1. Achievements We Are Proud Of
The Ryde School
Achievements We Are Proud Of

2. We have been awarded: Eco-Schools Green Flag Award
We have been an Eco School since 2007, when we achieved our Bronze Award, followed in 2009 by a Silver Award.
Since then we have worked hard to achieve, and maintain, our Green Flag Status. The highest award to achieve.
Our latest assessment was very successful, and very complimentary about our school and the opportunities offered to the children.
This is the fourth Green Flag Award we have achieved. There are very few schools who have achieved this and shown such consistency and commitment.

3. We have been awarded: Eco-Schools Green Flag Award
Planting the living willow fence at the entrance to the school. The withies were harvested from our living willow tunnel.
Our assessor commented:
“Well done The Ryde School, you continue to be a shining example of what can be achieved by such an enthusiastic, well-informed and creative Eco-Committee.”

4. We have been awarded: Eco-Schools Green Flag Award
Our parents helped the children to make willow trellis from the willow tunnel withies.
Our assessor also commented:
“It was a particular pleasure to see the progress that you have made over the last two years and to witness the positive impact of the Eco-Schools ethos on the whole school community.”

5. We have been awarded: Eco-Schools Green Flag Award
We celebrate our apple trees at our annual Apple Day celebration. Local residents join us for refreshments, The Ryde School apple juice and lots of apple activities.
Our assessor also commented:
“You fully deserve your new Green Flag.
Keep up the magnificent work”.

6. We have been awarded: Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Award
We achieved our Silver Award on our first application just two years ago, and now have our Gold award.
Our assessor commented:
“You are the first school in Hertfordshire to successfully upgrade your LOtC Mark from Silver to Gold.”
As a school we are very proud of this achievement as it demonstrates our commitment to offer every child a broad, creative and rich curriculum.

7. We have been awarded: Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Award
Children at Trent Park completing an art activity.
Our assessor also commented:
“A creative approach to curriculum interpretation is instilled in all teaching staff.”
“Children are experiencing a wide range of exciting and interesting activities provided by committed staff.”
Children at Lee Valley completing a science activity.

8. We have been awarded: Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Award
Children completing an English activity in the school grounds.
Children completing a science activity in the school grounds.
Our assessor also commented:
“A flexible approach to curriculum design is taken.”
“Activities that support cross-curriculum learning outcomes are fully integrated, frequent, continuous and progressive.”

9. We have been awarded: Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Award
Enjoying Forest Schools
Enjoying Gardening Club at lunch time.
Our assessor also commented:
“The school is making outstanding systematic and creative use of its well-developed outside areas.”
“The school’s high quality practice leads to my recommendation that they should be awarded the LOtC Gold Award.”

10. We have been awarded: Primary Geography Quality Mark Silver Award
We achieved our Silver Award on our first application just two years ago, and have maintained this status this year.
Our assessor commented:
“Pupils develop self esteem through genuine opportunities for participation in applied geography.”
“Pupil’s positive attitudes towards geography support progress within and between stages of learning”

11. We have been awarded: Primary Geography Quality Mark Silver Award
We borrowed a map from the Geographical Society for the whole school to use.
Our assessor commented:
“Teaching is underpinned by good subject knowledge.”
“Teachers enjoy the subject and convey high expectations: assessment is valued as an essential tool in planning and monitoring pupils’ progress.”

12. We have been awarded: Primary Geography Quality Mark Silver Award
Compass skills in Class 1. Class 5 map reading with compasses at Trent Park.
Our assessor also commented:
“The school knows where it is going. There is a ‘vision’ for geography that is helping to shape the way the subject is taught and which acknowledges that we live in a global, interdependent world.”

13. We have been awarded: Primary Geography Quality Mark Silver Award
Early Years making homes.
Our assessor also commented:
“Geography supports other curriculum areas, whole school initiatives and engages parents, community groups and other organisations locally and globally.”
A parent visiting to talk about her home country and traditions.

14. We have been awarded: Healthy Schools Status
Through carrying out a rigorous self review, Herts for Learning have confirmed our achievement. We are now working towards our enhanced status.
Our assessor commented:
“Many congratulations to your whole school community for achieving this success.”

15. We have been awarded: Healthy Schools Award
Road safety with parents. Making pizza.
Our assessor also commented:
“The HfL Healthy Schools Advisers were very impressed with the work described in your whole school review.”
“It is great to hear that the children of The Ryde are being supported in their awareness of issues of their safety.”

16. We have been awarded: Healthy Schools Award
Anti-bullying pledge made by all children and many parents too. Singing for our friends at the local residential care home. Making a sensory sports trail.
Our assessor also commented:
“We welcome the fact that the Jigsaw PSHCE scheme is being embedded and having an impact.”
“In particular that the teachers are considering cross curricular opportunities.”

17. We have been awarded: Investors in People Core Standard
As an organisation we have worked hard to ensure all staff feel valued members of the school community and are able to develop professional interests.
Our assessor commented:
“Congratulations on being accredited as an Investor in People.”
“The additional evidence requirements needed to meet the Investors in People Core Standard were now fully met.”

18. We have been awarded: Investors in People Core Standard
Our assessor also commented:
“Behaviour management was discussed in meetings with TAs and MSAs, ‘this has created more consistency, people now know how to deal with things in the same way’.”

19. We have been awarded: Investors in People Core Standard
Our assessor also commented:
“TAs/LSAs are more informed. They now have a greater understanding of new strategies and can help the pupils better.”
“MSAs also feel that communication has much improved.”