and Accelerated Reading
Accelerated Reading has got off to a great start! Year 7 and 8 students should be reading an AR book for their homework and will soon be able to quiz and read at home. More information to follow.
Bedrock Vocabulary has also re-launched for Year 7-11. Students should complete two lessons a week, as usual using the login and password given to them. Parents/carers will receive a code (via their child's planner) allowing you access to your child's learning and progress. We encourage every parent/carer to sign up so you can support your child with this important learning of academic vocabulary.
If anyone has any questions about either, please contact Mrs Holloway or your child's English teacher
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Bee Happy
Year 7 - Year 10 are on a high, sprinkling positivity through the whole week by creating some positive slogans! It’s good to see the good. Take a look at these great pieces of art.
Work created by:
Top: Elise Williams (8) and Lottie McStrafick (8)
Bottom: Violet Thornber (8) and Claudia Mackrill (8)
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Key Dates
Mon 12 - Fri 16 Oct - Y11 Get Organised Virtual Event
Thu 15 Oct - STAFF TRAINING DAY
Thu 15 Oct - Open Evening (Virtual)
Mon 26-30 Oct - HALF TERM
Wed 18 Nov - Y11 Information Evening
Thu 26 Nov - Ryburn Sixth Open Evening
Fri 27 Nov - STAFF TRAINING DAY
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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.