Newsletter 5 - March 2020

March 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 5 Principal: D. Cronin N.P.Q.H. M.A. B.Ed

Dear Parent/Carers

I am pleased that we are still able to email a newsletter It was with great sadness that this term I shared the
to you, particularly as there had been much to celebrate news of the death of Mrs Dann’s baby, Jackson Robert.
in the life of the school before we were forced to close Please keep Mr and Mrs Dann and baby Jackson
to most children (bar children of key workers and Robert in your prayers. I would also ask you to continue
vulnerable pupils). to keep Miss Easton and Mrs Truss in your prayers.

Term Four has been busy with highlights being the At the end of this term, we say farewell to Mrs Cross
Music Showcase on Wednesday, 4th March and the who is returning to work in West Sussex, having found
Dance Showcase on Wednesday, 11th March. In both, the travel to Bexhill difficult. We are grateful to her
pupils demonstrated their talents, their passion and for sharing her expertise within RE and are pleased
their team spirit. Both evenings were inspiring and that she is moving to one of our Diocesan schools. A
made me very proud. It was particularly poignant to Religious Education teacher has been appointed for a
listen to the compositions and performances of Year 11 September start. In term five, we welcome Mrs Cooper,
musicians and to watch the Year 11 BTEC Performing a Cover Supervisor, who will also provide some pastoral
Arts Group. Both groups produced excellent work which support in the absence of Mrs Dann.
hopefully will lead to high grades this summer. Thanks
to Ms Mason, Mrs Byrne and Mrs Knight for organising As you can imagine, the cancellation of the GCSE
and preparing such memorable evenings that left each exams and an abrupt end to term four came as a shock,
audience smiling, enthralled and impressed. although staff had been preparing work materials for
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all a potential closure since the start of March. It was
those Year 11 pupils who have been singing, playing particularly saddening for Year 11; hopefully, later in the
instruments or dancing in the school over the past summer term the staff and I will have the opportunity to
five years. You have enhanced many a mass, service, thank them formally for their contributions to school life
assembly or show: thank you for this. Ensure that you and to wish them well for the future. Planning for their
‘keep your talent alive’ once you finish at St Richard’s. Prom will be put on hold until we receive notification of
a return date to school. It was also sad to say goodbye
Thanks too, and well done to our theatre company, to the rest of the school community. I am hopeful that
working on a National Theatre Connections project they will cope admirably with the online learning and will
which presented ‘The Marxist in Heaven’ over two access pastoral or SEN support when needed.
nights (Monday, 2nd and Tuesday, 3rd March). Again,
I was enthralled by the delivery of this new play, the I will remain in touch with you, offering suggestions from
team dynamics and the way each pupil developed their staff on how to support pupils with their learning as well
character. Well done to Ms Whelan who directed the as sharing some online sites that offer tips to relax or to
play. I do hope the company will have the opportunity to introduce or enhance an interest. Please do get in touch
take the play to The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury later if you have any concerns. It is really important that we all
in the school year. stay connected during these challenging times as well
as safe and well.
Other events/activities this term have included: Science
Week activities, sporting fixtures, Maths Challenge and Finally, I wish you and your families a happy and holy
Maths Feast, a theatre performance in French, STEM Easter.
activities, theatre visits, careers workshops, Mock Court
Trial competition, Fairtrade events, World Book Day Yours sincerely
activities, Art workshops, external speakers for PSHEe,
fundraising events for Lent including the MFL Fairtrade Principal
Bake-Off and daily extra-curricular clubs and revision
classes. Considering it has been a short term, staff and
pupils have managed to pack a great deal in!

Message from the Chair of Governors

I have been enormously impressed by the plans and support put in place to support pupils
during their enforced absence from school during the Covid 19 pandemic. Miss Cronin and
all the staff have done a fantastic job in ensuring that pupils’ academic work can continue,
but, most of all, that there is a range of pastoral support available to meet the needs of
individual pupils.

It is strange to find oneself with so much time ‘confined to barracks’. I am intending to sort out about twenty
photo albums going back forty plus years and get my garden into shape. I know for many of you, adults and
children, this is a really stressful time with concerns about jobs, finances, futures and disruption to routines; try
to be kind to yourself and to each other. With my prayers for a speedy end to this pandemic. Take care.

Alison Horan, Chair of Governors

St Richard's Catholic College is one of the highest
performers in England, winning national awards

St Richard's Catholic College has been recognised nationally by receiving prestigious awards for their
outstanding key stage 4 results last year. The awards are based on 2019 data provided by the Department
fo
Students and Teachers network.

St Richard's Catholic College was found to be among the best performing non-selective secondary schools
in the country, receiving two awards for being in the top 20% nationally for attainment and for being in DfE
Band 2 for student progress at key stage 4.

The SSAT Educational Outcomes database compares all state-funded schools in England and the highest
performing schools in a range of key measures are awarded SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards.

Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT said:

St Richard's Catholic College on winning two SSAT Educational Outcomes
awards. This success is down to the superb learning and teaching, outstanding support and
inspirational leadership of students, staff, parents and governors. You have made a huge difference
to the lives of the young people in your school. Thank

ENDS

Note to editors:
SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers network is a membership organisation of schools and

Parents, Teachers & Friends Association NEWSacademies. They have been working with leaders, teachers and students for over 30 years to drive school
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WTheebsPitTeF: sAspatruokv.icdoe.uskrefreshments at Parents’ Evenings and Showcase events for visitors and staff.

Contact: [email protected]
Thank you to the PTFA helpers who provided refreshments at the spectacular Music and Dance Showcase
Evenings and Parents’ Evenings this last term.

Due to the current coronavirus situation, the Quiz Night on Friday, 27th March was cancelled. The date set for
the Summer Fayre currently remains as Saturday, 20th June. The date for our next meeting is to be advised.
We would like to extend our love and best wishes at this difficult time to the whole school community.

ThDeoPTwFAnTloeaamd([email protected])pCphaSrittyoRreegisotrratGionoNoumgbleer 1P1l7a46y45

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 2

YEAR SEVEN NEWS

‘Through friendship, hard work and love we have achieved so much’
Year Seven Sept 2019-20

On our last day together on Friday, 20th March, I went Over the last few days many of the pupils/families have
through with the year group many of the things I have been contacted by a member of staff to check that
observed this academic year and the challenges I set for everything is going well. St Richard’s is a community
the pupils. It was a rather reflective moment with many and we will always look to support one another.
of the year group absent, but our key message was ‘that
you are never alone’. I am sure that everyone is now I left all pupils with these questions/ statements to
aware of what to do if they are struggling to complete reflect upon. They have been the common themes
academic work. All pupils should have access to the of assemblies throughout the year and they seem so
pupil support handout given out in paper form or sent appropriate now.
electronically to each pupil/parent. Within this handout
it explains when to contact subject teachers if you are ‘How can you make a difference to someone’s life?’
finding work difficult; who to contact for IT support and
how to access our pastoral support. ‘Always give your best, make someone proud of you’

‘Remember your actions reflect upon everyone’

In our assembly, I explained that the pupilsupport@ ‘Be a good friend and stand up for what is right’

strichardscc.com email will be staffed each school day I hope and pray to see everyone very soon and may you
between 9am-2pm. This is to be used for well-being and and your families stay safe.
pastoral support. All teachers’ emails can be found via

Edulink or via the school website. Mr J Bligh - Pastoral Leader Year 7 [email protected]

YEAR EIGHT NEWS

Before the outbreak of the virus began to affect schools, Bullying: A reminder to parents/carers to always bring
it had been a very busy term which saw Year 8 pupils any suspicion of bullying to our attention, as soon as
receive summative reports, followed by a Parents’ possible, so that we can intervene. We have a zero
Consultation Evening. It was excellent to see so many tolerance attitude to bullying but cannot deal with it if we
parents and carers attend and the overall feeling was are not made aware of it. The last two terms have seen
very positive. two assemblies focusing on anti-bullying and showing
kindness towards one another, whilst our PSHEe
Parental Survey: Thank you to the 101 families who programme has had lessons directly exploring these
completed the survey during the Consultation Evening. I issues.
was very pleased to see that 98% of parents/carers felt
their child was coping well or very well with the demands Behaviour: Instances of poor and anti-social behaviour
of the Year 8 curriculum, whilst over 91% felt that their in school and on the way to school are always dealt with.
child was making steady progress or better. Just under Please report any concerns to the school as soon as
20% of parents/carers said they have concerns regarding possible so that we can respond appropriately.
targets - please contact teachers if you have specific
worries or questions. Please encourage your children House points: A discrepancy between the different
to source the information they need through the wealth Houses has been identified, with pupils feeling that some
of resources available on Google Drive, or by speaking Houses were being awarded more points than others.
directly to their teachers to help them move forward. With We have taken steps to address this, and staff have been
such unprecedented levels of home learning going on, made aware of the issue. Teachers have been asked
and with pupils having to be responsible for much of their to award more points where it was felt there was an
own school work, concerns around targets and progress imbalance.
are understandably likely to be heightened. However,
the option to contact teachers, preferably between the Congratulations are due to all the girls who took part in
hours of 10am - 12 noon, whilst the school is closed, is of the Digigirlz trip to the Microsoft office in February. The
course still open to all. girls all received a certificate for their participation, and
Mr Fegan said the girls were fantastic ambassadors
I was disappointed to see that one respondent did not for the school. I would like to wish you all well at this
feel their child was ‘safe and happy’ at school. I am uncertain time: I will do my best to remain in contact
aware that pupils are not always happy, and I would urge with as many pupils as possible. I pray you will stay
you to share problems and concerns with us at an early safe and healthy.
stage so that we can intervene and support swiftly.

Mr J Steele - Pastoral Leader Year 8 [email protected]

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 3

YEAR NINE NEWS
As we approach Easter, I would like to thank the majority encourage your children with creative and
of Year 9 who have tried their hardest in lessons and physical activities whilst continuing to support their
contributed to the school community this term. remote learning. On return to school, I hope they will give
a new club a go.
Charity
We have had a number of charity events taking place House Points
in school including 9S arranging a cake and Kenyan Although many pupils continued to accumulate an
Jewellery sale. impressive amount of House points, there seemed to be
somewhat of a decline in the amount the pupils received
PSHEe this term. Please encourage your child to continue to
During PSHEe, the pupils have been completing work hard at home in these unprecedented times.
the careers unit, providing an insight into life after St
Richard’s. Hopefully, this unit will be followed up with Social Media
a choice of seven workshops in which the pupils can I am a little concerned with how some of the pupils are
find out more about specific career pathways. Terri, our engaging with social media. There have been a couple
School Nurse, came into assembly to talk to the year of occurrences of what could be seen as cyber-bullying
group. Terri reminded the pupils about the School Nurse this year which we must all work together to eradicate.
Health Support Service available to them. This service Please ensure you are monitoring your son/daughter’s
continues to be available remotely whilst school is closed social media accounts and if you have any concerns
by texting the ChatHealth service on 07507 332473. please pass them on to myself.
This is a confidential service available between 9am
and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Young People can text for Finally, although the pupils have chosen the subjects they
brief advice by text, or can connect with a School Nurse would like to study for GCSE, it is imperative that they
via telephone/skype for one to one advice and support. continue to try their hardest across the curriculum.
Young People may want advice on a range of health
issues including emotional health issues that may arise Please remember that we are always here to help and
through this challenging period. we all want to work closely with yourselves to ensure
that your child is happy and fulfils his/her potential. We
Extra-Curricular clubs will continue to update you, as and when information
As always, I would also like to praise all of the pupils who becomes available, regarding the current public health
have represented the school through a range of clubs situation. Wishing you and your family good health at this
and activities. With the days growing lighter and, fingers uncertain time.
crossed, the weather improving, please continue to
Mrs A Hills - Acting Pastoral Leader Year 9
[email protected]

YEAR TEN NEWS

House Points Year 10 Exams
With regard to achievement with House Points, I The Year 10 mock examinations were due to
am really pleased to highlight some exceptional commence on Monday, 27th April until Tuesday, 5th
performances from Tania Rawalson, Faith Simon, Jess May. The timetable has been put on hold for the time
McCallum, Amelie Croft, Olivia Zheng, Arthur Pepper, being dependent on when school reopens. Year 10
Leon Alksaris, Edward Pepper, Hamish Tallud and should continue to revise for their end of year mock
Michael Thrwat. examinations as they need to embed their learning. After
Easter, their teachers will get them started on new topics.
PSHEe Pupils are expected to come back from the closure
Year 10 have been busy preparing for their Work prepared for their exams. An updated timetable will be
Experience, and mock interviews. Pupils have been shared with pupils when school reopens.
writing and amending their CVs. They should continue
with this during the school closure and email it to Mrs Year 10 Reports and Parents’ Evening
Jones for checking [email protected]. Other You should have received your child’s Year 10 summative
PSHEe topics have included: looking at knife crime, report which was distributed on Wednesday, 18th or
financial planning, careers and a Yoga session. Thursday, 19th March. Please read and go through the
report with your son/daughter. Please complete the reply
Year 10 Mass slip highlighting any comments you wish to make and
Year 10 had a lovely service on the theme of email your child’s tutor to confirm you have received the
Forgiveness. Thank you to Deacon Ian for celebrating the report. If you have any specific subject concerns please
mass and all the musicians, readers, servers and Jo and contact the relevent teacher via email.
Mrs Byrne for organising.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 4

Unfortunately, we have had to postpone the Year The pupils have also had a visit from the Challenge
10 Parents’ Evening due to take place on Thursday team on sexual relationships outside of marriage and the
26th March. If you have general concerns around the consequences of promiscuity which was, once again, a
progress of your child please do not hesitate to make superb presentation. Form Assemblies on Acceptance
contact with either the tutor, subject teacher or myself. from 10F and Celebrating Other Cultures from 10O were
delivered to an excellent standard.
Assemblies
Year 10 have been lucky enough to have a wide range School Closure work
of speakers in school during term 4. East Sussex Coast All pupils should be checking their Edulink google
College was invited to promote the provision available classroom and email daily. All work should be completed
in Eastbourne and Hastings, giving a motivational and to the required standard and should be submitted in the
informative talk on selecting the correct courses post-16. highlighted fashion, adhering to any dates set by subject
staff.

Once again, as a reminder, if all work set is complete,
pupils should be spending this time reviewing their work
or revising for their exams.

If your child is struggling with organisation or completing
the work, please encourage them to email the subject
teacher in the first instance. If you require any support
around your child's work, please let me know. I am more
than happy to call and offer some words of motivation.

Many thanks in anticipation of your continued support.
Stay safe.

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

YEAR ELEVEN NEWS

It has been a very unusual and unsettling end to term 4 The year group hoodies are still going ahead and the
and to Year 11’s preparation for the end of their final year order forms have been shared with Year 11 via Google
at St Richard’s. Friday 20th was a difficult day for Year Drive. Pupils can order their hoodies from the finance
11 and for staff. We are going to do our utmost to make office by phoning in and paying over the telephone, or by
sure we have a formal leavers’ service which pays tribute going direct to ashprint.co.uk.
to an excellent year group. We had a heartwarming
assembly/service before the end of the day and some With the current unprecedented situation it is difficult to
rousing singing during lunch. give a comprehensive answer on results other than what
was outlined in Miss Cronin’s letter last week. We hope
I was delighted with Year 11’s behaviour and attitude to have an update from Ofqual this week. Similarly, it may
towards their recent EBacc exams. They took them well be that we are unable to go ahead with our Prom
seriously and did their very best. Results have at Powdermils on 25th June and that it will need to be
been collated and were sent to parents via email on moved to a different date. Like the Leavers’ Service, we
Wednesday, 1st April. will do our utmost to make this happen so that Year 11
can experience this rite of passage.
On Tuesday, 10th March we had our year photograph
and by now you should have received your order forms I urge Year 11 to follow the revision condensed crib/tips
via your child. Many thanks for making sure they all and website sheet with emphasis on the subjects they
looked so smart; the photographers were effusive with will be studying in Year 12, and to keep studying, despite
their praise. the problems we are facing due to the pandemic.

With the current restrictions on contact and collecting I wish you all a safe and holy Easter. Please continue to
photographs from school, I suggest if you have contact me if you have any queries.
not already ordered them, that you go direct to the
photographers at jpphotographic.co.uk.

Mr Doherty, Assistant Principal & Pastoral Leader Year 11 ([email protected])

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 5

HISTORY DEPARTMENT NEWS

Key Stage 4 History Revision

Top tips: Mrs Avery’s lessons:

• Start by RAG coding the history checklists to target your revision: Anglo Saxon and Norman England, American

American West, Anglo Saxons, Early Elizabethan England, Germany, West, Germany, Medicine, Surgery on the

Medicine, Western Front. Western Front, and Revision Resources

• Use the GCSE question types to focus on your exam technique.

• It is important to revise actively and avoid just reading over your Mrs Fegan’s lessons:

book. Try some of the following revision techniques: make revision American West, Early Elizabethan England,

cards, Cornell notes, spider-diagrams, plan/write exam answers or Germany and Medicine

even teach somebody else.

Recommended buys: Recommended websites:
Star buy! Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Revision Cards with free online Revision
Guide and Workbook: • A long, long time ago
• Anglo-Saxon and Norman England Revision Cards • BBC Bitesize
• Early Elizabethan England Revision Cards • BBC Teach
• Medicine in Britain Revision Cards • Seneca Learning
• The American West Revision Cards • Spartacus Education
• Weimar and Nazi Germany Revision Cards
Hodder Revision Guides and Workbooks - use discount code
WQ0008932 for 20% off (limited time offer).

Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4
Pupils in Year 7 and 8 have begun their historical studies Year 10 have begun their third unit of study, either Anglo
fantastically well and the department is impressed with Saxon and Norman England, or Early Elizabethan
their efforts so far. England. There are numerous recommended readings
and films linked to these units, some of which are listed
Year 7 have enjoyed exploring the events of the Battle of below. We hope pupils will also be supporting their
Hastings whilst Year 8 have investigated the English Civil previous learning by regularly recapping and revising at
War. Next term, Year 7 will begin looking at life in England home.
during the Middle Ages, whilst Year 8 will be investigating
the causes and consequences of the French Revolution. A reminder that Year 10 exams will hopefully take place
during term 5. Paper 1 will be Medicine in Britain and
Year 9 will be completing their Key Stage 3 learning at the Paper 2 will be the American West without the Anglo
end of this term, and embarking on their studies of GCSE Saxons or Early Elizabethan England section. Please be
History or Geography at the start of term 5. Our first unit making use of the ample resources that can be found in
of study will be the American West, a fascinating study the History folder on the pupil drive; revision should be
charting the impact of western settlement on the Native well under way.
Americans.
Year 11 should continue to revise their history notes until
Pupils are encouraged to begin preparing for this we have confirmation of any evidence required by the
new topic by exploring some of the literature, film or Exam Board.
documentaries suggested below. We cannot wait to
welcome you all to GCSE History.

Supplementary Reading Lists

Year 7 ‘Raven Queen’ by Pauline Francis - Other titles: ‘Bloodline’ by Katy Moran or ‘The Seeing Stone’ by Kevin Crossley-Holland
Year 8: ‘I Coriander’ by Sally Gardner - Other titles: ‘The Red Necklace’ by Sally Gardner or ‘Revolution’ by Jennifer Donnelly
Year 9: ‘The American West’ by Dee Brown - Other titles: ‘Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee’ by Dee Brown (book and film)
Year 10: ‘1066 and before all that’ by Ed West - Other titles: ‘Elizabeth, the Queen’ by Alison Weir

Covid-19 Virus Update

All of the department resources can be accessed via
Google Drive.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 6

Pupil Leadership

School Council Extra-curricular - Mock Court Trial competition
The School Council has been working to improve menu The law club competed in the Magistrate’s Court mock
options in the canteen following our discussions with trial competition on Saturday, 14th March. The team tried
the caterers earlier in the year and we are hoping to see a case of criminal damage against three other teams over
some improvements soon. The School Council has also the course of the day. I am proud to say that the team
discussed the need to increase the restocking of hand performed exceptionally well and the judges commented
wash in the light of the coronavirus situation as pupils are on the pupils’ preparation and how well they presented
showing an increased awareness of the importance of themselves. Unfortunately, the team came up against a
washing hands. very good team from The Weald of Kent Grammar School
and finished in a very respectable second place. I would
The Crest like to express my thanks to the team for the time and
Pupils are continually showing me the incredible extra- effort they put into such a polished performance.
curricular and character building activities they have been
taking part in this year to claim their Crest Awards. This
is an Award for pupils who are seeking out and taking
opportunities to grow as an individual and progress from
the Bronze through to Gold Award. This Award is available
from Years 8-11. I would like to take this opportunity to
remind Year 10, in particular, that prospective prefect
applicants are expected to have achieved at least a Silver
Award.

Congratulations to pupils who have achieved the following Mr A Lahache
Awards since January:
Gold Award: Frieya Biju Ampalathattil, Rosemary Davis,
Tania Rawalson (Year 10), Leo Jones, Maisie Scrivener
(Year 9)
Silver Award: Eliza Brown, Jess McCallum, Marni
Lippin (Year 10) Amovi Franklin-Lester (Year 9) Angelina
Jeneslas-Jeyakumar (Year 8)
Bronze Award: Veronia Francis Vimalaratnam (Year 8)

Special Educational Needs

During this period of uncertainty when we are all adapting to changed circumstances, often with great difficulty,
we, as an SEN team, continue to provide support to all our learners and families. Please remain in touch with
myself, your child's Year Co-ordinator and/or their mentor if you have any concerns or queries. While our doors
remain closed to the majority of pupils, and indeed an increasing number of all of the community's doors are
closing too, please think of the school and our department as very much still available to you for support.

My direct email address is [email protected], and the team of Year Co-ordinators' contacts can be
found below:

Year 7 - Mrs Lea-White ([email protected])
Year 8 - Mr Nuckhir ([email protected])
Year 9 - Mrs Campbell ([email protected])
Year 10 - Ms Hubbard ([email protected])
Year 11 - Mrs Park ([email protected])

Have you got stuck with any work that has been set?
Do you need some quick help to get through it?
Then try our new SEN Pupil Helpdesk.

Just send an email to [email protected]
A Teaching Assistant will reply and help you get back on track.

Try it today!

Very best wishes for your health and happiness, and let us all remain in readiness for a return to a normal Page 7
timetable as soon as we can. Mr. Smith and the SEN team

Newsletter - February 2020

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 7

Geography News

**Keep up to date with all the latest Geography news with @StRichardsGeog on Twitter!**

Year 7-8

We have welcomed our second cohort of Geographers who have started studying Geography from February
until July. They have all made a great start. In Year 7 we have been learning about river environments and
the processes that change rivers. We have learnt about flooding in Cumbria, UK. Our next unit will be about
the world and our local area where lots of map skills will be taught. In term 6, Kenya is our exciting topic
featuring wildlife, cities, coral reefs and the Maasai tribe. In Year 8, we are already completing our unit about
the Rich World Poor World and have learnt about inequalities between countries, child labour, Fairtrade and our
assessment looking at the collapse of a clothing factory in Bangladesh in April 2013. In our next unit we will learn
about Brazil and then move to a study of coastal environments.

Fairtrade Excellent Geographers

Fairtrade is a growing international movement which Former Head Boy, William Brown,
ensures that producers get: who is studying Geography A Level
A Fair price for their goods, which covers the cost of at Eastbourne College has been
production and guarantees a living income; chosen to represent the UK at the
Long term contracts which provide real security; Geographical Association’s 17th
Support to gain the knowledge and skills they need International Geography Olympiad
to develop their businesses and increase sales. held in Istanbul in August this year.
He qualified with an outstanding
St Richard’s and the Geography Department support the Fairtrade essay on sustainable forest
movement and during Fairtrade Fortnight, 24th February - 8th March, we management, as this year’s topic is
once again held a Fairtrade sale of crafts, cards, chocolate, biscuits, tea conservation and management of the
and jewellery. rain-forest ecosystem. Well done to
William.
The £120 raised will be used to support the communities who made the
items and help to change lives for good as the cycle of poverty can be
stopped. All children need an education to improve their life chances and
when the parents can earn more money for their produce this becomes a
reality.

The Fairtrade Fortnight coincided with our Year 8 Rich World Poor World Travel and Tourism
topic and we learnt about the chain of production for chocolate, as well as visiting speaker
the huge improvements that making Fairtrade footballs has brought to the
Sialkot region of Pakistan.

The pupils were really engaged and interested in these issues and
hopefully will be ambassadors for Fairtrade products.

Many thanks to the Fairtrade Champions who helped to run the stalls and Jodie Perkins from James Villa
promote Fairtrade awareness in St Richard’s. Remember to look out for Holidays came to share her passion
the Fairtrade logo when you are shopping. for tourism. She started as a holiday
representative in Europe before
developing her role as a destination
manager for James Villas. The talk
was inspiring and very practical.
Jodie shared a number of different
ways to access employment within
tourism and explained how James
Villas choose their holiday villas and
their pricing structures.

Mrs P Hoyle

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 8

World Book Day was celebrated this year by all Library News - February 2020
Year 7s, 8s and 9s collecting a World Book Day
token in their library lessons, and to older pupils by The 1066 Book Award 2020 is well underway,
application. You may either exchange your token
for a special World Book Day book, or get £1.00 with voting fast approaching. Pupils from St. Richard’s have
off any book worth more than £2.99 in a bookshop. been busy reading and submitting reviews – well done,
Additionally, pupils heard a story of suspense over Zachary Read of 8F, is the first to finish all four books and
the whole six lessons of the day, and Year 7s treated complete his reviews! Pupils involved have been meeting
us to a fantastic array of book character costumes – on Tuesday lunchtimes to discuss the books.
even some staff joined in! In the afternoon, the author
Kate O’Hearn led two workshop sessions on creative
writing for aspiring authors in the library – enthralling
them with ways of building a character, and tales of
getting locked out of her house!

Our next Book Award will be the CILIP Carnegie Book
Award Shadowing, which is due to commence after Easter.
The shortlist has only just been released, but if your child
would be interested in joining us in reading the selected
titles, they should email me after Easter.

New Additions to the Library February’s Film was ‘Bend it Like Beckham’
– a tale of ambition and heartache, and of
At the end of the financial year, the library was finding out who you really are.
given a boost to the budget, and I bought some
long awaited and very popular Manga series Starring the young Keira Knightly, this is suitable for ages
and Graphic Novels: ‘Tokyo Ghoul’, ‘Death Note’ 12 and up. Our film clubbers enjoyed the twists and turns
and ‘One Punch Man’ and the ‘Alex Rider’ series of this very British story. Lower School pupils are welcome
now feature in our collection, along with Malorie to join Film Club – email for a permission letter in the
Blackman’s ‘Noughts and Crosses’, Neil Gaiman’s library.
‘1602’ and a selection of others … suffice to say
they are flying off the shelves and keen readers are Quote of the Month:
immersing themselves in all things Manga!
‘There are no bad authors for children because every
child is different. A hackneyed, worn-out idea isn’t
hackneyed and worn out to them. This is the first
time the child has encountered it. Do not discourage
children from reading because you feel they are
reading the wrong thing. Fiction you do not like is
the gateway to other books you may prefer, and not
everyone has the same taste as you.’

Neil Gaiman, an award winning author whose work
includes novels, comic books, audio theatre, TV and
film, including the recent ‘Good Omens’, co-written
with Terry Pratchett.

The St Richard’s librarians wish you all a very Happy Easter – remember to buy a book – it lasts longer than an
egg! Ms F Tocknell, Librarian

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 9

PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

What an amazing term! We have enjoyed a series of fabulous performances across The Performing Arts Department
including the return of The Dance Showcase. Congratulations to all the pupils who participated and put in an enormous
amount of hard work to make all the performances such a success.

The Music Showcase

Yet again our pupils excelled as they gave heartfelt Our GCSE pupils excelled and included Millie McIvor,
and passionate performances. It was wonderful to see who directed a group of singers she had coached
younger members of our school community stepping especially for the event before directing for the first
up and taking to the stage for their first solo. Brice time. Many pupils gave performances of their own
Winthe immediately came to the Music Department the compositions demonstrating their amazing creativity.
next day to announce that he would now be joining the The breadth of work was inspiring with three school
orchestra as he enjoyed the experience so much and ensembles; choir, NYJO (our improvisation group) and
we are delighted to welcome him. the orchestra all giving wonderful performances.

National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) Reuben James

We have been very lucky to be part of a series of The Hastings International Piano Festival provided a
workshops with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra number of other opportunities including free tickets to
(NYJO) developing our improvisation skills and young people to a number of the festival events as well
ensemble playing. as a visit from Reuben James to St Richard’s. Reuben
shared stories of his experiences as a developing
musician and some wonderful performances of his
current work. He also listened to performances of
compositions from our own pupils and delighted them
with being able to play their music back to them. It was
clear that we were in the presence of an incredible
musician who inspired us all.

The work which took place over a series of three
workshops culminated in a joint performance with pupils
from The Hastings Academy.

Thank you to The Hastings Academy for hosting the final
performance and to The Hastings International Piano
Festival for funding the project.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 10

The Marxist in Heaven
(Connexions Festival)

The Drama Department gave two wonderful performances
of 'The Marxist in Heaven' by Hattie Naylor which they will be
hopefully taking to the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury in May.
The play: ‘The Marxist in Heaven’, is a play that does exactly
what its title page says it is going to do. The eponymous
protagonist ‘wakes up’ in paradise and once she gets over
the shock of this fundamental contradiction of everything she
believes in…..she gets straight back to work….and continues
her lifelong struggle for equality and fairness for all….even in
death.

Funny, playful, provocative, pertinent and jam-packed
with discourse, disputes, deities and disco dancing by the
bucketful, this upbeat buoyant allegory shines its holy light on
globalisation and asks the salient questions – who are we and
what are we doing to ourselves?.....and what conditioner do
you use on your hair?’

Time to Dance

The annual Time to Dance Festival was held at
the White Rock Theatre, Hastings on Wednesday,
12th February. This year we performed two
pieces to the theme ‘Poems by the Sea.’ We
collaborated with both the English and Music
Departments whilst developing the pieces.

The first piece performed was based on a poem written by Joe Baszczak 11L;
the second piece entitled ‘Dover Beach’ had a special piece of music composed
by Bellza Moore 10I. Year 10 pupils, Keia Penman and Betsie Field, worked
each week with Chantry Community Primary School to choreograph their piece
for them based on a poem by Rudyard Kipling, ‘A Smuggler’s Song’.

Newsletter - March 2020 Boys’ Workshop

We have an exciting workshop opportunity for boys. It is funded
for schools through E Youth Dance, part of Time to Dance and
Hastings and Rother Schools partnership which means it is free! In
conjunction with Bexhill College, Ascension Dance and St Richard’s
Catholic College, we are delighted to offer the workshops for boys.
Please email Mrs Knight if you are interested in attending these
workshops due to take place in July.

BTEC Performing Arts boost

This is a drop in ‘clinic’ run by Mrs Knight for all Year 10 pupils who
need support with any aspect of the course, whether it be extra
rehearsal, revision or just a chat. The BTEC Boost class is held
on a Thursday after school until 4pm in A0. Year 9 Performing Arts
pupils are welcome to attend once we reopen if they would like extra
support with their Arts Award. Please email any concerns.

Page 11

The Dance Showcase

The first Dance Showcase took place this term with pupils Year 9,10 and 11 pupils have been lucky enough to work
participating from all year groups and from all Dance with Jordan Panchen from the White Rock Theatre,
Companies. The Year 11 BTEC group completed their learning about the production side of Performing Arts.
final Component 3 practical performance creating pieces They were very interested to learn about all the different
of choreography to the stimulus set by the exam board. careers within the Arts, including lighting and sound.
Mrs Knight was impressed with everyone's performances,
especially under such pressure for the Year 11s! Well Jordan will return to work with the pupils later in the year,
done to all, We have received some lovely feedback. to enable us to build a pupil-led tech team.
Thank you to all who supported the event and for your
generous donations.

Achievements and Results

Amelia Magni of 7H was fortunate enough to place six out of six dances in the Local
and Open Festival in Eastbourne this year and was also placed in all seven categories in
Hastings.

In Eastbourne, Amelia won:
• Myra cup for age 11 aggregate
• Diana Keane Award for highest mark in ballet any age
• Doris Dorbon Trophy for highest mark in National any age
• Susan Wood Award for highest mark in solo dance any age
• Joy of Dance Trophy from the adjudicator
• Ann Ford Ballet Trophy for local dancer showing potential in ballet
• Winnifred Leaver Trophy for Ballet, National and Character Dance aged under 12

Amelia Magni Trophies in Hastings:
• Joyce Percy Cup for Ballet Character and National under 12 years
• Annette Mitchell Challenge Cup for Character and National 12 and under
• Molly Bernard Memorial Challenge Cup for Ballet and Character aged under 12
• Christine Eastman Challenge Cup for all disciplines aged 11 and 12 years
• Schroeder Memorial Challenge Cup for highest mark in Character in the whole festival
• The Bell Memorial Cup for the most promising dancer of the whole festival age under

14 years.

Amelia has also recently been awarded a full scholarship to Central School of Ballet
spring intensive couse. Well done, Amelia.

Millie Moore of 7U attended the Southern festival, receiving one first, five seconds and
three thirds. Well done, Millie.

Millie Moore Evie Dawes Evie Dawes of 9I has been extremely busy in the last few weeks. She competed at the
Newsletter - March 2020 Tunbridge Wells Festival, performing Dance Solos, Duets and Trios. At the Hastings
Music Festival, Evie came 3rd in the silver medal category out of 11 competitors. She also
received 2nd in drama and 2nd in the show song duet category. Evie won two Cups: Tap
and Modern Cup ages 12 and under 15 and Aggregate 13 and under 15. Well done, Evie.

Page 12

#sophiespostcard

We have now received more than 300 incredible postcards, including some very special artwork below. Sophie's
Secret Postcard Auction is in memory of former pupil, Sophie Maria Taylor, who died in April 2017. To commemorate
what would have been Sophie’s final year at St Richard’s, we are again running the Secret Postcard auction and this
time we are setting ourselves a target of 1000 wonderful original postcard works of art to raise much needed funds for
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

If you didn’t manage to collect a pre-printed postcard from school before we closed, you can create your own
postcard. It will need to be approximately 149mm x 105mm and on good quality heavy weight paper or board.
Full details on how to participate can be found here www.sophiespostcard.com/callforsubmissions or email
Miss Pennington if you have any questions at [email protected].

Please follow @strichardsart on Twitter, sophiessecretpostcard on Instagram or join our Facebook page for regular
news updates and use the hashtag #sophiespostcard to help promote the event on social media.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 13

MathemMaatitchseDmeaptairctms ent

East Sussex Maths Feast

The St Richard’s team of four Year 10 boys (Joseph,
Arthur, Jack and Ivan) came first or joint first in every
round to win the challenge overall. The event, held
by the Further Mathematics Support Programme, is
designed to encourage lateral thinking as well as active
mathematical engagement.  

Congratulations to the four Year 10 mathematicians who Maths Feast is a fun educational challenge for Year
participated in the recent East Sussex Maths Feast. Nine 10 pupils which tests problem-solving and teamwork
teams from seven schools took part in the challenge, skills. There are several rounds requiring different skills
held at Ratton School in Eastbourne.  and strategies for success. Each event takes between
two and three hours, and awards are given for good
teamwork and for the winning team of each round.
Calculators and equipment such as rulers and protractors
are not permitted - this competition is based on brain
power alone! Well done to: Jack Gunson, Joseph Roser,
Arthur Pepper and Ivan Doolan Tanner!

Maths Competition

This question has been taken from the NRICH website, a website full of interesting problem solving questions
for Maths. Please check the website out if you are interested. Solutions to this problem are to be emailed to Mr
Jacobs. There will be a prize for the most thorough solution.

Best Wishes to Year 11

On behalf of the Maths department I would like to say a big thank you to all Year 11 pupils for the great work they
have put in this year. We are disappointed that the GCSE exams have been cancelled for this year (you were on
track to break several school records for the 9-1 Maths GCSE) but are happy that we leave you in a strong position
to develop your mathematical skills further in the future. Please do get in contact with your class teacher or myself
if you have any questions about the process of distributing grades for this year or how to best prepare yourself for
taking mathematical courses at Sixth Form College.

For pupils in all other years, please pay attention to the work that is being set on Edulink. In these uncertain times
we are unclear about how long school will be closed and it is important that you continue to work to the best of your
abilities at home. Again, if you or your parents have any questions, please get in touch with your Maths teacher or
myself. Mr Jacobs

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 14

UKMT Maths Challenge

170 of our Year 9 to 11 pupils took part in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge in February, a national
competition for mathematical problem solving. 72 pupils excelled in this competition and were awarded certificates
of commendation, with four pupils being invited to take place in further competitions. Well done to every pupil who
took part; congratulations to those of you that have been awarded certificates and special congratulations to Gabriel
Harrison, Joseph Roser, Leo Mummery and Samantha Zebrak for their exceptional achievements. Please see below
for some example questions from the challenge for you to try at home.

Visit to the Bank of England Museum

As part of the Maths Week activities, Year 9 and 10 pupils took a trip
to the Bank of England Museum. The trip began with a presentation
about the purpose of the Bank of England and explained key financial
components such as interest rates and inflation. The pupils then
discovered how money is designed to prevent fraud and the ten fraud
defences which are designed into paper notes. The pupils then had the
opportunity to explore the museum whilst completing an activity pack.
Afterwards, they were able to take a short walk along the River Thames
and enjoy some lunch opposite the Shard.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 15

It has been an incredibly busy term for the English was presented to Nefeli Koumousidou as the greek
department with lots of extra-curricular activities taking goddess Aphrodite from ‘Homer’s Odyssey’. Runners
place. At the end of term 3, St Richard's hosted the up included: Albert Cato, Claudia Mcginnes, Ella Di
Scholastic Book Fair and we sold approximately £200 Lieto and Andreanna Michael whose costumes were all
worth of books. Pupils really relished browsing the brilliant. All pupils who took part in fancy dress looked
wide range of literature; the sales will enable us to fantastic and all were awarded a free book for their
purchase new books for our school library. efforts by the librarian.

On Thursday, 27th February, a group of thirty Year 10 Additionally, a select number of pupils were invited
and 11 pupils visited the Theatre Royal Brighton to to take part in an author's workshop on the day. Kate
see the National Theatre Production of J.B.Priestley's O'Hearn, author of ‘Pegasus’ and ‘Valkyrie’ series,
‘An Inspector Calls’. The performance was greatly spent the afternoon with Year 7 pupils, answering
enjoyed by all and it offered an invaluable insight into questions about becoming an author, her books and
one of the core GCSE texts. Additionally, on Friday, 6th delivering a workshop on creative writing. Pupils found
March Miss Rowland organised for her Year 11 class it both riveting and inspiring. It was a great day for
to see a production of ‘Jane Eyre’ at the Devonshire celebrating a love of reading and literature.
Park Theatre in Eastbourne. It was a delightful evening
and the production further supported pupils with their Finally, on Monday, 9th March pupils were visited
Literature revision. by the author of ‘Running Deep’, Grant Strong, who
delivered an engaging talk about his novel and led a
St Richard's also celebrated a love of books and creative writing workshop with Key Stage Three pupils.
reading on Thursday, 5th March to commemorate
World Book Day. Year 7 pupils and staff dressed up We would like to remind pupils to keep completing a
as their favourite book characters. Pupils came to minimum of two Bedrock lessons per week to make
school in an exciting array of costumes from Dr Seuss progress with their vocabulary. Pupils should also be
to ‘Alice in Wonderland’ characters. Art Burnett won reading a range of fiction and non-fiction texts in their
first prize as the Fox in Socks. Second prize was own time to improve their vocabulary, comprehension
awarded to Kieran O'Connor as the Artful Dodger from skills and strengthen their creative ideas.
Charles Dicken's novel ‘Oliver Twist’ and the third prize

,

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 16

Newsletter - March 2020 Poetry By Heart 2020

Well done to Nuala Andrews, May Fogarty-Stevens and Faith
Simon who were our school representatives for the recitation
competition, Poetry By Heart.

They performed fantastic recitations in February and although
they did not proceed to the National Finals, they should be
congratulated!

Parents:
There are a number of websites available to support your
child with reading and literacy whilst they are learning at
home:

• https://www.worldbookday.com/2020/03/book-ideas-
hub-brilliant-stay-at-home-ideas-free-resources/

• https://www.gutenberg.org/ free versions of the
classics and other reading.

• https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/keystage3-ks3
free literacy (and other subjects) related resources.

Page 17

Art Department

The Art Department managed to run two Saturday GCSE Art and Design Year 7 are designing a ceramic picture
Exam workshops before the school closed. We are frame inspired by Antoni Gaudi. Year 8 are designing a
expecting outstanding work from both our GCSE groups. coil pot which will be constructed in ceramics and Year 9
Our pupils have been working with great enthusiasm are designing a melting clock inspired by Salvador Dali
on their exam sketchbooks and final dummy runs. We and Surrealism. Year 10 have just finished glazing their
always place a strong focus on Good to Outstanding Natural Form Ceramic vessels and the results after firing
work in all areas in the Art Department; it establishes a were quite stunning.
highly professional work ethic amongst all of our pupils.
We took two of our Year 9 classes to the Hastings
Fine Art Year 7 pupils are working on very intricate Contemporary Gallery at the end of last term to the
steampunk mechanimals, and Year 8 pupils are ‘Pearls Of The Sea Project’. The pupils worked with artist,
producing beautifully rendered Day of the Dead Tonal Janey Moffatt, in the gallery and will continue to develop
skulls using 6B pencils to great effect. Year 9 pupils are their work back at school. We are also in the process of
working on Quarter portraits considering tone, pastel, entering some of our pupils' work to the Royal Academy
colour pencil and watercolour studies. Year 10 Fine Art of Art summer Exhibition. Congratulations to Chloe Rubit,
pupils have embarked on their Identity project, producing who was selected by the Lions for her Peace poster.
inspired tonal self-portraits with limited blue colour,
painting on board. They look amazing! Keep creating!
Mr Peachment (Subject Leader)

Year 9 Scarpace Fish

Art and Design Year 11 GCSE

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 18

Year 9 Surrealism
Year 9 Gustav Klimt

Newsletter - March 2020 Visit to the Hastings Contemporary Gallery at the Stade

Page 19

RE Department News

As always, this term has been a very busy one for all the pupils and teachers in the RE department.

In Year 7, pupils have been completing a topic called “Jesus our
Saviour.” They have taken a really close look at the events of Holy
Week and learnt about the journey Jesus took to the cross. They have
focused, not only on the events from the Gospel, but also the theological
importance of this for us as Catholics. When they go to Church on-line
during Holy Week, I hope they will use all they have learnt and have a
deeper understanding of how we celebrate Holy Week.

In Year 8, pupils have completed a topic called “God is Calling you.” This topic
covers vocation, marriage, confirmation and ordination. During the summer
term, we are planning to invite some Priests into the RE classrooms to talk about
their vocation and discernment into the Priesthood.

In Year 9, pupils have continued working on their “Faith
into Action” activities. Pupils have been very busy
organising, creating and taking part in a variety of
activities. As a department, it has been a delight to see
so many pupils taking a really active part in this work.

In Year 10, pupils have been learning about a topic called
“Forms of Expression.” In this topic pupils have learnt about
the internal and external features of a Church, artwork,
symbols, drama and music. This unit has helped pupils learn
more about how we express and celebrate our Catholic faith
within our worship. Year 10 should start to get their resources/
notes together and start to prepare themselves for their mocks.

Year 11 pupils have completed their GCSE Mrs Mead, Subject Leader for RE
course. Those pupils not expecting to achieve a
high grade in RE should continue to revise so that Page 20
they can take the exam in September.
If pupils are having difficulty with accessing the
revision resources, they should email Mrs Mead.

Newsletter - March 2020

CAREERS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

During Mrs Dann’s absence, I will be taking over as assembly regarding the alumni network and Year 9 had
Careers lead for the remainder of the academic year. an assembly about apprenticeships from former pupil,
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 some events using Miss Ralph who is now our Graduate IT Apprentice. The
external organisations have been postponed or altered, Year 9 careers workshops will be happening later in the
including last week’s Year 10 Apprenticeship workshop academic year.
session: relevant pupils will be notified when new dates
have been arranged. Careers Ambassadors
The Year 9 careers ambassadors will be leading their
Careers Fayre second session with Year 7 pupils. This session is
Years 8-11 were able to attend a Careers Fayre in supported by Cath Brunger from AXA. The session
school at the end of February, where they had the will be delivered via Skype due to AXA’s response to
opportunity to speak to local colleges, training providers Covid-19.
and businesses. Pupils were able to take home
prospectuses and ask for information about college Year 10 Work Experience and MOCK Interviews
courses and entry requirements. Lots of pupils came Owing to Covid-19, we expect these events to be
away feeling enthused about their subject choices and postponed. Pupils should continue to prepare their CVs.
excited about the range of opportunities available, many Once we have a start date for return to school, then we
of which they had not previously considered. I would can re-schedule these two important events.
personally like to thank Cath Brunger from AXA PPP, for
her support of this event. Unifrog has some useful Careers resources. I would
encourage all pupils to access them on GoogleDrive
Careers Week https://mailchi.mp/73c08f4050ef/supporting-your-
During Careers Week earlier this term, Pastoral Leaders students-to-work-remotely-1555121?e=d68a696fab
and tutors will have shared numerous resources
regarding future careers and apprenticeships with pupils. Mr Holloway, Careers Lead
Year 10 had an assembly from Sussex Coast College [email protected]
concerning what they offer post-16; Year 11 had an

Pupil News

Newsletter - March 2020 Congratulations to Lilia, Savanah and Kiera who performed at a
recent Panto of Robinson Crusoe which was performed at Christ
the King. All monies raised went to the Church and a local charity.

Congratulations to Kacey Wolecki who recently competed in
the St John’s Ambulance National Competition in Northampton.
Although she did not win, Kacey was one of 10 people invited to
meet Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal in November which
she is very much looking forward to. In June, Kacey will be going
to St Paul’s Cathedral to represent Sussex in front of the Royal
Family and the Lord Lieutenants. Well done, Kacey!

Year 10 pupil Luca Hale-Stretton, has been selected to join a team of Scouts
to embark on an expedition to Kenya in July 2020.

Working with a charity called Timu Rafiki, who lead a variety of projects in
Kenya, the focus of the expedition will be to plan and run activities for the local
Scouts and street children, providing training in skills such as first aid, cooking,
survival and water safety whilst sharing cultures and language. They will
also be involved in building projects such as a toilet and shower block, and to
officially open a brand new water well.

If you would like to support Luca with a donation, then please see:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/luca-hale-stretton.

Page 21

MFL Fairtrade Bake-Off This year a total of £150 was raised. We awarded prizes
to Madison Buck, Emilia Benham and Beth Surey for the
Huge thanks go to Mrs Herring and Jo, our Lay Chaplain, fabulous Fairtrade cake pictured below on the left. 2nd
for organising another successful Fairtrade Bake-Off. places were awarded to Sophie-Rose McEvoy and Leah
Following a brilliant Year 7 Christmas Bake-Off, the MFL Tamale. Lily Holloway and Amelie Bell were awarded 3rd
team accepted cakes from Year 8 and, as you can see prizes. Well done to everyone who took part. Let’s hope
below, our pupils really rose to the challenge! Pupils that some of these star bakers are now inspired to sign
were encouraged to use at least one Fairtrade product to up for the Junior Bake Off competition which closes on
create their delicious bakes and they had to write out the 5th April. We certainly believe they have the talent to win.
ingredients in the foreign language they are being taught For more details of this national competition, please go to
at St Richard’s. As a school, we like to raise awareness
amongst the pupils of how important it is to support www.applyforjuniorbakeoff.co.uk
producers in developing countries to earn a decent wage
for their work.

MFL Culture Corner

French

Dunkirk Carnival is one of the biggest and most famous carnivals in northern
France, running from February to mid-March on weekends and some weekdays. It
began in the 18th century as a special feast before the fishermen set off to sea to
catch cod. Mrs Herring, who comes from Dunkirk, can vouch that this is a wonderful
and joyful celebration and she really likes to join in when she is in France.

German

Ostereierbäume or Easter egg trees are an essential part of every German speaking person’s
home. As Spring arrives, and in the lead up to Easter, families pierce a raw egg, blow out the
insides and then paint and decorate their eggs before hanging them on birch branches in vases
around the home. It makes a perfect addition to any house and helps to remind us that longer
days are on the horizon. To find out how to make a German Easter tree, look at this website:
https://www.solebich.de/wohnen/osterstrauch This is an excellent activity to do at home so send
in pictures of your designs.

Spanish

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Spain is the annual commemoration of the Passion of Jesus
Christ celebrated by the religious brotherhoods (Spanish: cofradía) who perform penance
processions on the streets of almost every Spanish city and town during the last week of
Lent, the week immediately before Easter. Brotherhoods wear distinctive coloured robes
and it is an honour, usually inherited through families, to belong to one. In the south of
Spain, special flamenco songs are sung impromptu from balconies narrating the pain of
Christ carrying the cross. A truly emotional and spiritual experience not to be missed.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 22

French Club

Year 7 and Year 8 French club members have enjoyed a weekly showing of a French animated film called ‘Avril et
le Monde Truqué’ (‘April and the Extraordinary World’). Many thanks to Year 10 French Club helpers (Arthur Pepper,
Austin Thomas, Michael O’Brien and Alfie Mason) for creating weekly quiz questions on the film. Here is a review
written by Ahana Kandathil and Melissa Mathew, both of 7O.

In French Club we have watched a movie called “April and the
Extraordinary Adventure.” In my opinion, I enjoyed watching this
film and I recommend that you should watch it.

This movie is about scientists who go missing after trying to
make an ultimate serum but then in 1941 April’s parents and her
grandfather succeed in making the serum. Soon after that the
police come. They all run and then each one gets separated.
April’s mother gives her the serum but she doesn't realise that it
is with her in the minature globe. Soon she finds out and people
try to steal it from her. She succeeds in protecting it, finds her
parents and they live happily ever after. April gets married to
Julius. It was an amazing film!

This month’s challenge: Look up this film to watch and practise your French!

Year 9 French Theatre Production

We were delighted to welcome the French actors, Margot Lourdet
and Étienne Alix from the ‘Onatti’ theatre company to St Richard’s
on Tuesday, 3rd March. Year 9 pupils who study French enjoyed
an afternoon performance of the play ‘Les Garçons’. We would
like to thank the Magdalen and Lasher Education Charity who
funded this wonderful linguistic and cultural opportunity for our
pupils. Our Year 9s unanimously agreed that it was a memorable
and highly valuable experience! Here are some photos showing
pupils getting involved in the interactive nature of the play, as well
as a selection of post-play evaluation comments.

Newsletter - March 2020 “I would recommend the play to other people learning French
because it helps you practise listening to people and understanding
what they are saying in a fun and entertaining way!’ Daisy Stevens

“I thought the play was a great experience. I found it incredible
that I could understand and translate what they were saying
quite quickly. I enjoyed the play very much and if I could, I would
definitely watch it again!’ Lexine Banuelos

“Watching a play in French helped me understand better how
French is spoken and how to follow sentences. I would recommend
it to other pupils.!” George Mummery

“It was nice to get out of the classroom environment and put our
language skills to the test. I learnt new words and phrases. Not only
that but the actors got us involved with the play too!” Stevie Harlow

“I loved how they included the audience and related it directly
towards teenagers. It was definitely a worthwhile experience and I
benefited a lot from the French as I learnt some new vocabulary!”
Maddy Ball

“A play in French really did benefit me as it helped me with my
listening skills. It made me realise that I can understand the
language. It was a worthwhile experience as I had to challenge
myself to pick up on vocabulary and follow the play.”
Annalysa Gower

Page 23

Spanish news

Spanish Club has been running for Years 7 and 8. In Year 9 we have been
learning about free time activities. Pupils have shown their artistic talent by
producing these excellent posters. Thank you, Year 9, for your hard work!
Gracias!

Thinking of others.......

We are thinking about all of those affected in Spain by the Coronavirus and all of you who have family
and friends there. We send good wishes and prayers especially for the Fundación Teresiana School,
who welcomed us when we visited them in October.

German news Top tips for staying glücklich und gesund

To all our pupils.... Design your own Ostereierbaum and Osterkarten.
Eat a German Easter cake, preferably one you have
We hope that all your independent study at home
goes well over the coming weeks. We will be baked following an online recipe.
setting you regular pieces of work to do through
Edulink and the Pupil Drive. Please remember to Use online websites like Memrise, Languages online
check Edulink whenever you would have a lesson.
Both Miss Auzinger and Miss Tester have set up and follow the German news on tivi.de.
folders in the Pupil Drive under ‘German’.
Teach a sibling/parent or carer everything you know
Remember you can also use websites like
Memrise for vocabulary, Languagesonline for about a German topic you learnt this academic year
grammar and Kerboodle (Year 10) has activities and then test them at the end by designing a quiz to
for all four skills tested at GCSE. Why not also see how much they learnt.
use this time to find out how German speaking
countries celebrate Easter? We would like to Share some quality time with your family and watch a
award some House points and prizes for the best
Easter research done or the best Easter tree German film (try Netflix or Youtube).
created by our pupils.
Cherish your loved ones.
Help people around you. Reach out to those living

nearby who you know are alone or unable to get out.

Zum Schluss: Year 9 Theatre performance
We look forward to seeing you all soon. In the meantime,

stay healthy and hold onto these mottos:

Newsletter - March 2020 Unfortunately we have had to postpone
our Year 9 theatre company production
but we are hoping to re-schedule later in
the academic year.

Watch this space!

Page 24

Year 8 ‘My Chinese Teacher’ programme

This term, we have been learning about how to say different countries and nationalities in Mandarin.
Our teacher, Gao Zhan, enjoyed the challenge of teaching us how to say a whole range of countries and
nationalities based on our own multi-cultural backgrounds. For example, the Philippines is ‘fei lu bin’ and
Lithuania is ‘li tao wan’ to name just a few that we learnt to describe ourselves. Some of us recorded two video
messages to send to our Chinese teacher in Beijing. We wanted to show our gratitude for her continuing to
deliver our lessons with an amazing cheerfulness despite facing difficulties in her daily life as a result of the
COVID-19 situation. She is an inspiration to us!

Computing Department News

St Richard’s girls take part in DigiGirlz event

Then, we met our personal liaison for the day. We
received a speech from the CEO of Microsoft in the
UK who explained our first task. We were given two
microchips to program on a computer. We had to
invent something with the microchips that could make
our world more sustainable. Then we had to pitch our
idea in front of the CEO and four other judges. We
had to pitch it in a unique way, we could sing, dance,
act, etc…

On 6th February 2020, myself and seven other Then later after lunch, we got to ask five people
girls went to the Microsoft Office in Cambridge. It who worked at Microsoft any questions we wanted.
was for an event called ‘DigiGirlz’ and it was held to There were three apprentices, one intern and one
encourage more women to get into technology. Only graduate. They sat at the front of the auditorium
17% of technology industries have women working while everybody was asking questions. We all learnt
in them. Microsoft believe that it is important for more a lot during that session. After the Q&A, we were
women to get involved in technology, so they set up put into our school groups and were paired up with
the DigiGirlz event. a Microsoft employee. We then learnt about how
technology is used in every job or company. That
The second we walked through the doors, it looked was the end of our day in Microsoft. It was a splendid
incredible! Firstly, we had to go and put our Microsoft day and I am now far more interested in technology.
name tags on and we were given DigiGirlz T-Shirts. Thanks to a former pupil who informed the school
about the event and then welcomed us to it.

Liliana Kuprowska 80

Childline launces a new e-safety service

Childline has launched a new ‘Report Remove’ service which allows children and young people under
18 to report and have removed from the internet a nude image or video of themselves that might have
been shared online. The webpage includes links to services and information offering emotional and
safeguarding support. Visit the Childline website: Report a nude image online.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 25

Science Department

National Science Week 9th – 13th March

The school celebrated National Science Week with activities including quizzes, assemblies and competitions.
The highlight of the week was our “James Bond” themed day on Friday, 13th March (definitely lucky for some)
as visitors from our primary schools and special schools completed experiments to crack a satellite code used
by the evil “SPECTRE” organisation to mind control our pupils. A number of code breakers were successful and
witnessed the downfall of the organisation in the afternoon finale.

Our Year 8 helpers said: I helped out the primary schools with Mr Filsell. I
really enjoyed it because a lot of the experiments we
On Science day, I really enjoyed the aspect of the did taught me really different and new things. The
James Bond theme. I thought the idea of the play teachers were interactive and very funny. Although
was original and helping the children out was a it was a new experience for primary schools, it was
good experience. Matthew Aldington-Smyth also a new experience for me. I absolutely loved the
play and I would love to see another one. It was really
I enjoyed watching the show because it was funny! amazing and funny because the teachers were acting
Looking after the children and helping them out as characters from a movie I recognised. I would like to
was fun and interesting. It was rewarding. The do that day again and help other children again as well.
Year 6’s enjoyed the practical and were very Nivetha Kiladinlusteen Year 8
interactive and asked lots of questions and I
enjoyed answering them. My favourite practical I enjoyed Science day and helping the primary school
was the chromatography. Primrose Chalk children, it was lots of fun leading them around the
school and answering their questions. I did the
On 13th March, I helped four primary schools work flourescent experiments and studied the gadgets - it
in the flourescent room. I really enjoyed the day was loads of fun. Gabriel Gibbons
and liked how the room was set up. It was really
nice helping younger pupils. In Lab 2, the activies
were also really fun. Chloe Smith

Young Investigators Club

The Young Investigators have been busy this term. We
have been calculating the speed of rocket balloons,
testing leaves for starch, testing for sugars, observing
osmosis, investigating if rates of reaction change with
temperature and looking at how air pressure changes
with temperature. We have had a number of new
pupils attending the club. Thank you to everyone for all
their enthusiasm and support. Mrs Fox

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 26

PE Department

Year 11 Hastings and District Schools Rugby Tournament

There was a fantastic performance from the Year 11 7-a-side rugby
team at the Area tournament, held at Bexhill Academy. The team
finished an impressive second.

v Ark Alexander Won 17- 0
v St Leonards Academy Won 12- 0
v Bexhill Academy Lost 0-17
v Claverham Won 12–0

The team members were:
Sammy Satow, Aaron Cook, Zac Prawanna, Daniel Hampton,

Oliver Peachment, Alex Heggie and Thomas O’Shaughnessy.

Year 10 boys Rugby tournament

The Year 10 Rugby team put in a huge effort as they
were forced to adapt when Guille Morell suffered
a nasty blow to the nose in the first match of the
tournament. The boys worked their socks off. They
organised themselves superbly in defence and
made it incredibly difficult for other teams to break
them down. Jake Payne and Alexander Voss were
particularly dominant with some crucial tackles and in
their ability to overturn several balls. Credit should go
to the whole team, as they fought on without Guille
and still managed to secure third place against the
other schools in the Hastings area.

Year 8 Rugby Tournament

The Year 8 Rugby tournament proved a very close
and very competitive event. With a total of eight
teams playing each other, this was an energy
sapping event. The St Richard’s team performed
manfully, finishing third beating Bexhill Blue,
Claverham, Rye, William Parker and Robertsbridge,
but losing out to Bexhill Black and St Leonards. A big
effort by the team, well done.

Year 7 Rugby Tournament Year 9 Rugby Tournament

The Year 7 rugby team showed a huge amount of talent The Year 9 Rugby team has been extremely
in their first competition. The strength and depth in their impressive this year. The whole squad have shown
squad was clear as they were able to rotate a large squad an outstanding commitment to Rugby club and
without losing any quality in their performances. They consequently we took a large squad of players
moved the ball quickly in the pouring rain and supported to the tournament hosted by Bexhill Academy.
each other extremely well when rucking. Ben Sandeman The boys faced an early injury blow when our
was our leading try scorer overall. His pace and agility captain, Rufus Phillips, was unable to play on after
caused huge problems for every team we faced. The clashing heads with a teammate in the first match,
boys should be proud of finishing 4th overall in their but the boys refused to allow this to affect their
first competitive fixture against the other schools in the performance, remaining disciplined throughout.
Hastings Area. This is a great achievement, particularly There was an extremely strong standard of play
considering that most of the squad have only started for this year group and the Year 9s more than
playing rugby this year. deserved their 4th place finish.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 27

Year 7 Basketball Year 8 Basketball

After their narrow defeat to Hastings, Year 7 had spent
significantly more time in the gym practising their game.
It was noticeable from the start that this had a significant
impact as the team moved away significantly in the first
five minutes with baskets from Nate Cahill, Michal Saba
and Connor Penfold. It was pleasing to see that the
team had learnt so much and had addressed some of
the silly mistakes they had made in the previous game.
In the end, the final score was 40-0 a score that reflects
the hard work the team had been putting in.

Year 9 Basketball

The first game for Year 9 was against Bexhill Academy. The Year 8 Basketball team began their Basketball
This is a very strong squad of players who have season with a flying start. They switched defensive
regularly attended training during the week and on strategies several times and adapted to rotating
a Saturday. It was clear from the start that we were substitutions very well, rarely allowing The Hastings
playing a significantly stronger and quicker game than Academy to have any kind of shooting opportunity. The
Bexhill Academy and that we were clinical when we boys went on to win the match in a high scoring contest
created a good scoring opportunity. With Jude Babalola 55 - 4. The squad should be commended for playing
and Matthew Woodall rebounding most of the offences with pace and control on the attack, Hanok Nellimoottil
well, it led to an easy score. In the second half we and Malachi Affonso won the vast majority of rebounds;
started to lose focus but this is to be expected as we Will Harwood and Henry Richardson kept things well
won the game 66-5. It will be interesting to see how organised and refused to allow us to be complacent.
the team performs next year in the Sussex Schools Joshua Porter, Christo Jolly, Jacob White and Zac Buggy
Championship if we continue to develop in this manner. used the ball incredibly well throughout, whilst Jakub
Bacela was dominant in all areas as usual!
Year 10 Basketball
The team then played Claverham the week after and won
As with Year 9, the first game of the season was against convincingly. The team created many opportunities within
Bexhill Academy. We were only able to take a reduced the game but failed to truly capitalise on their dominance.
squad of players as we were travelling with Year 8 but, In the end we moved away, convincingly winning the
if anything, this helped us. As a team we have improved game 44 - 20.
significantly and it was team work rather than individual
work that enabled us to pull away to win the game
comfortably 46-32. The team are now maturing in a way
that allows all team players the opportunity to contribute
in terms of scoring but also in terms of ensuring that, as
a team, we create numerous opportunities.

Rising stars Sussex Schools Cross Country

Oscar Byrne has been successful in getting The annual Year 7/8 event was held at Christ’s Hospital
through the Sussex Harlequins rugby trials. It was School, Horsham. Competing against the County's
a seriously tough day with other enormous Year 8s top runners from state and private schools around the
competing for the places, but Oscar dug deep and county, with over 200 runners in each race, we had top
fearlessly got stuck in. performances from Nate Cahill (who just missed out on
county selection for the SE Inter Counties) and Dermot
His first training session was O’Rourke. Both boys did really well.
with the coach for the England
women’s team. We look forward Page 28
to seeing how Oscar progresses
when we all get back to playing
sport again.

Luca Hale-Stretton has made
incredible progress with his
Karate. He has now achieved his
black belt. Well done, Luca.

Newsletter - March 2020

Year 7 Girls Netball Cricket

The Year 7 Girls Netball team competed in the Sussex Following weeks of coaching from Sussex Cricket, our
School Games tournament at The St Leonards Academy. Year 7 and 8 girls team took part in an East Sussex Girls’
Their commitment to extra lunchtime training sessions Indoor Cricket tournament held at Willingdon School.
this term was evident as they displayed excellent This was the first ever girls cricket team playing in a
teamwork throughout. The tournament was won by an match or tournament in St Richard’s history. Winning
exceptionally strong Claverham team and the girls did games against Gildredge House and Ratton, the team
tremendously well to finish third out of all of the schools won through to the final, where they lost out to a very
in the Hastings area, narrowly missing out on second strong Hailsham team. It was a great event. Well done
place by just one point. to Sophie Beck (Year 7) who was voted player of the
tournament .
Twelve Year 7 netballers helped as team managers,
players and referees at the Bexhill Primary schools Hi 5 Girls’ Football and Basketball Area
Netball tournament held at St Richard’s. A big thank you Tournaments
to them for helping make the event so successful.
We would be reporting on the girls’ football and
Year 7 Girls Sporting events basketball competitions that were scheduled in the last
two weeks of term 4, but unfortunately due to the current
Year 7 girls managed to play a couple of fixtures circumstances and the school closure, we have not yet
before the early end to the term. Following excellent been able to fulfill these fixtures. As soon as we are back
attendance at the Thursday after-school weekly in school we will look to reschedule these competitions
practice, thirteen Year 7 basketballers travelled to a with the other Hastings Schools.
very strong Robertsbridge team. Playing on a full court
for the first time, the improvement in performance and NCA US National Cheerleading Champions
understanding of the game was fantastic. All the girls
enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to further Caoimhe O’Neill-Mcguinness and her Zodiac Allstars
matches. team mates became double NCA Champions. Both
teams; ‘Blush’ (which Caoimhe is in) and ‘Shadow’
Fifteen Year 7 girls played in an indoor football event won their divisions in Dallas, Texas. Considering they
against St Peter and St Paul Primary School held in our were up against other US and international teams at
sports hall. The series of matches proved to be most the largest Cheerleading competition in the US, this is
enjoyable and close. The matches then led to Monday a huge achievement for the team and for Caoimhe. We
lunchtime practices. are proud of all the hard work and dedication she has
shown to perform at such an elite level. We look forward
to sharing a photo in Newsletter 6.

Message from East Sussex County Council

Be aware of scam emails

We have been informed that some parents have received an email stating the following:
‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll
make sure you’re supported’.
We can confirm that this is a scam email and is not official. We urge parents that if you receive an email
like this, please do not respond, and delete it immediately.

NNeewwsslleetttteerr -- MMaarrcchh 22002200 PPaaggee 2299

Chaplaincy News

With the end of Lent fast approaching, we are unable to have our Easter services on Friday. I am comforted by
the many ways in which people have tried to keep prayer central to their life. In this uncertain time we must all put
our trust in the Lord. I must give thanks to our clergy, who have in many cases gone out of their comfort zone with
technology to ensure the faithful have access to a live stream of Mass. If you have not been aware of this, please
see the section below where I outline details. Conscious that we will be unable to have our usual Easter services,
I will be sending out a video and reflection that perhaps you can all watch together in your homes. Stay safe, God
bless you all and be reassured I will keep you all in my prayers.

Form Masses

Prior to closing we had a wonderful mass on St
Patrick's Day, with 7F and 7H. The pupils worked
really hard and did a lot of research about St Patrick
and a lovely time of reflection was had with Deacon
Ian presiding.

Food Bank

A huge thanks to those who managed to bring something in for the Food Bank before we closed last Friday; it was
gratefully received by the Bexhill branch and promptly bagged up for those who are struggling during this crisis. In
Lent, we are asked to do acts of Charity and indeed all pupils stepped up to that challenge. We could not do our
annual CAFOD walk this year, but I hope to reschedule it for later in the summer term.

Rome Trip

Since our last newsletter our biannual Rome trip
took place. Myself, Dr Durkin, Mr Trimby and Deacon
Duncan set off with a very excited bunch of pupils at
3am on Monday, 17th February. We were blessed with
the weather for the week with the sun shining almost
every day. We covered over 80km during the five days,
according to my fitbit, doing lots of sightseeing, culture,
art, architecture, history, religion and, of course, Gelato!!

We were fortunate to be able to add to our scheduled
tourist spots with a wonderful visit to the English College
in Rome, a place where English seminarians can go to
study for the Priesthood, and we had a tour given by a
seminarian from Birmingham.

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 30

We also had a tour of the Basilica San
Silvestro in Capite (English Church in
Rome) which is run by the Palotine
Fathers. Fr Rory, who at one time
was based at St Mary Star of the Sea,
was most accommodating and let us
see the relic (the skull)of St Silvestre
himself. My thanks to Deacon Duncan
and Fr Eamon for helping to arrange
these wonderful extras to our schedule.

Sadly, we missed out on the direct audience with Pope Francis as this was the one morning we had rain so they
took it indoors which meant only limited numbers were allowed in. We received a blessing while watching on the
big screens in St Peter’s Square and even sang a verse of the Hymn of St Richard for those around us. Pupils were
exceptional in their behaviour and really made the most of the trip. It was a fantastic week, with lots of laughter and
experiences we won’t forget.

Accessing Mass during the closure of the churches:

Many of our Parishes are streaming Masses on Facebook and on YouTube.
• St Mary Magdalene Church, Bexhill, has a Youtube channel which you can find here - www.youtube.

com/channel/UCZo9NChKDnlb0RJuDBwwt7A/featured
• Fr Eamon also has a Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/Huruma55/videos
I will send out an Easter reflection, in lieu of our usual Easter service, to all pupils via Edulink.
God Bless and keep safe.
Jo Doyle (Lay Chaplain) ([email protected])

Newsletter - March 2020 Page 31

St Richard’s Daily Challenge

Thank you for the wonderful 45 entries to the Haiku challenge; you really are fabulous poets!
It was incredibly difficult to choose a winner, but the winner from Monday, 30th March is: Maisie Scrivener.

The haiku is: Well done, Maisie! You will be entered into Friday' s draw for the Amazon
voucher.
Long Gone Winter Wisps
Numbing ice turn into mists A special mention to Mrs Avery and Liliana Kuprowska for their beautifully
Dance, elegant sun illustrated haiku.

I also particularly liked Genevieve, Croleigh, Thomas and Kian's haiku (see below). House points are coming your way!

Croleigh Palma Genevieve Kidd Thomas Weakley Kian Zamora

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful pictures and videos. They put a smile on

my face. The winner from Tuesday 31st March is... Charlotte Evans who was playing
curling with a penguin!

Mrs Wood Page 32

Newsletter - March 2020