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On Tuesday 26th November, Year 11 students at Ridgeway Secondary School stepped away from their usual timetable to engage in a dynamic and informative drop-down day, designed to enhance their knowledge and confidence for life beyond GCSEs. The event offered a rich blend of practical activities, insightful talks, and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare students for their next steps into further education, apprenticeships, or the world of work.

University Life Unveiled

The day kicked off with a session from the University of Gloucester, where students were given a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse experiences of university life. From academic studies to extracurricular opportunities, the session aimed to demystify higher education and inspire students to consider the possibilities available through university pathways.

Exploring Apprenticeships

For those considering alternative routes to university, a representative from Worcester Apprenticeships delivered an engaging talk about the wide array of apprenticeships available locally and nationally. Students learned about the benefits of earning while learning, the different levels of apprenticeship qualifications, and how to secure these opportunities. The session emphasised that apprenticeships can lead to rewarding careers in various industries.

Finance and Payslips Made Simple

Understanding personal finance is a crucial life skill, and students had the chance to delve into the basics of financial literacy. This session covered essential topics such as how to read a payslip, manage taxes, and budget effectively. By equipping students with this knowledge, the session aimed to instill confidence in managing money as they step into adulthood.

Building Winning CVs

Crafting a compelling CV is vital for standing out in the competitive job market. During the CV-writing workshop, students learned how to structure their resumes, highlight their strengths, and tailor their applications to specific roles or courses. The interactive session ensured that each student left with practical tools to showcase their skills and achievements effectively.

Mock Interviews: Real-World Practice

A highlight of the day was the mock interviews, where students faced questions from professionals representing various industries, including Taylor Wimpey. This real-world experience provided invaluable insight into interview techniques, presentation skills, and building confidence under pressure.

The feedback from the interviewers was overwhelmingly positive. The representative from Taylor Wimpey remarked, “I just wanted to mention how engaging and polite the pupils were, it was great to see such enthusiasm from all the students participating.” Similarly, all interviewers were impressed by the students’ maturity, poise, and thoughtful responses. The experience not only bolstered the students’ confidence but also offered a glimpse into professional expectations.

A Day of Growth and Inspiration

The drop-down day was a resounding success, equipping Year 11 students with essential knowledge and practical skills to navigate their post-16 options confidently. Whether they choose university, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce, students left the day feeling inspired and prepared to tackle the next chapter of their lives. A special thanks to Mrs Dixon and Ms Powell for organising!

This enriching experience highlighted the importance of forward planning and self-development, ensuring that every student feels empowered to make informed decisions about their future.

Introducing the Ridgeway 360 Student Award: A Holistic Approach to Student Growth 

At Ridgeway Secondary School, we are excited to offer a new and unique opportunity for our students to engage in personal development across multiple dimensions: academic, physical, mental, and social. The Ridgeway 360 Student Award is designed to encourage students to explore their interests, build new skills, and develop important life values, all while taking ownership of their own growth. 

What is the Ridgeway 360 Student Award? 

The Ridgeway 360 Student Award is a holistic development programme that challenges students to go beyond traditional academic achievements. Through a series of tasks and activities, the award supports students in developing a well-rounded set of skills and experiences that are essential for their overall growth and future success. 

The award encourages students to focus on four key pillars of development: 

• Academic Growth: Continuing to strive for excellence in their studies. 

• Physical Development: Engaging in physical activities that promote health and well-being. 

• Mental Health & Well-being: Developing resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. 

• Social Skills: Building strong relationships, engaging with the community, and contributing to team efforts. 

How It Works 

The Ridgeway 360 Student Award is structured around a series of activities that allow students to set goals, challenge themselves, and reflect on their progress. These tasks are designed to push students outside their comfort zones and encourage them to explore areas of personal interest, from community involvement to skill-building initiatives. 

Students will be guided through a variety of categories, including: 

• Community Involvement: Volunteering, helping others, and engaging in local projects. 

• Personal Interests: Pursuing hobbies or passions, such as music, art, or sports. 

• Skill-Building: Developing new skills, whether technical, creative, or interpersonal. 

Each completed task brings students one step closer to receiving the Ridgeway 360 Student Award, which recognizes their commitment to personal growth across these important areas. 

The Role of Parents and Guardians 

We believe that parental support is a crucial component in helping students succeed in this programme. By taking an active interest in the activities your child is completing for the award, you can offer motivation and encouragement, ensuring they stay on track with their goals. Regular check-ins and discussions about their progress will help reinforce the importance of personal growth beyond the classroom. 

We encourage you to celebrate their achievements, no matter how big or small, and provide guidance when necessary to help them reach their full potential. Your involvement in their journey will play a key role in fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. 

How to Submit Evidence 

Once your child completes a task or activity, they can submit their progress for approval by filling out an evidence form. These forms can be found in key areas around the school, or they can simply send an email with the details of their completed task to [email protected]. 

What’s Next? 

We are truly excited about the opportunities this award presents for our students and are confident it will have a positive impact on their personal development. We look forward to seeing how they grow and how this experience will shape their futures. 

A booklet detailing the full structure of the Ridgeway 360 Student Award has been given to all students. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or if you would like further information about the programme. 

Together, let’s help our students become well-rounded, motivated, and resilient individuals who are prepared to thrive in all aspects of life. 

Thank you for your continued support in helping us nurture the leaders of tomorrow! 

Children In Need 2024: A Week of Fundraising and Fun at Ridgeway Secondary School… 

This year, Ridgeway Secondary proudly took part in the national Children In Need appeal, bringing our school community together to support this incredibly worthy cause. Throughout the week, we hosted a series of fun activities and fundraising events, raising over £1,000 to help children and young people across the UK who are facing disadvantages. 

A Week of Activities 

The Children In Need fundraising week was packed with exciting events, from creative sessions to friendly challenges, all designed to raise vital funds for the charity. 

Key Ring Making with the DT Department 

Our Design and Technology department got crafty with a special key ring making session for students. Participants had the chance to design and create their very own personalised key rings, with all proceeds from the session going straight to Children In Need. Students enjoyed getting creative while making something they could take home, all while supporting a great cause. 

The ‘Soak SLT’ Voting Challenge 

One of the highlights of the week was the much-anticipated Soak SLT event. Students voted with their donations on which member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) they’d like to see drenched in water! The votes were cast with enthusiasm, and the result was a fun-filled event where our SLT members braved the soaking with good spirits, all in the name of charity. Final voting ensured that Mr Worton was the (un)lucky member of SLT that got absolutely drenched!! 

Non-Uniform Day 

We also held a Non-Uniform Day, where students and staff had the opportunity to swap their school uniforms for something a bit more relaxed, in exchange for a donation to Children In Need. It was fantastic to see everyone come together and support the cause in such a fun way. 

About Children In Need 

Children In Need is the BBC’s annual charity appeal, dedicated to supporting children and young people across the UK who are facing a range of challenges, including poverty, disability, and illness. The money raised by Children In Need helps fund projects that improve the lives of these children, providing them with the support they need to build brighter futures. 

Our Impact 

Thanks to the generosity of students, staff, and the wider school community, we are delighted to announce that we raised over £1,000 for Children In Need this year. Every penny will go towards helping children across the UK access opportunities, care, and support that can change their lives. 

We are incredibly proud of how our school came together to support this important cause. Thank you to everyone who took part in the events, donated, and showed such enthusiasm for making a difference. We look forward to continuing our fundraising efforts in the future! 

Together, we’ve made a real difference – and that’s something to be proud of! 

On a crisp autumn day (12th November), 28 of our Year 9 students embarked on an exciting educational adventure to the historic city of Cambridge. The trip was part of our ongoing efforts to inspire and open students’ eyes to the wide range of opportunities available to them after leaving high school, particularly the possibility of pursuing higher education. The visit was designed not only to explore the academic and social life of a world-renowned university but also to show our students that with determination and hard work, university is an achievable goal for everyone.

University Students Share Their Experience

The day began with a talk from current Cambridge University students who shared their own personal journeys, offering valuable insights into what life at university is really like. Our students heard firsthand about the academic challenges, the social aspects of university life, and the diverse range of subjects and opportunities available to them. The student speakers also highlighted the importance of perseverance, time management, and self-belief—important messages that left a lasting impression on our group. It was clear from the students’ stories that university is not just about academic excellence but about growth, independence, and discovering new interests.

A Tour of Selwyn College

Next, we headed to Selwyn College, one of Cambridge’s many beautiful colleges, to experience what life could be like as a student there. As they toured the college grounds, our students were able to see the impressive architecture, tranquil courtyards, and modern student facilities. The tour guides, all current students, provided an inside look at student accommodation, libraries, and the famous Cambridge dining halls. Many students were struck by how welcoming and inclusive the college felt, reinforcing the idea that university is not just for a select few but for anyone who is willing to work hard and dedicate themselves to their studies.

A Taste of University Life – Lunch on Campus

After the tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch on-site, giving our students a taste of life at Cambridge. Sharing a meal together in the college dining hall, many students had the chance to reflect on what they had learned and discuss their thoughts with friends and teachers. This informal setting helped bring the university experience to life, making the idea of studying at such a prestigious institution feel more real and within reach.

Exploring the City of Cambridge

In the afternoon, the group embarked on a guided tour of Cambridge city itself. Our knowledgeable guide took us through the cobbled streets, pointing out historical landmarks and hidden gems. The students were fascinated by the stories of Cambridge’s rich academic heritage and its role in shaping the history of science, literature, and politics. The tour highlighted not only the beauty of the city but also the vibrant, intellectually stimulating atmosphere that makes Cambridge such an exciting place to live and study.

Fitzwilliam Museum – A Final Stop

The final stop on our tour was the Fitzwilliam Museum, a treasure trove of art, antiquities, and historical artifacts. Our students were amazed by the collection, which spans thousands of years and includes works by famous artists like Monet, Picasso, and Rembrandt. The museum visit provided a perfect opportunity to reflect on the broader world of learning and creativity, showing students that university is about more than just books—it’s about exploring new ideas, cultures, and perspectives.

The Importance of Higher Education

This trip to Cambridge was more than just a day out—it was an important reminder of the many options our students have after high school. By showing them what university life is really like, we hope to inspire them to consider higher education as a possible next step. Whether they choose Cambridge or another institution, we want our students to know that they all have the potential to attend university. It is not about where they come from, but about their commitment to their studies and their willingness to strive for their goals. The message is clear: university is not reserved for a select few, but is a possibility for anyone who sets their mind to it.

We hope that this trip has sparked a sense of possibility and ambition in our Year 9 students and helped them begin to see themselves as the university students of the future.

In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, Ridgeway Secondary School has been deeply engaged in honoring the memories of those who have served in the armed forces. This year’s preparations have been especially meaningful as students, staff, and families have come together to share stories of loved ones lost in service and celebrate the bravery of family members who have been or are currently part of the military. These heartfelt memories remind us all of the sacrifices that have been made and the importance of remembering those who served to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

One of the highlights of Ridgeway’s Remembrance preparations has been a school-wide house competition focused on the theme of “Remembrance.” Students across all year groups were invited to create artwork or write poems reflecting their personal interpretations of remembrance. The response was outstanding, with powerful pieces that captured everything from personal stories to symbols of peace and hope. This competition not only gave students a platform to express themselves but also allowed them to explore how art and poetry can be powerful ways to connect with history and honor those who served.

Additionally, Ridgeway Secondary was proudly represented at the Astwood Bank Remembrance event by four students: Jacob, Ava, Hugo, and Sofia. These students were selected for their dedication and understanding of the importance of this day, and they represented our school with pride and respect. They joined members of the community in a moving ceremony, laying a wreath and taking part in a minute of silence to honor fallen soldiers.

At Ridgeway Secondary, remembrance is not just about looking back; it’s about teaching young people the values of resilience, respect, and gratitude. These past few weeks have helped us all pause, reflect, and understand the powerful legacy of Remembrance Day. We are proud of our students and the whole Ridgeway community for their dedication to making this year’s commemoration meaningful and heartfelt.

After applying to join the Diana Award Anti Bullying Programme back in January this year, we were successful in being offered a place for Ridgeway students to attend the initial training in Leicestershire in June 2024.

All students in current years 7, 8 and 9 were given the opportunity to apply for the role which consisted of completing an application form where they had to give an example of a time, they have shown they possess the core values that we were looking for. 45 students applied for the position with 25 being selected for Round Two!

The next part of the recruitment process was to us on what anti bullying meant to them.

Some students created a poster and talked about their ideas, others a PowerPoint presentation on one year 9 even showed us a video on his phone and involved his friend in the interview.

All were amazing and we only had 10 spots! After lots of deliberation between us we came to our decision. It wasn’t easy because everyone showed how much passion they have for the cause.

A MASSIVE congratulation to Alex, Immy, Freya, Layla, Felix, Dolcie, Darcey, Freddie, Archie and Sam!

Our ambassadors will begin their training on 25^th June whereby they will learn the skills they need to run our anti bullying campaign. After we get back to school, we will decide which badges we will start to work towards, for example online safety or Respect.

Its super exciting!

It was an exciting morning for Ridgeway Secondary students on Friday 7th June. Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Redditch, Chris Bloore, visited the school to meet with Headteacher, Mr Ball and a student panel.  

Ted and Poppy (Year 9) and Scarlett, Lachy and Rhys (Year 11) were excellent ambassadors for the school, asking Chris tough questions and exploring many important local and national issues, including: 

• Labour’s position on climate change 
• The importance of NHS funding 
• Education funding and how to recruit and train the very best teachers and support staff for school 
• Gender equality in the workplace 
• Tackling child poverty 
• Local issues such as the town centre, support for young people locally and the Alexandra Hospital challenges. 

Chris left our Year 11s with the sentiment of this – making real change calls us to be brave – an important message for our young people to hear. 

Chris also shared his experiences of the local community and the importance of Redditch to him personally through the morning. 

His visit concluded with a school tour and he was able to see our amazing community even further, commenting on the ‘calmness’ he felt while walking around and meeting our students and staff. He also stated how polite and respectful our students were and he was impressed by the significant improvements the school has made and the bold ambition to make this school the very best for all of our students. 

Headteacher, Mr Ball said that ‘He was delighted that Mr Bloore could spend so much of his time visiting Ridgeway and talking to our students about the issues that will impact their lives now and in the future.’ He added that, ‘We look forward to Rachel McClean’s visit later this month and the preparation for our own ‘in-school’ election across the week of the 1st July.’  

Watch this space! 

This week, we have been fortunate to be joined by ‘Worcester Apprenticeships’ who have been leading assemblies across years 8-11. Although apprenticeships are open to students who are 16 years +, we firmly believe in the important of early careers information and guidance so that all students can start thinking about their options beyond secondary school. The assemblies provided students with an introduction to apprenticeships and the different pathways they can take and gave them an insight into what it would be like to be an apprentice! Massive thank you to Worcester Apprenticeships for joining us each morning. Their feedback about our students was incredible stating how attentively and actively they listened and the mature questions they received following the assemblies.

Further information about this group can be found here: Home – Worcestershire Apprenticeships (worcsapprenticeships.org.uk)

Thinking about transition to secondary school can be an incredibly stressful and worrying time for both students and their parents. At Ridgeway Secondary School, we have already begun work on preparing those who are arriving in September.

At Ridgeway Secondary School, we prioritise the seamless integration of our new students, ensuring that each child feels supported, welcomed, and part of the Ridgeway Family from the very beginning.

In the next few weeks (starting April 22nd), we are opening our doors for welcome mornings – aimed at any family looking for a secondary school place. Please contact the school office to arrange a tour!

Our comprehensive transition programme is designed to ease the anxieties of both parents and students alike. Key conversations with staff from both the primary and secondary schools are a fundamental aspect of this initiative. This ensures that important information is shared, concerns are addressed, and a clear understanding of each child’s needs is established, creating a foundation for a successful transition.

To further acclimate our new students, we organise three key dates where they visit the school before the academic year begins. These visits allow them to familiarise themselves with the surroundings, meet their future teachers and classmates, and gain a sense of comfort within the school environment. These intentional steps foster a smooth transition and help students build a sense of belonging.

For students with additional needs, we provide extra transition support, tailored to their unique requirements. Our dedicated team works closely with both parents and external specialists to create personalised plans, ensuring that every student, regardless of their challenges, has the resources and support necessary to thrive at Ridgeway Secondary School.

Please click here for our transition support booklet that you may find useful:

RSS Student and Families Handbook 2024

Rest assured, our commitment to your child’s well-being and successful integration is unwavering. We look forward to welcoming your child into the Ridgeway Family, where they will find not just an academic institution, but a supportive community invested in their growth and development.

Dates to remember:

1) 3rd July 2024 SEND and Additional Needs Transition Day
2) 10th and 11th July 2024 – School Transition Days
3) 11th July 2024 6-7pm Parental Welcome

In-year transfers

We have places in Years 7-9. Please contact us for further information or to arrange a school tour and come and see our special school community!

The end of term is an important point in the Ridgeway calendar as it gives us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and successes of the school community. This end of term assemblies were no different! Subject teachers nominate students that have displayed efforts, progress and achievement in their department areas. Alongside these, we also recognise students who have demonstrated our ‘Ridgeway 360’ values:

Academic – This award is given to the students in each year group that has made exceptional academic progress, this will be a student that shows the school values at all times. They go above and beyond in the classroom and regularly achieve exceptional outcomes. This person has a thirst for learning and shines in all subjects.

Social – This person is a credit to their year group for what they offer socially, they are a good friend, polite, well-mannered and confident in front of others. They are welcoming to guests and may have represented the school at whole school events. They perhaps take leadership roles at school and make everyone feel valued in their company.

Physical – For this award, the person needs to have demonstrated exceptional physical qualities, this could be in the arts and practical subjects such as PE. This person may have represented the school in a number of different ways and gets involved in the wider school life: extra-curricular clubs, fixtures, competitions and events to represent the school are an area where this person thrives.

Mental – This person is resilient, they show courage every day and regularly overcome barriers in front of them. They have worked tirelessly to ensure they are in school no matter what is in front of them and approach things with a positive attitude. This student may not always get it right or may sometimes need support, but their grit and determination make them a success.

A massive well done to all our winners, especially those who achieved a ‘360’ award!

As our work continues, as part of the Shires MAT, Ms Page led NPQ development this week hosted by North Bromsgrove High School. One of the most valuable benefits of joining a Multi-Academy Trust is gaining access to a vast collaboration network between schools. This network is an invaluable resource! The National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NQPLTD) is a 12-month qualification, led by Shires MAT and facilitated by Ms Page and Mrs L Wakefield (North Bromsgrove High School), in which colleagues from the local area develop their skills in supporting other teachers in their contexts. Ms Page commented that ‘it has been an absolute privilege to be approached to be involved in the leading of this qualification and I look forward to working with colleagues from across the area’.

In the last week of the Spring term, students across Years 7 -10 have been competing in a House rowing challenge in PE lessons. It was great to see this new skill learnt and developed across the week and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from them! Mrs Sandell commented that ‘all year groups really row-ed (?!) to this challenge! Every year group put 100% into completion and it was lovely to see them cheer each other on’. Attenborough remain victorious! We can’t wait to see more like this over the coming months…

Over the last few weeks, our students were challenged to design and make a historical event – in egg form! There were some CRACKING entries and students clearly did not YOLK around! We had entries that explored Rosa Parks famous ‘stand’, Neil Armstrong and his moon landings, the trial of Charles I, Albert ‘Eggs-stein’… and many many more!

Once again, we’re are so impressed with the efforts put into this! They’ve really SCRAMBLED our minds!

Over the last few weeks our incredible Design & Technology department have been running Stem Club at lunch times for KS3 students. It has been great to see their ideas transform! Here, Alex and Hollie show-off their design!

We are delighted to announce that we, Ridgeway Secondary School, have achieved the School Games GOLD Mark Award for the 2023/24 academic year.

The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community, and we are delighted to have been recognised for our success.

Our sporting achievements this year include:

• Increased variety of sporting activities provided to our students
• Increased numbers of students’ participating within extra-curricular clubs at lunchtime and after school
• Taster sessions for pupils to experience alternative activities such as Boogie Bounce, Tennis, Archery,
• House competitions completed every half-term; cross country, dodgeball, rowing and Sports Day
• School games attendance in all inter school competitions such as the Indoor Athletics.
• From these events the girls have reached the School Games finals for Dance and Tag Rugby
• Links with the community to allow students to access sport outside of school; Alcester Rugby Club, Birmingham Rockets, Astwood Bank Cricket Club, Redditch Tennis Club, Redditch United Football
• U13 County Cricket finals for both boys and girls
• Area tournaments attended in Netball, Football, Cricket, Rounders, Rugby, Athletics
• Southern Region Rugby finals at Hemel Hempstead
• U13 County Cricket finals for both boys and girls
• Mass participation events such as the Colour Run, Sports Day and regular House Competitions
• Sporting trips for students to experience Elite and World class athletes, Rothesay Womens Tennis, Worcester v Surrey Cricket

With a number of our young people competing in local inter-school competitions this year, we are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible. As part of our application, we were asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, and we are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year.

We look forward to applying once again in 2025!