Be your best you

Ryburn Sixth is about being the best you can be, discovering what you're capable of and opening your eyes to opportunities. Our students are individuals, not just numbers. We help you figure out what you want to do, and support you to achieve your very best.

Learning how to be an effective student is a huge part of that; those skills that will contribute to your wellbeing and success whilst you are here, but also long into the future.

Life’s about experiences, and there are countless opportunities here to get involved, try new things and make a difference.

VESPA

It takes more than hard work to succeed in life. You also need to make sure that the effort you put in is used effectively. You need to learn how to study. The trouble is, many students end up at university without the skills they need to succeed, finding that they struggle to organise themselves, study effectively or work independently.

Registration time each day and one dedicated hour each fortnight are used to provide comprehensive lessons on how to be a successful student. The content of these lessons is based on research which has identified five key attributes to success at Key Stage 5. Form tutors guide students through the techniques, principles, and skills necessary to develop a truly successful approach to sixth form learning. The aim is to help you to develop a clear, thought-through vision of where your studies are taking you, and explore how best to get yourself there.

In this video, Our VESPA Co-ordinator, Mr Fantom, explains what it’s All about.

Enrichment activities and student leadership

Our experiences are what make us who we are. Here you’ll find countless opportunities to develop yourself, to try new things or just to kick back and have fun. Whether you’ve a thirst for travel, a love of the stage, the drive to help others, or just love to throw a party, you’ll find plenty to get involved in. As well as helping make Ryburn Sixth better for everyone, getting involved in enrichment activities improves your wellbeing and builds fantastic skills and experience for your future.

Students make a huge contribution to the life of Ryburn Sixth. Our team of Senior Students play a key role in representing student views and organising activities and showcasing Ryburn Sixth at events. Our fundraising and social committee keep spirits up with events and fundraising, finding innovative ways to have fun and include everyone even in these times of social-distancing.

Our talented and creative students take part in art exhibitions, radio and podcasting, music events, the Acting Academy and our grand musical theatre productions. Being part of a high school brings great opportunities too; many of our students love having the chance to act as mentors, subject support or role models for younger students and to give something back to the school community.

The social life at Ryburn Sixth is buzzing; we’ve held a Battle of the Bands, pitted our wits in the inter-form quiz and had all sorts of silly fun whilst raising money for charity. Our prom committee are already plotting a mega party to celebrate the end of the year. We’ve adventured in Vietnam and South Africa on our biannual expedition, enjoyed the culture of NYC, and found excitement closer to home on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and even Alton Towers.

All this contributes to developing Ryburn Sixth students as people, not just your grades. We’re so proud of our students and the qualities you show - kindness, determination, teamwork, resourcefulness and a spirit of adventure.

Activities can vary from year to year, depending on the interests and ideas of our current students. The best advice we can give you is to take every opportunity you can to make new friends and involve yourself in all parts of life at Ryburn Sixth. Life is what you make it.