RYEDALE SCHOOLASPIRE AND ACHIEVE

A LEADING EDGE SCHOOL

A HIGH PERFORMING SPECIALIST STATUS SCHOOL

SPECIALISMS INTHE PERFORMING ARTSSCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the qualityof education the school offers.’

Ofsted

‘A school that believes there's more to life than GCSEs and still comes up withthe goods in exams. Pupils leave with secondary school qualifications andprimary school enthusiasm.’

The Good Schools Guide 2010

Ours is a small and friendly school, but it is alsoforward thinking and dynamic. We provide asecure, stable framework in which pupils cangrow academically and socially. In educatingpupils for the challenges of the twenty-firstcentury, we combine the teaching of up-to-dateskills and knowledge with core values such ashard work, high achievement, consideration andhonesty. It is our intention that Ryedale pupilsare prepared for both life and work in a rapidlychanging technological society, and to take theirplace as responsible members of a caringcommunity.

There is a strong partnership between pupils,parents, staff and governors who work togetherto provide a wide range of educationalopportunities for all learners. A strong andresourceful Parent Teacher Association hassignificantly enhanced many areas of school life.The Governors are very supportive of thecontinuous improvement within the School andwork closely with staff to ensure that this occurs.Everyone in the partnership is working to providethe best environment in which students canflourish.

In 2004 Ryedale School was granted LeadingEdge Status by the government. RyedaleSchool’s position as one of the leadingcomprehensive schools in North Yorkshire isreflected in consistently high achievement andperformance in examinations, and the progressmade by the secondary schools we are asked tosupport. From 2009 we have been granted asecond specialism as part of our High PerformingSpecialist Status – that specialism is Science(with Mathematics). This not only reflects ourstrength across the curriculum, but also our aimto continually develop and improve theeducational experience for all learners.

The academic achievements of the students arefacilitated not only by high quality teaching andlearning, but also by establishing a creative andinclusive atmosphere in which individual talentsare nurtured and allowed to flourish. Ourextensive range of extra-curricular activitiesdevelops skills, interests, relationships and, mostimportantly, the students’ enjoyment of schoollife and learning.

I do hope that you will want to visit us andexperience our vibrant school for yourself. I lookforward to welcoming you to our superb learningenvironment at Ryedale School.

Richard CraneHeadteacher

Welcome to Ryedale School...

A thriving and highly successful secondary school with 557 pupils. Our students, who come to us from ninepartner Primary schools, are fortunate to live in an area of great scenic beauty, embracing the western end ofthe Vale of Pickering and part of the North York Moors.

We believe in providing the right blend ofsupport and challenge to enable all learners tomaximise their potential in all aspects of life atRyedale. There is a great emphasis onachievement, creativity, teamwork andleadership. Sustained effort and highexpectations are needed if potential is to befulfilled.

‘Students respond positively to the school’s highexpectations of behaviour and responsibility; thisis reflected in their excellent attitudes andrelationships with adults and their peers.’

Ofsted

The social and cultural development of thestudents is engendered throughout thecurriculum, but it is perhaps most evident in thewide range of extra-curricular opportunitiesavailable at Ryedale. Aiming to improve one’sperformance, to broaden horizons and to thinkindependently is at the heart of what we provide. Central to the ethos of Ryedale School is the

emphasis on the individual. Relationshipsbetween peers, and between students and staff,are positive and caring. Individual strengths andtalents are recognised and given the opportunityto develop. Areas for development are identifiedand addressed. This personalised approach tothe holistic development of the child is a realstrength of the Ryedale learning experience.

We believe this emphasis on individualdevelopment facilitates a desire to succeed andto make the most of the opportunities availableto all learners at Ryedale. In all aspects ofschool life we value high achievement andencourage students to make a positivecontribution to the school and the local, nationaland international communities. We celebrateachievement whenever possible within schoolassemblies and celebrations and events. Werecognise the fundamental importance of theeducational process in helping to create globalcitizens who make an active and positivecontribution to society.

ASPIRE AND ACHIEVE

Older students, who act as prefects and peer mentors, feel theyhave a duty of care towards younger students. Students feel safein school and engage in safe working practices.’

Ofsted

Aspir

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LEARNING AND TEACHING

‘Teachers have thorough subject knowledge and plan lessonscarefully.’

Ofsted

Central to the success of our school is high quality teaching which facilitatessuperb learning. Staff work hard to create a learning environment wherestudents develop a love of learning and are encouraged to be expressive,creative, evaluative and think independently. Teachers regularly collaborate inorder to develop best practice in the classroom, and this is facilitated by the workof leading practitioners within the school. Assessment data on students informs apersonalised approach to teaching and learning to ensure that the learning needs ofall are met. The quality of Teaching and Learning is monitored closely as part ofschool self evaluation processes, enabling us to develop innovative approaches tothe learning experience. In addition, teachers from Ryedale School are collaboratingwith colleagues from other schools in order to develop best practice in othereducational institutions.

‘The school’s focus on the development of teaching and learning, throughLeading Edge Status, is reflected in the good practice throughout the school.’

Ofsted

CARE, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORTA CLIMATE OF SUCCESS

‘The climate of the school is one of continuous improvement.’

School Improvement Partner 2010

At Ryedale we are committed to providing equality ofopportunity and a school climate in which every student is

able to achieve their best. Our high expectations are setwithin a caring and supportive framework, based upon high

standards of work and behaviour and respect for the individual.

‘The good care and support given to students ensures that allstudents feel valued.’

Ofsted

Every child is placed in a Tutor Group, attached to a House. The FormTutor is the person with whom the child has the closest contact on a day-

to-day basis. Mr McCandless, Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion) overseesthe care of the children and is also responsible for most of the disciplinary

functions within the School.

‘Students’ exemplary behaviour and attitudes contribute significantly to theirlearning and they are excellent ambassadors for the school.’

Ofsted

A merit system exists to recognise the achievements of students, bothacademically and socially. Subject commendation certificates are given tooutstanding pupils in all year groups. Hard work, achievement, creativity and makinga positive contribution are all celebrated at Ryedale School.

We believe that an engaging curriculum and wide variety of extra-curricularopportunities will reduce any disruption to learning. However, we also have a clearsystem of sanctions which ensures that students aspire to the highest standards. Thisprovides a clear framework within which misdemeanours are challenged andsanctioned in a consistent manner. A very positive relationship with parents and clearcommunication is key to our success in this area.

The Alternative Learning Centre is used to support students who are vulnerable or arehaving difficulty coping with school expectations.

‘The use of the Alternative Learning Centreis particularly effective at giving additionalsupport to the most vulnerable studentsand those at risk.’

Ofsted

Aspire and Achieve

Our curricular offer is very diverse in order toallow students to make the most of their abilitiesand to study a broad variety of subjects duringtheir time at Ryedale.

‘There is a well established positive climate forlearning across the school.’

Ofsted

For academic subjects, our students are setaccording to ability from the beginning of Year 7based on their end of Key Stage 2 levels.Regular assessment monitors progress of alllearners, and students may be moved betweengroups in order to maximise their achievementand progress whenever the need arises. Initiallystudents will be taught in mixed ability groups fortheir practical subjects, but some organisation byability often takes place in music groups.

‘All staff have high expectations of students andset aspirational targets. Students know theirtargets, and what they need to do to improve ormove on to the next stage.’

School Improvement Partner 2010

In Years 10 and 11, students currently study thecompulsory National Curriculum subjects ofEnglish, Mathematics, Science and ICT. Optionsinclude Triple Science, French, German, Designand Technology, Food Technology, History,Geography, Religious Education, Music, Art,Drama, Dance and Physical Education. A rangeof accredited vocational courses are alsoavailable at Key Stage 4. Some students opt forEngineering, Construction, Creative and Media,Agriculture, Hairdressing, and Animal Care, andall follow an accredited Information Technologycourse. Students also follow programmes ofPhysical Education, Religious Education andCitizenship, which do not necessarily lead toformal qualifications.

‘Students’ personal development and selfesteem are enhanced by high quality experiencesin lessons and extra curricular activities.’

Ofsted

‘The progress of students at all stages iscarefully monitored and tracking systems areused to identify underachieving students whothen receive appropriate intervention.’

Ofsted

OUR CURRICULUMBREADTH AND DIVERSITY

PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRESSION AT POST 16

Ryedale School prides itself on collaborating with other schools, but an exciting new initiative is developing atPost 16. Ryedale has an established partnership with other local schools – Malton School, Lady Lumley’sSchool and Norton College. This involves students studying sixth form courses in schools where particularareas of curricular strength can be offered. This means that students can benefit from the fantastic teachingand learning environment at Ryedale, as well as at other local schools.

However, we are keen to develop this further in view of the many strengths of Ryedale School. A closepartnership has been formed with Malton School which will enable us to develop joint sixth form provision,allowing students to access Key Stage 5 courses at both schools in the future. The development of sixth formprovision at Ryedale is a key development for the school, allowing a natural progression from Key Stage 4 forour learners, and clearly shows Ryedale is going from strength to strength!

SPECIALIST STATUS IN THE PERFORMING ARTS

Awarded Specialist Status in the Performing Arts in September 2004, in summer2010 the school was redesignated in recognition of sustained achievement in thisarea. Specialist Status has significantly improved the learning experience for all atRyedale in a number of ways:

First Class Teaching Facilities for Performing Arts Subjects.The Drama Studio, with sprung floors for dance, is a fantastic space forperformances. The Music Department has two spacious extremely well equippedclassrooms and a state-of-the–art recording studio with four instrumental practicerooms to accommodate individual tuition. The successful GCSE courses in Music,Art, Drama and Dance are now complemented by the new Diploma in Creative andMedia, and A Level Music Technology.

There is a wide range of extra-curricular performance activities ranging from Dramaand Dance Clubs, members of which perform regularly in assembly and publicperformances, to the popular after-school art sessions, and the wide variety of musicalactivities including vocal, choral and string groups, wind and jazz band, theory classes

and various rock groups. With visits from artists, a six-piece jazz band, a DJ, variouscontemporary and street dancers, and actors, the inspiration provided by access to high-

quality professional support is greatly valued by students and staff alike working to thehighest possible standards.

“The school’s Specialist Status and its focus on transferable skills has improved attainment and enjoymentand is making a very good impact with local primary schools and the wider community.”

Ofsted

The number of students receiving instrumental lessons has more than doubled in the past three years. Aquarter of our students now receive weekly tuition on a wide range of instruments, from violin to drums tosinging. The school regularly enters students for Royal School of Music Associated Board exams and hasachieved excellent results over time.

Other subject areas throughout school have benefited greatly with the self-confidence of students taking partin the wide range of activities being enhanced. This leads to more independence of thought and a willingnessto explore new ideas. New technology provided through Specialist Status funding, including PCs, laptops,software, digital cameras, staging and lighting, has significantly improved the learning experience for all.

Another significant benefit has been to develop the skills of young people and others in the widercommunity by working with a number of groups, such as churches and charities. There has been a large

number of projects with all our partner primary schools, delivered by our staff at Ryedale School orindependent professional artists. Links with Sixth Form providers have been established to ensure

that progression beyond Year 11 at Ryedale School is strong.

The aim is always to broaden the experience for our students and to deliver new andexciting opportunities to the community group which is benefiting.

In short, Specialist Status has had a huge impact on the life of theschool and has opened up opportunities to every learner. Aspire

and Achieve

SEPTEMBERYear 10 GCSE Drama Group take part in theNational Shakespeare Festival, performing at theWest Yorkshire Playhouse. Performing Artspupils give the first of 20 school assemblies tofellow pupils and staff.

OCTOBERABRSM Practical Exams take place for 20musicians.

NOVEMBERMartin Riley, a professional playwright, leads aworkshop on the Canterbury Tales for Year 11GCSE Drama group.

DECEMBERYear 11 GCSE Drama Group performCanterbury Tales at Helmsley Arts Centre andthe Drama Studio. School Carol Service at AllSaints’ Church, Helmsley, involving over 100pupils.

JANUARYPreparations begin for our major event of theyear, the performance evening, involving over150 pupils. We participate in Jazz YorkshireBand Competition, winning a Silver Award forperformance, and several other awards includingthe Leeds College of Music Award for the mostpromising band.

FEBRUARYABRSM Practical Exams take place for 17musicians.

MARCHPerformance Evening, involving 150 pupilsparticipating in music, dance and drama incollaboration with other departments such asScience, Design and Technology and Art.Richard Durrant, an internationally renownedguitarist and composer, visits us for the secondyear running to give a series of talks, workshopsand performances.

This brief diary demonstrates the diverse range of activities available to students during the course of the year.Demonstrating the culture of performance that gives students the confidence to perform to each other and geta real sense of achievement from it.

APRIL27 Year 11 GCSE Drama and Dance pupilsshowcase their curriculum work to friends andfamily...

MAY...Before performing to the Exam Boardmoderators with tremendous success.

JUNEABRSM Practical Exams take place for 23musicians. The pass rate for the year is 100%,and the Distinction rate is 32%, well above thenational average. Booma, a professional dancerbegins a series of workshops with Year 9 and 10dancers, and our Partner Primary schools.

JULYA cast of 50 pupils give a matinee and eveningperformance of Alice in Wonderland to a fullhouse. 80 pupils participate in the MusicDepartment Summer Concert and Supper. Thefirst cohort of 25 pupils pass their Arts Awardmoderation at Bronze and Silver level.

The following activities run on a regular basisthroughout the academic year at lunch time orafter school:

MusicYear 7 and 8 Choir, Year 9, 10 and 11 SingingGroup, Girls’ Chamber Choir, Wind Band, JazzBand, Grade 5 Theory Classes.

Dance and DramaLower and Upper School Dance Groups, ArtsAward, plus regular rehearsals for allperformances such as Alice in Wonderland.

PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR 2009-2010

‘The school sets challenging targets forstudents of all ability levels.’

Ofsted

GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS

It is an important part of each subject teacher’s responsibility to ensurethat all students, including the most able, are stretched and challenged.Many students are gifted in areas of academic study and others havetalents in subjects such as Art, Drama and Music. Gifted and talentedindividuals are identified and their progress monitored by a seniormember of staff, teaching methods are tailored to ensure theappropriate level of challenge, and enrichment activities take place toensure that all students receive an educational experience whichenables them to flourish and constantly improve.

Aspire and Achieve

‘Students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make goodprogress and achieve well.’

Ofsted

Mrs Degazon is in charge of the LearningSupport Department which looks afterstudents with a wide range of specialeducational needs. Teaching assistants aredeployed in classes where required and canalso deliver literacy and numeracy support inconjunction with the class teacher. Smallerteaching groups have also been created forstudents who may require more intensivehelp or support. Progress of SEN studentsin school is monitored closely and a varietyof interventions put in place if a studentshows signs of struggling with their work orin social situations.

In addition, some students may require moreintensive support and this is provided in theAlternative Learning Centre. This is run by

Mrs Degazon and the Teaching Assistantsand provides a base for mentoring activitiesand for individual students to receive furtherassistance.

The SEN department also works closelywith outside agencies who provide advice,support and training regarding pupils withspecific conditions.

Further information, including the school’sSpecial Educational Needs Policy, isavailable on request and parents areencouraged to contact Mrs Degazon if theyhave any questions regarding SEN provisionor wish to discuss their child’s individualneeds.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

There is a huge range of extra-curricularopportunities taking place throughout the year andthe offer includes:

Fitness, Football, Hockey, Homework Club, ICT,Junior Jazz, Senior Dance, Library ResourceCentre, Morning Club, Netball, Reading Club,GCSE Geography, Additional Maths, Art Club,

Chess Club, Food Club, Girls’ Football, JuniorDance, Senior Singing, Arts Award, Badminton,String Group, Rugby, Cricket, Jazz Band, JuniorSinging, Spelling Club, Latin, Basketball, CrossCountry, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Music TheoryClub, Girls’ Chamber Choir, GCSE MusicCoursework, Housematches, Games Club, Italianfor beginners, Senior boys and staff football club.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

‘Beyond the taught curriculum there is a widerange of established extra-curricular activities.Students make very good use of theseopportunities.’ Ofsted

SPORT AT RYEDALE

Our achievements are remarkable when you consider the size of the school. Apart from distinguished individualperformances (including representative honours at District, County and National level in a variety of games),Ryedale teams regularly win the District and County competitions.

Students are given the opportunity:• to learn a wide range of sporting skills• to get fit and have fun• to play in House competitions• to represent the School against other schools• to represent the District, County and Country, as individuals and as members of their School team• to learn the principles of living a healthy lifestyle• to do GCSE Physical Education in Years 10 and 11.

Aspire and Achieve

INTER-SCHOOL TEAM CHALLENGE WINNERSYear 7 Basketball County ChampionsYear 7 Basketball District ChampionsYear 7 Ryedale & Whitby Sports Partnership

Basketball ChampionsYear 7 Rugby District ChampionsYear 7 Hockey District Tournament WinnersYear 8 Basketball District ChampionsYear 8 Basketball County ChampionsYear 8 Ryedale & Whitby Sports Partnership

Basketball ChampionsYear 8 Netball District Cup FinalistsYear 9 Tennis District Tournament WinnersYear 9 Basketball District ChampionsYear 9 Ryedale & Whitby Sports Partnership

Basketball ChampionsYear 9 Netball District Cup WinnersU13/U15 District Tennis Tournament WinnersKS3 District Athletics ChampionsYear 10 Basketball District ChampionsYear 10 Ryedale & Whitby Sports Partnership

Football ChampionsYear 10 Ryedale & Whitby Sports Partnership

Basketball ChampionsYear 10 Netball District Tournament WinnersU16 Hockey District Tournament WinnersYear 10&11 Ryedale & Whitby Sports Partnership

Rounders ChampionsYear 11 Basketball District ChampionsYear 11 Rugby 7’s District ChampionsYear 11 Rugby District Champions

REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS3 boys represented the County at Rugby1 girl represented the County at Cross Country2 girls represented the County at Hockey (U16)6 girls represented the District at Athletics3 boys represented the District at Athletics1 girl represented the District at Cross Country9 girls represented the District at Netball4 boys represented the District at Cross Country2 girls represented the District at Tennis4 girls represented the District at Hockey 1 boy represented the County at Athletics1 girl represented the County at Netball3 boys represented the District at Cricket1 boy represented the County at CricketAll 5 Basketball teams represented the District atBasketballThe Year 11 team represented the District atNetball

INTERNATIONAL HONOURSFormer and current Ryedale School students whohave represented their country are: Peter Robertshaw (1500 metres), Rob Russell(discus), Helen Douthwaite (swimming), JamesAlmond (football), Daniel Broadbent (cricket), AdeleButler (rounders), Donna Wallis (rounders),Chantelle Magson (football).

SPORTING SUCCESSES 2009/2010

During the last week of the Summer Term thestudents are given a choice of courses organised bystaff, which offer exciting opportunities not usuallyavailable in a Secondary curriculum. In 2010students visited Berlin and tackled outdooractivities in the Ardeche. There were alsoopportunities to take part in music, jewellerymaking, outdoor pursuits, drama, digitalphotography, cricket, and golf, to provide an excitingend to the academic year. Year 7 enjoyedEnterprise and first aid activities.

Venture courses have now been runningsuccessfully for over 30 years, giving the students achance to learn new skills, have new experiencesand make new friends. Their educational and socialvalue makes them a worthwhile addition to theschool year. We are fortunate at Ryedale that wehave the staff and the students with the energy andcommitment to make these courses a positiveexperience for all.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

Ryedale School’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Unitcontinues to thrive. The expeditions are usually heldon the North York Moors. Students give service tothe community in a wide variety of ways, includingriding for the disabled and helping younger studentslearn to read.

Skills range from playing musical instruments, tohorse handling and care. We have a committedgroup of over 100 students working towards Bronze,Silver and Gold awards. The Bronze group start atthe end of Year 9 and spend 10 months developingtheir skills.

The award is held in high regard by colleges andemployers.

THE SCHOOL AIMS

1. To provide a safe and stimulating environment inwhich young people can flourish academically,socially, physically and emotionally.2. To provide challenging, inclusive and personalisedprogrammes of curricular and extra-curricularopportunities, which maximise enjoyment andachievement, during and beyond the school day.3. To encourage young people to develop into goodcitizens by emphasising traditional values,facilitating the Student Voice and raising awarenessof key issues and democratic processes.4. To create strong, collaborative partnershipsbetween the school parents and wider communityfor the benefit of all and to further promotecommunity cohesion.5. To foster an attitude of mutual trust and respectso that our young people and everyone who workswith or for them, feel sufficiently secure and valuedto want to contribute positively to the schoolimprovement process.

ENRICHMENT COURSES LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

RYEDALE SCHOOLASPIRE AND ACHIEVE

Gale Lane, Nawton, York, YO62 7SL Telephone: 01439 771665 Fax: 01439 770697 Email: admin@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk