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...Inspiring Learners For Their Future
April 2020
Issue 168
All the latest news from The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form
www.ridgewayschool.com
2 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College
A word from the...
Principal
I am delighted to welcome you to our April edition of
The Ridgeway News.
The articles show the many opportunities and
experiences the students take part in. Our students
continue to be great ambassadors for the school and
it's wider community. We have had many visitors to
the school over the last term who have commented
on the excellent quality of the learning atmosphere in
classrooms.
As you will be aware this has been a very eventful
term including Oftsed’s inspection of the school.
I am delighted they recognised the excellent
relationships, culture and curriculum and I encourage
you to read the report. We are very proud of our
students, staff and community.
Whilst the term has ended rather abruptly we have
been overwhelmed by the positive messages
received about the online lessons staff are setting for
students, the communication from staff and also the
Year 11 and Year 13 celebration of their last days at
the school.
Please stay safe and keep in contact with the school.
Best wishes
James Povoas,
Principal
www.ridgewayschool.com 3
ASC SRP News...
SILVER BLOCK ESCAPE
COMMITTEE…
Escape rooms have come a long way since Silver Block
(ASC SRP) last visited. Clue-HQ has no fewer than
four different themed rooms to crack and our students
divided themselves among Bunker 38, Cluetenkhamun,
Detonation and A-I-9. In a world where those with
autism never quite fit in, in an escape room our students
are in their element! Logical minds got to work on the SILVER BLOCK TENPIN
clues, detecting patterns and decoding puzzles, and BOWLING…
everyone escaped within the allotted time! This is one
of the areas of brain activity where autistic students can
shine, so it is very useful for children who often struggle Silver Block chose to challenge their autistic
with sensory overload in mainstream to be able to step students with a trip to the Shaw Ridge
out of that environment for a while into one that is both tenpin bowling lanes, where the echoing
entertaining and edifying. Mrs J Georgiou noise, crowds of strangers and bright lights,
were offset by the enjoyment of the bowling
and teamwork. They had the additional
challenge of learning how to react to winning
or losing in a socially acceptable way. The
students who struggle with gross motor
skills and co-ordination had their own
challenges, trying to get the ball to the other
end of the lane; a challenge they rose to
with good cheer and a modicum of success.
They all worked well in their teams and
encouraged each other in what was, for
many, an entirely new skill. The problem of
wearing hired shoes that others had worn
was not an issue as the footwear rules have
been relaxed in recent years; we tried not to
mention the fact that the bowling balls were
also communal!
Everyone had a great time and the students
were well behaved, both on the journey to
and from the venue and inside where their
activities were limited to the bowling lanes
For all the latest school news (for this activity, the alluring arcade games
were off limits, which was accepted by all
and updates please visit with good grace).
our weekly
Principal’s Blog at Mrs J Georgiou
www.ridgewayschool.com
4 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College
THE ASC SRP PAINTS WITH After an impressive biographical presentation our
students were keen to have a go. Those who have
CARS… difficulty with mess had the opportunity to help create
Immersion days are difficult for most autistic students; giant colour wheels from the primary colours squirted
the timetable is gone, replaced by a day of linked onto the canvases, gradually becoming more involved
activities with different staff, often in unfamiliar rooms. as the enthusiasm as the mess-lovers affected their
The ASC SRP students are encouraged to engage to mood too. We noted with interest the students who
the limit of their resilience, but most need some ‘down couldn’t bear to join in with what they considered to be
time’, the effect of which is enhanced when the session the abuse of the remote control cars used – the same
includes an activity they can engage with in a fun way. students who cannot bear to annotate a printed book,
For the January immersion day, Silver Block brought in a giving staff valuable additional insights.
professional artist who paints by driving remote control The second activity was to create a portrait of the person
cars through blobs and squirts of paint on large opposite, using smaller, passive toy cars and motorbikes
canvases (he achieved prominence when Silverstone F1 as brushes. The results were very interesting and
invited him to create giant portraits of Lewis Hamilton, surprisingly recognisable! Another ‘plus’ from these
followed by commissions from Nissan Leaf and other car activities was the level to which the students interacted,
makers). There is always an ulterior motive in these fun enjoying each other’s company in a colourful, messy and
sessions. engaging environment. Mrs J Georgiou
ASC DOES CHOCOLATE…
Miss Smalley led a chocolate-making session in Silver Block
this week. Using silicone chocolate moulds she patiently
taught the students how to make chocolate fillings, create the
chocolate casing and carefully layer the fillings to make their
own bespoke chocolates. Miss Smalley brought several
different moulds, from hearts to dinosaurs, which helped to
identify the fillings. There was enough chocolate left to make
chocolate shredded wheat mini-egg cup cakes. Kitchen skills
are a major tool for getting our autistic students to try new
flavours and expand their diets, as well as helping teach
aspects of independence and health & safety. Expanding
diets often involves preparing fruit and vegetables with an
emphasis on the dreaded green. However, sessions like the
one Miss Smalley organised not only teach multi-step skills
(readily engaged in because of the end product) they also
punctuate the
‘healthy eating’
agenda with
treats,
emphasising that
nutrition involves
all the food
groups, albeit in
different ratios
than our students
might prefer or be
used to.
Mrs J Georgiou
www.ridgewayschool.com 5
ZORB FOOTBALL…
One of the biggest challenges – and drains on resilience – for
our autistic students when accessing mainstream school is
being jostled along a noisy corridor between lessons. There is
therefore a trade-off between either arriving/leaving on time for
lessons or arriving with the capacity to learn. We opt for the
latter by staggering the time at which the students arrive at
ASC SRP News...
and leave lessons, so they can avoid the peak movement
time. However, this resilience does need to be built up in a
way that does not build up negativity and resistance. This
week, we took our ASC students to Zorb Football where they
could learn the fun that can be had with jostling and collisions!
Not all the students could bring themselves to be inserted into
the inflated ball-cocoons used in this activity, but felt quite able
to give a shove to those who did! As well as adding resilience
for physical interaction, this activity provided novelty (another
challenge for ASC) in both environment and activity. By taking
the ASC students to such venues when they are reasonably
quiet, gives space for the students to adapt to the environment
and have fun without the full-on noise and busyness
experienced at peak times. They are also strengthened by
being in the company of the rest of the Silver Block students
charging at them inside inflatable balls rather than strangers,
and every student reported that they had a great time! During
these sessions, staff take note of anything they notice that is
either edifying or challenging for our students, in order to
adjust and improve interventions back in Silver Block.
Mrs J Georgiou
SILVER BLOCK DOES THE
BOURNE DIRECTIVE SPY
MISSION TREASURE TRAIL…
Our autistic students love a puzzle! They had a
great time following a series of clues around the
Outlet Village area (left by a ‘mole’) in a scenario
where foreign agents, plotting a cyber-attack on
the rail network, could bring trains to a standstill
all over the country! The students had to gather
the clues to decipher a code that will halt the
attack. Combining the solving of riddles with
using gross motor skills they didn’t realise they
were exercising, the group navigated their way
from one clue to the next whilst learning how to
remain safe in high traffic public areas and malls.
The railway themed outlet village was so much of
an attraction for one student that he completely
forgot the ‘mission’ as he told anyone who would
listen, the make, model and history of the display
items. It is sometimes easy to forget that many of
our autistic students have an immense capacity
for study and knowledge, as this is often
focussed strongly on their obsessions at the
expense of learning about the wider world.
Part of the work in Silver Block involves helping
the student to broaden their obsessive interests
into related areas and beyond, in order to better
access the curriculum and be ready for further
and higher education and the world of work.
Needless to say, our students found all the clues
and solved the mission.
Mrs J Georgiou
6 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College
ASC STUDENTS VISIT INTEL… BUILDING HOMES FOR THE
The ASC Students visited multinational FUTURE...
corporation Intel, which supplies semiconductors The meeting involved the active development of
and processors for computer systems such as international competencies in university, school and
Apple, Lenovo, HP and Dell. They are initiating employment contexts.
an educational programme and invited our to
Thanks to a tremendous effort from our staff and
visit their Swindon headquarters and try out the
Ridgeway News...
students, we hosted 31 students and 10 staff from
new initiative. The tour of Intel’s offices included
our Electrical Virtual International School, a network
a visit to an anechoic chamber, which is so
which we have been proud to be part of for 12
silent you can hear your own heartbeat and the
years. Visitors travelled from Germany, Italy, Spain
movement of your joints. The instructional
and Netherlands. As well as visiting lessons and
element involved learning how to handle and
developing language skills, the programme involved
program Intel’s Micrypython Pyboard, a python-
six challenges…
based single board computer with similar
functions to a Raspberry Pi. After being taught 1. Find a site and key components for your self-
how to code and synch their Pyboards, the build house at The National Self Build and
students were each gifted one to take home so Renovation Centre in Swindon.
they can code in their own features. Intel is keen 2. Select a top three of house/building designs in
to liaise with schools and are aware of the historic Devizes.
advantages that autism endows when it comes
to logic based systems and processes. Our
3. At St Fagins Museum Cardiff select the house,
students all enjoyed their visit and arrived back which best gives ideas for a sustainable lifestyle.
to school feeling they had been fully engaged 4. Make notes at the presentation by Nick Smith
and valued. Mrs J Georgiou and his town planning team at the University of
West of England.
5. Activities about housing at the M Museum
looking at Bristol Dockside.
6. Take part in a team presentation summarising
the 3 main strategic points you would make to guide
town planners of the future.
We look forward to continuing this work with our
partner schools on innovative projects and
exchanges. Mr E Sims, ELVIS Coordinator.
www.ridgewayschool.com 7
Ridgeway Remembers...
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR - LIVE mid-May 1944, almost all Jews were deported,
mostly to Auschwitz-Birkenau. When Susan and
WEBCAST... her family were ordered to leave their home, they
On the 24th of January at 10am Year 9 students still hoped they would be allowed to resettle
were taken to the gym to watch a live webcast with elsewhere. Susan took a portable sewing machine
Holocaust Survivor Susan Pollack. Susan shared with her. Susan, Laci and their mother were all sent
her harrowing experiences with the aim to to a ghetto in Vác and from there to an internment
encourage young people to challenge prejudice camp. In late May 1944, Susan and her family were
and discrimination with the key message that it is sent by cattle truck to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
always important to always speak out against both Men and women were separated immediately, and
encouraging communities where there is social Susan was further separated from her mother who
cohesion, tolerance and mutual understanding. was sent to join a group of elderly prisoners. She
Susan’s Story soon learned that her mother had been sent
Susan was born Zsuzsanna Blau on 9th directly to the gas chambers. Susan was selected
September 1930 in Felsögöd, Hungary. She had to work and remained in the camp for around 10
one brother, Laci, and lived with her mother and weeks before being sent to Guben in Germany to
father. work as a slave labourer in an armaments factory.
With the Allies advancing, the prisoners were
Susan became aware of antisemitism in her forced on a death march to Bergen-Belsen. On
hometown from a young age. In 1938, her uncle 15th April 1945 Susan was liberated by the British
was murdered his attacker was sentenced to just army. After she was hospitalised for tuberculosis,
two years’ imprisonment and served much less typhoid and severe malnutrition, she was sent to
time than that. From 1938, Susan’s brother Laci Sweden to recover.
was also affected by anti semitic laws. He had
hoped to study at university, but a law restricted the After liberation, Susan found that Laci was the only
number of Jewish students who could enter higher member of her family to have survived. More than
education. 50 of Susan’s relatives had been killed during the
Holocaust. Laci continued to live in their parents’
Following the outbreak of the Second World War house, but Susan wasn’t able to return to Hungary
anti-Jewish graffiti appeared on the streets and for 20 years after the end of the war. During his
antisemitic propaganda was broadcast on the time at Auschwitz-Birkenau Laci had been forced to
radio. Physical attacks on Jews also became more work in the Sonderkommando, moving bodies from
common, and Laci was badly beaten at a Boy the gas chamber to the ovens. He suffered with
Scout meeting. The situation deteriorated further mental health problems caused by this experience
following the German invasion of Hungary in March until his death in 1995. After the war, Susan moved
1944. Jews had to wear a yellow Star of David. to Canada, where she met and married a fellow
Eventually a letter was issued by the council for all survivor.
Jewish fathers to attend a meeting. Susan’s father
was among those men who went to the meeting, Susan has three children and six grandchildren.
but when they arrived they were herded into She now lives in London and regularly shares her
waiting lorries and taken to a concentration camp. story.
Susan never saw her father again.
Under the supervision of SS officer Adolf Why do we do this?
Eichmann, the Nazis and their Hungarian At The Ridgeway, the Holocaust is taught in both
collaborators organised the deportation of History and Religious Education in order for
Hungarian Jews: within less than two months from students to understand the nature of genocide and
8 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College
what was lost as a result of Hitler
coming into power, especially for the YEAR 7 LOCAL PLACE STUDY
Jewish community. Students in INVESTIGATION – THE ELLENDUNE
Religious Education focus on the
story of another survivor Leon
CENTRE...
Greenman, who last saw his wife Mathilda Miles and Jacob Ferries from 7S/Gg1, have recounted
Elsa and his two and half year-old the Year 7 Geography Investigation for their local place study.
son Barney taken in the back of a
Ridgeway News...
van off the platform at Auschwitz. Mathilda Miles (7B2) – “In Year 7 Geography, we have been
The students who take Year 9 learning about perceptions and concepts of places. Therefore,
Religious Education create projects to increase our understanding of this topic, each Year 7 class
for Wider Learning in order to took a trip to the Ellendune Centre in Wroughton. We were able
commemorate the loss of not just to observe the area around the Ellendune, as well as the area
the lives in the Holocaust but also itself. We took into account its appearance, how much it thrives
the life that the survivors should in the local area and the overall atmosphere of this location. We
have had. The projects are always then discussed our findings and how we could improve this in
overwhelming in the sense that the the future to make it more accurate. From this experience, we
students really show how the were all able to develop our understanding of what a sense of
schemes of work are impacting place is and we are always pleased to be given opportunities to
them and what they are taught in boost our learning.”
their lessons will not leave them. If
you have a Year 9 student, who
takes RE, just ask them, ‘can you Jacob Ferries (7K2) – “After a quick walk to the Ellendune
tell me about Leon and the red Centre, the class dispersed hurriedly to complete the
velvet capes’. Mrs B Lee questionnaires as conveniently far away from the teachers as
possible! The questions themselves were fairly simple. The
format suggested ranking the features of the area in anticipation
for the questions that based themselves around what forms of
regeneration and rebranding could be put in place for the local
area – this was particularly beneficial for students who didn’t live
in Wroughton as it gave them a chance to look around evaluate
the area. In some cases, completely change their perception of
the area due to resourceful thinking, analytical judging and an
opportunity to put their Geographical skills into a practical
situation. The trip overall was a huge success and was a useful,
information hour that put our skills to the test!”
Thank you to all students for their exceptional behaviour and
THE RIDGEWAY engagement and to the class teachers who assisted in the
smooth running of the trip. It was particularly useful for students
SCHOOL & SIXTH to visually see the changes they would propose and how a
FORM COLLEGE sense of place works in action. Miss A Curtis-Slater
MARK HOLOCAUST
MEMORIAL DAY –
27TH JANUARY 2020
The school marked Holocaust
Memorial day last week with a
series of assemblies, mentoring
sessions, History and RE lessons
focused around the topic and with
informative, but age appropriate,
displays around the school. The
Holocaust itself was discussed and
the work of the Holocaust
Memorial Trust, as well as other
genocides since including Rwanda,
Cambodia, Bosnia and Darfur. The
students considered the
importance of the work of the trust
and their role as a global citizen in
learning about and remembering
the events, as well as the
importance of acceptance and
community. Miss V Stevens
www.ridgewayschool.com 9
PRIMARY MFL
DAY...
31st January saw the second of
two Primary School MFL days
MFL News...
where over 200 Year 5 pupils
from local schools came to
Ridgeway to learn French,
German, Portuguese and
Spanish. They read and
interpreted the fairy tale
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
written in the different
languages. Finally, an art
gallery was created from junk
models which were then
described in each of the foreign
languages.
The teachers at The Ridgeway
do a lot of work with primary
schools in the local area, with
our teachers going out to teach
either French or German once
a week at Chiseldon,
Rodbourne, Croft, Tregoze and
Moredon primaries. This
typically leads to students
coming to our school feeling
very positive and excited about
the prospect of learning a new
language.
Mr J Robertson
YEAR 8 GERMAN EXCHANGE 2020 - RIDGEWAY
IMMERSION SCHOOL WITH KOPERNIKUSSCHULE...
DAY… The week of the 2nd March saw us welcoming visitors, not only in
the form of OfSTED inspectors, but also a group of fiteen students
On 21st January our Year 8s from our partner school in Freigericht near Frankfurt in Germany.
enjoyed a day learning about This was the first exchange between our schools and a group from
the culture and languages of Ridgeway were in Frankfurt in June 2019.
other countries. They ate
As well as coming into lessons with their partners, there were day
and critiqued cakes from all
trips to Bath, London, Stonehenge and activities where the students
around the world and even
had to navigate their way around Wroughton. The exchange is a
planned a multi-cultural
wonderful way to make friends, but students also commented on
wedding.
how great it has been as an opportunity to improve their German.
All students spent two hours We look forward to heading back out to Germany later in the year.
scripting and rehearsing a Well done to all of those students who participated and entered into
short play set in a French, the spirit of the exchange; you were such excellent hosts.
German or Spanish café. Mr J Robertson
The best performances will
go forward to a competition
in March to be held at the
Wyvern Theatre where
Ridgeway students will
compete against Year 8s
from other Swindon schools,
but will work with
professional theatre staff on
their costumes, lighting and
make up. Mr J Robertson
10 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form CollegeA MAGICAL EVENING…
A group of forty students and assorted
adults from across the school gathered
on Thursday evening to celebrate their
love of Harry Potter. We had a magical
LRC News...
evening taking JK Rowling’s hero
cross-curricular with Quidditch for our
PE lesson and origami golden snitches
for Art & Design.
The linguists amongst us, got to play
with Runes and looking at the Latin
behind the spells, physics was covered
off with designing paper aeroplanes to
target at the Goblet of Fire and catering
was not left out as Butter-beer was
created and tasted. Obviously, this was
all woven together with literacy: writing
letters to be sent via Owl Post, word-
searches, quotations and a big quiz
where only the geekiest could hope to
triumph. Thank you to all who helped
and attended. Roll on next year!
www.ridgewayschool.com 17
11AUDIOBOOKS… They are perfect for listening to when you are doing
something else: long journeys, running, a craft hobby,
We are extremely grateful to Intel Corporation (UK) Ltd the list is endless. The system we have is very easy to
for sponsoring our audiobook service for the second use: students simply download an app onto their phones
year. Well loved by students and staff alike, it is a or tablets.
valuable resource, that we are pleased to offer to all
LRC News...
members of the school community.
Audiobooks are a great educational tool in that students
can get the benefits of the written word (increasing their
vocabulary, developing the love of a good story) without
the barriers that a paper book sometimes brings. It can
also help cement understanding of set texts such as
Romeo and Juliet, A Christmas Carol and An Inspector
Calls.
LIBRARY MANAGEMENT…
Over-dues and Taking Care of Books…
Our overdue books policy is on the school
website. Students are responsible for returning
books to the Police Returns Box in the LRC on
time and in the same condition they were lent.
We are currently spending a lot of time chasing
students for books, so please encourage them to
return the books as soon as they have been
read. We do expect books to be looked after.
Students will be asked to replace a book that is
returned in a poor or water damaged condition in
order to maintain the stock for the benefit of the
whole school community. Boring but Essential Rules!
Book Donations... In order to keep the environment in the
We are always happy to receive excellent quality library nice for everyone, we need you to
popular books, for example the autobiography stick to the following rules:
that you got for Christmas, have read once and
now it is longing for a new home. We are always No food, drink or chewing gum (except for
happy to suggest new titles, should you wish to
The Reading Café).
make a donation of a new book.
Please enter the LRC quietly and sensibly.
Student Librarians...
No mobile phones.
Our library couldn’t operate with our very lovely
and helpful student librarians so a big thank you The computers are for research and
to all of them who volunteer before school and homework only.
break times.
If you need help, just ask.
12 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form CollegeLRC News...
THE LRC IS NOT JUST FOR READING…
We don’t just like to read here
in the LRC, we also talk about WIDER READING
books. Every Monday, a LISTS & JSTOR...
different Year 7 mentor group
comes in for “Chatterbooks”. R6 Wider Reading Lists are
We talk about books we love, available for subjects taught in R6.
books we hate, great book to Each leaflet contains great
film adaptations, our favourite recommendations for reading
characters, and lots more. around each of these subjects in
Thursdays, on the other hand, terms of non-fiction books, fiction
are all about Enrichment. books, journals, magazines,
Year 10 students join us for periodicals, podcasts, and
all things Graphic Novel websites. The books are all
related - reading them, available from the LRC. Paper
designing them, talking about copies of the lists are available
them. It’s the most peaceful from the LRC. All R6 students have
thirty minutes of the week, followed swiftly by the more received an induction session on
excitable Harry Potter fans in Year 7 who are using their JSTOR, a digital library of more
book knowledge to be creative: pictured above, in the than 2600 journals, two million
process of producing floating candles. And the book talk primary source documents and
carries on outside the library. Lots of staff have the “currently 3200 e-books. This service is
reading…” sign on their door so students know that Mr available free of charge to the
Kench would be delighted to talk about his bike-related whole school community.
literature choice, while Miss Hilton is always happy to
recommend whatever fantasy book she has on the go.
www.ridgewayschool.com 17
13Creative & Performing Arts News...
AMAZING PERFORMANCE… twenty minute sound check and walk through on
In November a parent from our school, Toni Smith the stage, surrounded by a professional technical
team and then we were rushed into hiding (as we
who is the Chief Operating Officer for “Primis
Mortgage Network” based in Chippenham, were a surprise for later.) It was a very
mentioned that it had always been a dream of comfortable hiding place, where we were fed,
theirs to feature a children’s choir at their Annual watered, and looked after extremely well!
Gala Awards evening held at The VOX in To close the afternoon proceedings, our students
Birmingham. She was fully aware that she could took to the stage for a 20-minute set in front of 700
book a choir through a professional Performing people and deservedly received a double, totally
Arts agency but as a regular audience member at spontaneous, standing ovation! They were truly
our Ridgeway School Musicals, she felt that we amazing. I received a lovely thank you email from
were exactly what she was looking for. Worried Toni Smith this is some of what she said:
about lack of time and the constraints of already “The feedback from the delegates, without
full school days, we nevertheless rose to the exception, was amazing; one of them said ‘of all
challenge, believing it to be an excellent the things Primis has ever done, the choir was the
opportunity for our fabulous students, and best ever’ and I have to agree. Your students filled
shoehorned in a weekly lunchtime rehearsal. the room with emotion and inspiration of what
So on Thursday 30th January, myself, Mrs youthful talent looks like. It was unforgettable for
Jankinson, Mr Faghihi and sixty of our CPA us all and left Richard, Jon and I feeling very
students boarded a Coach to Birmingham to proud.”
feature on the same bill as Sir Chris Hoy and Lulu! Mrs S Hodge, Faculty Leader of CPA
We arrived feeling more than a little nervous, got a
14 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form CollegeMATHS NEWS…
MATHS WORKSHOP…
In February, Core Maths students took part in a workshop with
staff and ambassadors from UWE. The students looked at the
application of Maths in an A to Z of careers; from Games
Developer to Ethologist to Logistics Planner. An engaging and
informative morning was had by all.
On Friday 6th March six Year 9 girls went to Nationwide for
a data event. Lauren Chant, Natalie Trowbridge, Marissa
Morter, Ifra Syed, Lucy Walker and Stephanie Harkness, all
enjoyed learning about different types of careers that
involve data mining, trying their hand at some of these jobs
as well as practising their problem solving skills. The group
also had a presentation from a space scientist. All the girls
enjoyed hearing about potential careers that they could get
involved in and seeing how their current skills could be
applied in the real world. A fantastic STEM event that we all
got something from.
Miss L Philpott
www.ridgewayschool.com 15PE News...
BUZZ GYM SWINDON…
The Year 12 BTEC Sport students had a great trip
to Buzz Gym in Swindon. As part of their course
students need to research and understand the
running on Business in the sports industry.
The students enjoyed a tour of the facilities and a
Q & A session with Val the manager. It was a great
experience and will hugely help in their exam.
Mrs G Allbrook-Dunn
CONGRATULATIONS…
Well done to Giacomo for winning his bronze
medal back in December.
Huge congratulations to Ellie who back in January,
played for the GB U18 Ice Hockey team out in
Katowice, Poland. In the match against Poland
Ellie received player of the match for her hard
work, grit and determination.
We also just wanted to share the good news that
Robert Hawkins in Year 13 won three gold medals CROSS COUNTRY…
in a Swindon Badminton competition. Badminton is
Following great performances at the South West
very important to him and he works incredibly hard
Cross Country in Bournemouth last weekend, the
not to let it interfere with his studies. Well done
following students have been selected to represent
Robert. Mrs G Allbrook-Dunn
Wiltshire at the National Cross Country
Championships. Freya came 21st and Harry 30th
of over 100 competitors securing their places in the
Wiltshire team. Mrs G Allbrook-Dunn
16 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form CollegeThe Ridgeway News...
U15 INDOOR CRICKET be run out.
Ridgeway batted first and with all players
SUCCESS… contributing (Adam Rafiq top scoring with 16) we
On the 12th February, we hosted our preliminary scored a very challenging 76-6 off of our 48
‘Chance to Shine’ Wiltshire Schools Indoor Cricket deliveries.
competition against St John's Marlborough.
We then rose to the challenge of containing the St
Indoor Cricket is a fast-paced game and the rules John's run chase. Cameron Oliver, bowling leg
are as follows: spin set us off with a fantastic over taking 2 wickets
Eight players in a team. for 0 runs!! Our fielding was tremendous seeing 3
run outs from sensible throws and great catching
Eight overs a side, six balls an over. behind the stumpos by Sam Crossley and Zak
Batters score 1 for hitting any of the side walls, Rawlins. Tight bowling from Danyal Rafiq, Ameen
ceiling or wall behind the wicket keeper – but can Khan (1 wicket), Bruno Tweedale (1 wicket) and
be caught off any of these walls. Angus Eastell saw St John's all out for 31 with only
5 wides conceded compared to 33 extra runs by St
Batter score 4 for hitting the wall behind the
John's. Mr M McMeeking
bowler along the flooror4 for hitting the wall behind
the bowler without the ball touching the ground or
any other wall first.
Batters can be out – bowled, caught, hit wicket,
run out or stumped.
Bowlers may bowl a maximum of two overs
each.
Wides and no balls will add 2 runs to the
batting teams score, but extra balls will only be
bowled in the eighth over of the innings.
Batters who score 15 runs or more will have to
retire and may return at the end of the innings,
should there be any balls remaining.
If there is one batter left at the end of the
innings, with balls remaining, that batter may
continue batting with another batter running at the
other end. NB – In this instance, either batter can www.ridgewayschool.com 17Gym and Dance Display 2020...
Gym and Dance 2020
On the 5th and 6th March we had our annual gym goes into the lights and sound. W e also had ex
and dance display that involved over 100 of our student Harrison Dowell came back giving up his
students performing over 30 different pieces weekend and evenings to help with the lights and
consisting of vaulting, gymnastics and dances. the sound. It is a real pleasure to have in back
The students did an amazing job choreographing involved in the show for another year and thank
their own pieces and practicing since the auditions you again to him.
were held in November. We had a huge variety of Our Year 9 Sports Leaders have again led White
pieces including tap dancing, circus performing Horse Primary schools to create two dances that
vaulters, street dancers and contemporary GCSE were performed in the show. We had a great
dance pieces to name but a few. We are really basketball dance and the lion king inspired dance.
proud of all the students for their commitment, It is great to see our Year 9 students thriving in
dedication and perseverance through the their leadership roles.
rehearsals in lunchtimes, afterschool and at the
We also say good bye this year to Year 13 Holly
weekend.
Ashman who has performed in all seven shows in
A special mention must go to Lauren Evans and her years at Ridgeway. This year she performed a
Jennifer Wallage who worked with over 20 students beautiful contemporary solo and then went on to
to create a spectacular enrichment pirates of the start of the finale. It is so inspiring for the younger
Caribbean’s gym piece. They had the students students to see such a talented performer. We
holding complex balances, different tumbles and all wish her luck in her future where is going on to
performing gymnastics moves in unison. It was study dance. Best of luck Holly and please come
great to have the older students inspiring and back and visit.
leading the younger students.
It was an amazing two evenings in front of full
Also thank you so much to Mrs Mason who work in audiences which really showcased the talent that
enrichment, at the weekend and afterschool to Ridgeway students have to offer and the memories
choreograph and teach the Year 7 and 8 dancers which they have created. Thank you to all the PE
their enrichment piece. She really energized the department who have given up so much of their
girls and created a really up beat piece. Her own own time to make the show what it is. We would
children also performed in the dance who were like to thank everybody involved and for the
great additions to the piece. Thank you for all your continued support of parents and students to run
time. She was also assisted by some of our great such a fabulous showcase of talent. Mrs R Hill
sixth former dancers Freya Jankinson and Jess
Black who supported the students in enrichment
time. Thank you girls.
Miss Carroll has also run Monday afterschool
dance club this year and choreographed a stunning
contemporary piece. She has worked so hard with
the students and their own dance has really
improved. Thank you for all your time.
The show could not happen without the technical
aspects of lightening and sound. Thank you so
much to Mr Faghihi and John for all the time that
18 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form CollegeScience Live at Disneyland Paris...
SCIENCE LIVE AT DISNEYLAND
PARIS...
On the 7th March, we took 29 Year 10
students to Disneyland Paris for the EST
Science conference. The students were
able to spend two brilliant days riding
rollercoasters before learning about how
they are designed and built.
Highlights of the trip include:
Being the last to leave the park on the
first evening after watching the
fireworks.
Mr Wakefield’s delighted face as he got
to ride Hyperspace Mountain! (He is a
massive Star Wars fan!)
Ten hours of near non-stop singing on
the coach ride home.
Watching the Mickey and the Magician
musical as a group.
Meeting the Science Live lecturers and
being able to ask them questions about
their careers.
Finally being taught what a parsec is!
Both students and staff have had an
incredible time and have made memories
and friendships that will last for many
years to come.
The students were amazing and a true
reflection of The Ridgeway School. The
staff at the science conference even
commented on how polite, considerate
and articulate the students were, stating
how nice it was to have students who
were genuinely interested in the science…
not just Disney!
We are so proud of every student on the
trip, we couldn’t have asked for a more
kind, energetic and hilarious group to go
with! Thank you for such a magical
adventure!
Miss A Case www.ridgewayschool.com 19Swedish Exchange...
SWEDISH EXCHANGE... We all had a lovely afternoon making new friends.
The Swedish exchange was a brilliant trip, quite On Monday and Tuesday we immersed ourselves
in Swedish school life; taking part in English, Art,
easily one of the best Ridgeway trips I’ve ever
been on. Our time was filled with fun Swedish Football and Communications lessons. In some
activities yet we also had a good amount of free lessons, the Swedish students led activities - we
time - it was a great balance! The relationships we were all so impressed by their amazing and
confident English. On Tuesday night we headed to
built with the Swedish students was special and we
are all very excited for their visit to Swindon in the Bodaborg, which was a brilliant night - Miss Barnes
coming weeks. has not been over exaggerating when she told us
how much she loved it! We were in mixed Swedish/
English groups and the problem solving nature of
Bodaborg was a great way to bond.
We kicked off our last day in Degerfors with PE
with the class that are coming to Swindon. On
Wednesday afternoon, we went to a Japanese
Budo class where we learnt some self-defence!
After getting over the initial hilarity of pinning your
friend to the ground, we learnt some useful skills
and techniques. Later that evening, we said our
farewells to the Swedish students at a dinner held
by them at the school. We ate food, played games
and listened to lots of ABBA and Avicii in true
Swedish style!
On Thursday morning, we travelled back to
We started our journey with a very early morning, Stockholm in a lovely warm coach - we spent the
landing in Stockholm around 11 - unfortunately to day exploring the beautiful city. One thing that we
no snow! We spent the day travelling across all noticed was what a clean and friendly city
Sweden and stopped for lunch in the picturesque Stockholm is! We thoroughly enjoyed our Swedish
city of Örebro. I certainly noticed how peaceful and visit and look forward to seeing them soon! I
spacious Sweden was after travelling through it. cannot recommend the trip enough.
We arrived at the accommodation to kitchens full of Gaby Craven-Jones
breakfast supplies, which was lovely! That night,
we enjoyed meeting the students at one of their
houses. It was slightly awkward to start with
however, once we had reassured the Swedes their
English was far better than our Swedish, we got
along very well!
Our first full day in Sweden brought welcoming
activities at Degerfors school with the students.
Mats led a fun and interesting session filled with ice
breaking games. In the afternoon, we stopped off
at a brilliant pizza buffet with enormous slices of
pizza before heading to the local ice rink. There we
had the choices of ice skating, watching an ice
hockey game, bowling and even a table tennis hall!
20 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form CollegeSWEDISH RETURN
TRIP…
This term we have had our Swedish
exchange friends over and had a
PE News...
great time. We have done sport at
the Ridgeway Leisure Centre and
trampoline park. Whilst here we
uncovered many people’s talents of
running on walls. We have been to
the outlet centre, shopping and
showing them the best Swindon has
to offer. Although, whilst there we
were interrupted by a fire alarm. It
was very exciting!
We had them in our lessons where
they learnt some A-Level content.
Whilst at school, they also tried some
British cuisine, everything from
Marmite to custard creams as well as
PEE WEE TOURNAMENT...
immersing themselves into lessons On Thursday 13th February, I flew to Canada as part of the
such as Art, Computer Science, Swindon Pumas Hockey Team, my position in the team is
Biology, History and PE with a Netminder (Goalie). We had a great opportunity of
classic game of benchball. Finally, competing in the Pee Wee Tournament in Quebec.
we took them to Nando’s to show The Pee Wee Tournament is a huge event for Under 13’s
them fine, fabulous dining. They all and takes place each year, the tournament first started in
enjoyed it and we said our final 1960 and our Head Coach, Ken, competed in this
goodbyes. We hope to see them tournament 31 years ago. There were 120 teams in the
again soon. competition with teams from Australia, Japan, South Korea,
Mrs G Allbrook-Dunn Mexico and dozens from Canada and the USA. The major
competition was won by Czech Knights. We were lucky
enough to represent the United Kingdom as only one team
from the UK can compete each year.
FOOTBALL... Our first competitive match was against Veneto from Italy in
It has been great to see so many the Videotron Centre, the Videotron is a 19,000 seat ice
students at training at Monday arena and it was huge. We won the match 2-1, which meant
lunchtime and Tuesday after school. we would play in the Videotron again. Our next competitive
We have had over eighty boys and match was against Vasas Budapest from Hungary, this was
girls at training, who have been keen a tough match. Budapest were 1 goal up and with 24
to represent the school football seconds to go we scored the equaliser to send it into
teams, which is fantastic! overtime (which is like golden point in football).
Unfortunately, Budapest beat us which meant that we were
Although the recent weather has
out of the tournament.
been an issue with fixtures, the girls
and boys teams have got stuck into We did have an opportunity to play 5 exhibition games at
the season. different ice rinks in and around Quebec. We played against
teams from Atlanta Georgia, Palm Beach Florida, San
Results:
Diego California, Caen in Normandy and Beauce-Nord
Year 7 boys: Bellechasse from Quebec.
Drew 3-3 vs The Deanery A great part of the experience was staying with a French/
Lost 4-0 vs Warneford (Cup) Canadian family for the 10 days and experiencing their way
of life and culture. The family I stayed with taught me to
snowboard and we played pond hockey together, I was also
Year 8 boys: able to practice my French. I have also never seen so much
Lost 2-1 vs Abbey Park snow in my life, they have around 15cms a night and the
Lost 2-0 vs GWA temperature dropped to -38.9oc which was very cold.
I experienced different foods one of my favourite things was
Year 9 boys: poutine which is fries with cheese curd and gravy. We found
out when we got home that we came 10th out of 23 teams
Won 3-1 vs Nova Hreod
in our group which was a great achievement. The memories
Won 4-0 vs Abbey Park (Cup – into and experiences that I have gained from the trip will stay
Quarter Final) with me forever and I have made some really great friends.
Sam Ellis 7S2
Well done to all our teams.
Mr L Burcombe
www.ridgewayschool.com 21YEAR 11 LEAVERS COVID – 19/20...
Farewell to our Year 11s...
Courageous. Optimistic. Vivacious. Intelligent.
Determined. This is how The Class of 19/20 were
described in their leavers montage of their time at
school.
In true Ridgeway style, the staff pulled together to
put on a poignant send off for our hard-working
Year 11s. No other year group has had to deal with
such unprecedented times to their education, and
thus creating an even more emotional goodbye.
Although this isn’t the end of their Ridgeway life, it
had to be marked in the same way as any other
leavers: silly staff video, montage of memories, the
walkthrough, thank you messages from staff with
their questionable school photos and of course the
annual shirt signing.
The students were even privileged to have
motivational messages from our Mayor – Cllr Kevin
Parry, and ex-Ridgeway student and England rugby
star, Jonny May.
Many tears were wiped from the faces of students
(and staff!) as they steadily left the building at
3:15pm on Friday 20th March. In these globally
troubling times, it was humbling to see the genuine
interactions of “good luck”- “thank you sir” - “thank
you miss”, “it will be fine”, “we will get through this
together”, between the students and staff, the
epitome of care. A true display of a school family.
The Ridgeway family. Our family.
Thank you to all staff that helped make the day
such a special time for the Year 11 students.
Mrs G Allbrook-Dunn & Mr M Pentelow
22 The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form CollegeRidgeway News...
NEW HEAD OF HOUSE…
The Head of House team are very excited to introduce the new
head of Kennet House, Mr Shephard! Mr Shepard is very excited
to be taking over this new role and helping Kennet to be the best
they can be for the remainder of the year. The House team would
like to thank Miss Marlow for her brilliant contribution to the House
team and being an amazing head of Kennet. Miss J Guilliford
SCOUT SUCCESS…
We would like to send our
RIDGEWAY RACE ACROSS congratulations to 1st Wroughton
AMERICA RESULTS! Scout success on the weekend in
the Cotswold marathon. Lawrie,
That’s it! Our first Ridgeway Race Across Seth and Alex were fastest male
America has been completed. Firstly, a massive well done to all team in Bronze Class. They
students for their participation and a big thank you for all your kind hiked thirteen miles in just under
donations. three hours with full rucksacks.
Although the challenge has been cut short, we have a much Matt, Finley and Matt had similar
deserved winning house – congratulations Silbury! You have success in the Silver Class,
absolutely smashed this challenge and have been in the lead from where they walked twenty miles.
day one! This has been a fantastic effort from Silbury house, who
deserve all the rewards they receive! Commiserations Barbury,
Mrs G Allbrook-Dunn
Kennet and Avebury. Please see final standings below:
SWINDON JOBFEST
On Tuesday 4th February, we
went to the Jobfest careers and
apprenticeships fayre held by
Swindon Borough Council.
The fayre included a talk from a
new apprentice from Capita
who had joined them following
his GCSEs and he explained
the process and experiences of
applying and becoming an
Keep an eye on the House book One Note and the Weekly House apprentice. In total, there were
Newsletter for upcoming house activities including House Sport, over sixty different
Quizzes and many more! Stay safe, stay active, and look after apprenticeship and careers
yourselves and those around you. Take care, The House Team. stands from McDonalds,
Beaverbrooks, The Army, Metro
Bank to the National Trust. It
was great to see our students
engaging so positively with
employers and handing over
their CVs to provide themselves
with the best next step chances
for their future careers.
Mrs G Allbrook-Dunn
www.ridgewayschool.com 23The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College - Proud to be part of The White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust.
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