In these final few weeks of the academic year, Ribston has been full of activity — and it’s taken a lot of energy to keep up! I'm not sure this introduction can fully do justice to just how much has been happening and achieved this term and throughout the year. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to ensure our students finish the year feeling positive and, hopefully, proud to be part of the Ribston community.

This has been a year shaped not only by achievement, but also by the way our students continue to support one another — from the joyful send-off for our Year 11 students as they headed off on Study Leave, to the cheering I hear from my office during the House Dance competition, the celebration and camaraderie on the field during Sports Day, and the pride shared during Culture and Community Day. These moments perfectly reflect the spirit of Ribston and everything this academic year has represented.

In recent weeks, we’ve welcomed our new Year 7 and Sixth Form students on their transition days, hosted our Sports Awards Evening, run Year 10 mock interviews, and celebrated academic and creative successes through trips, competitions and concerts. Year 11 and Year 13 marked the end of their exams and this stage of their Ribston journey at their summer proms, where they carried themselves with confidence and maturity — and looked absolutely amazing.

We also introduced the first ever Ribston Ambition Pathway Bronze, Silver and Platinum awards, recognising 100 students for their positive behaviour and achievements. Their reward? A silent disco — although the singing through the walls suggested it was anything but silent!

Another exciting initiative to round off the year — and something to look forward to next academic year — was our involvement in a new international partnership. In June, we were honoured to welcome the Superintendent of the Paju Office of Education in South Korea, along with a delegation of representatives and 11 Sixth Form students, for an inspiring visit. The occasion marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a student exchange programme with Paju in 2026. This project will offer students in both Gloucestershire and Paju the chance to explore shared history and global citizenship, helping us build meaningful connections across cultures and generations.

It’s been a full and rewarding year. Our students continue to grow in confidence, support each other, and make the most of the opportunities available to them. I’m incredibly proud of all they’ve achieved and how they’ve contributed to school life.

Thank you to all our students, staff, parents and carers for your support throughout the year. I hope you enjoy this edition of Ribston Roar and Ribbus — which is celebrating 100 years since the very first edition, so be sure to give it a read.

Wishing you all a safe and restful summer.

Best Wishes

Mr. Alec Waters
Headteacher

The 2025 edition of Ribbus is here — and it’s a special one.

This year marks 100 years since the very first Ribbus was published at Ribston Hall, and we’re proud to celebrate a century of creativity, community, and student voice.

Following its revival in 2024, Ribbus has continued to grow, with this bumper centenary edition reflecting the rich spirit and heritage of our school. Inside, you’ll find a fantastic variety of articles — from reflections on global history and local heroes, to cultural celebrations, STEM adventures, personal achievements, and much more.

This magazine is a testament to the passion and pride that defines our Ribston community. So, take a moment to explore the voices, ideas and stories of our students and staff — and celebrate 100 years of Ribston’s legacy.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the read.

Culture and Community Day

In June, our school came alive with colour, celebration and a powerful sense of togetherness during Culture and Community Day — an annual event honouring the rich diversity within our school community.

The day began with tutor groups transforming their classroom doors into vibrant displays, each representing one of the many countries reflected in our school’s census of first spoken languages. Students also engaged in creative projects, researching traditional school customs and even inventing new ones.

In the afternoon, Diversity Ambassadors organised a spectacular showcase, featuring a cultural dress runway and captivating dance performances that celebrated the heritage of our students.

Adding depth and reflection to the celebrations, we welcomed guest speakers who spoke about their faith and our Sixth Form students led a moving session on Jewish culture, sharing insights from their recent visit to Auschwitz.

Culture and Community Day was a day full of colour, smiles, learning and pride.

Psychology

Year 12 Trip to West Midland Safari Park

Our Year 12 Psychology students recently enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to West Midland Safari Park, where they had the opportunity to see psychological concepts brought to life beyond the classroom.

The day began with the Safari Drive-Through, offering students a close-up look at a wide variety of animal behaviours in a naturalistic setting.

Students then had free time to explore the park and enjoy the rides, all while continuing to observe animal behaviour and think critically about psychological principles in action. This provided a perfect chance to apply classroom knowledge, considering ideas such as the fight or flight response and individual behavioural differences.

A key highlight of the day was a workshop at the Safari Academy, focusing on the topic of phobias—an essential part of the A Level curriculum. The session covered behavioural explanations and treatments, including classical and operant conditioning, social learning theory, and therapeutic techniques such as systematic desensitisation.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching experience for all—and we were lucky enough to have sunshine throughout the day!

Celebrating Academic Excellence at Ribston: EPQ and Project Marketplace 2025

The EPQ and Ribston Project Marketplace, a key academic highlight in the Ribston Hall High School sixth form calendar, took place on Thursday 28th June.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent research project where Year 12 students investigate a topic of their own choosing. It develops essential academic skills such as critical thinking, research, and extended writing - skills that prepare them for university and beyond. Every sixth form student completes an EPQ or the Ribston Project alongside their A-level subjects.

The Marketplace Presentation Event marks the culmination of months of research, dedication, and intellectual curiosity. It provides students with the opportunity to showcase their findings and share their passion for learning with others.

This year, Year 10 students attended the event and were inspired by the breadth and depth of the projects presented. Topics explored included:

• The representation of Greek mythology in modern architecture
• The role of genetics in criminal behaviour
• Evaluating progress on the Millennium Development Goals
• The use of AI in legal proceedings ...and many more.

The event not only celebrated academic excellence but also encouraged younger students to begin thinking ambitiously about their own intellectual journey.

Science Olympiads

It’s been a busy term in the Science department and all our aspiring scientists.

The Year 7 & 8's sat the Online Physics Challenge, Year 9 The Biology Challenge, Year 10s The Junior Physics Challenge and Year 12 Biologist sat the Intermediate Biology Challenge. All the students embraced the challenge and went on to win outstanding awards.

These competitions go beyond the public examinations system and are all to be celebrated. Pupils grasped new ideas and deepened their own thinking in the subject, stretching themselves to their limits and extending their skills and understanding in the process. We are confident they relished these challenges and will continue to go from strength-to-strength in their respective challenging subject. We are very proud of your achievements:

7/8 sat the Online Physics Challenge:

Gold x 30 | Silver x 214 | Bronze x 42

Year 9 The Biology Challenge

Gold x 1 | Silver x 2 | Bronze x 12

Highly Commended x 17 | Commended x 22 | Participation x 88

Year 10s The Junior Physics Challenge

Gold x 4 | Silver x 12 | Bronze x 97

Year 12 Intermediate Biology Challenge

Bronze x 5 | Highly Commended x 4 | Commended x 5 | Participation x 13

English

Poetry by Heart

Our Year 7 students spent Autumn and Spring Term developing their oracy skills in preparation for competing in the national Poetry by Heart Competition.  All 155 students in the year group learnt one or two poems and presented them in English lessons. The top performers of each form were submitted for consideration for the national competition. 

This year there were almost 3600 entries across 547 schools nationally, and although we didn't make the final, we had some incredible achievements.

The following students achieved Commendations: Sara, Terra, Ava, Hattie, Rose, Aphra, Poppy and Darcey.

The following students were Highly Commended: Sophia, Lucy, Evie, Ellie and Beth.

And very impressively, Millie in Britons won the award for Best in Gloucestershire for her incredible performances of Leisure by W.H. Davies and Shakespeare at School by Wendy Cope. Well done Millie, this is an incredible feat!

Y8 Primary Book Project

The English Department's primary partnership project took place in Spring Term. This year, all Y8 pupils were partnered with a Y1 pupil from Calton, Linden or Meadowside Primary. Students interviewed their pupil to find their likes and dislikes and then crafted them a personalised picture book.

Students from 8en1 and 8en2 were lucky enough to visit Linden students and deliver these in person, and it was lovely to see how appreciated the books were. One pupil even reciprocated with a gift for their Ribston student! 

Calton Primary students came to Ribston to meet their partnered child and read beautifully with our pupils.  

Well done to all involved, and we can't wait to see what you create next year!

Shaping Futures

The last of the Shaping Futures sessions ran on Friday 27^th June. We invited Parent and carers of our Shaping Futures children to watch their child participate in a Capture the Flag tournament. We were all then treated to a matinee performance of the Summer Concert and the day finished with a Graduation Ceremony, led by Rachel Sinclair, one of our Deputy Head Students, supported Nina Harrison and the rest of our Year 12 Mentors.

Gloucester School Sports Network (GSSN)

We have been extremely lucky to have been involved in a number of leadership opportunities this term. Ribston leaders volunteered to help at both Primary Athletics events in Cheltenham and the Summer Multi-Skills event at Barnwood Park. Ribston students proved why they get invited back to lead time and time again-  just phenomenal!

District Rounders

Congratulations to the Year 10 Rounders Team who were crowned District Champions this summer. We had two new players this year and what a difference they made. Thank you to the whole team who have been a pleasure to coach since Year 7. This was our last season together as exams will be the top priority next summer! Mrs Pitman

Year 6 Induction Day

We welcomed our new cohort for Induction Day at the beginning of July. Students worked in their new House teams to create a song/dance/poem which they performed to the rest of the year group. The theme of getting to know one another continued as they spent time with their Tutors and Tutor Group, playing ice breaker games and learning more about the school. After that, they experienced three timetabled lessons but the highlight for many was the food from the school canteen!

The Year 6's made a fantastic first impression - we're excited to be welcoming them back for Summer School in August.

Music

Ribston Hall’s Talented Musicians!

It is very exciting to share Ribston students’ recent achievements in external music examinations. Every achievement reflects students’ effort and dedication, teachers’ guidance and expertise, and parents/carers’ support. Huge congratulations for each student and their teachers including our own brilliant singing and instrumental teachers – Mrs. Davies (flute), Mrs. Field (singing & piano), Mr. Kempner (piano), and Mrs. Staton (piano).

Singing: Mahi Ayyalasomayajula, Trinity, Grade 5, Pass | Preia Challenger, Trinity, Grade 5, Distinction | Millie Collins, Trinity, Grade 2, Distinction | Cerys Gould, Trinity, Grade 3, Pass | Esme Green, Trinity, Grade 4, Merit | Poppy Herbert, Trinity, Grade 3, Distinction | Emi Huertas-Mason, Trinity, Grade 4, Merit Tabby Jones, Trinity, Grade 2, Merit | Harriet Norris, Trinity, Grade 3, Merit Amy Poad, Trinity, Grade 3, Pass | Evie Rhodes, Trinity, Grade 6, Pass | 
Hannah Strangward, Trinity, Grade 4, Merit | Regina Vaidya, Trinity, Grade 6, Merit
Tanudi Lahansa Vethimini Vitharana, Grade 3, Merit

Piano: Ava Blane, ABRSM, Grade 1, Merit | Ella Bloxam, ABRSM, Grade 3, Merit Karishma Chauchan, ABRSM, Grade 2, Merit | Amelia Norton, ABRSM, Grade 1, Merit | Alice Roff, ABRSM, Grade 1, Pass | Willow Woodard, ABRSM, Grade 3, Merit

Flute: Gwennan Pfeiffer, ABRSM, Grade 3, Merit

A Level History Podcast: Historically Speaking

Our talented A Level History students have been hard at work creating their own podcasts, exploring fascinating and often overlooked moments from the past. From conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy to the controversial reign of King Edward VIII, their episodes offer fresh perspectives and thought-provoking content.

Scan the QR code or find it on Spotify to have a listen!

Computer Science

iDea awards

Congratulations to the our Year 9 students who have earned their Bronze award for the iDea programme this year!

Jewel, Zoe M, Livia H, Bethan H, Lily Hu, Kayla, Emily Mu, Emily P-P and Lena M.

Unlock Cyber KS3 day

Fifteen Year 8 students visited UWE’s school of engineering to take part in a cybersecurity day this term. They had to opportunity to do hands-on activities such as story writing with AI, coding activities and more.  The students enjoyed the day and learnt more about what a career in Cybersecurity might involve. In the words of one student “It was lots of fun and very informative” although I think their favourite part was the rubber ducks ! 

Liberty’s Success Story – Sights Set High!

Liberty has been training in Acrobatic Gymnastics since 2017. She has competed in numerous competitions with great success, including earning the title of 2020 Southwest Champion. As part of the elite squad at Checkers Gymnastics Club, Liberty trains for 11 hours each week and also coaches younger gymnasts once a week.

Most recently, Liberty competed in the Tigers International Acro Cup, an intense three-day event where she performed two routines and a final round. Her partnership delivered an outstanding performance, securing the bronze medal.

Liberty’s training follows the International Development Plan, and her dedication has now earned her a place at the upcoming English Championships in Durham. If successful, Liberty will go on to represent her country as part of the England squad in the Home Nations International.

Well done, Liberty – we’re so proud of your achievements and determination!

Congratulations to the Danes who are at the top of the
House Points Leader Board as we end this academic year.

Well done Danes!

Spotlight On Safeguarding - Working together to keep our young people safe

As part of our ongoing efforts to support the safety and well-being of our students, we have subscribed to The Enlightened Practitioner newsletter, which provides information and advice on safeguarding matters. Each month, the newsletter will deliver a "Safeguarding Spotlight", giving parents easy access to advice, updates and the latest information on safeguarding issues that may affect children and young people today.

July's Safeguarding newsletter focuses on Supporting your child with bereavement and What are VPN's?

You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates, and don’t forget to share our stories with friends
and family!