A big thank you to our Friends
Throughout the academic year, the Friends of Ripley St Thomas work tirelessly to raise funds which are ploughed back into school for the benefit of the school community. We’re really grateful to them for funding new equipment and materials throughout school to the tune of almost £6000 for this year.
In the Food department, they’ve kindly helped us purchase 6 new food processors, a new set of GCSE Food textbooks and some new baking trays. Last year the Friends helped to fund 2 new Catering fridges for our food office. Our pupils and staff are so happy and appreciative of your support.
In PE were have been lucky enough to receive new Rugby and Football shirts for our Sixth Form enrichment – giving them great presence on the field! Mr Greenacre is also thrilled with the Friends donation to buy 2 new table tennis tables, which are on their way!
We also received 60 branded ski helmet covers which helped safeguard our group whilst on the ski trip at half term and created a sense of belonging for the pupils. We were able to identify our pupils on the slopes just from their helmet covers as they were bright with the school logo emblazoned. Result – safe pupils.
Mrs Berry and the rest of the MFL department are also very thankful to the Friends for their donation of revision folders containing exam specification workbooks, highlighters and flashcards for Year 10 pupils in French and Spanish GCSE classes. The GCSE in Year 10 is new and as there are limited resources available to print, our pupils now have a hard copy to revise from and can steam ahead for their exams already. This pack will aid them with independent and active revision.
Ripley Farm are also happy to declare they have a new washing machine and dryer donated to them by the Friends, so pupil PPE is as clean as it can be down on a sparkling farm!
The Biology department have been able to purchase a digital demonstration microscope. This amazing piece of kit allows teachers to project microscope images on the big screen for all to see. It will help them to teach microscopy skills more effectively and give all pupils a better understanding of the intricate, microscopic world.
Dr Haigh also received a donation for Chemistry equipment which includes:
- Quick fit apparatus for A level organic chemistry practical work. These are essential to allow students to demonstrate CPAC practical competency
- Molecular models for diamond, graphite and an ionic bonding used throughout GCSE and A level
- A hydrogen powered model car for GCSE Separate Chemistry – used to demonstrate the use of fuel cells and electric vehicles.
The Art department also received donations for a DSLR camera for pupils to use.
The Art department also received A Cannon DSLR camera which gives students an opportunity to experience a professional camera, often used by the industries. It also allows them to create better, more experimental photography (photo below taken by pupil in GCSE Art).
All in all, The Friends of Ripley St Thomas are a true godsend to pupils and staff alike – organising events such as The Ripley Supper Run and providing refreshments at many school evening productions, Open Evenings and Chapel events. We will be losing Mrs Kelly to retirement in July, which is a great loss to the Friends fundraising team. If you are interested in joining a small group of parents and staff to provide this invaluable service, please contact us via Parentline https://ripleystthomas.com/contact/