Newsletter 6 - May 2020

May 2020 St. Richard’s Catholic College
Ashdown Road, Bexhill-On-Sea
A National Teaching School. A National Support School and a High Performing Specialist Science College
East Sussex TN40 1SE
Tel: 01424 731070

Email: [email protected]
www.strichardscc.com

Newsletter 6 Principal: D. Cronin N.P.Q.H. M.A. B.Ed

Dear Parents/Carers

I hope you and your families are in good health. As term I plan to run both Parental Focus Groups meetings on-line
five draws to a close, it has been reassuring to see the in June giving you, as parents/carers, the opportunity to
majority of the school community settle to the ‘new normal’. talk about lockdown activities, the future and any other
topics you would like to raise. There will be a morning
In this newsletter, departments celebrate some of the meeting on Wednesday, 10th June at 9.15am and an
wonderful work achieved by pupils during lockdown. I evening meeting on Thursday, 11th June at 6.00pm.
hope you enjoy reading and viewing the work where pupils Please let my PA know by email ([email protected]) if
really demonstrate their creativity. I am really proud of you are able to attend so that a GoogleMeet invite can be
all that has been achieved and I cannot thank the staff sent to you.
enough for aiming to enrich the curriculum on-line diet with
a variety of tasks, bearing in mind the limited resources I am sure the pupils will be delighted to hear that Mr Rome
available to some at home. I am confident that, whilst is now a proud father, so congratulations to him and his
learning may not have gone at the speed we would have wife; baby Isabella is thriving. At the start of this term,
liked, for most pupils in most subjects, learning has not we welcomed Ms Cooper to our Cover Supervisor team;
stood still! Opportunities for creativity can be stifled, at we hope she will be very happy and fulfilled in our school
times, by Exam Board requirements so it has been good community.
for staff to have time to inspire pupils with particular
passions. As the term ends, we say farewell and good luck to Mrs
Dunster who commences maternity leave. Ms Whelan
Please continue to encourage your son/daughter to will take on her classes until she returns. I would ask you
engage fully in the learning offer as well as the variety to continue to offer prayers for the good health and well-
of video clips sent by Jo and the Pastoral Leaders: this being of Miss Easton, Mrs Truss, Mr Gallivan and Mrs
ensures we all stay connected and move forward in Dann. During next term, we welcome back Mrs Adams,
learning and resilience. What I have seen over the past Mrs Campbell and Mrs Harker from maternity leave.
nine weeks is a real sense of community not only in school
life but in the range of activities staff have carried out for As you know, the Government has decided that only Year
the pupils, and the pupils have carried out for their families ten will have some ‘face to face’ contact with school during
and elderly relatives. I am frequently reminded of the term six. Can I therefore urge you to keep encouraging
goodness in our pupils and staff as I hear stories of the your son/daughter to work hard, be resilient, engage in
community projects they are involved in and the random some passion projects and read regularly. Hopefully,
acts of kindness they carry out for their neighbours. Long the whole school community will be able to return in
may this continue and, as Pope Francis urges, ‘We all the autumn term fired up to extend their learning and
have to be sowers of hope’. determined to engage in enrichment activities. I will
continue to write to you weekly next term and will be in
Sadly, a number of memorable events of a typical term 6 touch with parents/carers of Year ten pupils once the go
will not occur this year such as Sports Day, Block Days, ahead is given to put recovery plans in place for them. In
the Summer Production, Field trips, the end of Year Mass, the meantime, pupils of Key Workers, pupils with an EHCP
Work Experience, New Intake Days and the PTFA Summer and vulnerable pupils are reminded that school is open to
Fayre. I can only apologise for this and assure pupils that you daily (9.00 - 3.00pm).
each event will be even more significant next year.
Finally, I pray that you and your families remain in good
I am pleased that Sophie’s Secret Postcard auction can go health and positive spirits.
ahead because it gives us an opportunity to engage as a
community in what we are good at – fundraising for others. Yours sincerely
It also offers the opportunity for budding artists to have
their work auctioned for such a fantastic cause. See page Principal
34 for further details bearing in mind that all postcards
need to be submitted by 1st June.

Message from the Chair of Governors

‘The new normal’ is what the press are suggesting we will have to get used to. Currently it
is anything but normal, but I must say that I and the other Governors have been enormously
impressed with the way pupils, parents, teachers and support staff have adapted. It is hard
to change to new ways of working, thinking, doing and being.

We look forward to the time when things we previously took for granted and probably didn’t appreciate
enough, are re-instated - a normal school day, a calendar full of dates of activities to anticipate, a haircut and
above all meeting with friends. Until then, please be assured that Miss Cronin and all the staff are working
very hard and even Governors are getting to grips with virtual meetings! God bless, keep safe and healthy.

Alison Horan, Chair of Governors

Parents, Teachers & Friends Association NEWS
The aim of the PTFA is to raise money for the children and staff of St Richard’s

The PTFA provides refreshments at Parents Evenings and Showcase events for visitors and staff.

We hope you are all keeping well. Sadly, due to Covid-19, the Summer Fayre is cancelled this year.

Could we please encourage you to join Easyfundraising. When you buy online, certain retailers (including
Amazon) make a small donation to the school and it doesn't cost you any extra. All you have to do is sign
up at www.easyfundraising.org.uk and select our school from the list. This will bring in extra funding for the
school for our staff and children. So far, we have raised £575.14 from Easyfundrasing.

Please note, the deadline for Sophie's On-line Postcard Auction entries is 1st June 2020.

Please stay safe and keep well. Best wishes, The PTFA Team.
The PTFA Team ([email protected]) Charity Registration Number 1174645

In February, pupils and staff at St Richard’s St Richard’s recently sent £604.73 to CAFOD following
demonstrated their support for the local fundraising in school during the school year. CAFOD will
charity, St Michael’s Hospice, by hosting use the funds to help those struggling with the impact of
a ‘Yellow Day’, raising an impressive Covid-19 in the developing world.
£1192.00.
Email communication
Following the theme set by the Hospice,
pupils and staff donned an item of yellow From the beginning of term 6, we will no longer be using
for the day and donated a minimum of £1 Schoolcomms, therefore all email communication will be
for the privilege. via Edulink.

This money has now been sent to the Please ensure that you have Edulink
Hospice. One installed on your mobile phone.
Any problems or queries, please email
Newsletter - May 2020 IT Services at:

[email protected]

Page 2

YEAR SEVEN NEWS

In this time of struggle and uncertainty I would like Mr Smith, our SENCO, also has set up a dedicated
to bring to your attention some wonderful news. area for any child who needs support. You can contact
Chestnut Tree House has written to the pupils of Year the Learning Support Team via pupilhelpdesk@
7 thanking them for their fundraising endeavours. strichardscc.com
Year 7 raised £989.52 with the Reindeer Run and
other festive fundraising challenges. Martin Styring Each week I also challenge the pupils to do something
of Chestnut Tree House commented that the pupils fun. We have ‘built something big’, created a domino
should be proud of themselves; he appreciates the track using books, toys and biscuits and designed
work they have done to make every day count for the paper airplanes to see who can fly the furthest. These
very vulnerable in their care. activities are voluntary and I share the pictures or
videos at the end of the week. We have a winner who
To support the year group I have set up a Google receives an Amazon voucher, but the real aim is keep
Classroom. Each week I share a short video focusing everyone in touch with everyone else.
on well-being and, in particular, the 12 rocks of well-
being. Pupils have also been signposted to support Week One winner - Mia Ashford (Build it Big)
with their academic studies and social aspect of the Week Two winner - Millie Moore (Biscuit domino track)
lockdown. One real way you can help your child to Week Three winner -Thomas Weakley (Paper plane
reduce anxieties and stress is to ask them if they that disappears into next door’s garden!)
need help. If it is academic support I strongly suggest
you sit with them as they email their teacher. This I have asked pupils to give me feedback about how
is often the biggest hurdle and I will continue to we are doing. I have had some good responses and
reinforce that they will not be in trouble for asking for shared them with their teachers. One idea that we are
help. By doing this, their teacher will have a better not allowed to do, is live stream teaching or meetings.
understanding of what is happening and can make This has been stipulated by East Sussex County
adjustments accordingly. The pastoral team and I will Council at this time.
always be happy to telephone home for other issues.
On that note, staff are currently phoning all pupils to To finish, I would like to thank all parents/carers
make a welfare check. If we were unable to speak to for their support. When we do phone home the
you in person, we will have left a message and will try overwhelming response has been lovely. Please
again soon. do not think you are alone; we are only an email or
phone call away. Our thoughts and prayers are with
The School Counsellor is available for telephone you all, especially with sick loved ones or loved ones
sessions. It is easy to set up and all you need to do is who are no longer with us.
email me.
Mr Bligh and the Year Seven Team

Year 7 Challenge winners:

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 3

YEAR EIGHT NEWS

I hope you are all safe and well whilst the lockdown Congratulations to Codey Preston and Jayson Jakupi
continues. Although it feels very strange writing a who created the best paper aeroplanes! You can see
newsletter whilst the vast majority of pupils are at their efforts below:
home, there are still plenty of things to celebrate!
Reasons to celebrate - Congratulations are also in
PSHE and VE Day - This term I began posting PSHE order for Year 8’s Lilana Kuprowska, who managed
materials provided by Ms Vanvuchelen on the Year to achieve over 450 House points. She is the first
8 Pastoral Space Google Classroom. We began in the school to achieve this milestone, and it is
with some mental health resources, because it is so doubly impressive considering that we have been on
important that young people keep themselves healthy lockdown for such an extended period of time. Very
in their minds as well as in their bodies at this difficult Well Done, Liliana!
time. I hope the pupils are availing themselves of the
resources and watching some of the videos posted by I would also like to praise Mia Peck for her Haunted
Andrew Wright. One of my video messages explored House Project; Zachary Read for his awesome
automatic negative thoughts, and I urge the pupils to videos, and all those who have been taking part in,
use this message to celebrate all that is positive in and often winning, the daily challenges set by Mrs
their lives even when things are tough. Wood. Keep at it, Year 8! You are making me proud,
even from afar! I am thinking of you all and always
We celebrated VE Day on Friday, 8th May. I hope the keen to hear what you are up to! Make sure you send
children watched my video message and enjoyed the me an email or maybe a picture of things you might
beautiful voice of our very own Amelie Bennett, singing have made whilst on lockdown - it is always lovely to
Vera Lynn's post-war anthem ‘We’ll Meet Again’. hear from you individually.

Challenges - I will be occasionally posting challenges Looking forward to seeing you back at school one day!
and fun things to try out whilst the pupils are at home. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy,

This time we had a go at paper airplanes! Mr J Steele - Pastoral Leader Year 8
[email protected]

YEAR NINE NEWS

Many of us have found our normal routines disrupted themselves and their families is stressful. Please do
by the current situation. Across the world, people not hesitate to get in touch with me if you need any
are under lockdown in their houses and 1.53 billion further help and support with this.
learners are out of school or university. That is 87% of
all learners currently enrolled in the whole world. The Please ensure your child is logging in daily, where
teachers and support staff at St Richard’s are working possible, to their Edulink, email and Google Classroom
hard to try and supply pupils with learning and support. accounts. If there are any problems regarding work
I know parents and carers are doing their best to set, email subject teachers directly to let them know
help teach their children. Still, for many young people and seek help and advice.
and their parents, having to create new routines for

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 4

Charity Year 9 options
Well done and thank you to to 9F for organising a Although pupils have chosen the subjects they would
remote charity event with the 2.6 ball challenge. I look like to study for GCSE, it is imperative that they
forward to viewing the results of this! continue to try their hardest across the curriculum and
enjoy their last term studying a broad subject base.
PSHEe The Year 9 Summative report will be distributed as
This term, Year 9 can access the PSHEe topics planned during Term 6. However, it will be an on-line
on supporting well-being. I have set up a Google report with a subject and tutor comment only.
Classroom for Year 9 with weekly messages, PSHEe
and liturgy resources. There is also a section to take Please remember that we are always here to help
part in competitions and challenges as well as tips on to ensure that your child is happy and fulfils his/her
home study and webinars on well-being from Andrew potential. We will continue to update you, as and when
Wright. information becomes available, regarding the current
public health situation. Hoping you and your families
House points stay safe and well at this uncertain time.
Pupils will be continuing to collect House points and
behaviour points whilst learning remotely. I will review Mrs A Hills - Acting Pastoral Leader Year 9
these regularly and be in touch with pupils who are [email protected]
achieving well or need support.

YEAR TEN - Be Resilient
Firstly, I would like to pass on my congratulations to few forms have Google Classroom set up to share
the majority of pupils who are working well and are things of interest with the pupils. It is important that
submitting quality work. By now pupils should be in a pupils engage with both the pastoral and tutor emails/
work routine utilising Edulink initially to work out what Google Classroom to ensure that connection and
work is set. I would suggest planning out the week in communication are being maintained.
terms of what your child is going to complete daily.
Once organised, pupils then follow the instructions on The Crest Award
Edulink to go on to specific websites or their Google Mr Lahache has shared with all Year 10 pupils a
Classroom and complete the work. I have been very Google Classroom specifically for The Crest. It
impressed by the mature approach so many of the has seen a lot of action in recent weeks with pupils
pupils have taken to their remote learning. submitting evidence for each aspect of The Crest. This
is a perfect time for pupils to get this completed and
The required timings for each subject are highlighted achieve the Silver Crest by the end of the year.
in the table below. Please use it as a guide and
communicate with your child’s subject staff if the work Prefect Applications
is too challenging or the volume is too much. Feeding Prefect applications have been sent out in the
back to staff is the only way they can adjust the format of a Google survey, The deadline for Prefect
volume/challenge of the work set. applications is 1st June 2020; the link to the survey is
on the Year 10 Google Classroom and has been set
KS4 subject Amount of hours per week as a task on Edulink.

English 4.0 WEX - Telephone calls
Maths
Science 4.0 Thank you to those parents who have filled in the
RE Google survey at the following link: https://docs.
History/Geography 4.0 google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvMumbepecXkh_
MFL
Other option subjects 1.5 cikPvFFxg3MvgrfkRX5aJxZFk_mo7yl4gA/viewform

1.5 and given permission for their child to partake in a

1.5 telephone interview, replacing our usual face to face
1 interview morning.

Pastoral Communication The interviews will be taking place in June, either at
Year 10 Google Classroom is the focal point of all home or at school depending on lockdown. Later this
pastoral communication to pupils. Please ensure that month, Mrs Cath Brunger (our Careers Enterprise Co-
your child is signed up to Google Drive and looking at ordinator) will provide a time slot and a number to call
the weekly posts, whether it be challenges, PSHEe for each pupil taking part. Prior to this, it is important
lessons, pastoral videos, well-being tips etc. Tutors that each pupil provides Mrs Brunger with a completed
are also in touch with pupils weekly via email and a CV and prepares for the interview using resources
which will be sent out nearer the time.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 5

This will allow time for Mrs Brunger to provide written Challenge Winners Term 5
feedback for each pupil. If you have any questions Well done to Eliza Brown, Emily Botting, Nigel Johny,
please email [email protected] . Aisling Eldridge, Faith Simon and Bellza Moore for
keeping us entertained during lockdown! Thank you for
Year 10 Exams all your contributions.
The exams will still go ahead on our return to school;
it is extremely important that we have some idea
where the pupils are at before entering their final year
of schooling. Pupils should be reviewing and revising
for these examinations. Once the lockdown is lifted,
an exam schedule will be sent out to allow pupils to
prepare.

I wish you all a peaceful end to the term and look forward to seeing all the pupils when the restrictions are lifted.
In the meantime, stay safe and get in touch if there are any worries or concerns

Mr J Campbell, Assistant Principal/Pastoral Leader Year 10 - [email protected]

YEAR ELEVEN NEWS

I hope you are all well and that Year 11 are staying which will help you to explore your chosen courses.
safe and healthy. Firstly, in these unheralded times, it After half term, we will be providing more subject
is good to start with some good news and thank yous specific activities which will be a formal part of the
to our Year 11 for their charity work this year. This was induction to the courses you will study post-16. Further
from cake sales and from Valentine’s Day. This week details of these will be provided in due course.
we received: https://foldr.bexhillcollege.ac.uk/public/5LOO5

From ‘Cancer Research UK’ - Thank You. Your East Sussex College are sending work directly to the
fundraising collection total of £139.92 will bring us one students who have applied to their colleges via email.
step closer to beating cancer. Other colleges such as Heathfield and Eastbourne
College are doing the same but if you have not
From ‘Send a Cow’ - ‘Thank you for your donation received any yet, then let me know and I will ask them
of £600.00. Your gift will help hardworking farming for work.
families build a thriving farm. With training, tools and
seeds they'll begin farming their land, and within weeks Please encourage your son/daughter to check their
they'll have nutritious vegetables to eat. ‘Send a Cow’ school emails regularly and log onto the Year 11
has helped over 2 million people work themselves out Google classroom. The code is 77a4nko.
of poverty. With the support of people like you, we will
continue to deliver a proven package of training in I am going to need lots of help from Year 11 in collating
sustainable farming, enterprise and gender and social and putting together our Yearbook. Weekly, I share
inclusion.’ an assembly/video which contains news and advice
of what is happening. It is really important for Year
I am aware there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment 11 to be a part of this. Any news involving the Prom,
but it is clear the next step is preparation for Year 12. possible leavers’ assembly and all other news will
Bexhill College have kindly organised some transition be on this site first. This term we have had three
work for our Year 11s. This is the message I sent Year assemblies covering:
11 last week and it contains a link to Year 12 bridging • Advice for keeping busy during the lockdown.
work. • How we are all unique in this unique social

Message from Bexhill College: situation.
Work on really knowing and understanding the content • How the Native American Navajo and Choctaw
of your GCSEs – particularly in the subjects you think
you want to study post-16 as this content forms the Nations are getting £1.5 million in aid from people
basis of the next stage of learning. Proactively look in Eire as a return of favour for help during the
at the content of your post-16 chosen subjects by potato famine of 1845-1850.
researching specifications and finding out more about
this content by using a wide range of online providers Stay safe and please keep Year 11 working.
such as Futurelearn, Coursera, Khan Academy, iTunes
U, Bitesize etc. Many of these provide free content Mr R Doherty - Assistant Principal/
Pastoral Leader Year 11

[email protected]

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 6

CAREERS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

I hope everyone is well and keeping busy in this most There are loads of great free resources currently
unusual of times. available during lockdown for pupils; these are some of
my favourites:
Unfortunately, due to school closures, careers
education has had to take on a different tack than • You can start all year groups thinking about Careers
usual. Via Edulink, I have sent different careers work by downloading this free Skills and Activities
to all year groups; this work has been provided by Booklet for young people. They can complete the
a platform called Unifrog and looks into aspirations, booklet online and there are other free resources on
transferable skills and preparing a CV for interview. the site:
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/free-skills-
Next term, Year 10 would have been completing their careers-activities-booklet-for-young-people/
work experience interview morning and CV preparation.
Due to lockdown we have had to come up with a • BBC Bitesize are providing three free careers
different solution. After liaising with Cath Brunger (our lessons every weekday and focus on different
Careers Enterprise Coordinator), we have been able careers every week. This website is fantastic and
to offer a telephone interview service. The majority of may provide your child with a real insight into
Year 10 have signed up for this and Cath is currently careers they had never even considered:
organising a schedule that will either be completed in https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
school or at home during June. This schedule will be
shared with parents/carers and pupils when complete. Many pupils may be considering a job in the NHS in
Pupils will also be submitting their CVs in advance the future. This website has loads of great information
so that Cath can provide verbal and written feedback which may be of use: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/
on both their interview and CV. This is a fantastic
opportunity which will help prepare our pupils for the For those who are interested in creative media, Blender
future. is a free software programme where anyone can learn
how to create 3D animation. You can watch these
InvestIN Education (https://investin.org/) have been YouTube tutorials on how to start your own project:
advertising free virtual careers education especially https://www.blender.org/
for Years 10 and 11. I have been forwarding these to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPrnSACiTJ4
relevant pupils as they become available; if interested,
please sign up as soon as possible as spaces are The Department of Health and Social Care have
limited. careers information on working in Adult Social Care.
You can learn from real professionals, hear what it
Several Year 10 pupils have signed up to a STEM takes to work in the sector, and take a careers quiz:
based careers experience provided by LearnLive, https://www.everydayisdifferent.com/home.aspx
starting the week commencing 18th May. This certified
challenge is based around sustainability and revolves I don’t want to bombard you with websites and videos,
around 30 hours of on-line work and collaboration as so should you have a particular career in mind, please
a team. I will be supervising our teams and assisting do not hesitate to contact me. I may be able to help
them with their questions. Hopefully this will be an provide you or your child with some useful resources.
incredibly useful venture and provide them with long
lasting skills.

Best wishes and stay safe. Mr Holloway, Acting Careers Lead

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 7

HISTORY DEPARTMENT

In these unprecedented times, the History department would
like to thank all the pupils who have continued to show
dedication to their studies and work with us as we refine
home learning techniques.

BBC bitesize (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/
zk26n39) is an excellent resource and the recent release
of daily lessons will provide further support for those who
wish to consolidate their learning or develop their contextual
knowledge: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/dailylessons

There have been many excellent pieces of work, just a few
are shown here.

Key Stage 3 History

Year 7
Pupils have been enjoying investigating life in medieval
England, with a particular focus on the life of a peasant.
In term 6, pupils will be finding out about Elizabethan
England and the religious changes of the Tudor period. All
pupils are encouraged to ensure they are recapping work
already studied in preparation for their end of year exams.

History Heroes: Elizabeth Hales, Milan Manesh, Samir
Jurgelas, Zara Thomas, Erin Gunson, Clodagh Patch,
Andreanna Michael and Harvey Wheeler.

Year 8
Pupils have been looking at the events of the
French Revolution including the different causes and
consequences of the momentous events in the 18th
Century. Next term, pupils will begin their final unit of
looking at the Industrial Revolution in Britain.

History Heroes: Oliver Ardley, Bea Cunningham, Edward
Klein, Will Harwood, Jacob White, Rohan McMeekin, Ruva
Nyamayevhu and Sanmaria Sajan.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 8

Key Stage 4 History

Year 9
Pupils are well underway with their studies of GCSE History, having begun unit 1 of the American West.
The work and effort levels of the majority of pupils have been fantastic and pupils should be proud of what
they have achieved so far.
History Heroes: Kiera Fear, Evie Dawes, Marnie Horan, Amovi Franklin-Lester, Louise Oliver, Ruby Gentry,
Aston Abhilash, James Arnold-Ho, Radu Brasoveanu, Bailey Drewett, Rory Eade, Kevin George and Anton
Muller-Perol.

Year 10
Pupils have been studying their chosen topic of either Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, or Elizabethan
England. It is clear that many of our young historians are working hard and progressing well towards
their targets despite the difficult circumstances. They should be commended for their maturity and have
impressed the department with their ability to adapt and be independent in their learning. Well done.
History Heroes: Adam Seal, Ben Jenkins, Jacob Symes, Kyle Hislop, Neha Chacko, Matilda Redsell,
Anna Thomas, Vanz Labitad and Zara Gerard.

Newsletter - May 2020 Mrs Avery, Teacher of History

Page 9

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Upcycling homeschooling unit of work for DT

Newsletter - May 2020 Projects by
Rowan Vadukkoot Edwin,

Year 9

A very creative response to
the upcycling homeschooling
unit by Georgina Ex, Year 7

Page 10

Textiles

Year 9

This project is to design and make a range of products for a client, which coordinate.
Pupils could make at least three products in the range, but one of them had to
be a hanging storage with pockets. They could work with various fabrics and
embellishments, experiment with different colours and patterns and create a unique set
of products specifically for a client.

Year 10

Year 10 pupils looked at sustainability and recycling and studied Vivenne
Westwood and Coco Chanel. They took this as their inspiration and made
dresses from newspaper and bin liners.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 11

#wearedesignandtechnology

Mrs Robertson and Mr Steadman have been
involved in the #wearedesignandtechnology drive
by schools to help provide care providers with
PPE equipment. Over 420 Design Technology
Departments are involved in supporting the
fight against Covid-19, with over 356,000 items
of PPE manufactured and delivered by Design
Technology Departments nationwide. They feel
that it has been great to be part of such a big
movement within their much loved subject.

The Design Technology community have been working with a real sense of the common good. All the PPE
made is donated by the schools to help alleviate the nation’s dwindling stocks for care workers. The DTA
(Design Technology Association) produced designs for us to adapt for our individual laser cutters and 3D
printers.

We have produced over 200 visors and are happy to make more if needed. The first few prototypes were
slow as we tested and tweaked the designs, but we have become quicker and more proficient in the
manufacturing. Fortunately, we have large, spacious workshops at St Richard’s and have been able to
socially distance ourselves whilst batch producing the visors. We have delivered our visors to St Michael’s
Hospice, St Vincent’s and Orchard House Residential Homes for the elderly and have a batch awaiting
delivery to Mill Croft Care Home.

Ella Bywater in 8H has been sewing mask extenders for the NHS to
use with their masks to make them more comfortable. She has done this
completely on her own after seeing a social media post regarding nurses
and doctors getting sores behind their ears.

Ella has provided masks to the Ivine Unit, the A and E department,
volunteers from ‘Warming Up The Homeless’, and the Old Town surgeries.
Well done, Ella - we are very proud of you.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 12

Library News - May 2020

Year 11s with Overdue Books still outstanding We have enjoyed the excellent action-packed
Please be advised that books borrowed from the ‘Stormbreaker’; endured ‘Monuments Men’; were
School Library, however long ago, need to be enthralled by ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find
returned and the fines paid. Fines are 1p per item, Them’, and were thrilled by the rollercoaster of a
per school day. If you cannot find the item(s) you watch; ‘San Andreas’, staring Dwayne ‘The Rock’
borrowed, replacement cost, plus fine, is payable to Johnson – so our Big Screen has been well used
ensure availability for all our pupils. Thank you! during lockdown!

Library Books & Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 New Books!
As you know, if your book was due back in 2020, The Carnegie Long List 2020, comprising of 20
I will be more than happy to see you back in the books of the very best new and exciting teen
library with it and have renewed all these books fiction have arrived. I can’t wait to read them all!
until the end of May. If we are still closed after the The short list of 8 books has just been announced
end of May this year, I will bulk renew again, so no – see below… Should your child wish to join the
fines will be payable for a book due back between shadowing when we are back in school, please see
1st January 2020 and the date we return to school. me for a letter in the library. N.B. Some of the books
Books due back in 2019 and before will still need to are aimed at older readers, so will not be available
be returned and the fines paid. to Years 7 and 8.

Although we have not had a Film Club Screening The option is to read from the Long List – I would
since before we went into lockdown, the library not expect any child to read all 20 books!
has been the host to several screenings for Key
Workers’ children.

Newsletter - May 2020 Additionally, the library has been
the home of a Jigsaw project, and
several pupils have become property
magnets whilst playing Monopoly in
the library during the afternoons!

Have a lovely summer term! Ms Tocknell, Librarian

Page 13

Geography News

For many of us, the lockdown restrictions have been a humbling reset button, forcing us to rekindle our love
for hobbies new and old, explore our local environment and view the wildlife coming out of hiding. Many have
taken the opportunity to reconnect with nature during their exercise time

So, as we have ended our teaching of Year 11, we wish them well and hope that their study of this subject has
helped them to become more socially and environmentally sensitive, better informed citizens as they continue
with their futures.

Geography Quest during lockdown - get involved! Quest 3 - Bug hotel

Quest 1 - Plastic recycling

Quest 2 - Biodiversity

Quest 4 - A travel plan to see the world! Page 14

Newsletter - May 2020

Quest 5 - Creating a treasure map! Quest 7 - Weather stations at home

Quest 6 - Modelling a physical landscape

Well done to all entries - what a fantastic range of Geography! The recycling throughout is superb. Well done.
Congratulations to the winners for May who are… Jamie Lands, Year 9 for fantastic entries to all seven quests
- superb commitment and passion, Jamie! Leona Stephen, Year 7, for a superb ocean model and Michal Saba,
Year 7, for his weather station.

If you missed out this time, get involved and submit your entry to the Google Classroom by June 12th.

Great Geography opportunities during lockdown

1. Many of us have dusted down the family board games and have now exhausted these but there are
some great geographical ones to get your hands on - Conservation Crisis, Photosynthesis, Wingspan and
Earthopoly, for example. To find out more https://geographical.co.uk/people/item/3683-curbing-boredom-
geographical-s-top-board-games-for-geographers

2. Travelling abroad seems a distant dream but you can enjoy other people’s expeditions through online
photographic exhibitions. For example, Eric Newby’s travels https://www.rgs.org/about/our-collections/
online-exhibitions/ or the 2019 Travel Photography exhibition https://www.tpoty.com/winners/

3. There are some excellent new TV programmes and daily broadcasts at the moment from BBC Bitesize
here https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/dailylessons - check this regularly because the wonderful David
Attenborough will be delivering lessons soon!… Or Chris Packham providing daily livestreams of nature
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8IZMOohZNxP5thvS9sMqVy8cq8NX3Mou

4. Like a quiz? - access WWF quizzes about the world https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/quizzes

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 15

St Richard’s Daily Challenge

[email protected]

Since the beginning of the school closure, Mrs Wood has been emailing each day the Daily Challenge.
This could be anything from origami to writing blogs. The winner of the week receives a £10 Amazon voucher.
Below are a few examples of submissions so far:

Dream Big Dream Classroom

Dream Big, even if it’s out of sight. Mimi Luscombe, Year 10
Dream Small, and you might never see the day.
Dream Big, and things could still be alright.
Dream Small, and then there will be no hip-hip hooray.
Dream Big, Aim high, hit low.
Dream Small, and you’ll never know yourself.
Dream Big, and you’ll always know.
Dream Small, and stack bookshelves.
Dream Big, and always be happy.
Dream Big, and never be afraid.
Dream Big, and be very zappy.
Dream Big, and don’t be part of one big masquerade.
Dream Big, and see the wonders of life.
Dream Big, and see the afterlife.

Alex Dyer, 8U

Origami Challenge

Ella Bywater Matthew Collett
Ivan Doolan Tanner
Charlotte Evans
Nico Luscombe, Year 8
Yoga Challenge

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 16

Draw, paint or create a self-portrait or a portrait of a
St Richard’s teacher or someone you admire.

Louise Oliver, Year 9 Bellza Moore, Year 10 Naomi Britt, 11O and Mrs Britt

Drop Everything and Read logos

Design a new St Richard’s uniform!

Lucy Bateman, Year 8

Lilia Vickers
Year 8

Send a photo or copy of one of the best things
you've done during your time at home!

Aurora Bonoan, Year 9 Emma Goncalves, Year 8
Page 17
Newsletter - May 2020

PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

There may not be any Performing Arts happening in Year 7 and 8 have been sent a social distance bingo
school at present but pupils have been busy at home. dance challenge and we look forward to seeing some of
The Dance Company has been sent various resources their work. Year 9 continue to work on their Arts Award and
that they can work on at home to keep up their fitness moderation will be in the autumn term. Mrs Knight and Mrs
and flexibility. We are lucky that there is such a variety Dunster have been busy moderating folders and we look
of classes on offer with world renowned choreographers forward to pupils receiving their certificates. Year 10 have
and artists. Mrs Knight is delighted that they are taking the been busy working on coursework in preparation for their
opportunity to try these out. return.

Here is a look at what Performing Arts pupils have been up to:

Elisa Fletcher 7H has been particularly busy taking advantage of all the
fantastic classes available on line at present. One of her highlights was
being able to take a live class with New Adventurers principal dancer
who danced the Prince in Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’.

She even got the opportunity to ask him a question in the live Q and
A with him answering her question, ‘How long does it take to learn the
choreography?’ Elisa has also taken part in a national danceathon to
raise funds for the NHS; in total, they raised an outstanding £5000.
Well done, Elisa.

Millie Moore 7U has also been very busy whilst being at home continuing her training.
As part of VE Day celebrations, Mrs Knight set a challenge of creating a St Richard’s
VE Dance. On Friday, 8th May, English Heritage called for the nation to ‘Dance for VE
Day’ from the comfort (and safety) of their homes to mark the 75th anniversary of the
end of the Second World War in Europe.

On 8th May 1945, in towns, cities and villages throughout England, people marked
the end of the war in Europe by taking to the streets to celebrate with singing and, of
course, dancing. As recalled in Melody Maker’s account of the revels, “From one end
of the country to the other, people, relaxing after nearly six years of the most terrible
anxieties wanted to dance” – and the Lindy Hop was the dance craze of the day. Millie
produced an outstanding dance as part of the challenge. Well Done, Millie.

Amelia Allen, 9O, reports on her Trinity Laban training:

My dancing with Trinity Laban on a Saturday morning
consists of a class of ballet, contemporary and creative
work. Over the past few weeks, due to lockdown, we
have been working remotely via Zoom and other social
media platforms. We have concentrated on technique,
adapting to the spaces we are working in. In ‘creative’,
we have been working on dancing with props and
interpreting the music in our own ways. This is my
favourite creative challenge we have tried so far. I’m
really lucky to be able to continue my training and I am
looking forward to joining the Dance Company as soon
as I can.

Every Thursday, Amelie Bennett 11H has been performing to entertain the local community with a street
performance in support of our NHS. On VE Day, Amelie also performed her version of ‘We’ll Meet again’ and was
joined by local residents. Well done, Amelie: we are extremely proud of your efforts and we were all delighted to see
your performance via video link. Keep up the good work in supporting our fabulous NHS.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 18

Leo Wins Prestigious Drama Place Under Lockdown!

Despite social distancing, isolation, and these unusual times, Leo Jones, Year 9, has
managed to win a coveted place at a renowned drama school. He auditioned, just before
the Government's restrictions were put in place, for the National Youth Theatre of Great
Britain's summer 2020 intake. Leo, aged 14, was one of more than 5,000 young people aged
between 14 and 25 to try out for the highly respected organisation, which names Benedict
Cumberbatch, Dame Helen Mirren, and Sir Daniel Day-Lewis among its alumni. He was one
of just over 500 successful applicants to have been picked for the course this summer, which
will enable him to audition for many National Youth Theatre productions in the future, access
their courses with industry professionals, and be a member until aged 26.

Leo auditioned under exceptional circumstances after his mum was taken ill and rushed into hospital the night
before, and was undergoing emergency surgery just as his performance took place! Leo said: "After my mum
was taken ill, I had to go and stay with a relative. I had little sleep and there was a question mark whether I'd
even make it to the audition at all. Amazingly, I did, and I really enjoyed the three-hour workshop followed by the
one-to-one monologue I had already prepared with the help of Ms Whelan. I've heard from professional actors
how difficult it is to be accepted the first time around, so I really wasn't expecting anything, particularly under
the circumstances. Then, when the results email came through, I had fully prepared myself to not get in, but I
suddenly saw the word 'Congratulations' written under my name. Then, there was bubble writing saying 'You're
in!'. It was like slow-motion, with a series of screams, hugs, and lots of heavy breathing! I can't wait to enrol fully
in July." The National Youth Theatre normally runs its courses in London, but because of social distancing, this
year it will take place via Zoom.

We have been extremely busy since lockdown started and we have Page 19
created virtually a new venue in the school hall. Jordan Panchen
from Accent Productions has been in most days for the past six
weeks reinstalling all the main hall’s theatre equipment. He has
now opened up so many opportunities for the school involving
Performing Arts and has adapted the system in such a way that
pupils who are interested in theatre but not comfortable performing
now have the chance to indulge in new roles including sound
engineering, lighting designing and stage management!

The lighting system has been redesigned to make it easy for pupils
and staff to operate the lighting desk, alongside four new Martin
Mac 700 moving-head spotlights which are out of this world! A new
Christie 5K projector has now been rigged onstage, out of sight,
which allows operatives to project full size backdrops on the white
back cloth instead of using hard scenery. We have a brand new
Rock’n’Roll style sound system that will allow the school to cater
for any live music acts and performances along with a new, exciting
digital sound desk! We would like to thank the Governors and PTFA
for funding this exciting project. Work is still going ahead in the
main hall as there are more jobs to finish, Once the jobs have been
completed, St Richard’s Catholic College will have a high class, top
of the range venue which will be capable of handling any event!

As the term draws to a close ,and despite the disappointment in
there being no end of year show this year, we would like to wish Mrs
Dunster well as she begins her maternity leave. This time of year is
tinged with a little sadness as we say goodbye to our Year 11 pupils
and particularly those who have spent so much of their time at St
Richard's dedicating themselves to the Performing Arts Department.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the best and
congratulate them on their outstanding effort, commitment and
passion for the subject, department and extra curricular activities. We
hopefully will get one last performance together. Stay Safe and we
look forward to seeing you soon. The Performing Arts Team

Newsletter - May 2020

PE Department

Pupils have responded extremely well to the PE challenges set for each week of term 5. I have been overwhelmed
by the outstanding efforts they have put in when completing each challenge to the best of their ability. Here is our PE
Hall of Fame so far:

Week 1 Challenge

Coordination challenge - Keep something up in the air. How many
times can you keep it going?

It was brilliant to see such a diverse range of performances.
Our top five performances were:
1st - Thomas Weakley: He kept himself up for 922 bounces on a Pogo stick!
2nd - Zachary Read: 213 bounces with a table tennis bat and ball.
3rd - Wojtek Zomer: 117 bounces with a tennis bat and ball.
4th - Sophie Beck: 113 bounces with a cricket bat and ball.
5th - Reuben Smithson: 71 bounces with a table tennis bat and ball.

Mr Campbell even had a go
with his golf club!

Week 2 Challenge Page 20

Fitness Challenge - How many press ups can you do in one
minute? Pupils could also complete a daily sit ups routine.
Lots of pupils showed high levels of determination and pushed through
their pain thresholds for this challenge. Our top five performances were:
1st - Sophie Beck: 20 press ups
2nd - Oliver Fallon: 19 press ups
3rd = Oliver Ardley and Lara Brown: 18 press ups
5th - Ana Nunes Santos: For outstanding technique in all of the sit ups

exercises.

Here is Mr Dallaway struggling towards the end of
his effort!

Newsletter - May 2020

Week 3 Challenge 1st attempt!

To create your own game. We assessed pupils' performances
for this challenge based on creativity and for how fun the game
looked to be. Mr Varney came up with a golf game to chip the ball
into the bucket. Fingers crossed his windows stayed safe!

Sophie Beck and Oliver Ardley came up with two brilliant target
games to play at home.

Sophie made up a basketball game with a runner and a shooter.
These are the rules for her game in her own words:

985th attempt!

Oliver made up a shooting game with various difficulties of shot.
Here are the rules for his game in his own words:

• My game that I created was for 2 players. It
is a running and basketball based game.

• For the person who is doing the basketball,
there is a range of lengths that you have to
shoot the ball from. Each time you get the
ball into the target is 1 point. There are 7
distances.

• The runner has to run from one cone to the
other; each time you get back after touching
the 3 cones is 1 point.

• The basketball player has to restrict the
runner to getting any more points than 7.

Enrico Padilla came up with a football fitness game. The
rules are: Do 10 keepie uppies without fail; if you fail, you
have to do 5 sit ups.

Lara Brown explains the rules for her game: You run 5
laps, then do 10 sit-ups, then another 5 laps and do 10
press ups. You do this as a team and whoever does it the
fastest wins.

Specsavers Virtual Sussex School Games 2020

In addition to the St Richard’s PE Challenges, there are also the Sussex School Games challenges that are being
set for pupils and adults every week. We have made a great start, but we want to be the number one school in
Sussex!

Week 3 results: Adults (from all schools): 13th position, Pupils (from secondary schools): 5th position,
Overall (adults and pupils from secondary schools): Joint 3rd position.

With over 80 secondary schools involved we have made a very promising start, but we need to push for the win!
The challenges go live by 10.00am on Youtube every Monday morning. You have until each Friday to submit your
results. You can find out more information about this competition and the challenges being set here:

https://www.activesussex.org/virtual/ Page 21
Page 21
Newsletter - May 2020

RE Department News

In Year 8 pupils have been learning about Hinduism. In one of their lessons, pupils had to research about a god or
goddess of their choice. There was lots of fantastic work. Below is a small selection from some Year 8 pupils.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 22

Pupil Leadership

The Crest Congratulations to pupils who have achieved the
The Crest Award has now been moved online and pupils following Awards since March:
have been sent invitations to a Google Classroom (there
is a different classroom for each year group). In that Gold Award: Isabella Lansdell, Mimi Luscombe, Faith
classroom there are instructions on how to complete and Simon, Leo Jones, Maisie Scrivener.
submit letters for their Award.
Silver Award: Florence Assetto, Neha Chacko, Bethany
A reminder, particularly to Year 10, that a Silver Award Dineley, Martha Ford, Jack Gunson, Carolina Jeneslas-
(6 letters) is expected for prefect applications. However, Jeyakumar, Sacha Millar, Bethany Read, Adam Seal,
given that pupils are unlikely to be able to do some of Melissa Sharp, Charlie Storrs, Anna Thomas, Beatrice
the activities, it is worth pupils still completing as many White, Luke Young, Amovi Franklin-Lester, Pearl Herriott,
letters as they can, as prefect applications will still be Angelina Jeneslas-Jeyakumar.
considered from those with less than 6 completed.
Bronze Award: Emily-Mai Buchanan, Amelie Croft,
Prefect applications are due by 1st June so pupils who Mollie Differ, Luke Griffin, Larissa Mayal Napier,
have not submitted their Crest letters yet should do so Austin Thomas, Kitty Long, Veronia Francis
urgently. Vimalaratnam.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 23

Special Educational Needs

Since the middle of term 4, when it became apparent The department has performed in ways they could
that the school would need to close, our pupils, staff never have expected when they set out to work in a
and families have faced unprecedented challenges. school, and I am grateful for their strong pastoral care
We have sought to provide appropriate work for all of our pupils and families.
pupils, with remote support through our Pupil Helpdesk
email address and pastoral contact throughout the Pupil Helpdesk
department.
Have you got stuck with any
If you or your child is finding this period of ongoing work that has been set?
isolation difficult, for any reason, please contact myself
([email protected]), your child’s Year Co- Do you need some quick help
ordinator or another member of school staff. Though we to get through it?
are closed to most pupils, we remain open for support.
Then try our new Pupil Helpdesk.
Our SEN department has provided levels of support to
families and pupils that I am proud to be part of. Since Just send an email to
the closure was announced, our team of TAs and SEN [email protected]
Administrator have: A Teaching Assistant will reply and help you get
• made a large number of weekly welfare phone calls,
back on track. Try it today!
including over the Easter holiday;.
• contacted pupils' teachers to follow-up queries and Pupils’ work

issues raised in phone calls; Pupils have also shared their work with staff in the
• supported the School Counsellor, by setting up course of our contact with families. Alex Hards in Year
8 has been video-editing and made fantastic clips as
remote sessions for pupils; part of his home learning. Amelia Greene in Year 11 has
• delivered food vouchers (kindly donated by the been making very impressive use of her unexpected
free time by following a skin care course.
Diocese) and school lunches to families, and food
items to the Bexhill Foodbank; Finally, Aiden Phipps in Year 10 has written a brilliant
• providing IT support and issuing rewards to pupils; poem following his study of Power & Conflict poetry.
• provided handwriting booklets to pupils who were
receiving handwriting support in school; The Vikings of Valhalla
• pastoral, academic or emotional help, or signposting
to resources and help with work via email; The Vikings of Valhalla brave as could be
• staffing First Aid in school, and the Pupil Helpdesk The only place where swords and axes would be
mailbox. The women fought just like the men
• Delivered learning packs to nearly 100 pupils. Where beer was safer than water back then

The Vikings of Valhalla was the place to be
The only place where shields were ready on ships
The people were always prepared for battle
Where fights in bars and taverns happened

The Vikings of Valhalla fought just like me
The soldiers and boats were one out at sea
The people armed to the teeth just let it be
Where Odin takes another hundred to a thousand souls

The Vikings of Valhalla in arms to arms
The soldiers running to victory
The warriors fought at our side
Where blood was spilled on the field

The Vikings of Valhalla was the place to rest
After your fall in conquest
Knowing you earned your rightful place
Where Vikings shall lie knowing they won

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 24

Greetings from the English Department! We hope you are all well and enjoying the sunshine safely, while reading,
writing, listening and speaking a lot. It is certainly very odd to communicate via Google Classroom only, but this has
definitely not stifled the creativity of so many of you. Pupils across all year groups have been producing a lot of lovely
work in isolation. Below is a selection. The spelling and grammar of the written pieces are not always completely
accurate, but the teachers commend the creativity, commitment, effort and progress the pupils have made. Enjoy!

Sometimes, we all feel quite frustrated, wondering when we can meet
our friends and hug our extended family again. This poem by Morgan
Leonard, Year 11, sums it up quite succinctly.

Stuck on Sunday

The streets are deserted, nobody is in sight, alone in the night, Inspired by the poem, ‘Extract from the
The world has stopped, Prelude’, the painting is inspired by the
Locked up with the news on our screens, feeding fear, themes of conflict between humanity
Aisles are empty, and nature and the insignificance of
Nothing feels real, nobody could have predicted this- what humans consider power over all,
Everything deserted, as represented by a mother nature
Our life taken, we stare out at the world from behind a glass, figure in control of symbols such as
Nobody knows how long this will last, money and a crown.
Plans, rights of passage, jobs, summer all come to an end,
As well as lives across the world By Marni Lippin
Internationally we sit in wonder, confused, lost and alone.
How long until we see friends and family again-
Who knows.
I can’t seem to get my head around it, all days mixed into one,
Can’t remember when I woke
Just a long, entwined prison sentence taking lives and daily tasks of life,
Can’t remember when I slept
The world is stuck on Sunday, motivation all lost,
And nobody knows when this virus will stop.

Year 10 have been studying Power and Conflict poetry and have also been
honing their descriptive writing skills. Here are some lovely examples,
experimenting with sensory language, sound effects and imagery.

As the summer haze whisked over the city skyline, The clouds floated by the teeming beach which was
crowds gathered to say goodbye to the pleasing littered with dots of all the different colours. The
ephemeral weather. The waves crawled hesitantly back buildings, old and overused crumbled under the intense
and forth towards the shore, breezing over the coarse heat. However the people were beaming, basking in
corals, submerged deeply within the sand. The rhythmic the sunlight and then teasing themselves with a dip in
pulses of the current were equally matched by the joyful the sea. Children ran around screaming and splashing
humming of the playing children; comforted by the each other with water or building endless sand castles
gentle gushing of the sapphire seas. while the adults would stretch out on the golden sand
and absorb the waves of heat. Some would venture into
Cylinders of gleaming light beamed from the sky. the brown soggy sand which lay almost like an obstacle
Egotistic clouds draped carelessly above yet couldn’t which had to be passed to enjoy the muddy water which
wipe away the smiles on people’s faces. The sturdy sun was much too crowded.
brought true warmth to the city, igniting a new day with
casual elegance and pride whilst the high, sunlit clouds By Danny Lipatovs
meandered across the clear blue sky.

By Daisy Crabb

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 25

Year 9 pupils have been exploring the conventions of designing an advertising campaign. They were asked to create
an advert for Public Health England, urging young people and their families to obey the rules of social distancing.

Here is a clear, concise, inviting advert from Abigail Dolding: Here is a slightly terrifying but
effective advert from Axl Solliss:

Professional, rooted in facts and convincing information from Erin Towns:

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 26

Year 8 pupils have been familiarising themselves with the conventions of Gothic writing. They were asked to
create their own first-person account, incorporating the Gothic tropes of desolate settings and landscapes, tortured
characters, fear of scientific advancements, and supernatural elements.

This is a continuation of Mr Harker’s diary, inspired by Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, written by Christo Jolly

I opened the door,astronomic in size:it was twice the size of me.I was pleasantly greeted to the faint light of a
candle although the room was filled with the not so pleasant smell of it too. The bed,the curtains,and everything
in between were of immense while also being 100s of years old;the carpet itself was embroidered in gold.I was
taken aback by the obvious signs of wealth which I shouldn't really have been as I was inside a castle.

As soon as I sat down and reassessed my situation all my doubts and fears came over me again.I had to
learn more about this man before I could rightly judge him.I did feel the slightest bit of guilt for this but then
remembered all the strange things that had already happened today.I figured I’d just go to sleep,relax and then
think about it in the morning.

But I couldn’t.This strange concoction of uneasiness and fear kept getting into my head.I had to get out not in the
morning.I had to get out now.I rushed about the room frantically looking for something:I didn’t even know what.As
I rolled the curtains back I was met by the cold hard stare of steel bars.My mind was all over the place.I was froze
to the floor in fear and in shock.I calmed myself and crept towards the door and I twisted the doorknob.Nothing.

Anita Thomas has created a convincing tortured character: A terrifying tale, exploring the fear of the
unfamiliar from Felix Millwood-Sinclair:

I felt the dim sunlight shining upon my face. I rubbed my eyes, The moon light beamed down on the dreary
pinched myself to check if I was trapped in a lucid dream. castle with the rain making a random pattern
I guess this was real life. I looked around cautiously. The on the many windows. With lightning being one
old,wooden dresser stared right back at me as if he had a pair of the only lighting up the castle, and with the
of beady eyes. The huge paintings of kings and queens looked castle being poorly treated, making the castle
like they were tired of this ancient place. I got up and walked rigid. A carriage comes by and makes a stop.
around searching for answers. I opened the ugly,long, cream-
coloured curtains. I opened the small dirty window. The wind COINBURN CASTLE
came rushing in and made the curtains look like they were
going to reach out and devour me. There seemed a strange But it wasn't any person riding the carriage, it
stillness over everything else. was a person with lumps, disfigurations, being
bent over, with a hideous face. He walked into
I lay thinking what to do.“Should I explore this place to get more the castle, slammed the door, putting down
answers?” his bread at a table nearby, and went into his
“Why aren't there a lot of people around this area?” I have so basement. Screaming started with a distinctive
many interesting questions like this and I want answers. whack, happening every 10 seconds.

I finally decided to examine the place just to know the place a
lot more, maybe even find any secret passageways.

Finally, a slightly more modern take from Remin Iruthayaraj:

As soon as Count Draco left, I collapsed onto the bed. I actually felt relief as I was fearful, not knowing if he was
okay with this. And fortunately he was. He turned down my fear like he was turning down the volume of a radio
or television. But, I still have fear. He looks peculiar and strange. His breath smells revolting and his clothes
are unusual. Like, who wears a white collar school shirt with the collars up? But I think it's just his style that is
disgusting. Other than that I'm fine.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 27

Art Department

Hope everyone is staying safe and well in these Year 9 have been producing some excellent work, the
unparalleled times. I want to share some of the wonderful Surreal memes were highly original and the drawings and
Art work our fantastic pupils have been producing during paintings very creative. Our pupils have also taken part
lockdown. in a competition to design a banner showing their support
for the NHS.
The Year 7 classes have been designing their Antoni
Gaudi picture frames, which they will construct in Year 10 are working on their GCSE sketchbooks and
ceramics once we return to school. They have also results have been very positive.
been taking on a weekly drawing challenge involving
observational work, and a really exciting Loo Roll Keep sending us all your superb Artwork. We’d love to
challenge. The results have been fabulous. put an 'Art Under Lockdown Exhibition' together once we
all return to school. Stay safe and keep creating!
Year 8 have also been working on an observational
drawing challenge, and sculptural constructions. Mr Peachment (Subject Leader)

Reflections project

Year 7/8 - Observational drawing challenge

Year 8 - Build a sculpture

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 28

Year 7 & 8 - Observational drawing
Year 9 - Surrealism

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 29

Year 9 - Natural Forms and Angie Lewin

Tim Burton response - Year 7/8 Page 30

Newsletter - May 2020

Competition banners showing their support for the NHS

THANK YOU NHS

AMABMUBLUALNACNECE AMBULANCE
AMBULANCE

Oliver Fallon

Alesha Roberio-Gillett Joe Edwards
Lucy Bateman
Oliver Bajcer
Codey Preston
Oliver Ardley Lucy Lai
Page 31
Newsletter - May 2020

Computing Department News

Computing Passion Project

The Computing department set a task to show our appreciation of
the amazing work of the NHS. Pupils were asked to create a short
animated image which celebrates the NHS.

Computing home learning tasks

Years 7 and 9

Years 7 and 9 have been using the IDEA website for their home learning tasks. This website is an
online portal where pupils earn badges for completing tasks, like a digital equivalent to the Duke of
Edinburgh Award. The pupils have been set the task of adopting the roles of Junior web designers
and learning HTML code to help them in designing, creating and testing their own websites. They
have also been using the TEST and TRACK website (https://www.testandtrack.io/) to develop and
test their HTML skills.

Year 8 Year 10 Computing

Year 8 pupils have been developing their spreadsheet Year 10 computing pupils have been revising
skills this term. They have learned how to add data to all work completed during this academic year
a spreadsheet model in order to work out mathematical while also practising their programming skills.
problems and make and test financial predictions. Revision work has been set using the Seneca
Learning and Smart Revise.
Pupils working well:
These two websites provide the pupils with
Zaine Castro for completing all of his spreadsheet instant feedback on areas for development so
work to an excellent standard. they can update their leaning log and target
their revision to specific areas of weakness.

Well done to Ellie Hildyard-Woods for completing Year 10 iMedia
27 badges on iDEA; Chris Golding for completing
18 badges and Louisa Finn for completing 13 Year 10 iMedia pupils have been completing
badges. Excellent work from all. tasks for their digital graphics unit, including
creating a poster, an infographic and
Congratulations to Jesmia Antonislas-Ananthakumar an animated gif all based around the
for achieving 100% in all of her quizzes on testandtrack.io coronavirus.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 32

MathemMaatitchseDmeaptairctms ent

We would like to congratulate the majority of pupils on the excellent independent work
they have been completing over the past couple of months. We know that it is difficult
for many of you to work on this subject at home and we look forward to working with you
all again when we return. In the meantime, if you have any questions at all about your
Maths work please do contact your teacher in the first instance. I am also available to
email and will respond as soon as possible.

I have listed a couple of websites below that may also be helpful for online learning or
interesting for those of you who want to explore Maths beyond the curriculum. I have
also included a puzzle from Japan that you may want to have a go at for fun!

Outside of learning Maths, I hope that you are managing to find a nice balance in these
unusual circumstances. Make sure you get enough exercise, limit your screen time once
your school work is finished and help out with tasks around the house. Wishing you and
your families all the best. Mr Jacobs

Mathigon - https://mathigon.org/ Corbett Maths - https://corbettmaths.com/

TThhisisaawwaarrdd--wwininnnininggwweebbsistietetatkaekessyyoouu This is a great website for those of you looking
tthhrroouugghhththeehhisistotoryryaannddssoommeeoof fthtehe to improve your performance in exams. It

mmaajjoorrtthheeoorireiessoof fmmaaththememataictisc.sA. Aggrereaat t contains practice papers and videos but is
rreessoouurcrceeffoorrththooseseoof fyyoouuwthhoataarere
more famous for its 5-a-day, 5 questions
inintteereressteteddininththeessuubbjejecct tbbeeyoyonnddeexaxammss! ! available for every day of the year at different

difficulty levels to keep your brain ticking over
ready for your next exam.

Puzzle – Snake Place

Snake Place is a Japanese puzzle where in order to complete the
puzzle, you have to create chains of consecutive numbers. The example
on the left shows a puzzle where the ‘snakes’ have to connect the digits
1 to 4. The numbers have to be connected in numerical order and you
can only move horizontally or vertically. Have a go at the three below!

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 33

Deadline for artwork is 1st June 2020

Auction will run for 10 days on eBay
and end on Saturday 27th June 2020

Two years ago, St Richard’s Catholic College raised Postcards are uploaded as we receive them and
almost £15,000 from 570 original artworks for The you can see what has been submitted on our
Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of former website, www.sophiespostcard.com. Please follow @
pupil, Sophie Maria Taylor. To commemorate what strichardsart on Twitter and sophiessecretpostcard
would have been Sophie’s final year at St Richard’s, on Instagram for regular news updates and use the
we are again running the Secret Postcard auction. hashtag #sophiespostcard2020 to help promote the
event on social media.
#sophiespostcard2020 has got off to an incredible
start with postcards received from artists from all over “We are so grateful to St Richard’s Catholic College
the world, including some very famous children’s for supporting us again through Sophie’s postcards.
illustrators. Sir Quentin Blake, Axel Scheffler, Their fundraising makes such a huge difference
Jacqueline Wilson and Thomas Taylor have all to our patients and their families and we cannot
already sent artwork. However, you don’t need to thank them enough for their support,” said Lilly Pye,
be famous to take part: pupils, parents, staff and Community Fundraising Manager for The Royal
accomplished local artists have all sent us entries. Marsden Cancer Charity.

The deadline for the call for artwork is 1st June 2020. Contact Miranda Pennington misspenningtonm@
Artwork to be completed on postcard sized paper and strichardscc.com with any questions.
signed on the back. See full details on the website
www.sophiespostcard.com Thank you so much for your help and support of The
Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and this very special
All artwork to be sent by 1st June 2020 to: fundraising event in memory of a dearly loved pupil,
#sophiespostcard2020, St Richard’s Catholic Sophie Maria Taylor (2004-2017).
College, Ashdown Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1SE

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 34

Sophie’s Postcard Catalogue 2020
now available to pre-order for just £15

All proceeds go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

After the Secret Postcard auction has finished, we will be putting the finishing touches to the fabulous high
quality A4, 150 page catalogue. We plan to send it to print at the end of July and post the catalogue in August
2020*.

The catalogue will celebrate #sophiespostcard2020 and feature every single postcard image and the name of
every fantastic artist who has donated work to help us raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Specifications: Paperback A4 Size: 21.0 cm x 29.7 cm (8.3 in x 11.7 in) Printed on 135gsm silk paper with
a 350gsm gloss cover. Weight 1kg (2.2lbs). 150 pages. The catalogue will be shrink-wrapped for posting.
*Please note, the design is not yet finalised.

Thank you to www.bookprintinguk.com who are supporting #sophiespostcard and have helped us to keep the
costs low.

You can pre-order your copy via www.sophiespostcard.com/catalogue/catalogue-2020 or eBay https://www.
ebay.co.uk/itm/Sophie-s-Postcard-Catalogue-2020-Pre-order/333576843754

You can also pre-order your copy by sending a cheque or cash to the school in an envelope. The envelope
must have your name, address and how many copies you would like to order. Once the catalogue is printed
in August, you will be able to collect from school when reception is open or, if you would like it posted to you,
please add £3 for postage and packing. Thank you for your support of #sophiespostcards.

***STOP PRESS*** OVER 550 postcards received *** Artwork must be received by 1st June ***STOP PRESS***

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 35

Science Department

Congratulations to all pupils who have actively engaged in the remote learning over the last couple of
months. The majority of you have asked sensible questions, watched video links and completed tasks and
questions set to the best of your ability. I am sure you are missing doing experiments and practical work and
the teachers are missing interacting with you too. Please continue to email staff with questions and we look
forward to seeing you all soon. Here are some of the work highlights from lockdown:

Atomic structures Olivia Morrison,Year 9

 

1. The image models are of atoms. 

 

2. They contain a nucleus, protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons 

which are in the shells. When an electron comes into the atom it has 

negative charge and when an atom loses an electron the electron is 

positively charged. Protons have a mass of 1 and a charge of +1. Electrons 

have a mass of 0 and a mass of -1. Neutrons have a mass of 1 and a charge of 

0. 

 

3. The strengths of both of these models are that they have shells and they 

also have different colours to represent the protons, neutrons and 

electrons. The strength of the bottom diagram is how the shells are in a 

star like formation because that's how they would actually be so a weakness 

of the top one would be the formation of the shells. 

 

4. The nuclei of all atoms contain subatomic particles called protons. The 

nuclei of most atoms also contain neutrons. So protons and neutrons make 

up the nucleus. There are also electrons which are negatively charged that 

orbit around the shells. 

 

5. Everything around us is made of atoms. Atoms are made up from protons, 

neutrons and electrons. Atoms in an element are all the same. 

 

6. Atom-the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist. 

7. Element-An element is a substance whose atoms all have the same number 

of protons. 

8. Compound-a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are 

chemically bonded together. 

9. Mixture-the result of combining two or more substances, such that each 

maintains its chemical identity.  

Number of protons = number of electrons 

Magnesium-12 protons Lithium-3 protons   

12 electrons 3 electrons 

Eliza Pocock,
Year 8

Jonas Litvinavicius,Year 8

Leah Tamale,
Year 8

Michal Saba
Year 7

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 36

IMG_20200424_133012.jpg Electricity and Magnetism https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox?projector=1 1/1

24/04/2020 Some lovely circuit diagrams from Year 8: Summer Crossett, Charlotte Evans and Maria King.

Exceptional work from Amelia Magni and Maisy Rees for their Year 7 science project on environments.

ComOppeentittiooAnl!l Young Investigators Club

The Young Investigators planted some giant sunflower seeds (binomial name:
Helianthus annus) back in February...this is what they look like now! They are happily
photosynthesising in my garden in a sunny spot.

Currently the tallest plant is 76cm on Thursday, 7th May 2020 but how tall will
the tallest plant be on Thursday, 11th June 2020?

Please email me: [email protected] with your prediction by 3pm on Wednesday, 10th June to enter the
competition. I will remeasure them on Thursday 11th June at 12 noon and contact you with the results. The winner

will receive a £10 Amazon voucher. I would also love to see anything you have grown at home! Mrs Fox

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 37

The MFL department is delighted to celebrate and share here
a taste of the wonderful work that pupils have been completing
in French, German and Spanish since lockdown. We have
been inspired by the effort and commitment of so many pupils
to continue learning and developing their language skills at this

challenging time.

French News Pupils have been making the most of a range of
on and offline activities including drawing tasks,
Year 7 French interviews about films with family members,
Mademoiselle Tester, who has been creating the weekly describing pictures, designing ‘Wanted’ criminal
lessons on this film module for Year 7 pupils to enjoy writes: posters and predicting who the gangsters are. Pupils
seem to be really enjoying the film and are looking
Year 7 have been watching “Une Vie forward to finding out what happens at the end. If
de Chat’ an animated French film your child hasn’t kept you in the loop about the
dealing with many themes including French film, do ask them for a synopsis so far.
family, friendship, love, adventure,
detectives and robbers - so there is Examples of Year 7 work from this module are
something for everyone to enjoy! shared below. Verb bugs created by Harry Rouse,
Alyssa Alba, Lauren Gunson, Kali Joy, Pablo Haylock
As well as revisiting and developing Fernandez, Louisa Finn and Nefeli Koumousidou.
prior language knowledge, pupils have Drawings based on descriptions of characters in the
been building dictionary skills and film by Enrico Padilla and Jack Hylands. ‘Easter in
developing a cultural awareness of France’ booklets by Amelia Magni, Lila Brooker and
Paris, where the film is set. Helena Zomer.

Year 8 French
Madame Herring who has been creating the weekly lessons taking the pupils on a cultural and linguistic journey of
discovery to the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in the south of France writes:

Each week, pupils have been exploring a different aspect of this diversely rich region covering geography, art,
music, history and tourism as a new context for revising and developing their confidence in grammar and topic
vocabulary covered since the start of the year. Examples of work from the project below by Ava Webb, Nathan
Crouch, Aleksandra Miteva and Ruva Nyamayevhu.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 38

Year 9 French

Pupils have been working hard at consolidating and Congratulations for showing a consistently excellent
developing their language learning skills in making the effort and approach to remote learning go to:
transition to GCSE French preparation with a focus on Emilka Slusarczyk, Evie Dawes, Amy Bossom, Nathaniel
the topic of Free Time. Binuhe, Amelie Cragg, Abi Dolding, Isabelle Gasson,
Maggie Woodgate, Joshua Tillano and Raiver Atienza.
As well as this linguistic focus, Year 9 pupils have also
been making the most of Home Learning to take up Congratulations to the following pupils for
a wide variety of cultural activities. Below is a taster consistently producing a high quality of French in
of work produced by pupils who have immersed their work:
themselves in the French-speaking world through Daisy Stevens, Lexine Banuelos Jesmia Antonislas-
challenges such as exploring the news, music, films, Ananthakumar, Karolina Sliwa, Erin Towns, Reggie Barker,
art, poetry and cookery. It has been a highlight of our Annalysa Gower, Pearl Herriott, Grace King and Michaela
week to see what the pupils have been discovering in Matate.
their French Immersion projects.

Grace King sent a text message to a friend in French:

Michaela Matate followed a recipe to make French Daisy Stevens sent an email in French to her French teacher:
‘pain au chocolat’ pastries. Her photos show
delicious results! To : Miss Tester

Bonjour! Récemment, j’ai fait beaucoup de travail en ligne, c’est
très éducatif. J’ai aussi fait de l’exercice dans mon jardin parce
que c’est bon pour mon corps. En plus, j’ai regardé des films avec
ma famille parce que c’est plutôt divertissant. Ma soeur et moi
avons aussi fait de la pâtisserie. C’était délicieux!

Excellent French film reviews and recommendations included: ‘La Guerre des
Boutons’ (Kiera Fear), ‘Petit Nicolas’ (Jesmia Antonislas-Ananthakumar), ‘Les
Choristes’ (Amelie Cragg), ‘Les Triplettes de Belleville’ (Maggie Woodgate),
‘Amélie’(Marnie Horan).

A number of pupils have taken up the challenge to Finally, here is a French music recommendation from
explore examples of French poetry and write their Karolina Sliwa.
own personal reflection. Melvin Criss chose Victor Song title: Dernière Danse Artist: Indila
Hugo’s ‘Demain, dès l’aube’; Annalysa Gower chose Why do you like it?
the amusing and intriguing ‘La vie, la vie’ by Ian The beginning of the song has this very light-hearted,
Hamilton Finlay; Pearl Herriott chose Paul Eluard’s bouncy and upbeat melody, which eventually gives way
‘Liberté’ . to the very powerful and dramatic chorus. I get the sense
that Indila is the sort of person who seems very calm and
collected on the outside, but has these huge powerful
emotions on the inside.

Year 10 French

Pupils have been continuing their GCSE course by making the most of a wide variety of online resources to practise
their listening and reading skills whilst developing further their communication skills in prepartion for GCSE Speaking
and Writing topics.

Pupils have also been interacting with their French through cultural
activities and interacting online with live class quizzes hosted by
their teacher. Mrs Herring’s group have been enjoying the beautiful
French film ‘Les Choristes’ as a vehicle for verb practice. Miss
Chong’s group have also had the opportunity to explore French
music, short videos and films as part of their Home Learning whilst
getting involved in friendly online quiz competitions each week!

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 39

German News

A very warm Hallo to every pupil, parent and carer in our community. We hope you are all in good health. First of
all, the German department would like to send a huge clap to all our pupils who are adapting really well to home
learning. We know that this pushes you to learn new things and to brush up your IT skills but we are genuinely
pleased with your efforts which are being rewarded through House points and messages to parents/carers via
Edulink. Please do continue to check your Edulink, email, pupil drive and/or Google Classroom for the very latest
updates from us and do get in touch if you are unsure about what to do. That’s what we are here for and we want
to support you with your work. For now, do take very good care of yourselves and read on to learn about what our
pupils have been up to since we last wrote.

Year 7 have been looking at how Easter is celebrated in German-speaking countries.
This term’s topic is sports and hobbies. Here is Ashna Benoy showing us her collage

of Easter images in her book:

Year 8 completed their end of Term 3 assessments. Here are a couple of their end of
unit postcards about holidays.

Hallo! Letztes Jahr bin ich nach Spanien geflogen. Ich war eine Letztes wochenende ist meine Familie, mit dem
Woche in Spanien. Die Reise war sehr langweilig. Ich habe in Auto nach England gefahren. Die Reise war
einem Hotel gewohnt, es war gut. Es war sehr ordentlich und lang und sehr langweilig. Wir waren in einem
modern. Meine Eltern haben Fotos gemacht. Am Montag habe ich Hotel. Es war sehr schick. Jeden Tag, bin ich im
Basketball gespielt, weil Basketball lustiger als Fußball ist. Dann Freibad geschwommen, weil es sehr heiß und
habe ich Limo getrunken und Erdbeeren gegessen. Am Mittwoch sonnig war. Ich habe Pizza und Schokolade
bin ich in die Stadt gegangen, und ich habe ein Rotes T-shirt gegessen, meine Schwester und Mutter haben
gekauft. Am Donnerstag bin ich im Park gegangen. Am Freitag bin Salat gegessen und Wasser getrunken. Mein
ich ins Kino gegangen und habe einen Film gesehen, ich finde der Vater hat Pommes und Fisch gegessen und
Film war gut. Ich bin dann zu McDonalds gegangen und ich habe Soda getrunken - yuk! Das wetter war schön
Pommes gegessen und cola getrunken, es war Lecker! Es war zu und warm - nicht wolkig oder kalt. Meine Ferien
heiß und schön. Meine Ferien waren fantastisch! waren prima!

Gabija Simkute Sapphire Gramme

Year 8 pupils are now learning about food and drink. So far, they have learnt core vocabulary through online
platforms such as Memrise and Quizlet and they have had the chance to compare their daily eating habits with
their German counterparts. Some pupils took part in a live Kahoot quiz last week. Well done to Saffy Balaban for
coming top of the leader board and congratulations to all those pupils who are putting maximum effort into all their
work. We are looking forward to seeing our pupils’ German shopping lists and food diaries in the coming weeks.
Watch this space…..

Year 9 and 10 have been sending in their ‘postcards from isolation’ to say what they miss / don’t miss. Seems
like everybody is missing their friends but not having to get up early for school!

Here is what Macy Leonard Year 9 has written: Here is a postcard from Amelia Allen completing
her work in isolation:

Hallo. Ich wohne in Bexhill. Ich bin mit meiner
Mutter, Vater, Schwester, Pflegebruder und
Pflegeschwester zu Hause. Ich bin in Isolation seit
20. März. Ich finde es nicht zu schlecht und ziemlich
Spaß. Normalerweise, spiele ich Videospiele und
sehe Netflix. Manchmal, lese ich.

Wir haben Ostern mit Schokolade und einer
Ostereiersuche gemacht. Es war spannend.

Ich vermisse meine Freunden und Familie aber
Isolation ist nicht zu schlecht. Wenn alles vorbei ist,
werde ich Freunde treffen und im Meer schwimmen.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 40

Year 11:
We recognise that Year 11 ended far too quickly and suddenly for our pupils. We didn’t have a chance to hold a
Frühstück revision session, let alone a proper Abschiedsparty. This was just as much a shock to us as it was to
you. We can imagine, though, that it has taken a while for you to adjust. Please know that we are enormously stolz
of all of the hard work and commitment you have put into your GCSE German course. We wish you every success
in the next stage of your educational career and beyond. Please do stay in touch. We are only ever an email away
and we would love to hear all your news.

To finish off with some good news, some of our pupils competed in the ‘This is language’ global Nutty Tilez
competition at the beginning of March. They competed against almost 10,000 other students across the globe,
typing target-language words quickly and accurately, in an attempt to be crowned Nutty champion!

One incredible Year 11 student from St Richard's Catholic College, Janier Rogan, came in 8th place in the German
Nutty Tilez competition. This really is a remarkable achievement and we are so pleased for her! Bravo, Janier!

Spanish Year 9

Year 7

Our wonderful Year 7 pupils have been
discovering the Spanish town of Valencia.
They have learnt about Valencian landmarks
and created leaflets about Valencia. They
have found out more about Spanish food and
Spanish markets. We’ve had some really
creative videos and recordings of them ordering
food at a Spanish cafe.

A particular thank you to Claudia Mcginnes for
your video where you play the role of the waiter
and customers in different outfits!.

A big “enhorabuena” to Noah Kamangala for a very imaginative way of presenting his role play with only feet in the
video! Here are some other examples of their amazing work (see below). As well as their home learning activities,
it has been a real pleasure to play quizzes every week to keep in touch.

Our amazing Year 8 pupils have been working really hard this term. Apart from their everyday tasks, they have
been working on a time capsule project in Spanish. Pupils have created a visual diary of their time spent at
home learning. They have included their feelings, the activities they are doing during lockdown, art work and a
lot more. Here you have some pages from Edward Klein’s and Chloe Smith’s outstanding capsules. Thank you
so much for your efforts! ¡En español!

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 41

Year 9

A “¡Bravo! to all Year 9s as they have embraced a variety of activities plus
the challenge of using new web-based applications such as thisislanguage.
com. Reinforcing grammar has been a focus together with listening and
speaking activities. As with all year groups, we have included cultural
insights too. In the past week, pupils have been following a Spanish recipe
to prepare a dish for their families/carers. Language and culture are meant
to be shared after all!

Here are some examples of
the delicious looking dishes
prepared by Genevieve Kidd,
May Fogarty-Stevens and Leo
Jones! You can see “pan con
tomate”, “patatas bravas” and
“rosquillas” - ¡ñam-ñam!

Year 10

Year 10 is of course a serious GCSE preparation year, but again, we have
been giving pupils a mix of exam preparation skills as well as cultural insights.
As with all the Year groups in Spanish we have been running a live quiz each
week. Home Learning has included listening to podcasts about different
Spanish festivals to increase awareness and appreciation of cultural traditions
and improve Spanish language use.

We have also used BBC Bitesize, Seneca Learning and thisislanguage.com to enable pupils to be independent
and interactive with resources. Pupils have continued to improve their speaking skills by recording their answers
on their phones and uploading to their Home Learning folders. Mobile phones have proved a great asset at
this time! In addition to set work, we encourage all pupils to listen to a bit of Spanish each day. This could be
via platforms such as Netflix or the Spanish broadcaster rte.es. The latter is free to watch on your computer
and there are some excellent series such as El Ministerio del Tiempo ( if you like time travel fantasy!). It is really
helpful that you can also see the transcript in Spanish as you watch many of these series. Examples of fabulous
Year 10 work include excellent exercise book work, use of podcast information and responding to photo card
prompts. We are very proud of your efforts!

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 42

Year 8 ‘My Chinese Teacher’ programme

Despite not being able to participate in our live weekly Some pupils have been communicating on Google
Mandarin lessons with our Beijing teacher, the Year 8 Classroom on a Thursday at 3.15 - 4.00 (our usual club
Mandarin group have been making the most of keeping time) and taking part in a weekly live online quiz to try
their Chinese linguistic and cultural experience going out what they have learnt. Winners of these quizes have
using Google Classroom. The ‘My Chinese Teacher’ been Liliana Kuprowska, Nico Luscombe and Charlotte
organisation has provided us with weekly pre-recorded Evans. Thank you to Frederick Woodbridge and Emma
lessons so that we can still continue with our programme Goncalves for their beautiful Mandarin images designed
of study. especially for our online work. A huge thank you to Nico
Luscombe for uploading summaries in handwritten
Chinese characters of our weekly learning as well as
creating some excellent quizes for us to try.

A glimpse into our weekly pre-recorded lesson with Emma Goncalves’ design
our Chinese teacher in China.

Examples of Nico Luscombe’s self-made teaching resources uploaded to our Yr 8 Mandarin Google Classroom:

Frederick Woodbridge’s design for our Google Classroom Title Heading: Page 43
Newsletter - May 2020

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care team continues to be very active Alongside our work, is the work of Andrew Wright,
during lockdown. We have a number of key aims: from Action Your Potential. Andrew is running
webinars, each Monday, for St Richard's pupils and
1. To offer as much support as we can. We have a parents/carers, beginning at 7pm.

team ringing home to check on how things are going Sign up at the link to either join a webinar live (there
and to ensure we remain a community, ready and will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end)
willing to help and support each other as much as or to receive a recording a few days later. We have
possible. Alongside the phone calls and emails home, tailored the content to support home learning, mental
we continue to signpost to the many different well- health, management of motivation and positive daily
being resources that are available remotely. All of routines. Being a Neuro-Ninja is even more important
these resources have been shared in Miss Cronin's in tough times when our brains will be finding it
weekly letters and are also available on the website. particularly hard.

2. To continue to create a sense of belonging and Instruction on accessing the recordings:

community. Pastoral Leaders have set up Google 1. Go to our website www.actionyourpotential.
Classroom and use this as a platform for key org This is our new website which we are
messages and fun challenges. It is wonderful to preparing for September.
see how pupils are responding to the weekly, fun
challenges set by their Pastoral Leaders. 2. Click here to find all the instructions.
You will need to become a member to see the
We know that the wealth of well-being support webinars, (it’s free). Your school password is:
out there, whilst wonderful, can also feel quite nnstr20 You will need this.
overwhelming. Pastoral Leaders are therefore drip
feeding and highlighting different support services Having signed up once for the webinars, you
weekly. They are also producing weekly assembly don't need to sign up again, but if you didn't
videos and sharing PSHE resources to support sign up the link is here for you. Do follow us on
our young people with their well-being, resilience, social media.
organisation and keeping themselves safe online.
Finally, please do not hesitate to contact myself or
3. To provide access to counselling. Our counsellor any of the Pastoral Leaders or Form Tutors if we can
be of any help. We will always respond to emails
still continues to operate remotely and currently has and are always happy to ring home and offer any
spare spaces. If you feel your son/daughter would support or signposting to support that we can. Our
benefit from this at this time, please contact me at work has always been about CONNECTION and we
[email protected]. are missing seeing the pupils dreadfully. We remain
committed to offering the best standard of pastoral
Our trainee Mental Health practitioners have also care we can, albeit in a very different way at present.
resumed their support (online). There are spaces
available for this intervention, so if you feel it could Mrs Bligh
help your son/daughter please let me know and I can [email protected]
talk you through the process and availability.

4. To support our liturgical journey, Jo continues to

send weekly prayer presentations and reflections. We
will continue to celebrate key events in the life of the
Church. The Pastoral Leaders’ videos highlight the
importance of continuing to grow our faith during this
time.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 44

Chaplaincy News

Hello all, I hope you are all doing well and remaining safe. During this lockdown time Chaplaincy has kept
busy. Our wonderful clergy have faced the technical challenge and many are live streaming masses and
reflections online via various social media outlets. This has been a wonderful way to remain connected as a
community and I hope you have been able to avail of these opportunities. Here are some of the links to the
Parish media outlets if not:

Parish of our Lady of the Rosary, Bexhill
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZo9NChKDnlb0RJuDBwwt7A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stmmbexhill/

Our Lady of Ransom, Eastbourne
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyByhHViFgDkDpZlr_H5bZw

St Mary Star of the Sea, Hastings
Fr Eamonn Monson’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Huruma55/videos

Parish of the Good Shepherd, St Leonards
Facebook live stream https://www.facebook.com/GoodShepherdStLeonards

Aside from this, I have been sending out the weekly prayer and I hope this has been a useful tool to help
you start your day. We had a liturgy on Thursday, 21st May for the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord,
which I am delighted to say some pupils contributed to. I will be putting together another liturgy for our feast
day, St Richard’s Day, next term, so if you would like to be involved with reading, send me an email.

Jo’s Rosary Challenge

In my weekly prayer reflection, I invited you to complete a challenge of creating a Rosary from whatever you
had at home. Well done to all who entered: My two winners were:

KS4 - Emily Adjei 10F
“The Rosary was made with pasta stars and and a few spare beads. We used some wool
to link everything and the 30 beads represent the Trinity. The shell represents St James,
patron saint of Spain and the little fish represents the ICTUS, because Jesus was a ‘fisher
of men’.”

KS3 - Scarlett Morfee 7R
“It is a pocket rosary inspired by the beach and bible. I have written beautiful quotes from
the bible, I thought of this when I went to the beach and picked up all these pretty shells.
I actually wrote the Bible quotes a couple of months ago to decorate my room but didn't
have any Blu Tack. I love going to the beach and thought it would be nice to incorporate
it into a miniature rosary.”

Well done, girls. I will be sending out your prizes in the post.

Special mention goes to – Leo Jones 9U and Millie Moore 7R; you will
also be getting a small prize in the post for your efforts.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 45

Fairtrade:

I have some great news: we have successfully renewed our Fairtrade Award.
My thanks to the Geography Department and RE Department for their
contributions to our application and, especially to the Fairtrade champions for
their hard work. Can I pay particular tribute to Year 11 pupil, Hannah Chan, who
was our Chairperson this year and always gave so freely of her time to promote
Fairtrade activities. Thank you, Hannah.

We now have a designated email address for the Chaplaincy in the school:

[email protected]

You can now send an email to this email address, which only I have access to, for the following reasons:
• To ask for prayer requests at masses and services,
• To let me know of any bereavements in your family so we can offer support,
• During Covid-19 time, to request a telephone call from myself,
• To ask for support for any issues you have,
• To ask for help with any issue you may not feel comfortable talking to another staff member about.

The email will only be seen by me unless it raises any issues that are necessary to share with the
Safeguarding team for your help and protection.

God Bless and stay safe.

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 46

ETahsteSnueswsex Parents, carers,
children and young
DScOhn(oSeoRlHPHOoePian)ltAth FTis here! people, can contact

the service on the
details below and a
member of your local
school health team

will be in touch to
support you with any
health and wellbeing
questions or concerns

Your you have.
your
socnheo-ostlohpeashltohpnfeoerdasl.l
Phone: 0300 123 4062

Email: [email protected] 00884 Produced by the Communications
Online: www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/ and Marketing Team www.kentcht.nhs.uk
school-health-service-east-sussex

SHSceeharovlotichle

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 47

Newsletter - May 2020 Page 48