Page 5 - The Old Ratcliffian 2010

The Old Ratcliffan 2010 | news from the college news fROm The cOllege Year 13 Leavers Celebrate Record A Level Results We are very pleased with this year’s A Level results, with a record number of students achieving a 100% pass rate. Several students were delighted to be awarded straight A*/A grades, while 54% of the year group achieved all A*/A and B grades in their three or four subjects. Many students also obtained additional AS qualifications. Year 13 Students Celebrate their Success Year 13 Mass Of Thanksgiving Friday 10th September 2010 A group of 40 of this year’s leavers came back to celebrate their departure from Ratcliffe at a special Thanksgiving Mass on Friday 10th September which was celebrated by Fr David Tobin (59). The 2009–2010 President of the Association, Mr Peter Astill (71) attended the Mass on behalf of the Association to make the presentations of Old Ratcliffian ties to the boys and Old Ratcliffian silk pashminas to the girls. Parents and students retired to the Old Library for refreshments after the Mass. Year 13s Receive their Ratcliffian Association Gifts Ratcliffe College Careers Convention A Careers Convention was held in Ratcliffe College Sports Hall on the evening of Thursday 30th September. 40 delegates represented a range of professions and careers. These representatives came from local universities, companies and career organisations, and included several members of staff and Old Ratcliffians, though the majority were parents of children currently attending the College. The event was very well attended, with around 350 parents and students from Years 9 to 13, including several from local schools. We were very pleased to receive positive feedback from everyone involved in this, our fourth biennial Careers Convention. It is always nice to meet Old Ratcliffians returning to the College, and if any readers are able to help at our next Careers Convention, in Autumn 2012, you would be most welcome. Details will be circulated nearer the time. Graham Sharpe Simon Astill (85), Partner at a Local Firm Assistant Head Howard Midgley Retires after 24 Years Mr Midgley has worked at Ratcliffe for He also chairs the Horace Taylor Fund 31 years, in 2 spells, the second of which distributes money to good which has been 24 years’ continuous causes in Syston, so it is a wonder that service. During these years he has been he has ever found time to come a teacher of Geography, Head of ICT, to school! a member of the SLT, Examinations Officer and also in charge of the On Thursday 10th December, Howard underwent a sponsored timetable, duties and standbys. beard shave, with all the money Out of school he is a magistrate raised going to his chosen charity, and has recently been re-elected as SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailers, Airmen Nick Walsh Shaves off Howard’s Beard Chairman of Syston Town Council. and Families Association). in Aid of SSAFA. Register online www.ratcliffanassociation.co.uk