News coverage at the end of 2023 brought attention to the tragic murder of one of our former students, Joanna Parrish, in 1990. Joanna attended Ribston and left an indelible mark on our community, so much so that our Sixth Form building proudly bears her name. 

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. 

The Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, the global top institution for performing arts education, with a rich history of nurturing talented musicians from around the world, resumed its international audition process this year.   

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.

Written By Anna Johny, Year 13

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.

Ribston Hall has secured the prestigious National Cyber Security Centre Cyber First Gold Award, demonstrating the school’s commitment to excellence in cyber security education.

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