Open Evening video transcript
The students in our video were interviewed about their ideas and experiences, and their words were written based directly on what they said.
STEVE JOBS QUOTE:
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something. Your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart. Even when it leads you off the well-worn path. And that will make all the difference.”
This quote is taken from Steve Job’s inauguration speech at Stanford University in 2005.
Head Students Introduction
“None of us know exactly what our future will hold. The possibilities are endless, and the world is changing fast.
So how do we prepare for the unknown?
We do it by being eager, by trying new things and following our passions. We do it by surrounding ourselves with opportunities and supportive teachers. We do it by embracing challenges and learning from them, trusting that if we develop ourselves, those dots will connect and make us who we are.
Welcome to Ryburn.”
Lucia
“At Ryburn you can find your passions and follow them. There’s loads of new experiences and different things to try, whether in your lessons or in extra curricular activities, such as Dance, Karate or the Mock Trial. There’s something for everyone.
For me, that passion is football. At the start of last year, I joined the Year 7 girls football team. We started as strangers but with team work and training we went on to win the very first 5-a-side tournament we all played in together and became friends.
We even had a chance to meet and train with one of the Lionnesses, who showed us just how far you can go if you follow your dream.
I found that if you share a passion with people you don’t know, it soon brings you together.”
MICHAEL
“School should teach us about the wider world - take us beyond our own experiences and open our eyes to a huge range of different perspectives. One of the best ways to do that is reading.
In iGen we read books together as a year group, and step into the shoes of characters to learn about their lives and the issues they face. The lessons create a safe space to talk about topics that could be really difficult or awkward - things like consent or bullying. Discussing what happens to the characters in a book gives you the chance to reflect on your own behaviour, and maybe what you would do better if you found yourself in their situation.
Year 7 read ‘I Am Malala’, which I found really interesting as it helped me to understand my own family history – how my Grandma, who grew up in the Punjab, didn’t have as much opportunity for education as my Grandad. It made me more determined to stick up for equality and acceptance.
My advice is to read all you can. Read for learning and read for fun. We have a great school library, where you’ll find all kinds of things to read including magazines, novels, and books at different reading levels that make it easy to choose.”
POPPY AND MADISON
“I enjoy creative subjects like Art because they make it easy to express yourself. There’s so many different ways you can do this.
Yes, there’s a style for everyone, and it’s really fun to experiment and figure out what you like whilst developing different skills.
As well as working with our teachers, last year we had the opportunity to work with a professional artist. She taught us a lot about different textures and techniques, and showed us that you can make Art a career, not just a hobby.
Ryburn is a really creative school and there’s lots of things to get involved in, whether you love music, dancing, film making, acting or art - there’s something for everyone. It was so much fun doing set design and being part of the team who put on our successful Beauty and the Beast production.
Our advice is to be yourself.
Your wonderful, unique and amazing self.
Embrace it!”
LEWIS
“I’ve always enjoyed Science at Ryburn, and have gone on to study Physics A-level. That’s very much down to the teachers, who make lessons fun and inspiring. You learn why things work, then you see how they work, then you get to test it yourself.
My Physics teacher knew I could do well and he has always pushed me to do more, to explore ideas in more depth than the curriculum, to get excited about astronomy and quantum physics. As you go up through school you begin to see your teachers not just as teachers but as real people, with humour, interests and a passion for their subjects.
Our Year 7 and 8 STEM Club is a great example, you get to do really cool stuff like building rockets. The teachers don’t have to do it, but they do it because they enjoy it and they know the kids enjoy it. I’ve helped out there as well, because I enjoy it too.
Don’t worry if you haven’t found yet what you love and what you want to do in the future. If you are open to the different experiences you will get at Ryburn, you’ll find that spark here.”
TA’KYA
“At high school, you’ll learn all sorts of interesting stuff; Macbeth. Quadratic equations. How to use a bunsen burner.
But you might also find yourself learning literally to spin plates or make a paper bird, and actually what these lessons teach you might be even more useful to you for the rest of your life.
These were both activities we did last year in iD, which is a lesson that teaches you about life and values.
No one in our class was any good at the plate spinning at first. We had to try over and over again and there were plates bouncing all over the place. But we all persevered and in the end we all got the hang of it, more or less.
The point of the lesson wasn’t actually to learn circus skills. What it taught us was perseverance. We learned not to say “I can’t do it” but “I can’t do it YET.” And that is a very important lesson.”
THOMAS
“For me, the most important thing about Ryburn is the support that the staff give students to help us to meet our potential. Whether you are going through a hard time, or are someone with disabilities or special educational needs like me, they will really look after you.
The SEND team here are fantastic. They focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t. The support staff and the teachers work together to help you. For me, it means being included in things I might not otherwise be able to do, from rugby to school trips.
I really get on with my support assistant - I feel like I can discuss anything with her and she acts as my advocate when needed. If you’re looking for somewhere you can feel comfortable and supported to build your confidence and achieve your best, Ryburn is a great choice.”
ABBIE
“Hi, I’m Abbie and I’m Head Girl. That would have surprised you, if you’d met me back in Year 7 when I started at Ryburn. Back then, I was the quietest person you’d ever meet.
But, by taking on lots of roles like student council, Ambassadors, being a Language Leader and part of music groups, I have developed so much confidence and leadership skills.
Students have the opportunity to make so much difference to the school and our community – and it’s really fun as well! From hosting events for other schools to trekking the Three Peaks for Charity, from redesigning our ties to representing Ryburn at events with the public, I have done so many things here which have helped me grow as a person.
School is what we make it. And what we do here is who we become. Be willing to get involved, because it benefits everyone.”
KATH PARKER
“Hi, I’m Kath Parker, and I’m Head of School here at Ryburn Valley High School.
I hope you enjoyed hearing from our students and got a sense of just some of the many ‘dots’ that connect to form the Ryburn experience. Our values, our staff, our inclusive student community and the unrivalled opportunities on offer here make this a wonderful place to learn.
Throughout your time in high school, you will have countless experiences which will combine to form the adult you will become. Whether it's developing a passion for a subject, or the inspiration of a special teacher, whether it's the kindness of friends or the confidence you build through academic success - these are the things that shape us.
2020 has brought us plenty of new challenges - and creating a virtual version of our Open Evening has been one of them. Make sure you take some time to explore the content on our website - there’s activities for you to try at home, and plenty of information and videos to give you an insight into what we’re all about.
Don’t miss CBBC’s ‘Our School’ either. The current series follows Year 7 and 8 students through a term at Ryburn - you can find it on iPlayer and linked from our website.
In time, I look forward to meeting you in person and offering you a very warm welcome to Ryburn.”