THE CREATE ART EXHIBITION…
The Create Exhibition of Art, Graphics, Photography and Textiles was held at the end of September. It was a celebration of the amazingly talented Year 11 and Year 13 students of 2023. The school hall was filled to the brim with a visual feast, showing examples of the hard work and dedication that the students put into their A-level and GCSE projects. The opening evening was a great success with music performed by the year 10 students. Visitors were asked to vote for their favourite work for the ‘People’s Choice Award’. The winner with 42 votes was Faith Green (Year 13). Followed closely by Lauren Candy (Year 13) and Ola Dominak (Year 11). Other students to mention were, Memphis Lee Dixon (Year 13), Alisha Goddard (Year 13), Molly Bailey (Year 11) and Georgie Laing (Year 11).
DIAMOND LIGHT SOURCE, PHYSICS TRIP…
On Wednesday, Mr Kench and Year 12 Physic students visited the Diamond Light Source in Didcot. It consisted of a particle accelerator which could speed electrons up to almost the speed of light, and that allowed analysis of samples from many different fields. The experience was truly unique, showing applications of what we learn in lessons and the potential for future scientific discoveries. We found it really interesting to see these things up close, and to hear from the people who make it work. It was a great opportunity for developing understanding and exploring pathways for work experience, apprenticeships, or even jobs!
NEARLY NEW SCHOOL UNIFORM...
Thank you to all of the parents/carers who have donated school uniform. This is such a help to the students who have forgotten or lost their own uniform and is used by dozens of students every day. PLEASE do continue to donate your child’s school uniform if you can, which can be dropped off at the Front Office or the Uniform Office.
If your child is eligible for Disadvantaged Pupil Premium Funding or you are finding it a real struggle to buy school uniforms, please do let me know.
Mrs Sarah Hill, Pupil Premium Manager email: hills@ridgewayschool.com.
VETERANS HOME NATIONS TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP…
I felt very proud to be selected to represent Wales in the Home Nations Championship in Dublin last month. It had been many years since I first represented Wales so I was feeling very nervous as I packed my new Welsh Kit and bat.
Thursday started with a very early wake up call to leave for the airport at 4 am followed by a swift 45 minute flight to Dublin. After checking into our hotel we spent a few hours in the nearby shopping mall, finding our way around and meeting up with the other members of our team.
Friday morning was the start of the team event. A short bus journey from our hotel to the Sport Ireland national indoor arena (Ireland RFU have training pitches here). As we started our warm up, teams arrived slowly from Scotland, Ireland, England, Isle of Man and Guernsey with players ranging in age from 40 to 75. Play started at 9.30, 3 different matches for our first day: England A, England B then finally Ireland. We had some wins and some losses but it was a fantastic experience. I was amazed when I watched some of the over 70’s playing, I hope I am still able to move around the table the same when I am their age.
Saturday was a lazy start with only 1 match in the team event against Scotland, I had a very close match with the Scotland number 2 player, I came second in this game. Our doubles matches in the afternoon didn't go to plan with an injury from the other Welsh lady but fun was had, learning about different playing styles. Saturday evening was time to relax with our gala dinner, entertainment included Irish dancers and an impromptu sing along accompanied with a ukulele from one of our Irish hosts. A late night but an opportunity to have social time getting to know the players from the other teams.
Our last day in Dublin saw the individual competition being held. A few new competitors arrived for the singles competition. I was very excited when I reached the semi finals in the plate event, losing to the overall winner from Ireland.
What an amazing experience to represent Wales once more. Next year the Championships is in Guernsey…fingers crossed I will be selected once again. Ms C Whitcombe