Ryde School with Upper Chine

Ryde School with Upper Chine
File:Ryde School logo.png
Address
Queens Road Ryde , Isle of Wight , PO33 3BE England
Information
Type	Independent school and Charitable Company
Motto	Ut Prosim ("That I may be of service")
Religious affiliation(s)	Christian - Church of England
Established	1921
Department for Education URN	118223 Tables
Headmaster	Dr. N. J. England MA DPhil (Oxon)
Deputy Headmaster	Mr A Shaw MA PGCE
Gender	Co-educational
Age	3 to 18
Houses	Chine, Hanover, Seaford, Trinity
Colour(s)	Navy Blue + House Colours
Website	http://www.rydeschool.org.uk/

The main entrance to Ryde School.

The Fiveways building of Ryde School.

Ryde School with Upper Chine (or, informally, Ryde School or Ryde Private) is a co-educational independent day and boarding school on the Isle of Wight.

Charity 307409 - Ryde School

Ryde School is a charity and as such makes many of its facilities available for community use. The Charity Commission has SIRs reports http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/SIR/ENDS09/0000307409_SIR_09_E.PDF which state the charity's objectives, and Ryde School charity makes specific mention of what they do to promote community inclusion. Ryde School's website has details of how facilities may be used by the wider community. Indeed, as a charity, Ryde School's overall objectives are to serve, and so live up to their motto Ut Prosim - That I may be of service or That I may be useful.

"A Torch Was Lit" published in 1996

On page 51 of the school's history, "A Torch Was Lit" [Published by Ryde School in 1996, Authors: Roy McIsaac, the son of the Founders William McIsaac and Constance McIsaac, and Geoffrey Coombes], William McIsaac is quoted as saying on the inaugural day of 25 April 1921 : "....Boys would endeavour to be useful to God to whom they owed their existence and that they would use God's gifts for others first and themselves last."

The Rydeian Magazine

Joyce Wray, Editor of ‘The Rydeian’, praises the School, its many achievers - both academic and sporting – and says: "Many develop potential they were not sure they had and are inspired to push themselves even further. Their accounts of how they approached a certain role in a play, worked as part of a committee to organise something as major as the Fashion Show or developed ‘people skills’ whilst on a joint venture with students from other schools speak volumes about the committed way in which they approach each new challenge. It is also a tribute to all those members of staff to whom teaching is not simply about imparting knowledge on their own specialist subject, but also about opening doors and pointing to new horizons."

Location

The main school site is on Queen's Road, Ryde, and the Boarding Campus is at the site of Bembridge School which closed in 1997. The Kingswood Centre shares this site. Kingswood and Ryde School have a collaborative relationship, and there has been a great deal of upgrading of facilities by the company that runs Kingswood. Bembridge School is classified as a Listed Building - New House is a Listed Building and Bembridge School Chapel is a Group Value Grade II Listed Building. The Chapel has recently been repaired and renovated at considerable cost, thereby "future-proofing" it for the foreseeable future, which is excellent news. The listing of the Chapel includes not only references to panelling and pews, but also to *Edward Woore stained glass. The Chapel is currently in use as a play centre for the Activity Centre, Kingswood Centre, based at Bembridge School, according to the application for development [please see http://www.iwight.com for planning details for Kingswood Centre, 2010]. Camp Beaumont is based at Kingswood Centre and is also a registered Ofsted facility which was registered in November 2009 and details can be found at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxcare_providers/full/(urn)/EY392174

Ofsted

Ofsted has published their latest report on the Boarding Section of Ryde School, Bembridge Boarding Campus. There are now 62 boarders and 703 day pupils at Ryde School [November 2010]. Ofsted is an independent body, not associated with the school, so for it to give it much praise for the excellence of accommodation and the quality of care provided by the staff to the boarders is something of note.

Ofsted judged 5 areas to be "outstanding"

. Helping children to be healthy

. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

. Helping children make a positive contribution

. Organisation

One area - Achieving economic wellbeing - was stated as "The provision is good."

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxcare_reports/download/(id)/218258/(as)/SC012596_SC.pdf

Three sections of the school (excluding boarding campus)

The School is split into three parts: Fiveways (ages 3–7) at 13 West Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight; the Junior School (ages 8 – 11) and the Senior School (ages 11 – 18) share the Westmont site in Queen's Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight. The current senior staff are as follows:

• Headmistress of Fiveways - Mrs Sally Davies
• Headmaster of Junior School - Mr Howard Edwards
• Headmaster of Senior School - Dr Nicholas England, who is also a Governor of the Isle of Wight College
• Bursar - Mr Martyn Davies

Ryde School are HMC, IAPS, Co-educational day and boarding school.

New building development

A planning application for a new building on the Ryde School site was initially refused by the Isle of Wight Council, but the Planning Inspectorate endorsed it subject to certain conditions being met. Building is already under way, and it is hoped that the development will be fully operational in 2011.

The current site of Ryde School has been enlarged over the years. The curtilage was extended when 11 and 15 Queens Road were bought by Ryde School. These buildings have now been demolished, in preparation for the new "Glass Building" that Walters and Cohen have designed for Ryde School. The Grade II Listed Building of Westmont, which is the heart of Ryde School, will be framed within the glazing of this new iconic building. The Planning Inspector endorsed the vision in 2009.

The Appeal was heard by Christine Thorby, Planning Inspector. The Decision of the Planning Inspector is dated 11 November 2009 and is contained in her report on the Appeal. There were 17 conditions regarding the planning application, one of which involved a Travel Plan and another a pedestrian crossing over West Street. The Planning Application Appeal Report can be read here: http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/fscdav/READONLY?OBJ=COO.2036.300.12.1420940&NAME=/Decision%20(corrected%20version).pdf

In 2010, Minor Amendment was requested by Ryde School's architects, Walter and Cohen, which was granted by Mike Gildersleeves in a letter of 17 September 2010, as can be read on the Isle of Wight Council website: Supporting Information - Non Material Amendment Letter http://iwight.com/council/departments/planning/appsdip/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=18746

Foundation stone laid

On 17 November 2010, the Isle of Wight County Press, reported the laying of the Foundation Stone of the new development by Major General Martin White, Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight. The photograph shows Dr England, Headmaster on the left, and the Lord Lieutenant on the right. http://www.iwcp.co.uk/n ews/news/foundation-for-new-era-at-school-35842.aspx

Ryde School has a gallery of photographs of the occasion and can be viewed at http://ryde.virtualschools.net/assets/uploads/laying_of_foundation_stone_nov_2010.pdf

Martyn Davies, the Bursar, is quoted as saying that the development will improve school security and safety. Once the new development is operational, which is hoped to be September 2011, the School will have expanded its facilities.

At present, Westmont has the dining area and kitchen, but when the new development comes on stream, the "Glass Building" will house not only teaching areas and reception, but also the kitchen and dining area. Westmont no longer will house the kitchen and dining hall.

Martyn Davies explains that further library and study facilities will be made available for the sixth form in Westmont [the Listed Building].

In "The Rydeian 2009 - 2010" edited by Chris Ody, published by The Waverley Press, Ryde, Isle of Wight, page 13, the Headmaster is quoted: "The second school library will provide much needed space for our growing numbers of A Level and IB students, as 150 pupils now throng a Sixth Form Centre designed for 100."

Victorian greenhouse

Ryde School's principal building is Westmont, a Grade II Listed Building. The Victorian Greenhouse and its associated wall are part of the Listed Building Curtilage. As such, the Greenhouse is now fully refurbished and there is a planning application currently online at Isle of Wight Council planning area: TCP/27471/M, P/01893/10 Proposal: Retention of resited greenhouse

If anyone wishes to comment on this proposal, please contact the Isle of Wight Council by close of business on Friday 21 January 2011.

There is now an associated Listed Building Consent application for the demolition of the greenhouse and its resiting within the Listed Building Curtilage of Westmont Grade II listed building.

Anyone wishing to make comment on this proposal, please contact the Isle of Wight Council.

Kingswood Centre new accommodation blocks

There is an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn the Isle of Wight Council's refusal of "retrospective" planning consent for demolition of old buildings and the erection of new accommodation blocks at the Kingswood Centre, Bembridge Boarding Campus. If the Isle of Wight Council insist on the removal of the buildings it could have serious financial implications. Anyone wishing to make written comments, either supporting the proposals, or against them, or perhaps suggesting alternative solutions, may contact the Planning Inspectorate. Comments must be received by the Planning Inspectorate by 4 November 2010.

A new, revised application for planning permission has been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council to try and get permission for this development. The Isle of Wight Council has now decided the outcome of the planning application:

TCP/22661/S, P/01697/10 Kingswood Centre Hillway Road Bembridge Isle Of Wight PO355PH

When the Isle of Wight Council publish the Decision anyone will be able to discover the outcome at htpp://iwight.com

The Decision is now available to view. The Isle of Wight Council has refused Planning Permission. The details of the reasons are online.

The Decision of the Planning Inspectorate regarding the Appeal against refusal for the first application is still awaited.

UPDATE: In February 2011, the Isle of Wight Council sent notification that the Appeal process was to be a public inquiry rather than a written appeal. However the Planning Inspectorate now confirms that the appeal has been withdrawn entirely.

History

William McIsaac and Constance McIsaac founders of Ryde School

Ryde School was founded in 1921 by William McIsaac in response to increased demands for high quality education on the Isle of Wight. It was originally called Ryde Grammar School, and occupied "Hanover House" in George Street, Ryde, less than a mile away from the school's current location.

Ryde Grammar School was opened by the Mayor of Ryde on the 25th April 1921 with 46 Day Boys on the Register. Founders William and Constance McIsaac, with their son Roy, lived in Hanover House as well as converting a number of rooms into classrooms and laboratories. The School Motto, "Ut Prosim" ('that I may be useful/that I may be of service'), was introduced to the school at the first assembly, on the lawn of Hanover House, and has remained one of the key tenets of the school ever since. A House system was developed, and boys were put into one of three Houses, originally named: "Britons"; "Celts" and "Romans". Inter-House sports matches were played even in the first term, with a fierce loyalty to their House being instilled into the boys from the very beginning. Today's Winning House Captains of the Cock House Trophy are carrying on the tradition of the "Cock House Championship" started by William McIsaac to instil team loyalty.

Within a year of the School opening, numbers had increased to 78, and were showing no sign of slowing. It was necessary, therefore, for extra buildings to be purchased, and for Hanover House to be extended. The first Boarders were accepted in 1922, and were housed in "Trinity House" in Dover Street, where William, Constance and Roy McIsaac were later to move due to the need for more classrooms in Hanover House.

In 1923, the school was divided into Prep (5-8), Juniors (8-11) and Seniors (11+), due to the increase in numbers to 103. The School soon leased another property, "Seaford Lodge", which was put to use as a dedicated Boarding House, run by the Headmaster's wife, Mrs McIsaac.

By the start of term 1928, the school had moved wholesale onto the site it still occupies today: Westmont and its grounds on Queen's Road. Westmont had been built for the son of eminent naval physician Dr James Lind in 1819, and had been leased out since the death of Lind Jr's Mother.

Much development has been carried out since this move; the School purchased a number of houses on West Street (Oxford Lodge, Hollymount, Hermitage and Highclere), and built a brand new two storey classroom block next to Westmont, as well as a purpose built Sports Hall, and new Junior School building. Fiveways, the primary department, is on a separate site opposite the main campus of Ryde School. There has been much upgrading of facilities on this site.

May Stacey

May Stacey worked on the domestic side of Ryde School for 44 years and was closely associated both with Mr and Mrs McIsaac, the Founders, and the boarding department when it was in Westmont. In honour of her memory, in 1999, a shield was engraved and presented to the School to be awarded annually to Pupil(s) in Forms 1-5 who has/have contributed most to doing good for others. This is a very fitting tribute to one who contributed so much of her life to the life of Ryde School.

Keith Symons

The Symons Pavilion was opened on Friday 8 May 2009 by Keith Symons, the guest of honour. He was the first headmaster of Ryde School to achieve the elite "H.M.C." status. However, none of this would have been possible without his wonderful wife, Jean, whose obituary is on the Old Rydeians website: http://oldrydeians.com/page_1537162.html

Keith N Symons was Headmaster of Ryde School when the first girls were admitted as pupils to the Sixth Form on 1 September 1972. On 2 October 2010, there was a reunion of seven of the original girls and four of their teachers as well as Keith Symons who took pride of place. Photographs of the occasion were taken.

According to the School History "A Torch Was Lit" page 89, "The VIth form, whilst becoming larger with a growing confidence being established in the range of subjects offered and in the quality of teaching, was still relatively small and the Headmaster and Governors saw the two-fold opportunity of improving the academic standards and the finances by admitting girls direct to the VIth in September 1972, following a precedent which had previously been adopted by a number of leading boys' independent schools."

Roy McIsaac, son of the founders

Roy McIsaac died in the summer of 2002, and was Hereditary Governor of Ryde School with Upper Chine. Roy McIsaac himself had played a key part in keeping the School running in the 1950s when it faced an uncertain future. He was Headmaster from 1953 to 1966. A charming and kind person. On Speech Day in September 2002, the Headmaster, Dr England paid tribute to him, and confided that Roy McIsaac would have been delighted with the best A Level results that the School had ever achieved.

Merger with Upper Chine School for Girls

In 1994 Upper Chine School for Girls merged with Ryde School and the combined institution became known as Ryde School with Upper Chine. The Memorandum and Articles of Association changed in May 1994. The Upper Chine Charity was finally removed from the Charity Commission's Register of Charities in on 15 January 1996. Upper Chine company was dissolved in 2000 according to the register held by Companies House

The staff at the newly-merged "Ryde School with Upper Chine" comprised several teachers from both Upper Chine and Ryde School. A fourth "house" was added to the existing 3 houses of Ryde School and a green badge for Chine House was designed. Ryde School with Upper Chine had a new School Badge too - the cornflower that was the symbol of Upper Chine School for Girls was incorporated into the old Ryde School badge.

There is a thriving Upper Chine Old Girls' Association who have their own official website. The history of Upper Chine School for Girls has become integral to the history of Ryde School with Upper Chine. Miss Gifford, a prominent Headmistress of Upper Chine School for Girls, celebrated her 90th birthday on 20 June 2009. Miss Gifford represents for the generations of Upper Chine Girls "their" headteacher who enabled Upper Chine to thrive: when she died in 2010, there were many grateful tributes to her.

Similarly, The Old Rydeians' Association http://oldrydeians.com/page_2072379.html is integral to the history of Ryde School and Ryde School with Upper Chine http://www.rydeschool.org.uk/folders/community/the_old_rydeian_association/

Culture

School houses

When children reach Junior School they are put into one of three houses. These are:

• Hanover (red badge)
• Seaford (blue badge)
• Trinity (yellow badge)
• Chine (green badge, note that this house is only in the Senior School)

Pupils remain in these houses for their entire period at Ryde, with the exception of those who are removed from their previous house and put into a fourth house, named "Chine" on arrival at the Senior School. This fourth house was created when the school amalgamated with "Upper Chine School", an Independent Girls' Boarding School in Shanklin, in 1994.

In the Senior School the houses compete with each other in events such as "House Song", "House Debating Competition", "House Quiz" and various House Sports (including girls' tennis, girls' and boys' hockey, boys' rugby, boys' football and girls' netball) as well as organising House Charity Fundraisers.

Fashion shows

Ryde School's fashion shows have been featured in publications of "The Rydeian". The Sixth Form students under the guidance of Mrs Davis and other staff ran two Fashion Shows which raised thousands of pounds for the NSPCC (in 2000 and 2002) and involved the whole school from three year olds to Sixth Formers. These high profile occasions were showcases for the Sixth Formers to display their organisational and leadership skills. Mrs Davis assisted the students with their The Charity Group who not only ran fashion shows but raised money for Romania, Comic Relief, Dr Barnardo’s, local elderly, and more. By helping other people, the Sixth Formers learned how to run a business. Linked, but separate, was Young Enterprise, where the students co-operated in running a business and then were judged on their performance, including a live address to an audience where public speaking skills were to the fore.

Sixth form balls

Ryde School has had several but the "Masked Ball" was a special Sixth Form Ball which is featured in "The Rydeian". The Masked Ball in 2002 was a new initiative which Mrs Davis, then Head of Sixth Form, linked to Ryde Carnival – the oldest in the country – and Ryde Development Trust lent wonderful decorations. The ball was organized and run by students and Mrs Davis with a committee from the Development Trust. A specialist artist helped the students to create their own personalized masks.

Surf Romania

Ryde School has given much support to charities including helping orphans in Romania.

In-house publications

"Update" was introduced several years ago as a means of letting all pupils and parents know what is going on in Ryde School on a weekly basis. Later, by means of complimenting "Update", the Sixth Form were encouraged to produce their own publications, and "6IXTH GEAR" was one such publication which advertised such events as Young Enterprise and "ITADS" [Issue 004] 13 November 2000, as well as current information and articles written and published by the Sixth Formers themselves. The front cover of this particular issue showed Tyrannosaurus Rex heralding a 'Get Tough' Policy! By 2002, the Publication was now restyled "SIXTH GEAR" and Issue 4, January 2002, has a front cover entitled "Trendy New Look for Heads of Sixth" and an article jokily suggesting that the government is looking to abolish the uncool image of teaching. Clever use of cut and paste technology gave this an amusing twist. Boarders have their own "BBC" publication to reflect life at Bembridge Boarding Campus. And Old Rydeians, via newsletters from the Old Rydeians Association, are kept updated on a regular basis as to what is going on at Ryde School with Upper Chine.

Music

Beginning at Fiveways, children have music and from the Junior school they have the opportunity to take instrumental lessons with one of the school's team of part-time and full-time instrumental teachers. The Senior School Music Department is currently located in a three storey Victorian house in West Street, known as Oxford Lodge, which the school bought in 1972, originally to provide further boarding accommodation. The school runs a large number of musical ensembles, including the Junior and Concert Orchestras; Chamber Orchestra (usually conducted by a pupil), Swing Band, Choristers, Junior Singers, Cantabile lessons and various other instrumental and vocal groups most of which perform at the two concerts put on by the department every year, one in the Spring, and one in the Autumn.

In Ryde School's planning application of 2009, it was stated that Ryde School intends to expand their music and drama facilities over the next few years, to include a Theatre where the current hard standing is, as well as upgrading the Music School.

GCSE and A-level results tend to be very good, with a strong tradition of pupils going to University or Music College to study Music or related subjects to a higher level. Recent higher education destinations for Music Students include Trinity College of Music, University of York, King's College, London, Royal Northern College of Music, the University of Durham and Bangor University. Of particular note is organ scholar Richard Hall, who takes up the organ scholarship at King's College, London for academic year 2010/2011.

Towards the end of the Summer Term each year, the school puts on a Show at The Venue, Lind Street [also known as Ryde Theatre]. Recent musicals include Oklahoma, Grease, My Fair Lady, Guys n' Dolls, Singin' in the Rain, Kiss Me Kate, Anything Goes, Crazy For You, Sweeney Todd and currently Thoroughly Modern Millie. The shows are directed by Mrs Sian Evans (Head of Drama & Senior Teacher) with Mrs Martine Burgess acting as assistant director and choreographer. Mr Andy Grubb (Head of Music) is the Music Director, rehearsing all musical numbers prior to the show with a band traditionally made up of both instrumental teachers and pupils from within the school, as well as the occasional instrumentalist brought in from outside the community. The shows tend to sell approximately 90% of seats across a three day run, with senior citizens from a local nursing home given a preview at the final dress rehearsal on the afternoon of the first performance.

As Ryde School is a charity, it often shares its music with the wider community. Musical events are publicised in the local newspaper, The Isle of Wight County Press and Ryde School has its own box office where anyone wishing to purchase tickets may buy them. The staff and students alike give much to the community not only in Ryde and the Isle of Wight but further afield.

Sport

There are three pitches (Upper, Middle and Lower), two of which cater for rugby during the season, with Upper Field serving as a cricket pitch and athletics track during the summer, and a football and hockey pitch in the winter. The school also has a large multi-purpose sports hall adjacent to Upper Field (used also for assemblies and school events such as Speech Day), with a purpose built gym and table tennis area upstairs. Ryde also has use of the astro-turf facilities at the nearby Smallbrook Stadium - a five minute minibus journey away.

Ryde fields teams for many sports - Rugby and Hockey are the main Boys' Sports, although the school does have a lower age group football team, and there is a Girls' Hockey team as well as netball, rounders and tennis teams.

CCF

The school also has its own on-site shooting range (.22) which is used by the CCF (Combined Cadet Force), who also field a clay-pigeon shooting team at Cadet competitions around the country, practising at a military camp on the Isle of Wight, with the school's recently acquired electronic trap. The CCF Contingent Commander is quoted on the Ryde School website.

Events

In October 2000, Ryde School participated in "BT Voices for Hospices". Ryde School choir's performance of Handel's ""Messiah"" was much appreciated, as was the Public Speaking Team's performance. Earl Mountbatten Hospice benefited from the sales of tickets and publicity through Ryde School's weekly "Update" publication.

In 2002, as part of Barton Manor's celebrations of the Queen's Jubilee, a Ryde School Public Speaking Team was asked to entertain the audience, and proceeds again went to charity.

The World's first Quizzlimbo was held on November 12, 2010 in the theatre to raise funds for Haiti. Most of the Sixth form enjoyed a lively night engaged in the winning combination of Quiz and limbo. The rules of engagement are subtle and complex but very enjoyable.

Public speaking competitions

The Headmaster’s speech on Speech Day, September 2002: "Another long-standing Ryde tradition of success continued this summer in the Rotary Youth Speaks Competition. Our public speakers won all three age sections of the Isle of Wight Final, and our intermediates were placed second in the District Final. Our senior team ... won through the Island, district and Regional rounds to appear in the National Finals in Aldershot, where they were placed second. Their topic was the efficiency of railways; surprising and moving was that their railway went to Auschwitz. The team’s three speeches were delivered with faultless precision and timing, and they amused and engaged a knowledgeable audience in some serious thought. To win first and second place in the National Final in the space of three years is a rare distinction."

Bath 2000

The Headmaster's reference to the win in Bath in 2000, when Ryde School became the first winners of the new National level team competition can be found on the internet where the school team which were the runners up are pictured, and mention that Ryde School were the winners of the Rotary Youth Speaks National Finals with their speech 'Nothing I can say.'

National Trust Isle of Wight Youth Group

In 1978, Ryde School was involved in the National Trust Isle of Wight Youth Group. They, and teachers and students from Upper Chine School for Girls, were involved in various activities to enhance the environment. One of their most notable activity was their involvement of restoration work at The Needles Battery, owned by the National Trust, on the famous Needles Headland on the western tip of the Isle of Wight. Whilst the main work was done by professionals, these volunteers did much good work, and for this they were introduced to HRH The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, at the official opening of Needles Old Battery in 1982. Photographs were taken, and the archives of both schools include this memorable occasion.

Young Enterprise

Ryde School has been a winner in local and regional competitions of "Young Enterprise" under the watchful eye of their teacher, Stella Davis. Mrs Davis' students were local winners, Hampshire finalists and product design winners in 2001. Mrs Davis was accorded the honour of being voted in as Chairman of Young Enterprise for the Isle of Wight area.

Notable former pupils

See also: Category:People educated at Ryde School with Upper Chine

• Seb Clover - the world's youngest successful single-handed cross-Atlantic sailor (until 2007).
• Philip Norman - author of 'Babycham Nights'
• Jonathan Woodcock, OBE, promoted to Commodore RN [page 98, "The Rydeian 2009 - 2010" ibid]
• Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight Councillor Brading, St Helens and Bembridge, Chairman of St Helens Parish Council

External links

• School Website