...Inspiring Learners For Their Future

The Ridgeway School

& Sixth Form College

The Ridgeway School is COMMITTED

to IMPROVING THE LIFE

CHANCES of all our students

Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions that you will make together with your son or daughter. I hope that you choose The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College and we look forward to your visit to see us in action.

We provide inspirational teaching that enables every student to achieve and develop. We are proud of our students’ achievement in national examinations and the way they respond to the wider opportunities the school provides. They in turn become the ambassadors of which the school and community can be proud.

For students to be successful in life they need the combination of the best possible academic qualifications and the experience of extra-curricular activities, the development of their inter-personal skills and character development.

At The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College we place a significant emphasis on the development of the ‘whole person’. In later years it is their qualifications that get them to interview but it is who they are that determines who gets the job or the place on the course in the interview.

We look forward to welcoming your son/daughter and working in partnership with you over the next seven years.

Best wishes

James Povoas

Principal

Welcome...

“The School is a very friendly and pleasant place to be. Students

achieve well, gaining better than average GCSE results.”

Ofsted

www.ridgewayschool.com

The key to active, engaged and successful learners is outstanding staff. Excellent staff- student relationships are the ‘bedrock’ of the school. Staff at The Ridgeway inspire, engage, model best practice and go the ‘extra mile’ to enable students to succeed.

Lessons are challenging, thought provoking and call for all learners to take an active part. We aim to create a vibrant, innovative and supportive environment where students develop resourcefulness, resilience and are challenged to take risks in order to succeed. Learners are always busy and engaged. There are clear expectations of student behaviour so that all can learn and be enabled to achieve their best. All students can expect to learn in disruption-free and supportive classrooms.

We believe in a curriculum that focuses on creativity, innovation and developing skills that are transferable across subject areas. We ensure that students of all ability ranges are challenged and undertake appropriate accreditation opportunities. This ensures that students enjoy learning and make significant progress. Students are motivated to achieve their aspirational and challenging targets through clearly identified steps. Technology and innovative approaches are used to enhance the learning experience.

At The Ridgeway school and R6 we believe passionately that a strong set of values are key to the development of the ‘whole-person’ and success in life. These values are at the core of the curriculum and school life.

OUR VALUES

RESPECT HONESTY ENDEAVOUR CREATIVITY COMMUNITY

For ourselves, others, our community

and environment

With ourselves and others

To actively participate, fully apply ourselves and be the

best we can be

To develop new ideas using flair and imagination

Developing a sense of identity, family

and belonging

Developing confident, mature and engaging young people who believe in themselves

…becoming delightful, personable and capable young men and women

Inspiring... Learners For Their Future

“Our values decide our character and our character decides our value.”

“Students concentrate well

in lessons and are motivated learners.”

Ofsted

The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College has consistently been Swindon’s highest performing secondary school at both GCSE and A Level. In 2017, 71% of students gained a ‘standard pass’ (new GCSE grade 4) in both English and Maths with 53% of students gaining a ‘strong pass’ (new GCSE grade 5).

English and Maths remain the foundation for students’ life chances. In English in 2017, 84% of students achieved a ‘standard pass’ (new GCSE grade 4), with 66% achieving a ‘strong pass’ (new GCSE grade 5) and 22% of students achieving grades 7-9 (A, A* or A**). In Maths in 2017, 79% of students achieved a ‘standard pass’ (new GCSE grade 4), with 62% achieving a ‘strong pass’ (new GCSE grade 5) and 31% (a third) of students achieving grades 7-9 (A, A* or A**).

These excellent results are mirrored in the Sixth Form with 73% of students gained 3 A*- E, 89% gained 2 or more A*- E and 78% of students achieved A*- C. In vocational Sixth Form courses the average grade was a Distinction+. 70% of our students go on to university with approximately 30% to a Russell Group.

We are ensuring our students continue to be successful and gaining good results in order to face a competitive jobs market.

“Students say that they feel very safe and secure in school. This view was echoed by parents’ responses to the online

questionnaire, Parent View. Students are well cared for and supported. Those who face particular challenges are

provided with very effective support.” Ofsted

Brilliant Outcomes

“Turning aspiration into brilliant outcomes.”

“Students achieve well,

gaining better than average GCSE results. Results improved further last year, particularly in

mathematics.”

Ofsted

“I feel that teachers care

about me and my studies.”

Year 10 Student

We believe in a community strengthened through trust, encouragement and praise that leads to the development of confident and self-motivated young adults. Our mentor groups provide on-going support and encouragement through personalised attention and regular contact with home.

The Ridgeway School provides a culture where students are encouraged to take responsibility and are empowered to bring change. Our School Council and Year Councils help inform improvements to learning and take a role in appointing staff to the school. Students are encouraged to enter and participate in a wide range of local and national presentations and competitions. Praise and rewards are a key component of our work.

Assemblies are used for regular celebration of achievement across the many aspects of school life.

There are three assessment cycles in Year 7, 8 and 9 and five in Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 reporting on current working at level, teacher indicative grade, attitude to learning, extended study, presentation and quality of written communication. Parents and students are able to see and discuss progress towards the achievement of expected and aspirational grades.

Every report cycle is linked to a praise assembly where each year group celebrates the successes of students in all areas of the school curriculum for hard work, effort, dedication and excellence. The cycle reports form the basis for

parents’ evenings, and parent/mentor day.

Students in Year 7 are helped through the transition stage by a group of trained Peer Mentors from Year 10. Prefects from Year 11 are on hand at break and lunch times to help younger students. One of our key aims is to develop leadership capability in our students both at school and into the wider and global community.

“Creating a caring and inspiring learning environment where everyone’s achievements are valued.”

Care & Guidance

Students are provided with a wide range of leadership opportunities and the chance to be ambassadors for the school. We are committed to providing a very extensive range of activities, trips and visits that support and enrich learning within and beyond the curriculum.

We have a tradition of national competition in sport and host joint events with local music and arts groups. Our annual Sports Award Evening and the Gym and Dance Display recognise and celebrate the high standards of participation at school, district, regional and national level.

Year 9 Junior Sports Leaders (JSLA) gives students the opportunity to work with WHF primary Schools at a variety of sporting activities. The aim of this is to improve student confidence, communication and organisational skills. Sixth Form have the opportunity to study CSLA (Community) and HSLA (Higher).

For many years the school has been one of the largest providers of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in the South West – delivering Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

In conjunction with the JSLA and HSLA, we run a Language Leaders award for students in Year 9. Students are actively engaged in developing exciting resources to support language lessons across the school.

The extensive extra-curricular programme at The Ridgeway School supports the wider development of all students. Whether through the pursuit of excellence in their area of interest, developing a passion for a new activity or by contributing to the students’ sense of belonging to the school community through teams and productions.

Opportunities

Trips and visits include:

Christmas Markets, Normandy, Florence, Dublin and Berlin, Swedish Exchange, French and German Exchange, Ski Trip, Year 7 Camp, theatre visits, Ice Skating, Geography field visits, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Go4Set Pro Engineering competitions, Biology field visit to Swanage, Maths Challenge Competition and much more...

“Developing confident,

mature and engaging young

men and women who

believe in themselves.”

“Last night my heart nearly burst with pride and I was extremely humbled by the sheer quality of what your

people at The Ridgeway School could achieve.”

Dr N Capstick CEO, WHF

“What a polished and professional production - it showcased perfectly the enormous talent and dedication of everyone involved and once again put The Ridgeway School firmly on the map for Creative and Performing Arts. Creative pursuits in schools are so important to help develop a full rounded individual and I’m very happy The Ridgeway School recognises this importance.

We salute your team and celebrate your success!” Parent of Year 11 and Year 13 students involved in Billy Elliot

There is a culture of excellence within Creative and Performing Arts here at The Ridgeway School. Delivered by an expert team, many of whom have worked as professionals in their field, it is a thriving area not just in terms of the curriculum but in the huge variety of extra-curricular and enrichment activities we offer. Students are fortunate to have access to three fully equipped drama studios, three fully equipped Art rooms that include independent studio spaces, facilities for the regular use of ceramics and a developing photography area. We have five music practice rooms, a recording studio and two Apple Mac Music suites with integrated Roland keyboards. Swindon Music

Co-operative also offers instrumental and vocal lessons within the school day and we frequently invite a range of visual and performance artists in to school to work with our students.

The variety of performance and training opportunities on offer support interested students with applications to some of the country’s most prestigious Arts Institutions and enable all students to enrich their school life and enhance their future.

We regularly host a range of events in order for students to show case their creative work including industry competitions, community events and our extremely popular Art Exhibition.

We currently offer the Arts

Awards from Bronze through to Gold and have recently been selected as a Cultural Champion School for the Cultural Education Partnership. We are also proud to be an ARTSMARK School.

Performing Arts include:

Brass Ensemble

Drama Club

Drama/MFL Exchange Project

Music Achievement Activities

Music ICT Club

Rock School

Samba Band

School Play

School Production

Sixth Form Audition Workshop

Wind Band

Yr 7 Transition Drama Group

“Developing new skills and promoting creative confidence.”

School Productions:

2011 West Side Story

2012 Oliver

2013 Miss Saigon

2014 Sound of The Musicals

2015 Les Misérables

2017 Billy Elliot

Creativity in the Arts

A positive and active lifestyle is encouraged through an extensive and varied PE curriculum, enrichment activities, house sports and extra-curricular programmes. Students in all years can develop physical, mental and social skills. The Ridgeway Leisure Centre has superb facilities for students to use. These include five badminton courts, a sports hall, a twenty-five metre swimming pool, a gymnasium and state of the art fitness suite, two squash courts, eight tennis courts and extensive playing fields. Every student at The Ridgeway School is a part of the house system through the mentoring programme, every day activities within lessons, and on a whole school basis through competitions, activities and challenges throughout the year. With the main focus being all students will take part in activities for not only themselves but also for their house. Sports Include:

With the main focus being on all students taking part in a wide variety of differentiated competitions for their house.

“To inspire

students to

push themselves

to not just be

part of their

house but

to proudly

represent it.”

Athletics Badminton Basketball Cricket Dance Extreme Golf Football

Gymnastics Hockey Netball Rounders Rugby Swimming Tennis

Trampolining Ultimate Frisbee Weight training Cross country Volleyball Handball

“Year by year facilities are improving, providing an excellent learning environment for me.”

Year 11 Student

Activities

Football Swindon Cup Winners - Year 11 Swindon Cup Finalists - Year 7 Y10 Swindon Schools Cup Finalists Multiple students in Swindon Schoolboy

representative sides Basketball Swindon Cup Finalists - Year 11 Y8 Swindon Winners

Cross Country Boys Swindon Championships - Year

10/11 5 students representing Swindon 2 students representing Wiltshire 2 students represent Wilts at SW and

National level Athletics 15 Students representing Swindon 4 Students representing Wiltshire Boys South West Championship B Final

runners up - Year 9/10 Swindon Athletics Champions - Year 9

Boys and Year 10 Boys

Swindon Athletics Champions - 2nd place for Year 8 and Year 10 Girls

2 students represent Wiltshire at English Schools Finals

PE Trips include: Swedish sports Exchange Wembley football trip Gloucester rugby trip Team Bath netball trip National Basketball finals National Badminton Championships Netball Internationals House Games Each term there is House differentiated

competition. October - Cross Country Year 7-10 (GCSE

PE) December - Rugby / Netball - KS3 February - Football / Hockey - KS3 April - Basketball / Badminton - KS3 July - Swimming Galas - KS3 July - Summer Games - KS3 July - Athletics Championships Year 7-10

Sporting Success One of our most important aims is encouraging and motivating our students to take up sporting activity within their own time for local clubs starting and maintaining hopefully a lifelong participation in sport and exercise. Many students represent, train and play competitively for local clubs across a wide range of activities.

They include : Swindon Harriers Athletics Club, Dance & Esprit Gymnastic Clubs Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey Teams Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Purton, Wroughton & Wanborough Cricket Clubs Clay Pidgeon Shooting Swindon Supermarine, Wootton Bassett, Marlborough Rugby Clubs Boxing & Martial Arts Clubs Wroughton ASC, Swindon Tigersharks, Swindon Dolphins Swimming Clubs

Other Events Annual Sports Awards Evening - Each year a special sporting Guest of Honour presents our sports awards, inspiring our students to their own future successes. Guests have included, David Henry, Mark Alleyne, Charlie Austin, Shelley Rudman, Tim Pendergast, Heather Fell, James Kirtley, Nathan Thompson and ex-Ridgeway student, Jonny May. Annual Gym and Dance Display - Primary students from schools across the White Horse Federation perform alongside our own students, in an array of gymnastic skills and various forms of Dance. The show is always highly attended by the families, friends and the local residents.

“Our community links support student

development enabling students to become

more confident.”

Teacher

“An exciting place, where

students will experience a rich

and diverse curriculum.”

Community Students, staff, parents and the wider community all work together to provide the sense of identity and belonging where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We recognise the importance connecting our students through a shared sense of belonging within the school, the local and the global community. Students are allocated to mentor groups for the duration of their time in school, this along with the house system provides activities which build confidence and foster a strong sense of team and family. This is established right from the start of Year 7 through the Year 7 Camp, where the year group take part in a four day residential that provides experiential opportunities to bond the group as a whole around the school values.

We encourage students to take an active part in shaping the future of the school. Student Voice through the School Council ensures that students are feeding back about all aspects of the school. Many departments use this feedback to inform planning and the design of new schemes of learning. Student feedback has resulted in the purchase of our picnic benches and in the design of the new school uniform. The School Council meets fortnightly to discuss both curricular and extra-curricular issues. The students act as a link for their mentor groups and discussions are shared with the Senior Leadership Team and Pastoral Leaders.

Community links enhance teaching and learning. Students are given a range of opportunities in which to

participate and engage with the community at a local, national and international level. This challenges and inspires learners by broadening their horizons and developing active citizenship skills.

A wide range of Enterprise opportunities are provided including fund raising competitions, immersion days, working with local businesses, links with the National Trust and an annual careers fair. These activities develop students problem solving skills, build teamwork skills, and prepare students for employment. We have strong links with other European countries. French and German exchanges are an annual event with trips to Normandy, Barcelona, annual ski trips and much more.

Life at R6, The Ridgeway Sixth Form College, ensures that all students are fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities of Higher Education and work in the 21st century. Most of our R6 students progress to higher education and the school has an excellent record of success in apprenticeships, university, Russell Group University and Oxbridge applications.

R6 has a dedicated common room decorated by our students and designed with them in mind as well as designated silent, social and supervised study areas. We also have our own R6 Café. Alongside our academic opportunities, students are encouraged to contribute to the life of the school and local community by taking part in various activities including helping younger students.

Other opportunities for our students lie in the sporting arena. We have excellent facilities for students to pursue their interest in sport either competitively or recreationally. This includes a fitness suite and swimming pool. Likewise, music and drama feature prominently as R6 students take a leading role in school productions. There is a Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Programme as well as the Extended Project Qualification which is highly regarded by universities.

Additionally, we offer a BTEC qualification in Driving and Driver education, which includes 10 hours of practical experience. At R6 we value all of our students individually and work alongside them to ensure that each one of them achieves an exceptional outcome whether that be academic or personal.

…in order to be independent and prepare for university and beyond school.

“Teaching is outstanding. In one Year 12 lesson, for example students made rapid progress in their spoken French. Key to the success of the

lesson was the teacher’s very high expectations of each student’s spoken language and the individual support and challenge that she

provided.” Ofsted

Sixth Form

Harry Lowe is entering his fifth year at the Ridgeway School. In these 4 years Harry has been given student of the year at every awards ceremony highlighting the effort he has shown in his studies. Not only does Harry shine academically he has contributed to the wider community of Ridgeway as a peer mentor, now as a Senior Prefect and plays rugby for the South West. At the end of Year 10 Harry took part in a work experience placement at an Insurance firm. He grasped this opportunity with both hands, impressing the owner, who has already offered Harry a place on an apprenticeship scheme should he so wish. We wish Harry the very best of luck for the forthcoming year.

Guy Browning studied his GCSE’s at The Ridgeway in 2015 and gained some good results. Guy was always a character whilst at The Ridgeway and would often be seen in the catering rooms ensuring that his bakes didn’t have soggy bottoms. Guy has gone on to secure himself a position as a commis chef at the Rick Stein restaurant in Marlborough. We are sure that with his passion this is just the start of a blossoming career.

Georgia Spry completed her GCSEs at The Ridgeway in 2017 achieving excellent results of 6 A* 1A, 2x8s (A*s) and 1 x 6. In light of the changing specifications this was an excellent achievement and will stand her well for her further studies at R6. Georgia not only excelled academically she was also a peer mentor and prefect and took part in the Gym and Dance displays where she showed her ability as a martial artist. Georgia has also competed in the World Martial Kombat Federation in 2015 in Malta where she finished 3rd in the Traditional Korean Forms and 5th in the Synchronised Forms.

Josh Ricketts has shown a fantastic ability in swimming and Hammer throwing. Not only has he managed to achieve excellent results in his recent GCSEs he has done this whilst continually training. Josh is competing for the South West for swimming, with tournaments and training taking place in Gibraltar and is competing on a national level for Hammer. Josh has successfully joined R6 and we look forward to following his achievements both in the pool, on the field and in the classroom.

Matt Pidgeon studied for his GCSE at The Ridgeway during 2014. Not only was he successful with his studies Matt supported the school in a range of productions, parents evenings and with the annual gym and dance display with his outstanding tap dancing. Whilst at The Ridgeway Matt was a four times world champion in this field, fitting in his studies around flying around the world competing.

William Fieldsend has fully engaged throughout his time in Ridgeway and continuing into R6. He has performed lead roles in many of the school musical productions, captained many sports teams and taken on additional responsibilities wherever possible. He was a prefect, peer mentor and was Head boy in 2016-17. His academic study was brilliant, achieving 3 A’s. This was made increasingly exceptional by having changed subjects after a year and studying two years of physics in one year!

Jonathan Dean joined R6 in Year 12 to complete his A-Levels. He studied Maths, Further Maths and Physics achieving A*AA and has progressed to studying Maths at Cardiff University. He was the top performer from 2015-17 cohort and not only excelled personally but regularly would support the development of others knowledge in the subjects he studied.

Alex Cole worked hard to achieve excellent results at Ridgeway School & R6. He worked methodically and fully utilised the extensive student support options to access GCSE and A-Level courses. Throughout Year 13 Alex worked tirelessly to find an apprenticeship and through a rigorous application process including telephone interview and formal interview he successfully gained a Higher level apprenticeship at BT studying Computer Development.

Notable Achievements...

The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College Inverary Road, Wroughton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9DJ Tel: 01793 846100

www.ridgewayschool.com

Principal: James Povoas

Proud to be part of The White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust

…to nurture students to be independent and resilient in their learning.

Your Place

“Thank you for all your support. I couldn’t have

achieved my results without your help and

guidance. These past five years you have inspired my passion for learning

which will lead to lifelong interests.”

Year 11 Student

The process of transition and transfer from primary to secondary school is an exciting but also a challenging time for students. We provide a carefully planned transition programme which seeks to effectively promote a smooth experience of change for all students.

Care and guidance from mentors, peer mentors and the wider pastoral team fosters a strong sense of security, direction and belonging. We work closely with our local primary schools to ensure continuity and progression in teaching and learning.

Many of our teachers work collaboratively with the primary schools to foster closer links. We work hard to ensure that new students will feel welcome, safe and cared for and ultimately find their place in their new learning environment with the wide range of enriching, challenging and educational opportunities the school has to offer.

So whatever your interests and abilities, The Ridgeway School has a place for you to come and be inspired...