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Extra-curricular Activities

At Ribston, we are proud to offer a wide range of educational visits, residential experiences and enrichment opportunities that enhance learning beyond the classroom and help students develop confidence, independence and new interests.

The school offers many extra-curricular activities. These give pupils a chance to explore talents and interests in sports, the arts, culture, volunteering and leadership...Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities participate fully in these experiences.

Ofsted, May 2026

Whilst we understand that families may wish to plan ahead, it is unfortunately not possible for us to provide a complete schedule of trips and visits for the academic year. Alongside a small number of established annual events, many opportunities arise throughout the year in response to educational experiences such as theatre productions, exhibitions, competitions, university events and subject-specific opportunities.

The list below provides an indication of the types of experiences typically available during a student's Ribston journey. Please note that the programme may vary from year to year.

Please follow us on Instagram: @ribstonhallhighschool and Facebook: RibstonHallHighSchool to keep updated about our extra-curricular activities.

Year Group Typical Opportunities
Year 7 Croft Farm Residential, Bikeability, Cheltenham Science Festival, STEM Christmas Lecture, Whole School Enrichment Week
Year 8 Year 8 Residential, Ski Trip (offered in Year 8 with travel typically taking place in Year 9), Cheltenham Science Festival, STEM Christmas Lecture, Whole School Enrichment Week
Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, Lille Trip (offered in Year 9 with travel typically taking place in Year 10), Cheltenham Science Festival, STEM Christmas Lecture, Whole School Enrichment Week
Year 10 GCSE-linked visits including theatre trips, geography fieldwork and history visits, Cheltenham Science Festival, Whole School Enrichment Week
Year 11 Year 11 Residential, GCSE-linked visits, Year 11 Prom, Cheltenham Science Festival, Whole School Enrichment Week
Year 12 Year 12 Residential, UCAS Discovery Day (Hartpury University), A-Level subject visits, Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, Whole School Enrichment Week
Year 13 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, A-Level subject visits, Year 13 Ball, Whole School Enrichment Week

Whole School Enrichment Week

Each July, students take part in our Whole School Enrichment Week, which offers a wide range of exciting activities and experiences. Opportunities vary by year group and the associated costs differ depending on the programme selected. Full details are shared with families during the academic year.

Important Information

Please note:

  • Some trips and visits have limited capacity and places cannot always be guaranteed.
  • Where applications exceed available places, a random allocation process is used to ensure opportunities are offered fairly to all eligible students.
  • Many visits are linked to specific curriculum areas and are available only to students studying particular subjects.
  • Costs, destinations and availability may vary from year to year.
  • Additional opportunities may be added throughout the academic year as they arise.

We encourage students to embrace as many opportunities as possible during their time at Ribston, helping them to build skills, create lasting memories and develop the confidence to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

School Trips and Educational Visits

Students standing on ski slope with Italian mountains in the background.
Year 9 and 10 ski trip to Claviere (Italy) in April 2026

School trips and educational visits give our students the chance to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience new things. Our trips and visits build confidence, curiosity and independence, while strengthening teamwork and social skills.

Whether exploring museums, visiting outdoor spaces or cultural landmarks, our students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and create memorable experiences that enrich their personal growth and academic progress.

There are many opportunities for trips and visits throughout your child's career at Ribston, including ski trips and sports tours. Where costs are incurred, such as coach fares and admission charges, parents/carers are asked to make a voluntary contribution in line with Department for Education guidelines.

Parents/carers are invited to contact their child's Form Tutor or Head of Year if their financial circumstances make it impossible to contribute in this way.

Trips and educational visits that we've organised for our students include:

  • Gloucester Archives (Year 13 History)
  • The University of Gloucestershire, City Campus (A-Level Psychology)
  • The Alliance Française in London (French)
  • Godsells Cheese (Year 13 Food Science and Nutrition)
  • The University of Birmingham (Year 12 Students)
  • Jurassic Coastline (A-Level Geography)
  • British Film Institute (Spanish)
  • Barcelona (Spanish)
  • Paris (French and Textiles)
  • Stratford Upon Avon (A-Level English Literature)
  • West Midland Safari Park (Year 12 Psychology)
  • Gloucester Crown Court (Year 13 Sociology)
  • University of Gloucester, Oxstalls Campus (Year 12 Sociology)
  • Houses of Parliament (Year 12 Politics)

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Students kayaking in the river

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is the perfect way to try new things, learn new skills, give to your community and feel more confident. 

What’s involved?

There are three levels of Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold. For each one you need to complete four sections – Volunteering, Physical, Skills and the Expedition. For Gold, you also need to complete a five-day residential.

Who’s it for?

DofE is non-competitive and everyone aged 14–24 is welcome – whatever your interests, background and abilities.

How do I find out more?

Mrs Tibbles is the DofE Manager here at Ribston. Please email Mrs Tibbles to find out more: DofE@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk.

Live Life Adventure

Ribston works in partnership with Live Life Adventure to deliver our DofE programme.

Lunchtime Clubs

Here is the latest list of lunchtime clubs here at Ribston. Please note: clubs are subject to change. Room location and club information is available on student notice boards in school. Students are also sent emails regularly with information about all extra-curricular activities.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Hockey

  • For: Year 7 and 8
  • When: Weekly
  • Shin pads, gum shield, trainers and socks

Netball

  • For: Year 8
  • When: Weekly
  • Trainers and socks

Choir Club

  • For: Years 7, 8 and 9
  • When: Weekly

Hockey

  • For: Students under 16
  • When: Weekly
  • Shin pads, gum shield, trainers and socks

Netball

  • For: Year 7
  • When: Weekly
  • Trainers and socks

GCSE Badminton

  • For GCSE students
  • When: Weekly

Jazz Band

  • For: Grade 5+
  • When: Weekly

Netball

  • For: Years 10 and 11
  • When: Weekly
  • Trainers and socks

Netball

  • For: Year 9
  • When: Weekly
  • Trainers and socks

Psychology Club

  • For: All Years
  • When: Weekly

Puzzle Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Puzzle Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Puzzle Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Rugby

  • When: Week B
  • For: Years 7 -10
  • Full PE kit and a gum shield. If it's raining, please bring spare clothes and boots.

Puzzle Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

History Society

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Eco Committee

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Science Club

  • For: Years 7 & 8
  • When: Weekly

Sociology Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Week B

Acrodance Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Textiles Homework Club

  • For: Years 10-13
  • When: Weekly

Comp Lab

  • For: Years 9 to 13
  • When: Weekly

Formula 24 Go-cart Club

  • For: Years 9 to 11
  • When: Weekly

Orchestra

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

 

Rock Group

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Maths Society (drop-in)

  • For: All students
  • When: Half-termly

KS4 and KS5 Choir

  • For: All KS4 and 5 students
  • When: Week A

Neuro Collective Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Ukulele Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Spanish

  • For: Year 7
  • When: Week B

KS4 and KS5 Choir

  • For: All KS4 and 5 students
  • When: Week B

 

Psychology Society

  • For: All students
  • When: Week B

Computing Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Politics Society

  • For: Years 9 and above
  • When: Week A

Tap Club

  • For Years 7,8 and 9 (Grade 3+)
  • When: Weekly

Lyrical Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly

Forensic Linguistics

  • For: Years 8 to 11
  • When: Week A

Debate Club

  • For: Years 7 to 11
  • When: Week B
  • Bring: your lunch

Fashion Club

  • For: Year 9
  • When: Weekly

 

 

Drawing Club

  • For: All students who like to draw and work on independent projects
  • When: Weekly

Badminton

  • For: Years 7 and 8
  • When: Weekly
  • Bring: trainers and socks

Football 

  • For: All students
  • When: Week A
  • Shin pads, trainers and socks
 

 

Dance Club

  • For: Years 7 and 8
  • When: Weekly

Law and Justice Club

  • For: Years 7 and 8
  • When: Weekly

Drama Club

  • For: Years 7,8,9 and 10
  • When: Weekly
 
 

Choir

  • For: Years 10 to 13
  • When: Week A

Psychology Society

  • For: Years 10 to 13
  • Monthly

Volleyball Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly
 
 

International Society

  • For: Years 10 to 13
  • When: Week B
 

Computing Club

  • For: All students
  • When: Weekly
 
     

Games Club

  • For: Years 7, 8 and 9
  • When: Weekly
 
     

Psychology Society

  • For: Years 7 to 9
  • When: Monthly
 

Guest Speakers and Visitors

Our team invite a range of speakers and guests into school regularly. Recent visits have been from:

Please visit the individual curriculum pages (on the right) to find out more about subject-specific extra-curricular activities here at Ribston.

Ribston Hall Association

The Ribston Hall Association (RHA) is the Parent, Teacher and Friends' Association for the school. The RHA raises funds for our school and supports school activities. 

These activities have included:

  • Year 7 and 8 Disco
  • Quiz Night
  • London Mountain Film Festival screening

The RHA also provides refreshments at school events, organises raffles and competitions, and runs an online shop full of Ribston merchandise. You can find out more about the RHA in the dedicated RHA section of our website. They also have social media accounts on Facebook: Ribston Hall Association and Instagram: @RibstonHallAssociation.