King’s Academy Ringmer Newsletter December 2017 club run by Ms Hunnisett and they I wish you all MESSAGE FROM have already tasted success in a a safe and THE PRINCIPAL competition. The PE department’s relaxing break school teams have had another over the festive Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and excellent run of wins – more on this period and Governors, later in the newsletter. a happy and We have also welcomed a number healthy 2018. It’s been another exciting and very of visitors to King’s Academy Ringmer busy term at King’s Academy Ringmer. to work with our students on extra- The students continue to work hard, curricular projects and share their contribute to the school and wider expertise – we had the poet Brian Matt Hillier community and generally make us Moses visit to run a poetry workshop principal very proud. and some year 11s took part in a creative writing workshop run by Year 11s have been working tirelessly university lecturers and preparing for and sitting their mock undergraduate students. NEW STUDENT examinations. Their focus in the LEADERS classroom and dedication to their We said a final good bye to last studies is commendable. Year 10 year’s year 11 at our GCSE have made a successful start to their Presentation Evening; this was a GCSE subjects and are making strong wonderful opportunity to celebrate progress. For year 9, it’s been a term their exam success again and we of reflection as they think about their were also lucky enough to welcome future and academic achievements back Dan Keeley who delivered an to inform their GCSE option choices. inspirational speech. We very much Year 8 continue to work hard and look forward to continuing to work with contribute to the life of the school Dan over the next year and supporting both academically and through the work he does around raising their involvement in extra-curricular awareness of mental health issues. activities. Having successfully made the transition from primary to Celebrating success is an integral secondary school, year 7 are now well part of what we do here and we have settled into school life and taking full just celebrated the students’ success advantage of all the opportunities on in our Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 offer here at King’s Academy Ringmer. Achievement Assemblies; this was a chance for us to reward students Head Boy Chris Whitehead Head Girl Bay Street The extra-curricular life of the school for their effort day in and day out at school and show case some of the Deputy Head Student Rachel continues to flourish. This term saw Richards the introduction of a school debating outstanding work that goes on.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

LOCAL HERO DAN DAVID DIMBLEBY CAROLS BY EX-STUDENT BLUEBELL KEELEY COMES BACK PRESENTS AWARD AT CANDLELIGHT NICHOLLS PLAYS AT TO RINGMER ART EXHIBITION COMMUNITY CONCERT TWICKENHAM! - PAGE 2 - PAGE 5 - PAGE 10 - PAGE 20 KEEPING IN TOUCH KEY DATES Wednesday 20th December A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at the King’s Academy! This term – Last day of Autumn term – school ended with a traditional Carols by Candlelight at finishes at 12.30pm. which we raised over £300. Mr Hillier is keen to support local organisations and as such we will Tuesday 2nd January – be donating all funds raised to the Ringmer INSET DAY Scouts. We would like to thank the local businesses for their generosity in providing Wednesday 3rd January – such fantastic raffle prizes. Start of Spring Term We will be setting up a new PTA this year but in Wednesday 24th January – a slimmed down and focussed form. Its role will be to build links with the community and to fund Year 10 Subject Teacher Parent Evening raise for both. Our Senior Marketing Students will be leading on this and we would love to hear from anyone, parent or not, who would like to help with Spring Half-Term – this project. Monday 12th – Friday 16th We say goodbye to Mary Smale, from the village, February who is retiring after nearly 20 years in our Maths Department. We wish you all the very best and thank you for your hard work supporting so many Wednesday 21st February – students. Year 9 Options Evening Please keep up to date Wednesday 28th February - with the latest news by Year 9 Subject Teacher Parent Evening following our facebook page! Thursday 29th March – End of Spring Term at 3.15pm.

TERM DATES AND ARRANGEMENTS: The last day of this term is Non-Uniform Day, Christmas Jumper on Wednesday 20 December 2017 Please note that there will be an early 12.35pm finish.

CHRISTMAS BREAK – Thursday 21 December 2017 - Tuesday 2 January 2018 Wednesday 3 January 2018 - Inset Day Wednesday 3 January 2018 - All Year Groups Return

Half Term Break - Monday 12 February - Friday 16 February 2018

Last day will be Thursday 29 March 2018 – normal finish time ie; 3.15pm Easter Holidays – Friday 30 March to 13 April 2018 Monday 16 April 2018 – All Year Groups Return

Half Term Break - Monday 28 May - Friday 1 June 2018

INSET Day – Tuesday 26 June 2018

Last day will be Friday 20 July 2018 Please note that there will be an early 12.35pm finish. 2 GCSE PRESENTATION EVENING

On Thursday 9 November, King’s Academy Ringmer held its annual GCSE Presentation evening. Last year’s year 11 leavers were invited back along with their parents and carers to collect their GCSE certificates. The school also took this opportunity to acknowledge students who have contributed outstanding performances over the last academic year in their specialist subjects. Faculty Leaders nominated one student for each subject who stood out from the whole year group as the hardest working and most focused student. The school welcomed back ex-student Dan Keeley, who left Ringmer in 2001, as their Dan Keeley with Ringmer students from left to right, Isabel guest speaker. Jones, ‘Best Attainment Result’, William Hugall ‘Best Dan, who has Progress Results and Maya Mendez who received the become a local Stephen Green Eco Award. celebrity recently for his charity but now manages life with Bipolar; his recent amazing work, had just charity run raised £16000 for CALM (the Campaign hot-footed it Against Living Miserably). back from his latest incredible Students really connected with Dan and appreciated fundraiser, his very open and honest story involving all the highs where he ran and lows that he has been through. His enthusiasm and 1250 miles in passion for life, his drive and focus to achieve whatever 65 days in his you set your mind to, alongside hard work, was clear and ‘Rome to Home’ inspirational to everyone, not just the students. expedition. Dan Keeley with our own Leader of PE, Athlete, blogger The school would like to thank all students, parents and Mr Coulthard who ran the Newhaven and fundraiser carers who came on the night and a special thank you to to Ringmer leg with Dan. Dan spoke about Dan. Please see Dan’s story and how to donate on his his life and facebook page https://www.facebook.com/iamdankeeley career after leaving Ringmer, how he has struggled,

open, which made it easy INTERNATIONAL for us to talk and socialise LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE with everyone, even though most of the other students COBIS – Council of British International Schools in were over 2 years older than conjunction with The King’s Group invited Ringmer’s us. All of the workshops Head Boy, Oscar Beale, and Head Girl, Emily Trent to were extremely informative; attend an annual leadership weekend to provide training they helped us explore and life skills for senior students from around the world, what type of a leader we including the Netherlands, Qatar, Egypt, Spain and wanted to be. Coming from Portugal. a previously closed school, The conference was not only an opportunity for Oscar an international view of the and Emily to become more involved in the King’s group world and to network with but also gain more of a rounded view on what leadership other students from around is. The students experienced interactive sessions with the world was an invaluable trainers and motivational speakers, opportunities to experience that I will never forget.’ In their down time, develop self-awareness, interpersonal skills and life they explored the capital city. competencies. Emily said, ‘the experience was one not to forget; It was the first time both Oscar and Emily had travelled everyone I met was welcoming and friendly despite an without an adult, so were naturally a little nervous flying age gap. I have organised to meet with friends I made on their own, and had similar worries about not knowing from overseas in the future. The conference taught me anyone when they got there. But their worries soon valuable leadership skills that will aid me throughout disappeared once they were collected from the airport my life. Travelling, working, learning and socialising and taken to their accommodation, Oscar said, ‘the first independently also opened my eyes massively for the thing we noticed was how everyone was just so kind and better.’ 3 REMEMBRANCE DAY YOUNG FIRST AIDERS Thank you to Mrs Moorhouse for a beautiful We have just had our first cohort of year 11 successfully Remembrance Day; assembly, Mrs Moorhouse complete their Young First Aid Certificate! spoke about Harry Patch who was the last known Lunch time surviving British soldier to have fought in the WW l club is very trenches. Two year 11s read poems from WW1 successful with students from all different age groups attending. At our Christmas Carol Concert this year, Oscar Beale & Stanley Olden will be representing the school as First Aiders. PSHE First Aid Students from years 7-9 have been following a First Aid course from St. John’s Ambulance this term. Sessions have included what to do and Mr Green played The Last Post as the whole when you come across a casualty, how to put someone in the school observed a minute’s silence in respect to all recovery position, how to recognise and treat someone in shock those who have lost their lives in service. and how to use CPR. ANNUAL CAREERS PSHE & UNIVERSITY EVENT We welcomed over 20 different organisations Students from Sussex University have been working with Y9 King’s and colleges to our annual careers event at students on ‘Politics in Education’ workshops this term. Sessions the end of September. Year 11 and Year 10 have included Political parties (focusing on the main UK parties and students and their parents/careers came what they stand for) along to the evening to find out more about post 16 options and careers in various industry • Political systems (looking at meanings of terms such as sectors. dictatorship, democracy, left wing, right wing, and examples globally) • Media (looking at the relationship between the media and politics, media bias and finding reliable sources) • Discrimination and oppression (looking at different systems of oppression in society such as racism, sexism, ableism and how they can be structural) • Activism (all the ways we can get involved in politics - from writing to your MP to starting a campaign) This has been a great start to the PSHE course and Year 11 students should by now have applied inspired to College or have identified an apprenticeship some students opportunity. Louise Scott from the Youth to start Employability Service is coming in to help campaigning! those whose choices might be a bit more difficult. The students are now looking at interview techniques and making sure that their personal portfolios are up to date for the coming interviews starting in January! 4 FINE ARTISTS Special mention Farley’s Farm Trust Art Exhibition must go to was held on Friday 13.10.17. It Emily and showcased artwork form several Angel for schools and colleges across East- their artistic Sussex. Various categories such talents, as Mixed Media, Painting, Textiles, passion and Sketchbooks, 3D and Pencil work efforts. showcased entries for GCSE/ Level2 I would and A Level/ Level3. also like to Many works displayed insightful thank Meg and meaningful traits, which were Sullivan for recognised for their talents and the photos commitment. of the event and her continued Emily Griffiths and Angel Patrick support. I am very proud of all our art With regards, students at King’s Academy Ringmer Mr M Madriaga for their excellent progress and Head of Faculty: Creative Arts, commitment to the art course. Technology and PE were chosen to exhibit their work at the event: Emily’s A1 Acrylic painting of an eye and Angel’s A1 Graphite sketch of her mum. On the evening, Angel’s piece of artwork was awarded ‘highly commended’ and this award was presented by David Dimbleby.

Exchange programmes are very rewarding but also SPANISH LINKS very challenging; students who take this once in a lifetime opportunity will learn a lot about themselves, ESTABLISHED whilst being immersed in the language and culture Mr Prado, Head of Spanish, visited of their chosen country, living and experiencing what King’s College in Madrid, Spain on your average family gets up to in their community. the 25th October. This provided They will also gain skills in intercultural learning and Ringmer with a fantastic opportunity understanding, gaining a rich understanding of another to set up links and also share good culture, also significantly improve their current skills in a practice. He met Spanish and MFL language through practical immersion. staff at King’s College La Moraleja as well as visiting But most of all, the experience will broaden the classes and observing lessons. He was delighted with students’ education and knowlege and they will have a the students’ achievements and the wide range of whole lot of fun as well! projects that the school is involved in.

A plan to develop excellent links between King´s Schools in Spain and King´s Academies in the UK and establish the foundations of a long term partnership. Both schools agreed to develop further projects together.

As a result of this visit, Mr. Prado and Mr. García (Head of Spanish-La Moraleja) decided to start a new exchange project for the year 9 students in both schools that will be held next academic year 2018/19. The main idea is to offer an exchange visit and cross curricular activities. This will be a fantastic opportunity for both Spanish and English students to look forward to. 5 5 PARLIAMENT VISIT In the afternoon, they took part in an interactive On 14th November, 22 KAR students from years 7 – 10, workshop focussing upon accompanied by Mr Gibson and Ms Waite, enjoyed a trip how citizens can influence to the Houses of Parliament. the democratic process. The students were As part of an informative tour, students sat in the engaged and well-informed chamber of the House of Lords and then visited the and a real credit to the public galleries in the House of Commons, where a school. Gina Owolabi, debate on the recent tax evasion scandal was in full Year 9, subsequently swing. received a gift package from Parliament as a prize for her thoughtful response to a questionnaire on promoting political awareness in schools. We would like to congratulate year 9 student Gina who was the winner of the UK Parliament visits competition. Gina suggested what should be included in a ‘Curriculum for life’ lesson: life skills, laws around money & tax, what would you propose if elected, applying for jobs and the qualifications required for different careers. Well done Gina!

Vote of YOUTH SPEAKS Thanks: Kings Academy Ringmer were delighted to field three Grace Kelly exceptional teams for the Youth Speaks competition, 5th December 2017. Youth Speaks is organised by local Key Stage 4 Rotary Clubs and is a competition between local schools Chair: Emma designed to support and encourage the development of Stone effective communication skills in young people. Speaker: Rachel It requires discipline, confidence and determination Richards – to prepare for such a competition, and the students speech title: who volunteered and took part demonstrated all of How Fair is these skills impressively! The roles are as follows: a Fair Trade? Chairperson runs the team’s presentation by introducing Vote of all the speakers and inviting a question from the judges; Thanks: Mia the Speaker presents for up to 6 minutes on a topic of Fullerton-Mcintyre their choice and then answers the posed question; the Vote of Thanks reflects on the content and delivery of All the speakers impressed the judges with their the speech. Each role is uniquely demanding, although humour, enthusiasm and confident delivery and every obviously the majority of the work falls on the speaker in competitor received helpful feedback from a panel of planning, rehearsing and presenting their speech. judges whose experience in public speaking ranged from giving author talks to working with politicians! We The following students took part: were delighted that Rachel Richards and Mia Fullerton- Key Stage 3 Mcintyre were awarded Best Speaker and Best Vote of Chair: Olivia Thanks respectively, whilst Emma Stone should also be Wiles recognised for her enormous contribution to the team. Speaker: Rachael Trent At the end of the competition, the students were buzzing - speech title: with excitement and keen to start planning their next How Humour competitive performance. They had clearly all increased Heals in confidence and were ready to take to the stage again! Vote of Thanks: Isabel Allen Anyone interesting in taking part in public speaking competitions or debating should see Ms Hunnisett in Chair: Zazi Seamons W05. Look out for the Debating Society starting in the Speaker: Jess Green – speech title: The Importance of New Year! Outdoor Education Ms S Hunnisett 6 RAMPION WIND FARM, NEWHAVEN King’s Academy Ringmer students visited the Rampion Wind Farm headquarters in Newhaven today. Rampion is a participant in the County Council Open Door 2017 project which educates students about the huge variety of jobs and potential careers in the local area. Lewes councillor, Rupert Simmons, also attended, praising the great work that Rampion have done and the opportunities they have created for also shown one of the many are 116 turbines which produces local employment. boats that takes the maintenance enough electricity to power and construction staff out to the 350,000 homes.” turbines. Finally a presentation about the eco side of the company The school is a national leader and what education pathway and in sustainability and energy subjects are best suited for a management generating around career in the industry was given to 70% of its heat and 20% of its students. The Rampion team included members with very different educational backgrounds with some entering the industry via apprenticeships and BTECs, some doing later Open University degrees and others coming in as graduates from their University Students were shown videos explaining the construction of the Wind Farm and how the energy is transferred to the National Grid in . You can see all this information on the Rampion website, here: https://www. rampionoffshore.com/. Rampion staff demonstrated the high levels of health and safety studies. Rampion’s onshore they have to adhere on a daily stakeholder manager Sue Vincent, electricity from renewable energy basis, maintenance work they who coordinated the Open Doors sources on site. Environmental initiative, said the team members Coordinator Stephen Green found it very rewarding to share said, “Our students know that their experiences with the students renewables play a crucial role and hoped they were able to in our energy needs. Rampion inspire the young visitors to find demonstrates that this can be out more about offshore wind and scaled up to provide a significant the Rampion project. part of the electrical needs of East Sussex. All the students enjoyed their visit and really appreciated all the King’s Academy Ringmer would carry out, the control center for all amazing facts and knowledge that like to thank ‘Open Doors’ for the the vessels involved with the wind was presented to them. Year 8 opportunity and Rampion for a farm, including a ship/hotel for the student, Bradley Kingman, said “It superbly presented insight into the workers. Students were was very interesting, I learnt there many facets of their business. 7 7 GOVERNOR NEWSNEW INTAKE extended lunch period so they King’s Academy Ringmer didn’t have to queue and could find welcomed their new intake of a good spot to have lunch to Year 7 students on Tuesday 5 discuss the exciting day they had September. Looking very smart experienced so far. in their new uniform, the students The new students come from enjoyed their first day of secondary far and wide: Lewes, Brighton, education. Hailsham, Uckfield and Ringmer New starter Ethan Quigley, who and have spent the day making was at Ninfield CE School, said, new friends. Maddison Pert and “I had a great first day. I knew it friends, Sky and Teah Jackson, would be good and I was looking also enjoyed their first day; they forward to it. My best lesson was too enjoyed Computer Science Computer Science.” as well as History, French and Starting secondary school can Spanish. The girls were slightly be a little bit scary, so to ease the nervous about ‘big school’ but said stress, all the students had their tutor time gave them the time to whole first lesson with their tutor organise their planners, timetables and their tutor group. This gave and locate classrooms. They them an hour to settle in and to get were also shown around by the to know their fellow peers and form older students. The girls said, enthusiasm and look so smart. tutor. Tutors and older students “we came for the taster day and I know they will enjoy their time made sure they were happy with open evening, so we can sort of here. I’m sure in five years’ time I their timetable as well as knowing remember certain classrooms and will be proud of them as much as where to go for lessons. At lunch areas. We’ll soon get used to it.” they will be proud to have come to time, the year 7 students were Principal Matt Hillier said, “The new King’s Academy Ringmer!” allowed a slightly earlier and intake are a delight, full of energy, ART VISIT TO LONDON

The annual GCSE Yr11 Art trip to London was very well attended. Students visited the 4th Plinth at Trafalgar Square, where we viewed the huge, elongated thumb sculpture by David Shrigley ‘Good Job’. Later, students captured their interests through their sketches and photography of the current displays at The National Portrait Gallery- Trafalgar Square. This will in turn inform and add to their Year10 Project of Portraiture & Identity coursework mark.

I would like to thank the SLT at KAR for permitting the trip to take place, the students who attended the trip as they upheld our ethos of ‘In pursuit of Excellence’ through their commitment and excellent behaviour and especially Mr Peacock and Ms Hook for their support through the day. PS: Note to all Year11 GCSE Art students- Deadline end of Term2 for Project War & After a brief interlude at Leicester Square, we visited Conflict + please the Royal Academy- Mayfair. We were very fortunate to purchase an A1 experience the life of Jasper Johns through his artwork. folder and a new Some inspirational artwork of his prints, paintings and sketchbook for January 2018. Many thanks. sculptures were discussed with the students and will be used to inspire their final exam project commencing Mr M Madriaga January 2018. Head of Faculty- Creative Arts, Technology and PE 8 Eco News We have had a very positive start to this year with 60% Four of our Year 10 students were selected to take of our new Year 7s volunteering to become Eco Reps. part in a National debate on sustainability in London We hope to build on the great environmental work done in November. The students gave up an Inset Day by our feeder primary schools. Emma Stone, Rachel to come into school to practise their debating skills. Richards, James Over four hours of debate, the students came up Pratley and Jay against the top 20 Eco Schools in the country with the Taylor Jones have judges commenting on their range of knowledge and all been accepted commitment. as Senior Eco Reps and will now, along with our Year 11s, be responsible for managing our sustainability work. We have installed a further 30kW of solar panels to our Hall roof. This has been organised by OVESCO who provided a similar number of panels to the Clark Block last year. OVESCO are a not for profit community group and will shortly be offering the opportunity to buy shares in this latest array as part of a community share offer. Further details can be found on their website: https:// Students ovesco.co.uk/ have been working hard to maintain the church yard at St Mary’s during their lunchtimes. From clearing paths and gutters to sweeping leaves, our students have demonstrated that they are happy to work in the community and have fun doing so. Church Warden Rosemary Colebourn said, “It’s been As part of our investment in learning, James Packer, our fantastic having the students at the church. They’ve IT Manager, has purchased some 28 new computers worked so hard and have made a huge difference to the to replace older machines and provide an improved churchyard” learning experience for students. However, instead of purchasing standard machines, he has chosen ultra-low energy machines which have no cooling mechanism. These machines were originally designed to be used where electrical energy is at a premium. At Ringmer, they complement our energy policy and further reduce our reliance on carbon-based fuels.

Mr Stephen Green Super Eco Warrior King’s Academy Ringmer

9 CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT On Thursday 14th December, we held our first Carols by Candlelight. Everyone was welcome, the hall looked wonderful with all the candles creating a lovely warm glow to the festive performance. The choir started the evening with Silent Night which was followed by readings from the Ringmer Dramatic Society and students. The singing ended with The Twelve Days of Christmas, which left everyone well and truly in the Christmas spirt. The Art department presented Sir Roger Fry with a beautiful Christmas wreath that they made. Chocolate truffles were available from the Food Technology department, Chartwells kindly laid-on mulled punch and shortbread biscuits which were well received. The evening finished with a Raffle, prizes were donated from local businesses: The Anchor Inn, Busy Bee Garage, The Old Forge, Ganges Restaurant, Ringmer Village Bakery and Lew Howard and Son butchers. All monies will be given to Ringmer Scouts.

10 WORD OF THE WEEK This term, we have continued to try and develop our vocabularies by having ‘Word of the Week’ – a selected word shared with staff WOW and students every Monday. In tutor times, we discuss the word and how it can be used in a sentence. However, we also explore the root of the words, the link with other words and prefixes and suffixes. We hope this is giving students the skills necessary to approach unfamiliar vocabulary. Students have nominated words and we have tried to include topical words that students may hear in the media or at various points in the year. Next term, we will tweet ‘Word of the Week’ so students can be supported at home in using it and we are always open to suggestions!

RATHFINNY WINE ESTATE makers, project managers, service staff, housekeeping, sales, accountancy, PT/event management, chefs, King’s Academy Ringmer took 15 students to visit agronomists, farm workers and other specialists e.g. Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston today as part of engineers. the East Sussex County Council’s ‘Open Door 2017’ project. ‘Open Doors 2017’ enables schools to take students to visit East Sussex businesses and organisations so that they can gain a real insight into the world of work and the wonderful opportunities available to them in the county. Recent studies have shown that encounters with employers have a significant effect on young people and can improve their performance at school and raise their aspirations. The family owned 600 acres estate is currently only at the halfway point in terms of vines planted. Once the estate has planted vines on 350 acres, expected by 2020, it will be ’s largest vineyard and capable of producing over one million bottles a year of the finest Sussex . Year 9 student, Isaac Birch, said, “I really enjoyed seeing where all the grapes are pressed and made into wine. I was amazed at how big the estate is!” Student Keira McTernan added, “It was so interesting; there can be up to 40 bunches of grapes on one small vine and Estate manager, Richard James, conducted the tour, one vine will only make one bottle of wine. which encompassed the Vineyard, Winery and the Flint Barns, the designated area for hospitality and catering. Rathfinny Wine Estate prizes itself as a local employer, as well as only using locally sourced produce. Students were surprised by the huge variety of job opportunities the estate offers throughout the year. These include vineyard workers, machinery operators, chemists, wine

Visit co-ordinator Jamie Peacock would like to thank East Sussex Open Doors 2017 for the opportunity and to Rathfinny Wine Estate, especially Richard James, for a fantastically interesting tour and wishes Rathfinny all the very best of luck for the future. 11 ENGLISH THEATRE VISITS Theatre Trip: ‘A Christmas Theatre Trip: ‘When We are Married’. Written by J.B. Carol’. 19th Priestley, this was a fantastic opportunity for students to Century see a play that deals with many of the same themes as Literature ‘An Inspector Calls’ (also by J. B. Priestley), which they contributes to are studying for their GCSE. To see a stage production a significant of this kind helps them to understand the stagecraft and portion of the interaction between characters and this is invaluable new GCSE for their understanding of GCSE texts. Students were and at King’s an absolute credit to the academy and we are thrilled Academy to have made a great acquaintance with the Little Ringmer, we Lewes Theatre’s manager, who has promised a great have chosen to partnership with the school going forward. study Dickens’ classic ‘A Christmas Carol’. We were therefore delighted to be able to take a large number of year 10 and 11 students to The Spire in Brighton to see a play adaptation of this wonderful novel. Our KS4 students did the academy proud and have all agreed that seeing the novel brought to life has really cemented their understanding of the texts themes and difficult language.

in the music industry. term. It has been a wonderful THE MUSIC DEPT opportunity for the year 5 and 6 The music department has been Students at the school have students who intend to come to very busy recently, especially participated in national music KAR to experience performing to towards the end of the year. campaigns and they have also an audience at secondary school Our students performed a visited countries such as Australia, level and for parents to meet the Christmas concert for the East America, and Europe, performing music staff and other teachers at Sussex Association of Blind to members of the public which the school. and Partially Sighted People. has contributed enormously to their Everyone one joined in singing holistic education. The music department’s aim for music education is to evolve The music department has good with current music trends and to links with its feeder schools, offering combine this ethos with traditional chances for primary school students teaching methods and maintain to participate in concerts here the importance of music education at King’s Academy Ringmer. In and creativity that all young people recent years, it has been a tradition should have access to. that local primary school students have performed in KAR’s Young Miss C Wooton Performer’s concert in the summer Leader of Music

along to the Carols and had a fantastic afternoon. We also hosted the Carols by Candlelight event previously mentioned in this newsletter. Further performances to the public are planned for early next year. The school has a long and well established history of music making and performance in the local community and nationally. Many of our students go on to study music post 16 and have forged very successful careers 12 LOOKING knowledge of the language, practise will be used to enhance the GCSE speaking Spanish, and discover art learning experience and add FORWARD TO some of the history and geography to the final grade. Prospective Art of the area. The Catalan capital, students will be asked to specifically BARCELONA Barcelona is one of the most-visited bring a camera, a small A4 or A5 cities in Europe, and there is no sketchbook, drawing and colouring “We are delighted to offer to the shortage of reasons why. It’s ideal pencils. year 10s of Spanish and Art a very for a cross-curricular school trip, We are working to arrange the final exciting opportunity to visit Spain in because this is a destination where details of this visit and a letter will be 2018. We hope to depart in July, but culture, cuisine, art, sport and fun are sent soon to our Y10 students with all the final dates will be confirm very inextricably linked. the details about the trip. soon. We also will be attending gallery Mr Prado and Mr Madriaga are very This visit will give the students a exhibitions. We will use the time pleased to be able to provide this chance to learn about the culture and to photograph Barcelona’s culture, exceptional learning opportunity to customs of Spain, widen their architecture and energy. The trip their students!

LIBRARY NEWS We look forward to working with them in the New Year and we hope There has been no “quiet” around to collaborate on future workshops the library of late with a flurry of and visits for the students. activities and the inception of an exciting new partnership. We now have two well attended We are very proud to announce that book clubs running. It is always we have the amazing Much Ado an enjoyable experience to meet Books, based in Alfriston, working with the students to hear their with our school library. Via their discussions on the books. Much Ado ‘Prospero’ project, they have offered Books are supporting the book club funding that is filling our library through their sponsorship. shelves with wonderful new books.

would otherwise be thrown away. The students have been crafting Christmas decorations and have even created a miniature library! As well as being incredibly enjoyable, the resulting artwork is used to decorate the library and form displays. The School are also going to be part of the Amazing Book Awards (ABA). Students will be able to choose a shortlist of books then vote for the winners. Students will then be able to meet the authors at the ABA presentation evenings. It will be such a huge boost to our Every Wednesday lunchtime, I have Sarah Colbourne school to have some up-to-date started a book art / paper craft club reads for the students. Librarian reusing old damaged books that 13 SUSSEX WRITES ‘Sussex Writes’: creative writing workshop. This month, a group of Year 11 students English at King’s Academy Ringmer took part in a creative writing workshop run by lecturers, PHD students and undergraduates from Sussex University. It was a fantastic afternoon and students were able to develop vital skills for when they write about settings, character, beginnings and endings. We look forward to continuing this partnership with Sussex University.

BRAVERY AWARD UKMT AT RINGMER FOR YEAR 8 Maths will be starting the UKMT club after Christmas. This is aimed at students who STUDENT wish to enter either the Intermediate (years 9-10) or Junior (years 7-8) individual and team challenges. East have awarded The competitions are currently entered by two girls, Katie Latham and Lettie approximately 600 000 students from 4000 Young, with their Good Citizen Award. schools and colleges nationally and is aimed at the top 40% of mathematicians in the country. The UKMT Individual Katie and Lettie, who are in year 8, Maths Challenges are lively, intriguing multiple choice question papers, were witness to a road traffic collision which are designed to stimulate interest in maths in large numbers of in which the driver of the vehicle pupils. survived the crash potentially due to The papers contain 25 multiple choice questions. Of these, the first 15 the quick response from the girls as are more accessible whilst the final 10 will provide more food for thought. they called for help. Gold, silver and bronze certificates are awarded to 40% of participants nationally in the Junior and Intermediate Challenges. The most successful participants at each level are invited to enter follow-on rounds. Kangaroos (multiple choice questions) or Olympiads requiring full written answers. Here is one question from the junior and one from the intermediate more accessible section of the paper and one from the junior “food for thought” section: Remember that the only equipment allowed during the exam is a pencil, rubber and plain sheet of paper.

Police said that this was a shocking scene for adults, and therefore very traumatic for two young girls. The award honours exemplary deeds of personal courage, bravery and communication skills. Well done girls; we are very proud!

14 OPEN EVENING SUCCESS Our recent Open Evening attracted some 400 visitors who came to view the building, meet the staff and students and hear Matt Hillier outline his plans to make the academy one of the best in the county. The 20% improvement in GCSE results this year already reflects the significant change in ethos. We sincerely hope that current Year 6 students will want to make King’s Academy Ringmer their choice for secondary education. At our community meeting in April, academic education in association many members of the various with a caring environment. This organisations who attended is a welcome return to the original expressed concern about how the values on which Ringmer was King’s Academy Trust would change founded. Our pupils are looking things. Kings are a small, high fantastically smart in their new quality organisation who manage uniforms and there is a real several schools in the UK and atmosphere of change throughout abroad but are totally committed the academy. to traditional British values. The academy badge refers to: Honesty, Feedback from the Open Evening Faith and Courage. Sir Roger Fry, and the Morning Tours were Chairman at Kings, has a very both really positive, with a huge straightforward attitude towards percentage saying that it looks and providing the very best of feels like a completely new school.

GOVERNOR NEWSSCIENCE AND ALL THINGS GREEN This term, Mr Green gave a tour of how the school uses renewable energy in the school to our Year 10 students. Year 10 students are currently learning about energy, it’s uses, the production of electricity and the impacts of different energy resources on the Earth in their Physics lessons.

used in the school. The academy the school uses renewable energy does an amazing job of using today. His tour was informative and renewable energy resources, and inspiring. You can’t beat seeing it ties in perfectly with the science these things for yourself, rather Dr Neal, Director of Science, said, curriculum. Mr Green is extremely than being shown pictures in the ‘It is great for the students to get out knowledgeable about the uses of classroom.’ of the classroom and actually see different energy resources, and he renewable energy resources being has been the major driver in how Dr Neal Leader of Science 15 has over 200 published works BRIAN MOSES and is well known as a children’s poet. Young people from Firle, AUTHOR Laughton, Ringmer and Alfriston English – September primary schools spent the whole day Brian Moses, Author Visit: This with other able writers from King’s month, King’s Academy Ringmer (in Academy’s new year 7 cohort. The conjunction with Ringmer Primary) young creatives learnt different invited other local primary schools to techniques for writing poetry and attend an exclusive creative writing were encouraged to draw on their workshop with Brian Moses. Moses own experiences and

memories to help them produce some wonderfully moving and even humorous pieces of work. A great day was had by all! Thank you to all involved! Miss L Moss Leader of English

NHS DROP-IN NURSE DRAMA King’s Academy Ringmer will be offering the A school musical is being planned for 2018 and will be a chance for all students, every Wednesday to see dance, drama and musical collaboration. an NHS nurse. There will be a drop-in session available at lunch times in the meeting room by reception.

Starting in January, year 11 drama students will be directing Dennis Kelly’s ‘DNA’ for year 8 and 9 students. The An appoint is not necessary and sessions are performance will be later in the year. completely confidential (except with safegaurding issues). Miss Williams Leader of Drama and Dance 16 BRIGHTON ART WORKSHOP 1st Gifted & Talented Art Workshop King’s Academy Ringmer 03.11.17

This workshop enabled Gifted & Talented Art students across Key Stage 3 to develop their photography and drawing skills. It was a pleasure to support the Hugh thanks to Mr Peacock and participation throughout the day. students’ creative interests outside Ms Hook for their support and in Many thanks, the classroom environment and particular to K. Street, S. Watkins, enhance their experiences with M. Swallow, J. Oyarzabal and R. Mr M Madriaga exposure to Brighton’s dynamic and Trent for their enthusiasm and Head of Faculty: Creative Arts, bustling character. All students were Technology and PE. engaged with the activities set and thrived in capturing photographs in the city. We visited the Laines, The ‘Level’ Park, Brighton Pier, West Pier, i360 and Brighton Museum.

Students behaved in an exemplary manner and upheld the academy’s ethos of ‘In pursuit of excellence’.

Students now have the opportunity to extend this workshop by submitting entries for the annual art exhibition to be held in May 2018.

17 DUKE OF This was a useful way for Mr relevant Expedition Equipment Duckworth and Mr Madriaga to view and also to ensure they have a EDINBURGH commitment and prior knowledge. particular aim along the walk- such It was also a way in which students as evidencing disabled access along AWARD used their learning conducted a route or particular foliage along a pathway. Bronze Training Day DofE walk during the weekly after school DofE sessions. Sunday 26.11.17 Our students upheld our ethos of The 14km walk took us through ‘In pursuit of Excellence’ and were The walk Sheffield Park and surrounding excellent ambassadors for our began very areas. Students had to ensure academy. early with they were fully prepared with the both King’s Academy Ringmer and Uckfield Community Technology College meeting at Fords green, Nutley. Although the temperature was very bitter and cold, the forecast was clear skies. The six groups were divided in two and asked to walk clockwise and anti along a route. On the way, our students were asked to navigate and discuss aspects of an expedition.

such as friendship problems, or exam stress. In January OUR NEW OASIS GROUP 2018 the New OASIS students will receive specific The OASIS Group (Offering All Students Independent training in peer listening and in anti-bullying support and Support) is made up of a number of committed strategies. They meet with the Inclusion Mentor once a students, working with the Inclusion Mentor, who co- week to receive anti bullying referrals, and to discuss ordinates and implements the anti-bullying policy of case work and outcomes. the school. OASIS Students can also offer support to students who have been identified as in need of short Good luck to all involved term support with any issues,

18 SUSSEX SQUASH SQUAD My Squash Story by Olivia Wiles It all started when my dad wanted to keep kids off the streets and instead playing sport. He started with my brother and his friends; he took them down to the local squash club in Lewes (The Southdown Sports Club). This is where they learnt the basics and became decent squash players. Unfortunately, they couldn’t continue because football had priority over squash. However, after about 5 years, we renewed our membership to the club and started playing tennis every summer. But, once again, football got in the way. When I was about 8 or 9 years old, we returned to squash on a Saturday morning and played in a group lesson with Nic (the coach). I enjoyed this very much. So much so, the next week we played again and again, until a year later Nic told us about the Sussex Closed tournament at Corals, next to the Greyhound Stadium, Brighton. That didn’t go too well for me – I lost all my games as I was up against strong competition. Most of the players were seeded within the The following year, I tried again. This year, in the Sussex Closed, I top 20 nationally! All of which also But this time, my courage and knew that to get a spot in the Sussex represented Sussex. self-esteem levels were low. As a B squad and the Under 15 girls consequence, I lost, again. Despite Sussex team I needed to come at the losses, I realised that with every least 3rd. game I was gaining more and more points. Also, I have started playing At 11:30am I had my first game. team games for Lewes. I won the I won 3-0. Then my second game, majority of these and was on a again I won 3-0. I was in the final mental high place when it came to against my friend and mental enemy the Lewes Open. I had won my first Emily. Unfortunately, I lost, but I put competitive tournament game. I was up a good fight and held my own. so happy, I could’ve jumped over the moon. This got me into Sussex As a result of the wins and losses, squash training sessions and I I am now Sussex Under 13 girls resulted in playing number 4 seed runner up, Under 15 girls 5th seed for the under 13 girls Sussex team. for Sussex and I moved from feeder We got to the Plate finals and came / C squad to B squad. 2nd in the intercountry tournament. These Sussex games took me to Onwards and upwards for me now, Nottingham, Swindon and I’ve played with more tournament wins and on an-glass court at the Home of victorious matches for Under 15 girls England Squash, Manchester. This (as long as I can fit it all in around was, so far, the best moment of my my Sussex hockey development life and beyond words. fixtures / matches.

19 NATIONAL First Lottie had to qualify at Hickstead in the Disabled’s South DRESSAGE East Region’s Dressage Qualifier from about 60 riders. COMPETITOR Lottie and Rosie had to ride a specific test with a predetermined Lottie Mayo, year 7 student, has pattern in a 20m x 40m arena and ridden horses since she was just also choose to ride a freestyle test. two years old. Her mum used to Of course they qualified and won a take her every week; Lottie loved place at the Championships. it so much that her mum started lessons as well and got their own In the final test of the National horse when Lottie was six years old Championships, Rosie started called Ellie. neighing and wanted to stop towards the end of the test. Lottie As well as riding every weekend, managed to keep her going but Lottie continued to have show they lost points because of it. Even jumping lessons every Wednesday so they finished seventh, which is after school at a local riding school. fantastic. Lottie said, “I’m so proud Lottie has Cerebral palsy from to be seventh in the whole of Great having Meningitis at six months old. Britain, I’m really looking forward to Cerebral palsy affects movement competing again next year!” and co-ordination, so riding a horse and jumping is harder for her than it may be for most. At 8 years of age, Lottie joined the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) at Plumpton College. Before long, Lottie started competitions at Plumpton and after a couple of years she got better and better. Riding an RDA horse, Rosie, Lottie Qualified for the National RDA Championships at Harpbury College. The Championship is bigger than the Paralympics and Para World Championships combined. In previous years, it King’s Academy Ringmer would like has proved a springboard for the to congratulate Lottie and wish her Paralympics with many of the all the best in the competition next current Team GB having competed year. at The Championships. On the 24th September, myself, Rosie Hobbs and Ellie Welfare took part and competed in an under 21’s training day and game for the England stoolball team. The day included practising and training in areas of bowling batting, tactical game play and how to react quickly and under pressure. As the girls and I are all very passionate about the sport, it was a real joy to be selected for the day and to take part. Stoolball ls a sport that we all play, for our local clubs. (Ringmer junior stoolball club and Barcombe junior stoolball club). This year is my tenth year playing stoolball, playing in my local junior league and at county level. In the future I would like stoolball to become a more recognised game in the sporting industries so more schools and areas can be involved in teaching and competing. Emily Trent. Year 11. 20 KARATE BLACK BELT On the 1st of October and after 10 years of training, I achieved my goal of becoming a black belt in karate. I began studying at Sama Karate in year 2 at Herstmonceux Primary School under Sempai Emma. Karate teaches, at all grades, discipline, strength and stamina in the art of self defence. It’s given me great self- confidence, physical strength and a sense of achievement through regular grading and I’m very grateful to my instructors. I would recommend karate to people of all ages. Despite having achieved my first goal, I am now working towards my 2nd Dan in karate as well as taking up judo, Ju-jitsu and weapon work (Kobudo). Matilda Nicholls

Here are some of the Archery trophies that Dominic has won DOMINIC PECKHAM - over the past 2 years. ARCHERY CHAMPION He holds 3 County Records. Junior Windsor - 40,30 & 20 yds, shot at Eastbourne - scored 825 out of a possible 972 Metric 3 - 50,40 & 40 meters, shot at County Championships 2017 - scored 870 out of a possible 1440. Clout Shoot Record - 90 meters, shot at Eastbourne - scored 144 out of a possible 180. He shoots a recurve bow but as a barebow (no sights or stabilisers allowed). He has shot representing Sussex this year, against Hampshire (Sussex won!) All details can be found on the Sussex County Archery website. He is currently ranked as Junior Bowman, which is 1 level below Master bowman. DANCE AT RINGMER

Dance will be working with local primary schools in order to produce a big performance evening to celebrate their work. GCSE Dance students will have a performance evening to celebrate their work over the two years supported by Raputure Dance Company. Rapture Dance Company and Junior Dance have been invited to the University of Brighton to perform in the annual ‘Dance Your Way Into 2018’ evening in January. Students will join a number of other local school as well as university students for an evening of dance performances. 21 NETBALL INTERNATIONAL Another strong season for RUGBY MATCH our netball teams with some excellent results against 15 Students went to Twickenham Seaford, Seahaven and to watch England V Samoa on Peacehaven. Saturday 25th November for the Autumn international game along with 82,000 other spectators.

The year 7s & 9s beat Priory and the year 11s had a fantastic The atmosphere was fantastic. It game against them finishing in a . was a first international match for 22-22 draw. The year 8s have many of the students who have beaten Gildredge House whilst never experienced anything like it. the 7s & 11s are still waiting to The students and staff were all play their games. absolutely delighted with the final result, England scored seven tries to win the match 48 - 14. England finished the autumn with three wins from three.

Leader of PE Mr Coulthard said ‘ not only was it a great result but the day was made even better due to our students impeccable behaviour, well done guys!’

GIRLS RUGBY Rugby – The girls have really taken to Rugby again this year. We have teamed up with Uckfield Vixens and the girls really enjoyed their training night with them. In addition, Xanthe Watkins, Laura Major & Martha Swallow have all joined Uckfield Rugby Club. Xanthe played and won her first league match last weekend.

22 FOOTBALL Football- All Year groups for Boys have had football fixtures as part of their leagues in the local sports partnership. Again, we have had different degrees of success with these, the Year 11s probably finishing highest in their league along with the Year 7s. Next week the Year 7s will be attending the Local 6 a side football tournament at a local school. A special mention has to go to Harvey Lamble for refereeing many home games this year and for also going to Firle Primary school to referee a tournament for them.

The football club this year has been run by Brighton and Hove Albion FC, which has meant much more continuity of delivery when members of the PE staff have been taking fixtures elsewhere.

Year 9 boys Football Team

FIRST AID YEAR 10 & 11 GCSE TRAMPOLINING We have just had our first cohort Both year 10s & 11s have experienced sessions at Uckfield Trampoline Centre of year 11s successfully complete as part of their GCSE PE course. their Young First Aid Certificate with St John’s Ambulance.

Also First Aid lunch time club is proving to be very successful with SCHOOL CLUBS students from all different age Clubs have been really well attended this year groups attending. with some new additions of Judo, Chess and First Aid. Table tennis is ever popular with the At our Christmas Carol Concert numbers for basketball starting to increase. last week, Oscar Beale & Stanley Everyday a club is held in the gym and Olden volunteered to represent the lunchtime and also many clubs are delivered school as First Aiders. afterschool with Netball Club & Rugby Club Thanks guys. will start in the new year 23 ACADEMY SPORT Cross Country – A very successful partnership event, which we organised and hosted. Record number This year, we are seeing many more students taking of schools attended. Over 200 students from local part in sport and finding an enjoyment in this. Although secondary schools attended. Well done to all students not always winning, they are learning the positive values who were involved, especially Jay Atkins who came of sport and the teamwork and comradery which this 2nd in his race. brings. Basketball- Year 7 boys came 4th out of 10 teams in the local 3 V 3 Basketball tournaments which have just taken place.

Swimming- KS4 swimming gala we hosted at the College, with 8 other schools in attendance, had some excellent results with a number of different students winning their events. KS3 gala: we took a team of 8 to compete. There were some excellent performances and we had a competitor in all races with varying degrees of success. It was a tough competition with some county and national swimmers from other schools.

Ex STUDENT, BLUEBELL King’s Academy Ringmer students, SCORES AT AT including sister TWICKENHAM Matilda, travelled up to Twickenham Students and staff were overjoyed for ex-student Bluebell to cheer Cambridge Nicholls recently; she achieved the greatest wish of any and especially rugby player in the world by scoring a try at Twickenham Bluebell on to in a final! Bluebell was an outstanding student here at victory. Cambridge Ringmer, where Mrs Peters started a girls’ rugby team ladies beat Oxford when Bluebell was in year 10. Mrs Peters soon realised 24-0 with Bluebell that Bluebell was a natural and encouraged her to join scoring a try! a club. Bluebell has never looked back and is now a After lifting the regular player for Cambridge University. winning cup, Bluebell came over to see her sister and the Ringmer students, signing autographs and posing for selfies. Mrs Peters said, ‘I couldn’t be prouder and happier for Bluebell. She is not only extremely talented but has a fantastic attitude. I’m sure this is just the beginning of great things.’

Bluebell Nicholls, Sister, Matilda Nicholls and Mrs Peters December 7, Cambridge played Oxford University in the infamous Varsity Match at Twickenham. www.kgaringmer.uk [email protected] @Ringmer_Academy 01273 812220