Model UN is an educational simulation of the United Nations, where students represent different countries, research global issues and debate resolutions in a formal setting, just as delegates do at real UN conferences.

No child deserves to grow up without a childhood as we understand childhood. That right to play, that right to learn, that right to share without being afraid

Additionally, you’ll find some helpful links for work experience opportunities, application advice, and university information, so have a read and don’t hesitate to ask your subject teachers or Mrs Nicklin for further guidance. 

By Poppy McGuire Yr 12

By Poppy McGuire, Year 12 

The Children’s Mental Health Week campaign running this week - Know Yourself, Grow Yourself, has put a spotlight on how we can build resilience, grow and develop by understanding who we are and what makes us tick.

This annual trip has consistently been a highlight for upper school students, providing them with an immersive experience of what studying GCSE and A-level drama entails.
Over many years, different activities have been offered and enjoyed, and this year was no exception. Students enjoyed two West End musicals, a trip to London’s V&A museum, as well as a private workshop to aid students in developing their on-stage presence and confidence.

Wicked

First staged in 2003, Wicked is a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, and its enduring popularity has captivated audiences across London and beyond. It recently gained new publicity when performed in cinemas with the incredible talents of Ariana Grande, and Cythia Erivo and Ribston could not miss the opportunity to see it live on stage. One student, who had previously seen wicked commented on how seeing it helped their love of performing grow and blossom and would recommend it to everyone.

Les Misérables

Another standout moment for students was watching Les Misérables, a timeless musical exploring themes of social injustice and resilience. Isla Stevenson, a Year 10 Drama GCSE student commented: “From the get-go, it was the most immersive show I've ever witnessed. I've never laughed, cried and smiled at anything quite like it’. The show gave students an opportunity to explore the emotional depth of on-stage characters, enriching their understanding of drama and character development.

The Wicked Workshop

Students this year were very lucky to have a specialised drama workshop which many saw as the highlight of the trip; Penny Steele, a Year 11 Drama and Music student, shared her excitement: “The workshop was well-organised and fascinating. Not only did we learn the music and choreography for ‘One Short Day,’ but we also gained valuable insights into characterisation”. I asked Penny about her favourite bit of the trip, and she told me: “My favourite part was performing “One Short Day” at the end. We got to show the teachers what we had learnt throughout the workshop, and it was so much fun. The industry professionals who ran the workshop really helped me to feel confident in the character that I created and taught all of us that we shouldn’t be embarrassed when performing”.

As students who took the trip were mainly from drama and music, I was interested to know about her thoughts on the value of the trip in helping them understand their curriculum. One student said “I honestly think this trip is so valuable for anyone who is interested in musical theatre. For aspiring students, there is inspiration for what can be achieved, as for current students, it provides great examples of what you're studying and is simply so much fun!”. Whilst another duel subject student stated “the trip helped me to expand my knowledge and understanding. For example, in the workshop, we were taught how status and power is conveyed in “Wicked”. We got to analyse photos from the show and share how we thought each character felt. This is linked to GCSE Drama, because in drama we are always looking at body language to further our understanding of a character. Additionally, when learning the music for “One Short Day”, we got to learn harmonies so that there was a soprano and an alto line. This linked to GCSE Music as I got to practice holding harmonies.”

Mrs Hill said she believes this opportunity should not be missed as it helps students to gain an understanding of the avenues that are open for keen performers on London’s West End. Her favourite part of the trip, agreeing with many students, was seeing Les Misérables live on stage as well as the workshop opportunity that gave her an insight into dance and music in the heart of musical theatre.

If this trip is something that interests you, you don’t hesitate to talk to Dr. Yang or Mrs Hill on possible opportunities in the future. Thank you so much to everyone involved in organising this trip and the effort of everyone involved in making it so special – it was a giant success!

The last term of the year was filled with exciting events, from our sell-out Dance Show and Winter Concert to our successful Sixth Form Open Evening, despite the rain. Our Year 10 Sports Leaders received praise for their role at the Key Stage 1 Christmas Multi-Skills Event, and the Year 7 Christmas Service was a lovely celebration, featuring stunning performances from our choir and orchestra. Have a read about all our latest activities and news before we head into the festive holidays and the New Year.

This is our first newsletter for this academic year—a chance to share all the great work happening at Ribston and to celebrate our students' successes. This term has exemplified what an amazing community we have at Ribston. We’ve welcomed our new Year 7 students as they begin their Ribston journey, and they’ve already embraced new experiences—from an adventurous three-day residential at Croft Farm Water Park to Unity Day with our Year 12 students. 

Students at Ribston Hall High School received their much-anticipated GCSE results today, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. We are proud to report that our students outperformed national trends in multiple subjects. Notably, the number of grades 9-7 in Chemistry and Biology exceeded national averages by 20% and 10%, respectively. These outstanding results are a testament to the students' conscientious approach to their studies and their ability to rise to the challenge of these exams. 

Our students' success underscores Ribston Hall's commitment to supporting their high aspirations. This year, students are progressing to prestigious Russell Group universities, including Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, King's College London, Warwick, Nottingham, and York.

The dedication and hard work of our students, combined with the unwavering support from our staff, have paved the way for these remarkable accomplishments. These outcomes reflect not only the students' determination but also the outstanding teaching and guidance provided at Ribston Hall High School.

Zaina Ginwalla – Achieved 3 A* and an A* in her EPQ and is going on to study Paramedic Science.

"I’m very proud of how well I’ve done! It hasn’t been easy, but the constant and consistent encouragement and support from my teachers has motivated me throughout, and they’ve constantly pushed me to do the very best I can."

Isabelle Bircher - Achieved an A* in History and A's in Maths and Physics. She also received an A* in her EPQ. Isabelle is going on to study Astrophysics

"I am very happy with what I got – as I got my predicted grades and into my first choice University. I am very happy that I chose to stay on for Ribston Hall Sixth Form as I don’t think I would have enjoyed Sixth Form as much at a different school."

Olivia Ryder-Kiely - Achieved 3 A’s in Business, Maths and Sociology and is going on to study Business Management. 

‘I feel quite shocked at my grades but overall really happy that my hard work has paid off.’ Ribston has been an incredible experience and I wouldn’t have achieved so much if it weren’t for this school. I am so happy to have spent seven years in such an incredible and supportive community.’

Kiara Babar - Achieved an A in Biology & Drama and Theatre Studies and a B in History

"I am proud of the two years of hard work that I dedicated to my exams and coursework. I know my exam results reflect how hard I worked, and I look forward to my next steps. I am incredibly grateful for all Ribston has taught me and will forever cherish every memory I have made here."

Poppy Smith - Achieved an A in Art and Chemistry and a B in Psychology

"I'm proud and relieved. Hard work paid off! I will miss Ribston greatly, but I am excited about the future and using the skills that Ribston has taught me.’

Lucy McLean - Achieved B's in Business and Psychology, and a C in Biology, despite facing significant health challenges throughout her studies, Lucy exceeded her targeted grades through sheer determination and hard work.

“I’m very proud of how far I’ve come and what I’ve achieved. It’s not sunk in yet! I would never have been able to achieve what I have without all the amazing support from everyone here and will always be thankful for it.” 

Sixth Form Lead, Mrs. Cat Nicklin, expressed her pride in the students' achievements: "I am incredibly proud of our students for their perseverance and dedication. Their hard work has not only earned them places at top universities but also equipped them with the skills and confidence to succeed in the next chapter of their lives. It has been a privilege to support them on their journey."

Mr. Alec Waters, Headteacher, also shared his thoughts: "Today, we celebrate not just the grades, but the personal achievements and growth of each student. The paths they are now embarking on are a reflection of their determination and the solid foundation laid by our teaching staff. We wish them all the success as they take the next step in their academic and professional journeys."

At Ribston Hall High School, we take immense pride in the achievements of our students and are excited to see them continue to excel as they move on to the next stages of their lives. 

This lively event saw five fantastic acts compete on stage, showcasing the incredible talent and house spirit of all our students and staff.

There are a variety of articles featured, including short stories, creative achievements an interview with our very own Mr Waters! So, sit back, relax and enjoy the read.

Ribston Hall's Year 12 A-Level textiles student, Tabitha Riley, went through to the London City for the Junk Kouture competition on May 20th, 2024. This competition challenges young designers to craft high-end couture from recycled materials, promoting sustainability and creativity. Tabitha's winning design, "Cerulean," is a testament to her innovation and skill, constructed entirely from repurposed blinds from the school's textiles room. 

It's been an action-packed month here at Ribston, filled with events and achievements across all of our year groups.

From school trips and events to the whole school photograph, our students have showcased their great behaviour, incredible talents, commitment to learning and determination over the month. In April, one of our year 12 students made it through to the London City Finals of the Junk Kouture competition which will be held in May. We are incredibly proud of Tabitha, who has made a really incredible outfit - all out of old school blinds! You can follow her on Instagram to see how the dress was made and her progress in the competition.  

The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of activities! National Careers Week saw students launching rockets during lunchtime, igniting their curiosity about future careers. World Book Day brought out a fantastic array of creative costumes. We celebrated British Science Week with a real variety of activities throughout the week, from Formula 24 cart building, bird feeders and biodiversity to visiting speakers talking about nuclear radiation in Medicine. It really has been an inspiring term! 

British Science Week is an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that takes place across the United Kingdom. It aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the wonders of science and explore its impact on our daily lives. At Ribston, the week presented an opportunity to showcase the school's dedication to promoting STEM subjects, particularly among young women.

The UN says: ‘Achieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a healthy planet. However, we are facing a key challenge: the alarming $360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality measures by 2030’.

Invest in women: Accelerate progress

As we celebrate International Women's Day (IWD), we take pride in our school's rich history of promoting women’s education, unwavering commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to inspiring the next generation of young leaders.

A Legacy of Empowerment: Our Journey from 1921

Founded in 1921 as an all-girls school, Ribston Hall High School emerged at a time when women's education wasn't widely prioritised. However, against the backdrop of societal norms, our school stood as a beacon of progress, offering young women the opportunity to pursue knowledge, ambition, and excellence. Over the decades, Ribston Hall has evolved, adapting to the changing educational landscape while steadfastly upholding its core values of inclusivity and empowerment. Through our varied and full curriculum, we actively encourage girls to excel in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), empowering them to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men. All students are provided with the tools, resources, and support necessary to thrive.

Talented Quartet: Channelling Passion into Music

A plethora of activities was arranged to engage and educate students about different cultures. Fundraising efforts were launched, spanning a week and featuring diverse activities such as Henna stalls, a Bake Sale, and a Flag Making workshop. There was a raffle and the ever-popular Staff V’s Head Student Team Cultural Quiz (which Sixth-form won of course!). The enthusiasm was clear, and an impressive amount was raised for the charity Equally Ours.

In the lead-up to the event, students poured their creativity into crafting decorations for the school hall. From crocheted bunting to cultural mood boards, all contributed to the festive atmosphere. A Cultural Art Competition further fuelled excitement, with Lily Nemeth securing first place for her stunning depiction of Chinese culture.

Everyone in the school has embraced the new year with huge amounts of commitment and energy - setting a great tone for the rest of the year. Students have shown  their commitment to our school values - demonstrating the high aspirations they have for themselves. They have been building their confidence and self-belief and have shown their compassion, tolerance and social conscience for our community, in school and beyond! 

These ambitious young women are here to experience life in England as they pursue their dreams of attending university abroad. Wakana wants to become a lawyer, aiming to assist her grandparents with the legal aspects of their medical equipment business in Japan. Meanwhile, Hinata aspires to be a teacher, hoping to make a positive impact on future generations. Both are currently living with host families in Cheltenham and attending Ribston Hall High School during their stay.

We are privileged to host them in our sixth form. Wakana and Hinata’s foreign exchange has also opened the doors for an exchange of ideas, knowledge and cultural practices, this has been the perfect opportunity to reinforce our Ribston values of compassion and tolerance, it has also promoted understanding. We as a sixth form embraced the opportunity to show the girls all the amazing aspects of our country and our school, as we are essentially the unofficial ambassadors for England!

Hosting them has enriched our 6^th form in many unexpected and wonderful ways. It’s really given a fresh perspective on daily life at our school, watching Wakana and Hinata be so delighted by things like the signage in the hall and the lion statues outside reception, has really made the 6^th form appreciate how lucky we are to be in such a lovely school.  

Ribston 6^th form provides an engaging, enthusiastic and encouraging environment that allows it’s students to excel academically, personally and socially; we are thrilled to be able to share this positively inspiring atmosphere with people from across the globe.

Getting to Know Wakana and Hinata: A Glimpse into Their Ribston Experience

Wakana is living with a lovely host family, with an older brother Joel, and older sister Alice, and she is also enjoying the company of the families dog and cat. Hinata has the company of a 10-year-old sister, a 6-year-old brother, and an adorable dog in her host family. The girls express their joy in making friends at Ribston and have quickly become enamoured with Ribston's close-knit community, describing it as a "big family" highlighting the friendly and welcoming atmosphere here at Ribston Hall. Their observation of the strong Ribston community spirit is a testament to the school's inclusive environment. Their favourite aspect of Ribston has been the warm reception from fellow students, reinforcing the school's reputation for a strong and sociable spirit.

Global English Course: A Bridge Connecting Cultures

Notre Dame Jogakuin High School offers three courses a standard course, a science course and a global English course. Wakana and Hinata are part of the Global English Course. All of Wakana and Hinata’s 23 classmates are currently worldwide, 15 are based in Cheltenham and the rest are in places such as, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. At Ribston, Wakana is studying mathematics, biology, and textiles and Hinata is studying English, drama, history and textiles. The global English course emphasises English language skills, grammar, and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are 17 goals that Wakana states teach them “how to help and change the world.” Something the girls are very passionate about.

Cultural Fusion: From Kyoto to Cheltenham

As well as sharing their delicious Japanese cuisine with all of us in the common room, the girls are also enjoying sampling a wide variety of English foods and Wakana's curiosity has led her to express a desire to visit the renowned Toby Carvery! The girls have grown fond of our chocolate cake and cheesecake, they are really enjoying trying lots of new foods. Wakana and Hinata would really love to visit harry potter studios, but as that is too far for us to take them during a lunchtime, we hope to take them to visit Gloucester cathedral where part of Harry Potter was filmed!

This cultural exchange proves to be mutually enriching, as Ribston Hall High School students are gaining invaluable insights from their Japanese counterparts. The Ribston Roar encourages everyone to make Wakana and Hinata feel at home during their stay, embracing the diversity and knowledge they bring to our school community allowing us to gain valuable insights into Japanese culture, language, and global perspectives. As the exchange unfolds, Ribston Hall High School remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and friendships transcend borders.

In the wake of the news, we extend our deepest sympathies to Joanna's family and loved ones who continue to feel her loss. We hope that the conviction of the ex-wife of the French serial killer, Michel Fourniret, for complicity in Joanna's murder and the deaths of two other French victims, brings a measure of closure for her family and loved ones. Fourniret was jailed in 2008 and this development echoes the call for justice that Joanna's family has advocated for, for more than 30 years.

At school we remember Joanna through our Sixth Form building named after her and a language bursary that was established in her name, the bursary was a testament to her passion for languages and learning, and provided support to students who shared Joanna's enthusiasm for languages. 

As we reflect on Joanna's life and the impact of her tragic death, we are reminded of how important the school commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment is as we have to face adversity. Joanna's memory should inspire us to value each day, and to honour her legacy by continuing to nurture a love for learning within our school community. 

A bumper edition of Ribston Roar as we finish the year after a busy term, full of fantastic trips, performances and activities that really allow our students to shine and show Ribston at it's finest. 

The last few weeks of term are a blur for everyone with our Christmas Dinner, Jumper Day, Christmas Concerts and Charity Giving activities all happening before we wrap-up the year. 

We hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable festive holiday and look forward to welcoming students back to school in 2024 refreshed and ready for the new year!

Our first term has been a busy one, and everyone - students and staff, are looking forward to the half-term holiday and having a break before we head into another busy few weeks before Christmas. Preparations have already started for our Sixth Form Open Evening, Christmas Concerts and Carol Services!

There have been so many fantastic events and student experiences this term, and one of the highlights was our first Sustainable Fashion Show. It was incredible to see the level of professionalism all the students and staff put into the event. You can read more about this and other activities in this month's Ribston Roar

Established as one of the world's premier conservatoires, the Royal College of Music has been a beacon for gifted musicians aiming for international careers as performers, conductors, and composers. With a diverse student body of over 900, the institution attracts aspiring artists from more than 50 countries worldwide. 

Dr. Yang, one of our brilliant music teachers, has played a pivotal role as RCM's Korean Representative since 2012 in organising and managing the annual auditions in Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Yang's support extended not only to the logistical aspects but also to supporting the Korean applicants and their parents who participated in these crucial auditions as well as overseeing all the written materials for the publication of RCM publicity materials in Korean.

During the Covid pandemic and its aftermath, international auditions for the Royal College of Music had not taken place and had instead been on-line. But this year, the RCM entrance audition in Seoul, South Korea was back in the calendar.

Photography By Rachel Downey, Year 13

Fast fashion is a major topic that is constantly being debated and heard about across the news. Its impact of damaging the planet and promoting the evils of consumerism influenced the Ribston school community to develop a project that focused on pupils’ creativity whilst stimulating change. With the incredible expertise of Mrs Finch (Head of Textiles) and the Eco Committee, students were given the opportunity to design and model garments made from recycled materials, producing a spectacular experience for the entire crowd.

This amazing showcase was a demonstration of Ribston’s community spirit. All the creative departments used their expertise in making this idea become a reality. From GCSE food students producing 300 bite size canopies in a variety of mouth-watering flavours, to the tech team and photographers ensuring each moment was captivating with light, sound and music. The show displayed all talents. The dedication from house and subject captains helped promote sustainability within our community as all the shows resources were eco-friendly. Decorations were crafted from recycled paper, appetisers and prosecco were organically sourced and raffle prizes further emphasised the theme of sustainability.

We are already in full swing as the new academic year starts and it has been  great to see so many parents at the Information Evenings for all our year groups over the past few weeks.

Our Yr 7 and some of our Yr 8 students have been lucky enough to start the term heading off on residential trips and in the Sixth Form we have launched an exciting new programme of Community Volunteering Opportunities!  Not only will this provide invaluable experience to support applications to university, apprenticeship or employment, but gives students a chance to earn some interesting rewards.

We are pleased to announce that today we have officially been awarded the National Cyber Security Centre CyberFirst Gold Award, which has been awarded because of our  commitment and dedication to delivering excellence in cyber security education. The Gold Award will be awarded for a period of 3 years.

Regional CyberFirst Girls Competition Winners
The award builds on last year’s success, when three of our Yr 8 students won the Southwest region finals in the CyberFirst Girls competition, which took place at the Defence Cyber Academy in Oxfordshire.

Students have taken part in activities such as using digital forensics to identify the first person who has contracted a disease and learnt how open-source intelligence can lead to finding out more information about this person. They have learnt the basics of how to customise a website and investigated how creative design, arts and technology work together and they had the chance to create their own advert sequence using stop motion.

CyberFirst Schools and Colleges, are promoted as Cyber leaders and the NCSC recognises those schools and colleges whose approach to cyber and cyber security education is excellent.

Mr Alec Waters, Ribston’s Interim Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly proud to be one of only a few local schools in Gloucestershire who have been achieved the CyberFirst Gold Award. Which is a demonstration of the outstanding work of our Computing Department and their commitment to ensuring that with the increasing use of technology our students have the skills and knowledge to understand the risks and how to protect themselves to cyber threats. At Ribston we are ensuring our students have the best employment opportunities for the future and opportunities to become tomorrow’s technological experts.”

Charlotte Smith, Cyber Skills Growth Lead and Coordinator from Cynam and representative for CyberFirst, said 'We are so proud to award Ribston Hall High School with this Cyberfirst for schools award. Ribston's continuous excellent work within computer science continues to highlight the importance digitech and cyber will play in everyone’s role in the future we are so pleased that the school have such a focus on this subject, preparing their students for a plethora of careers and opportunities.

Gloucestershire maintains its number one standing within the uk as a county where schools take seriously the impact of tech and cyber, and we look forward as the delivery partner of NCSC to continue our very strong relationship with Ribston,  its students and the senior leadership team.'

Caroline Parish one of the parents of a student involved in the Cyber programme said: "As a parent, I'm grateful for Ribston Hall's commitment to cyber security education. It's reassuring to know that my child is gaining essential skills to stay safe online. Through access to competitions such as CyberFirst, Ribston Hall is also encouraging her to look at a potential career that is in increasingly high demand."

Hamish Adamson another parent said: "I'm grateful for Ribston Hall's commitment to science, technology, and maths, including cyber security. It's great to know that my daughter is learning critical thinking and logical skills, that can help her online now and possibly with future jobs should she wish."

Building a Passion For technology and Cyber Security
CyberFirst was set up by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, to help young people explore their passion for technology.

CyberFirst began as a programme of opportunities to help young people explore their passion for technology. Today there are several initiatives, including bursaries for degree programmes, designed to seek out those with potential, offer the support, skills, experience and exposure needed to be the future first line of defence in a CyberFirst world.  

To find out more about CyberFirst you can visit: CyberFirst overview - NCSC.GOV.UK