EVERYONE is back to school after the half-term break, refreshed and raring to go.

Ryedale School’s pupils enjoyed having some time to relax, especially Year 9 since they have been preparing for the science exam, which marks the end of their Key Stage 3 studies.

However, it is difficult to relax unless you are settling down with a good book.

Students at Ryedale have been set yet another exciting challenge by the English department. This time they have been rapidly reading a range of books to join in with Readathon.

They have been reading as many books as possible in the time allowed, collecting sponsorship money as they do so. It has been a great opportunity to improve their reading skills and explore even more stories of their choice.

Since Readathon was founded in 1984, children across the nation have raised millions of pounds for worthy causes as well as enabling their schools to obtain free books.

The charities Ryedale School is collecting money for this year are the children’s cancer fund CLIC Sargent, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which supports children with neurological and blood disorders, and Readwell, which takes free books and storytellers into children’s hospitals to make young patients’ lives better.

Before the half-term break, students were given time to plan their reading for Readathon, and select books from Ryedale School’s wide range of texts in the school library, before beginning reading in English lessons. The deadline for reading recently finished, and the school expects to have raised a substantial amount of money for all of the fantastic charities involved.

Report by Mhairi Maxwell, Year 9

 

Young star is on the rise at shows

YEAR 9’s Rebekah Lally is one of Ryedale School’s young achievers, writes Amy Hughes, Year 10.

At the age of 13, she has already been accepted into the National Youth Choir, a prestigious singing group made up of choral singers from all over the country.

“I am extremely pleased and honoured to be offered a place,” she said.

Rebekah, a mezzo soprano, is also a member of Cantarla, Ryedale School’s girls’ chamber choir. She is also going to star in 1812 Youth Theatre’s The Demon Headmaster by Gillian Cross, as well as having secured a part in Ryedale School’s show of Clowns at Midnight, written by Ryedale School’s own Jonathan Lewis.

“Rehearsals are going well so far,” said Rebekah. “I am really excited about the upcoming performances.”

The hardworking thespian also takes part in productions outside Ryedale. She recently played a wife in York Light Opera Youth’s Joseph and His Technicolor Dreamcoat.

“I enjoyed every moment of it,” said Rebekah.

As if this wasn’t enough, Rebekah has also secured a part in York Light Opera Youth’s latest offering, High School Musical, which is being performed in May at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, in York.

It is amazing how this prodigy fits it all in. Rebekah says she is “relieved” to have recently passed her grade seven violin exam, and only missed out on top spot in Ryedale School’s Key Stage 3 music competition to her brother, Conor Lally.

“I am pleased,” Rebekah said. “I didn’t get through last year, and I am excited to be going on to the county competition with my brother.”

Other winners were sisters Lauryn and Jay Lee, Hannah Richardson and Guy Harris.

We are all extremely proud of Rebekah here at Ryedale, and we wish her the best for her exciting role in High School Musical.

 

Interview with Katie Hunter, head of humanities

by Grace Walker and Lizzie Dore, Year 9

What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?

When students develop a passion for my subject of history. I get a sense of satisfaction when students choose to study history at GCSE, and then sometimes tell me they intend to take the subject at A-level. Teaching isn’t just about the grades students get at the end of the course, it’s also about developing a love of an subject.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your job?

I think the most difficult thing is managing my time. The other responsibilities I have in the school sometimes make it a challenge to find the time I need. I also like to give Ryedale School’s students as much of my time as I can. That can sometimes be difficult when there are so many other tasks that need completing in the course of the school day. However, I always prioritise lesson planning and giving students individual attention, as these are the things that make a real difference in education.

What are you most optimistic/pessimistic about in teaching?

I am always hopeful when I witness teaching methodology moving forward. I like to see positive, pupil-centred teaching approaches. I like to see students working in groups, being engaged and enthused by exciting lessons, not listening to a teacher standing at the front of a classroom all the time. I don’t like it, however, when I see education being used as a political football, and changes being made for change’s sake. Any developments in schools should have the interests of students at their heart. It’s all about the pupils.

How do you relax away from teaching?

I like to go swimming and running, which I do before school. I enjoy travelling, particularly visiting cities. I enjoy pursuing my interests of history and art. At the moment, I am also preparing my new house.

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a teacher?

Perhaps I would have been a politician, as I’m very opinionated and good at arguing. I don’t think I could have worked in business. I’m not motivated by money or selling a product. In politics it would be possible to achieve a lot for other people. However, I’ve wanted to be a teacher for a long time. If I wasn’t a teacher at Ryedale School, maybe I’d be a primary school teacher!

Who is your hero?

I would have to say that my parents are my real heroes. They are very easy-going and trusting. They never put any pressure on me, and have always been very supportive of me. They helped me find myself, and to be honest I didn’t want to let them go. Speaking more widely, Sophie Scholl is my hero. She was a German university student who revealed the truth about the Nazis in her letters. from the 1930s. She was executed in the end by them, but she never gave up or comprised her principles.

What is your ambition?

To be the best teacher that I can be. I just want to carry on doing what I’m doing now. I’d also like to visit more cities. Tokyo and Vancouver. are next on my list.

Which country would you most like to visit?

I would definitely like to visit Japan at some point. That would be the trip of a lifetime. Their culture is so different to ours. I would also love to go back to Morocco. It’s a fascinating country. Being there was like stepping back 2000 years. Moroccan society is very traditional and different to the societies in Western countries. Going there was a real eye-opener.