Newsletter 3 - December 2019

December 2019 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 3 Principal: D. Cronin N.P.Q.H. M.A. B.Ed

Dear Parents/Carers

It has been another successful term in the life of the Fundraising continues to be a strength of the school with
school with much to celebrate. a focus this term on the Rotary Shoebox Scheme, Poppy
Appeal, Surviving Christmas, the Reindeer Run and
Our annual Prize Evening was a great success with many helping the homeless. It is really pleasing to see pupils
former pupils returning to receive their GCSE certificates taking the initiative to organise their own fundraising
and prizes, and current pupils receiving prizes for activities and being generous in their support of the
endeavour, achievement and service to the community. various activities that occur, particularly the sale of cakes!
Our speaker this year was Father Stephen Ortiger who
inspired all present to really think about what is valuable in Last week, we wished Mrs Harker well as she went on
life. maternity leave with an expected arrival before Christmas.
I am sure you will be pleased to know that Mrs Adams had
Mission Week was inspiring with members of the Sion a beautiful baby boy named Barney; both mother and son
Community working hard to engage young and old in the are doing well. Next week we say farewell to our Senior
Gospel messages. Their approach was creative and lively, ICT technician, Mr Soan, who has earned a promotion
engaging pupils and staff. I am hopeful that the impact with the British Antarctic Survey. His support, advice and
on faith development will be felt for a long time. I know knowledge have been invaluable to all and he will be
the Mission team were really impressed with the pupils’ greatly missed.
responses.
You will be aware of a number of staff absences this term
Following Mission Week, we had our 60th Anniversary due to major illnesses. I am pleased to report that some of
celebration with Bishop Richard and a number of these staff are now well and back. I would ask you to keep
dignitaries including the Mayor. It was particularly lovely to Mrs Scott, Miss Easton and Dr Littlejohns in your prayers.
welcome former staff and former pupils. Three visitors had
been on the register in 1959 so it was good to make links As the term draws to a close, we wish the staff and pupils
with them to secure the ongoing history of the school. We
also used the occasion to bless the new Sports Hall which going on the ski trip to Austria a wonderful time. We also
will have been open one year in January 2020.
look forward to our annual Advent Service on Wednesday,
All the above events were blessed to have the support
of the choir, the orchestra, dancers and lots of pupil 18th December at 7.00pm, with its emphasis on the role
volunteers. Can I thank all the pupils for sharing their
talents and demonstrating many fine leadership qualities. we all have to play in bringing light into darkness in this

Other events this term include trips to: the Christmas world. Our mufti day for Surviving Christmas has taken
Markets in Aachen, dry ski slope skiing, DofE practice
expeditions, London, the White Rock theatre, place but we will continue to collect items and money until
Herstmonceux Science Centre and Whitstable.
Additionally, there has been an extensive range of the end of Wednesday, 18th December. Thank you very
enrichment activities with enthusiastic participation from
many pupils. Please continue to encourage your son/ much for your contributions. All items will be presented to
daughter to get involved beyond the classroom so as to
discover their passions and develop their talents. the organisers on the final day of term at the end of Pthaege 1
first service.
I would also urge you to encourage your son/daughter
to continue to work hard as we begin the spring term. All Please note the revised times for the last day of term
knowledge from terms one and two needs to be committed and the date for starting the new term when pupils are
to long term memory so that they can begin to make expected to return refreshed, smart and eager to learn on
connections with their new learning in term three. Tuesday, 7th January 2019.

Can I wish you and your family a really happy Christmas
and every blessing, including good health and happiness,
in 2020.

Yours sincerely

Principal

Message from the Chair of Governors

Another very busy term draws to its close. As always, there are many achievements
to celebrate and Miss Cronin will, I am sure, have drawn your attention to them all. I
look forward to the Advent service in the last week of term. It is always a wonderful
way to prepare for Christmas as ‘we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour.’

On behalf of the Governors, and you as parents and carers, I would like to thank Miss Cronin and all the
staff at St Richard’s for all the hard work they have done, and continue to do, to ensure that the pupils are
encouraged to be the best they can be. May you all have a very joyful and peaceful Christmas and we look
forward to a productive New Year.

Alison Horan, Chair of Governors

Early Closure on Thursday, 19th December

There will be an early closure on Thursday, 19th December when the pupils will be dismissed at 1.15pm.
Please ensure that you have completed the Google Form sent out with the newsletter to give your son/
daughter permission to leave early or contact their Form Tutor.

Transport arrangements for pupils using public transport are as follows:

• Trains to Hastings depart at 1.30pm and 1.42pm.

• Trains to Eastbourne depart at 1.33pm and 1.47pm.

• The 359 bus will leave from outside school at 3.20pm as normal.

Buses

From Penland Road to Hastings: From Devonshire Road to Eastbourne

No.98 13.33 14.08 14.33 15.08 No.98 13.45 14.05 14.45 15.35

No.99 13.08 13.28 13.48 14.08 14.28 No.99 13.03 13.23 13.43 (every 20 mins)

Edulink One

The app allows you to keep a check on your child’s
attendance, timetables, achievement, behaviour,
homework, exams, reports, medical and contact
information and more!

Download today from the App Store or Google Play

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 2

YEAR SEVEN NEWS

As we approach Christmas, I would like to once again
congratulate Year Seven on the progress they are making.
They are truly a gifted and hard working year group. It has
been an incredibly busy term with settling-in reports, a
Parent/Carer Consultation evening, extra curricular trips,
House points being received and all the enrichment clubs
on offer. A really big thank you to the PTFA for organising
the Year 7 & 8 disco. It was a great deal of fun and fantastic
to see everyone enjoying themselves. Well done for raising
£587.41.

Early in the term we also had the opportunity to take part in
a ‘live’ Cyber security presentation from the Cyber Prevent
Team. Pupils worked with the team exploring ethical, legal
and career ideas around cyber security. Although not all
pupils were able to take part, I know Mr Fegan (Subject
Leader in Computing) has taken some of the ideas from
the session and placed them in the Year Seven curriculum.
Above is a picture of some of the pupils and the Prevent
Cyber Team.

I would also like to thank all parents/carers who completed Within PSHEe next term, the pupils will be completing
a ‘parental-voice’ survey. I have read all your responses a unit of work on Sex & Relationships Education, the
and I will provide a response in Newsletter 4. dangers of posting inappropriate images, Internet safety
(in collaboration with Internet Safety Day) and PREVENT
We have been blessed this term with external speakers (anti-radicalisation). I would like to thank Mr David Law
coming into our assemblies and talking to our young people. (Prevent Officer) for delivering a thought provoking lesson to
On Friday, 22nd November The Gideon Society spoke to each form on British Values, guarding against hate speech
the year group about their faith and the personal journeys and the importance of tolerance. It has been really good to
they have made. At the end of the assembly, each pupil was witness pupils engaging thoughtfully with these topics and
given the gift of a Gideon Bible to keep. We are very grateful embracing our Gospel values ‘Do unto others as you would
to the Gideon Society for taking the time to visit us. have them do to you’ Luke 6:31. If you have any questions
with regard to the PSHEe programme, please do not
hesitate to contact me.

Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice also came into It is always really nice to hear of achievements outside of
our assembly this term. Martin and Sydney introduced their the classroom and I would like to congratulate two Year
charity to the year group and we have pledged to raise Seven pupils.
some money for this very good cause. On Monday, 16th
December we will complete a ‘Reindeer Run’ aiming to raise The first is Daniel Haylock Fernandez
over £1,500. Sponsorship forms have already been given who was one of only a few winners in a
out, but I do have spares in my office should any pupil need poster competition promoting ‘keeping
one. our parks clean’. Here he is receiving
an award from Eastbourne Mayor,
Councillor Steve Wallis. Well Done!

The second is Nate Cahill who achieved
14 County times in swimming. Nate was
therefore able to compete at the Sussex
Swim Championships and competing
in 14 races coming third in the 200m
Individual Medley. 50m Breast stroke, 50
Freestyle and 100m Breast stroke. Here
is Nate with his medal haul. Well done!

Finally, I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas.

Mr Bligh

Mr J Bligh - Pastoral Leader Year 7 [email protected] Page 3

Newsletter - December 2019

YEAR EIGHT NEWS

Well done to Year 8 on what has been a very active and on our planet. The pupils did themselves proud, educating
engaged term in terms of charity events, individual money- the year group and motivating them to make changes in
raising efforts, and competitions! their lives to help combat the global climate emergency.
Thank you, 8F, for the effort you put in to this thought-
Charity: provoking presentation. Other assemblies this term have
Well done to members of 8S who organised a fundraising covered the importance of voting, the new Sophie’s Secret
cake sale for the MS Society. In the same week, two pupils, Postcard Appeal for 2020, and how small things often
Liberty Gurr and Alex Garcia, took it upon themselves to make the biggest difference. Linked to this was a focus
raise money for Cancer Research, raising over £30 on on completing homework, and a reminder to pupils of the
their own. Sophie, Ella, Lisa and Zofia are also running a importance of completing it on time.
charity event this week, so good luck to them. I am really
impressed with all the pupils’ efforts, and I hope they can Mrs Bligh also delivered an important assembly on the 12
see how they can make a difference in the world with a bit rocks of well-being and how our behaviours change when
of activism and enthusiasm. we treat well-being as a skill. This is a school-wide initiative
that is spearheaded by neuro-expert, Andrew Wright. Pupils
Disco: received further information on the 12 rocks and what they
Thanks to all pupils who attended the Year 7/8 disco. can do to improve their own well-being on a daily basis. Be
Almost £600 was raised for the PTFA and everybody sure to ask your children about them, and look out for the
had a wonderful time. The pupils conducted themselves seminars that Andrew Wright is offering in school throughout
very well. I would like to thank the members of the PTFA the year.
who organised the event, and all the staff members who
attended to help out. PSHE:
PSHE this term has centred around Diverse Futures, Anti-
Competitions: Bullying Week, and the hugely successful Mission week
Congratulations are also due to the year 8 girls who took that aimed to bring the children’s sense of spirituality to the
part in a Gymastics competition with Mrs Harker. The girls forefront of their minds. Regardless of faith, I think the pupils
left the competition before the medal ceremony took place, will have been inspired by the stories of the Mission team,
and so were delighted to be awarded a bronze medal each and hopefully will have a better understanding of their own
in assembly this week! purpose.

Assemblies: Thank you all for your support in the academic year so far.
8F gave an assembly on an environmental theme this term, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and
healthy new year.
focusing specifically on the negative effects of deforestation

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

YEAR NINE NEWS

As we approach the end of Term 2, Year 9 continues to Key Stage 3 Curriculum Evening: During Term 3, the Year
be an enthusiastic, motivated and happy year group. This 9 Curriculum evening and Year 9 Parents’ Evening will take
year can bring many challenges in the form of increased place. There are important decisions to make regarding
workload, academic decisions for the future and changing your child’s future pathways of study; please do not hesitate
friendship groups. However, the year group has been to contact your child’s teachers or myself with any further
meeting these challenges with resilience and maturity. questions following these informative evenings.

Please continue to encourage your children to create Date for your diary - Thursday 30th January 2020
positive study habits by providing a space to work and Year 9 Curriculum Evening, 1800 - 2000
regular routines to complete homework; these habits
are invaluable for their later years and help to foster Your son / daughter will be completing their Option Choices
independence and consistency. Please also urge your child during terms 3 and 4. During assemblies, speaking to
to engage with the extensive programme of extra-curricular Subject Leaders, attending the Curriculum Evening, and
activities offered at school, whilst helping them to stay considering the future courses at Sixth Form and University
organised as they manage their workload. they may wish to study, they will be able to reach a decision
on which courses are most suitable for them.
PSHEe: A new PSHEe curriculum has been put in place this
year for the whole school. Pupils have been learning about To support them in making an informed choice, I would
Careers and this culminated in a careers event in which recommend that Year 9 pupils and their parents/carers
many of our Alumni spoke about their chosen careers. attend the Year 9 Curriculum Evening. During this evening,
Subject Leaders will be available to give information on
Charity events: This term, Year 9 have been involved in GCSE courses. A copy of the Curriculum booklet “The Way
the Rotary Shoebox Appeal, alongside supporting Surviving Ahead” will be distributed to Year 9 pupils by Thursday, 19th
Christmas. I look forward to the Year 9 Charity Ambassadors December 2019 so that you can look through it together
leading some events during term 3. over the Christmas holiday.

Mrs A Hills - Acting Pastoral Leader Year 9 [email protected]

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 4

YEAR TEN NEWS

Rewards
Throughout terms one and two, pupils have collected
‘House Points’’ which you have been notified of
by Edulink. Well done to Olivia Zheng for reaching
the 150 House point Milestone and Faith Simon
and Tania Rawalson who have both received 125+
House point prizes. Well done to Arthur Pepper,
Jess McCallum, Florence Assetto, Harry Newbold,
Aimee Lawrance, Beatrice Evangelista, Matilda
Hawkins, Jessica Fullarton, Georgina Morgan, Matt
Cordell, Amelie Croft, Maisie Nevey, Eliza Brown,
Ember Hughes and Justin Harman for all reaching
the 100+ Milestone. Keep up the hard work and
positive contributions you are making to the school
community. Wear your Bronze Badges with pride!

PSHEe Extra-Curricular activities:
Year 10 have been focusing on some crucial topics in There are plenty of extra-curricular clubs and
PSHEe this term with visits from external speakers, activities for Year 10 pupils to get involved in at lunch
‘Discover Fortunes’, discussing personal finance. time and after school; please encourage your child’s
Forms have also received presentations on Domestic attendance at one club per term. A reminder that Prep
Violence and Keeping Safe. Club and Prep Club Plus run every week Monday
to Thursday 3.15-5pm to further support pupils with
WEX their homework. Homework should be taking pupils a
A reminder to encourage your child to sign up to a maximum of 45 minutes hard work per piece in Year
WEX placement as soon as possible to ensure a 10.
valuable placement is selected. The final date for all
placements is 25th January 2020. If you have any Fundraising/social events:
questions or concerns, please contact Mrs Emma Congratulations goes to Year 10 who collated over
Dann [email protected] or Mrs Forte 122 boxes for this year’s Rotary Shoebox Appeal.
[email protected]. Well done, Year 10, a fantastic effort!

Assemblies Thank you for your support of ‘The Foodbank Advent
Year 10 have been lucky enough to have had Calendar’: 8 Christmas hampers have been collected
an informative assembly on Domestic Violence with over 200 items passed on to the Foodbank by
where external speaker, Penny Beale, shared her Year 10 pupils. Thank you also for the items donated
daughter’s experience of domestic violence. The for the Surviving Christmas collection which took
topic of ‘Building Your Tower’ and visits from the place on Thursday, 12th December.
Mission team have been thought provoking and well
received by the year group.

Year and Form Services Year 10 have some exciting fundraising and social
Year 10 had a beautiful Mass on the theme of events planned for Term 3 and I look forward to your
Community. Fr Tristan celebrated the Mass and child’s engagement with these. Form Captains will be
the form groups offered their own personal prayers publicising them to the school community closer to
and intentions. Forms 10O and 10S had their form the time.
service on the theme of Advent. Fr Chris and Deacon
Ian celebrated the Mass and the year group offered Many thanks in anticipation for your continued support.
their prayers and intentions for those who will face Wishing you an enjoyable and restful Christmas break.
challenges this Christmas.

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

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 5

YEAR ELEVEN NEWS

I was very pleased with the conduct and maturity of PSHEe: This term, we had a presentation on driving
the Year 11 pupils during the mock exam period. In safely. This was a fantastic production and a deeply
fact, our invigilators praised them very highly. The emotional and reflective piece of theatre on the
vast majority of pupils appeared prepared, focused importance of keeping yourself and others safe.
and, most importantly, calm. Hopefully this will Next term, we will look at managing anxiety and
translate into positive results for the young people. physical and emotional well-being. As always, if any
For those where results are not successful, then a parent wishes to discuss the content of our PSHEe
plan of intervention will be put in place. programme please contact me at the school.

I was delighted to present over 30 Certificates of College Applications: I know many pupils have
Commendation during assembly in the first week of submitted applications already to colleges outside
December. This is a very positive sign of how hard of Bexhill, Sussex Downs and Sussex Coast -
Year 11 are working so far this year. Year 11 have applications for these colleges should all be done
amassed over 8000 positive points on our House before the Christmas holidays.
points system. I have taken pleasure in posting over
20 postcards home this term following the Profile Tutors will have finished writing references and
reports in November. pupils have received a lot of support and guidance in
their PSHEe lessons to complete their applications.
Revision and Intervention Sessions: These are Many pupils have been attending after-school and
well attended by pupils. We will send out a similar lunchtime intervention/help sessions to get their
timetable of sessions well in advance of the summer applications done.
exams. Additional English intervention is provided
after school on Thursday by teachers as and when Eprospectus applications were due in the first week in
their pupils need it and parents are always informed. December. Year 11 have had tutor time and help with
We also run in-class intervention. The after-school this and I have been available to help pupils every
intervention sessions start again after the mock form period on the days we do not have an assembly.
exams. Well done to the 32 pupils currently in the The structure of the application is straight forward. It
Intervention group this year as their hard work is consists of 5 sections:
starting to pay dividends at school and in their mock
exam results. Section 1 - Personal details to be checked and
completed by the pupil.
Prefect Applications: There has been an Section 2 - Qualifications to be completed by the
opportunity for pupils to re-apply or apply for the school.
first time to be Prefects. I have spoken to the year Section 3 - Work experience report to be completed
group as a whole and to many individuals who are by the pupil.
interested in taking a leadership role within the Section 4 - Personal statement to be completed by
school. Please try to encourage your son/daughter the pupil and checked by the Form Tutor and myself.
to apply. Currently 8 pupils are hoping to be awarded Section 5 - Personal reference to be completed by
Prefect status in the next few weeks. There will be a the Form Tutor or myself.
further opportunity next term to apply. I will place the
application form on Google Drive and I look forward To find the correct website, simply type aspire/
to adding to the Prefect cohort next term. eprospectus into a search engine. Once this is all
complete then the next stage of applications and
Praise for current Prefects: I am very pleased interviews at local FE colleges can begin. I would
with the efforts made by the current Senior Prefects urge all parents to ensure that their son/daughter has
and Prefect team. I would like, in particular, to thank completed their online college application by the end
Joe and Maddie Baszczak, Hannah Chan, Dayton of this term.
Campbell, Emma Folwell, Liam Harrison, Jose
Jacinto, Alvin Manoj, Filip Mysliwiec, Elijah Zacon, If your son/daughter is still unsure then ask them
Zak Prawanna, Naomi Pye, Jessicca Davies, Caitlin to come and see me. Form Tutors will have all
Pendlebury, Marx Ravanera, Hannah Woodall, Justin references completed by 15th December.
Cunanan and Kacey Wolecki. On Thursday, 12th
December there was another Prefect training session
followed by pizza in the hall.

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

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 6

Intervention/Revision/Booster sessions
Year 11 Term 3 2020

Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8.00-8.30am 8.00 - 8.30am
Maths Maths
Mr Galivan Mr Galivan

Before Form time:
school small group for
English - invited
pupils only

Lunchtime French ‘Drop-in’
from 1pm (B4 with
Mrs Herring and
B14 with Miss
Chong)

MFL has priority Science has priority Maths has priority English has priority History/Geography
have priority

Intervention Group Music Boost Intervention Group Intervention Group Intervention

3:20-4:40pm in B7 M1 3:20-4:40pm in B7 3:20-4:40pm in B7 Lab 6,A10,

Ms Mason Mr Doherty Lab 6

French with Miss Mrs Hoyle A10

Chong and Mrs Drama Boost 3:20-3:50pm

Herring Drama Studio Design Tech

B14 Miss Dunster Maths with all Mrs White TC4

After 3.15-4.15pm maths teachers Design Tech
school
Food Mrs Robertson

Spanish Mrs Truss TC1
Mrs Scott B13
3:15 - 4:15 3:15-4:15pm

German Business Studies
Miss Auzinger/ Mrs Forster-
Miss Tester Simmons
B5/B4 3.15 - 4pm A0

Exams: Important exam information can be found on the school website. Please can all pupils, parents and
carers ensure they have familiarised themselves with all necessary documentation. It can be found at:
https://www.strichardscc.com/about-st-richards-catholic-college/exam-success-and-information/

The final GCSE timetable can also be found here, but please note that the JCQ has a Contingency Day for
GCSE and/or GCE examinations on Wednesday, 24th June 2020, should sustained national or local disruption
arise during the June 2020 examination series.

Should you have any examination queries or concerns, please contact Mrs Fletcher, Exams Officer:
[email protected]

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 7

1959 - 2019

60th Anniversary

'It was so lovely to be invited to join St Richard's Catholic College on their 60th Anniversary. Having not been here
before we did not know what to expect, and all I can say is that we were so impressed. Everything from the service
to the orchestra was outstanding, credit must go to the music teaching staff who have worked with these talented
young people. Whilst at the celebration we opened the new indoor sports pavilion with a blessing by Bishop
Richard, such a wonderful addition to the school and a great facility for the community. Afterwards, a couple of the
young people gave us a guided tour, wow what a school! Thanks to everyone for making us feel so welcome: we
had a thoroughly wonderful time.' Councillor Kathy Harmer, Mayor of Bexhill

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 8

Adverse Weather

Should adverse weather occur and there is a possibility that the school may be closed, please check the
following for information:

The school website: www.strichardscc.com. This will give a clear statement about whether the school is
closed or open. The information will be available by 6.45am. The delay is caused by the need to speak to
public transport and they will not make a decision on travel until 6.30am.

• EduLink One: an App message and email will be sent. In order to receive the App messages, parents/
carers need to download the Edulink App from the Apple App Store (iPhone/iPad users) and Google Play
Store (Android users). We will also send out this information via the email message feature in Edulink One.

• The East Sussex County Council school closure website:
http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/educationandlearning/schools/schoolclosures.htm. This information will
be available before 7.00am. This link also provides parents with the opportunity to subscribe to receive
automatic RSS news feeds and emails which tell them when the school is closed.

• Please also listen to local radio: Radio Sussex, Heart or More Radio.

I would like to point out to you that we will always endeavour to open the school, however a health and
safety risk assessment will be the deciding factor if we find ourselves needing to close/close early. If the closure
is for more than a day, then work will be placed on EduLink One.

Parents, Teachers & Friends Association NEWS
The PTFA sends out its own newsletter regularly via EduLink.

The last event in 2019 that we will be involved in is the Advent Service on:
Wednesday, 18th December 2019 at 7pm

It will, no doubt, be a wonderful evening; mince pies and drinks will be served at what The PTFA raffle will be
drawn at the end of the Service, with lots of great prizes to be won!
Please return all raffle tickets or counterfoils asap.

Our first meeting in 2020 will be on Monday 20th January at 7pm in the staffroom.

New members are always welcome

If you would like to be involved in any aspect of the PTFA, please email: [email protected] with your
details; any help you can offer would be most welcome.

The PTFA would like to wish everybody a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2020!

Reminder of Support Services in School

We recognise that some young people may need more tailored help to guide them through a particular
problem or time in their lives. When this happens, we have a range of professionals who come into school
to offer this support: the Counsellor, the School Nurse service, the Behaviour & Attendance team and the
Substance Misuse service. We have many in-house support workshops from anger management to social
use of language groups. We also have an excellent bereavement support group ‘Spectrum’ run by trained
members of staff.

If you would like further details about any of these support services, please feel free to contact either myself, your
son/daughter's Pastoral Leader or Form Tutor, or Mrs Dann, the school’s Pastoral Support Manager.

Mrs Bligh, Vice Principal i/c Pastoral Care - [email protected] Page 9

Newsletter - December 2019

HISTORY DEPARTMENT NEWS

History Events

Remembrance day was marked this year in school with form time and lesson activities. A huge thank you to all
pupils who contributed to these events.
Lessons across the school started with a brief reflection on the cost of
war by looking at some of the battles of conflicts from the First World
War up to the present day. Pupils and staff used these and primary
sources to help focus their thoughts and prayers during the two minute
silence we held that day, as well as throughout that weekend.

Through their History lessons, many pupils were also given the chance
to discover more about remembrance of conflict, examining source
evidence to see how the focus has changed since 1918 and consider
how we should remember veterans today. Other pupils have engaged
with the event by researching their family history during World War One
or Two for homework.

Pupils deserving of special mention include: Macy Sanderson-
Smith, George Mummery, Amelia Allen, Evelyn Caicedo, Oliver
Bajcer, Jude Castle, Sarah Halleron and Joseph West.

At Key Stage 4, pupils examined the usefulness of secondary
interpretations of World War One by analysing ‘All quiet on the
Western Front’ an adaptation of trench warfare which caused
much controversy upon its release.

History Club

The History Club supported the Eco Club’s planting of trees in
the Year 7 playground this term, placing time capsules next to the
trees for future generations to discover.

These were packed with a range of items that Club members felt
were significant to future understanding of their generation.

What would you have included?

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 10

Key Stage 3 History

As we move into term three, new units will begin for many in History. These will include:
Year 7: Elizabethan England
Year 8: The Industrial Revolution
Year 9: The Second World War and the Cold War
Supplementary reading lists can be sought from class teachers and the History section on the school website. The
school library also hold a selection of non-fiction on these topics.

Key Stage 4 History

Revision and lesson resources

All pupils are able to purchase class textbooks and revision resources through Amazon and other
booksellers. Please remember that we follow Pearson Edexcel’s GCSE History Spec and cover the
following units:
• Medicine in Britain 1250-present day, including the British sector of the Western Front
• The American West
• Anglo Saxon and Norman England or Early Elizabethan England
• Weimar and Nazi Germany
There is also a huge amount of revision and support material in the Pupil Team drive on Google,
please do encourage your son/daughter to make use of them. Following the mock exams, specific
content can also be obtained from class teachers for any aspect of the course that your son/daughter
feels they need to review.

Year 10

Pupils are now moving into modern day medicine, before they begin a study of
the environment of the trenches of the Western Front. Pupils are encouraged
to review previous work, particularly ensuring that the American West unit is not
forgotten. We also recommend the following supplementary resources for home
learning:
• Book: Roy Porter, Blood and Guts; a short history of Medicine
• Film: Medicine Through Time Bitesize Revision (available on Youtube)

Year 11

Pupils are half way through their final unit of study for GCSE History, Weimar
and Nazi Germany. Over the Christmas holidays it would be really useful for pu-
pils to carry out some pre-learning using the following supplementary resources:
1. Book: Weimar and Nazi Germany, Both the ‘Access to History’ and ‘School

History Project’ A-level books are great recommendations for the More Able.
2. Documentary: Hitler’s circle of evil (available on Netflix) https://www.netflix.

com/gb/title/80138915
3. Documentary: The Nazis: A warning from History (on Youtube)

History Book Recommendation Page 11

In consideration of January’s Holocaust Memorial day - Heather Morris’
(author of the prizewinning ‘Tattooist of Auschwitz’) second book ‘Cilka’s
Journey’ has recently hit the shelves.

Another heart rendering exploration of humanity and horror experienced by
the victims of the Holocaust.

The History department wishes you all a very happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you in 2020.
Mrs L Avery

Newsletter - December 2019

CERTIFICATE & PRIZE EVENING
Wednesday, 13th November 2019

On Wednesday, 13th November, the community gathered love to always be at the centre of our lives. We were
together at the De La Warr Pavilion to celebrate the delighted that Fr Stephen was able and willing to speak to
triumphs and successes of another excellent academic our wider school community at Prize Evening this year.
year. Current pupils, leavers, parents, staff, governors and
invited guests enjoyed the opportunity to acknowledge Head Girl, Maddie Baszczak, offered the vote of thanks
the hard work of the entire school community, and to bid to Fr Stephen for his inspiring and moving speech and
farewell to former Year 11 pupils. Achievements across and reiterated the effect of the speaker’s story upon the
outside of the curriculum were honoured, with over 100 listeners. She highlighted the importance of friendships
individuals and groups being awarded prizes during the cultivated at St Richard’s and how working together as
evening. a community to ensure all have the chance to grow and
flourish together is key. Head Boy, Joe Baszczak, gave the
This year’s inspirational speaker was Fr Stephen Ortiger. final vote of thanks at the end of the evening, reminding us
Fr Stephen is currently supporting the parish of Bexhill that, whilst life won’t always be easy, and certainly we will
but normally resides at Worth Abbey. Fr Stephen was all meet with challenges in the future, faith and friendship
Headmaster of Worth school for 10 years after which he can support us through them.
became the Abbot of Worth for 8 years. Following this, he
became Assistant Chaplain in the Chaplaincy department at Following the speaker, the Principal, Miss Cronin, gave
Cambridge University and he is currently co-ordinating the a report on the achievements and events of the past
school Chaplain service in the Diocese. academic year, thanking all the staff who inspire and
challenge the pupils to get involved. As always, she
In recent months, the community of Bexhill have been was delighted to be able to list a huge range of varied
incredibly fortunate to have Fr Stephen support the parish achievements: “I am always really proud of the pupils’
of Our Lady of Rosary, Bexhill. It is a privilege to hear him response to fundraising and the past academic year was
preach as he poignantly reminds us of our faith and the no exception with over £17,000 being raised for our local,
power of God’s love. national and global community. In total, the pupils donated
funds to 26 different charities.”
Fr Stephen spoke to all gathered about the importance of
true friendship. He encouraged young people to connect After a lengthy list of the year’s successes, including
with each other in the real sense, not the on-line sense. He sporting, charitable, performing, spiritual and academic
reminded all gathered of God’s unfailing love and support endeavours, Miss Cronin finished by reminding our Year
of every one of us. He encouraged the young people to 11 leavers of our pride in their achievements; that they are
continue to express their talents and develop the many gifts always welcome in the school community, and that their
given to them by God. hard work and determination will lead to many incredible
experiences and successes in the future. We wish them
It was a beautiful and inspiring speech about the well as they begin the next stage of life’s journey.
importance of real human connection and allowing God’s

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 12

Geography News

Making a difference to our planet

Learning Geography is so much more than writing words in exercise
books. We hope to inspire young people to make a difference locally,
nationally and globally by questioning those in the world around them
and by making positive changes in their own life, and the lives of
others.

This can be seen in action through our
recycling campaigns.

This term alone we have recycled 8,000

milk bottle tops and 30 kilos of batteries, Pupils have played their part too in the tree

not to mention the spectacles, pens,
paper and plastic that is recycled daily planting campaign that is gaining momentum at
the moment. We organised for two cherry and
in the school.
four rowan trees to be planted as part of our

60th anniversary celebrations.

Mr and Mrs Carden collecting the
milk bottle tops this term. There was a small ceremony with Miss Cronin,

our Head Boy and Head Girl as well as their

Geography Club deputies, members of Geography Club and Eco

Reps, planting trees by the fence on the Year 7
playground. The History Club joined us as well

and we buried 5 time capsules to be unearthed

in 40 years time at the centenary of the opening

of our school!

Theme week 10th-14th December
A Geographical World

Geography Club with all the litter they collected from a beach clean The theme this year is to develop young people’s
commitment to action for change in the world.
This term has been a busy one for the Geography Club. We have
interviewed scientists who are researching everything from the The department has involved pupils in a whole
adaptation of coral in the Caribbean Sea to climate change. It host of activities during this week, from a whole
was very exciting to be greeted from across the world, joining school tutor time news quiz to lessons looking at
students from all over the world who are similarly concerned newspaper headlines in the last 6 months and
about the changes on our planet, and to have our questions understanding how they link to Geography. They
answered in the live interview! have debated the issues around them, enjoyed
assemblies, and a presentation from the Lions
We have been making reusable wax wraps which will replace Club about a charity in Africa. The Geography
cling film in our homes. Cling film can only be recycled if it is quiz team have also taken on other teams in a
clean and we want to reduce the use of it to protect our oceans. challenge-a-thon.

We have joined with the #2min beach clean campaign and The Geography Department continues to support
spent time removing fishing waste and small plastic waste from the links to the Pokot Tribe in Northern Kenya
our local beach. To top it all, we have inspired Year 7s in their where, for the 5th Year running we are helping to
assembly by looking at the work of Sir David Attenborough who raise money to provide an indoor school for the
has done so much for us in terms of raising our awareness of our children.
beautiful planet and the current changes it is experiencing.
The Geography Club ran a sale of tribal beads and
necklaces to help raise money (every little helps)
continuing the theme of Geography Week.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 13

KS3 Geography

Year 7 Galley Hill visit and Kenya

Year 7 geographers are currently completing their topic
on the world and our local area. They successfully
completed a virtual field trip to the town centre, and an
actual field trip to Galley Hill View. They used the data
gathered to compare the quality of life in both areas, and
have explored reasons for the differences found. They
have impressed staff with their neat and accurate graph
drawing skills as they learnt a variety of different ways to
present spatial data.

Year 8

Year 8 have been investigating the amazing country of Brazil. Following the media images of the burning Amazon
rainforest that filled our news this summer, we investigated the economic motives of Brazilian President Bolsonaro.
Pupils had the opportunity to discuss the motives and impact of the 80,000 fires that have been burning. Recent
TV documentaries have highlighted that cattle ranching is the biggest single cause of rainforest destruction. Pupils
realised that while we may not be directly causing deforestation, many of the products that we consume or form part
of our food chain originate in the rainforest.

Year 9

Year 9 have completed their unit looking
at tectonic hazards and investigating the
causes and consequences of these. We are
now learning about the continent of Asia
and we would encourage pupils to take
advantage of the many TV programmes
on at the moment exploring our planet,
environments and people.

Please do get involved in your child’s
learning by watching together some of the
amazing television programmes that are on
at the moment and discussing some of the
issues that they bring to light.

KS4 Geography

Year 10

Year 10 have been working really hard and we have been pleased with their progress to date. We are offering a Year
10 Friday Night club for pupils who need a little bit of extra support and hope that this early intervention will help
boost their confidence in recalling information as well as answering exam questions. Sessions run from 15.15pm to
15.50pm in A2 and staff have identified pupils to attend, although everyone is welcome.

ear Year 11

Well done to Year 11, who have worked really hard with
their mock exams - we have been pleased with their results.
We only have one unit of work left to teach in class before
completing the course, then we begin the work of ensuring
that all pupils are confident in their geographical knowledge
and able to apply it to exam questions. We offer a Year 11
Friday Night club in A10 (15.15pm -16.00pm) for any pupil
feeling that they are not reaching their potential. The list of
pupils expected to attend will be reviewed in the light of the
mock exams but again, everyone is welcome to attend.

The Geography Department thank you for your support and wish you all a wonderful festive time.
See you in the New Year.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 14

Seminar 3– Seminar 3 in St Richard’s Neuro-Ninja Tool-Kit for parents, carers & pupils.
Being Anxiety
In this seminar we will explore strategies to help all of us respond differently
Aware to the complex and difficult habits of the anxious mind. We will explore
(Part 2) developing a positive relationship with negative emotions and the
neuroscience of over-thinking among many other things. Don’t worry if you
didn’t make Part 1, you will learn lots about how to challenge anxiety in this
seminar.

Thursday 21st January 2020 6:30 – 7:30pm St Richard’s Catholic College
Email [email protected] to book or click on the link.

St Richard’s Catholic College - Neuro-Ninja Tool-Kit Dates for 2020
Brain Science Seminars for Pupils and Parents/Carers

Tuesday, 21st January 6:30 – 7:30pm S3: Being Anxiety Aware Pt 2

Wednesday, 5th February 6:30 – 7:30pm S4: Through Anxiety & Beyond

Tuesday, 3rd March 6:30 – 7:30pm S5: Brain Science of Meh

Thursday, 19th March 6:30 – 7:30pm S6: Be A Study Neuro-Ninja

Wednesday 1st April 6:30 – 7:30pm S7: Your Brain & Other People

Thursday 23rd April 6:30 – 7:30pm S8: Way Of The Neuro-Ninja

Attendance

Current whole school attendance: 96.4%

Well done to 64% of pupils who are currently on 97% attendance
or above for the school year so far

A reminder to please ensure that you alert us of your child’s absence daily by 9.10am. If your child is unwell
for more than one day, please inform us every day of their absence – this is to ensure the safeguarding of
every pupil. If you have any questions about anything to do with attendance, please call or send an email to
either the Attendance Officers or Mr Campbell.

Mrs Jones/Mrs Forte Attendance Officer (job share): [email protected]
Mr Campbell, Assistant Principal responsible for Attendance: [email protected]

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 15

Pupil Leadership

School Council East Sussex Youth Cabinet

Our most recent School Council meeting was a We would like to give warm congratulations to Marni
very informative and productive session. We had Lippin (Year 10), who was successfully elected as
representatives from Chartwells (the school’s catering East Sussex Youth Cabinet representative for the next
company) join us to answer questions and listen to 2 years. Both Marni and fellow candidate, Leo, ran
the Council’s opinions. As a result, new menu options excellent campaigns and can be proud of their efforts.
are being looked at, as well as possible “meal deals”. I am confident Marni will represent her fellow pupils
Afterwards, Mrs Bligh joined us to answer questions on proudly, passionately and effectively.
all manners of different issues.
The Crest
Extra-curricular
A number of pupils have already begun their journey
Mock Court Trial competition to earn their Crest Awards this year. This is a reward
The new team is assembling for this year’s competition scheme for pupils who are seeking out and taking
and the pupils have been given their new case for opportunities to grow as an individual and progress from
trial which centres on a charge of criminal damage. the Bronze through to Gold Award. The format of THE
The Law club is open to all Year 8 and 9 pupils who CREST award is being updated and, as such, I have
are interested, and there is still plenty of time for new been a little slow getting round to year 8 to explain the
members to join. Award but I will be doing this in the very near future.
Applications have slowed in the last term so please
We will be meeting on Thursdays after school in Lab encourage your child to get theirs completed in term 3.
7 and will begin meeting twice a week from January to Congratulations to Matt Cordell (Year 10) who has
help us get ready for the competition. achieved the Bronze Award.

Mr A Lahache

Free school meals

We encourage any eligible parents/carers to apply for free school meals as it not only provides the pupil with a
free lunch, but also helps the school to fund additional support for individual learners. This can be in the form of
additional curriculum activities or targeted support. There is no stigma attached to receiving a free school meal
as we use a biometric cashless system which automatically tops up your child’s lunch money on a daily basis .
If you are unsure about your eligibility or what your child can access as a result of being in receipt of free school
meals, please go to the Free School Meals/Pupil Premium page of the website https://www.strichardscc.com/
parents/pupil-premium/. You apply direct through the East Sussex website at https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/
educationandlearning/schools/school-life/meals/free/

Any queries related to free school meals/pupil premium should be addressed to myself at mrshoylep@strichard-
scc.com

Mrs Hoyle, Assistant Principal

School Policy on holidays and time off for extra-curricular activities

Parents, please understand the school’s policy on taking time off outside of school holidays: permission for
pupils to attend events or to participate in extra-curricular activities during term time will only be given in
exceptional cases, and not as a matter of course.

Parents must write to me well in advance and fill in the Withdrawal from Learning Application form issued by
East Sussex. If the request is not authorised then a Penalty Notice will be issued. The penalty is £120 per
parent, i.e. unless it’s a single parent family a fine of £240 will be issued. If you pay within 28 days the fine
is reduced to £60 per parent and £120 for both parents. You must pay within 42 days to avoid prosecution.
Please be aware that all holiday requests will be unauthorised to comply with DfE directives.

Miss Cronin, Principal

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 16

Library News - December 2019

Remembrance Day was marked in the library by a display
of library resources, booklists and photographs exploring the
subject. Fiction writers such as Michael Morpurgo, Sam Angus
and Theresa Breslin have drawn extensively on this topic for
inspiration, helping pupils to understand and empathise with those
caught in confusing and terrible circumstances. Non-fiction on this
subject helps our young historians to unpick the complexities of
war and is a useful support to those doing GCSE History.

Book Quote of the Month Our November film was the heart-warming ‘Street Cat Named Bob’
with an amazingly talented cat who helps a young busker turn his life
‘By turning young people into lifelong around. Based on a true story, the gritty realism somehow appealed to
readers, school libraries are a vital our keen film buffs! We have watched a real range of films this year,
resource that must be nurtured.’ extending appreciation of genres outside our usual comfort zones.
There is space for new members from Years 7 and 8; if it is something
This is from an open letter by Children’s your child would enjoy, ask them to see me in the library for more
Laureate Chris Riddell to the Secretary of details.
State for Education. The letter was backed
by all 8 former children’s laureates. Calling all Year 11s…
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/
nov/14/children-laureates-demand-uk-gov- Do you have a library book overdue?
ernment-school-library-closures
I know you have all been really busy with the mocks, but the time
Wet Lunch Amusements has come to think about returning your books and paying the very
modest fines of 1p per school day. Please note, I cannot sign your
A reminder that the library holds some board leaver’s sheet if you still have school property on loan.
games for pupils to use in the library during wet
lunch times; Scrabble (Harry Potter version), Get it done now and it’s out the way
Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit Family Edition, Ticket to
Ride (Europe), Uno, Snakes and Ladders, etc. I You know who you are as I have been reminding you at least once
hope that pupils will be able to make use of them a term since your books went overdue! If it’s lost, see me to find out
through the cold, dark months – just ask at the the replacement cost. Many thanks for your help and co-operation.
desk in the library.

And Finally… The librarians wish all readers and their families a very happy Christmas and New Year
– and remember, there is no better gift than a BOOK – unless it’s a BOOK TOKEN!

Ms Tocknell, Librarian

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 17

Congratulations to........

Maddie Baszczak who won two silver medals

at the World Martial Arts championships in Cork. This
was a fantastic achievement, particularly as this was
her first championship. Well done, Maddie.

Kacey Wolecki who has been awarded the St

John Ambulance Cadet of the Year for the South District
2020. This award means that she will also be the Lord
Lieutenant representative for East Sussex. She has
a fun year ahead with St John Ambulance, including
meeting some of the royal family. Well done, Kacey.

Franz Cuison who represented St Richard’s in the Regional British Schools Judo

Tournament held at Medway Park, Gillingham in October. He won the Silver Medal to qualify for
the National British Schools tournament in March 2020 to represent his school.

On 17th November, at the Sussex Open held in Worthing, Franz won the Gold in the u50kg Pre
Cadet Boys (born 2006, 2007) Category. At the suggestion of his coach, he joined the Cadet
Boys’ Category (born 2003-2005) and won a Silver Medal in a more physically (...and mentally)
challenging category.

On Sunday, 1st December, at the British National Championships 2019
(Pre-Cadet Boys under 50kgs) held at the English Institute of Sports,
Sheffield, he fought and won a Bronze medal in his division, winning 4 out
of 5 bouts. This is the first time he has joined the Nationals.It has been
a rewarding few months for Franz as he has truly put the work in. Well
done,Franz!

Jasmine Moulding who has once again, been selected to represent the school in the

Sussex Schools FA U16 Girls Squad, following a hard fought selection process. They have
already played their first game beating a strong Surrey squad 4-3 in an excellent match.

Mimi Luscombe who organised a

jumble sale last month in aid of St Mary
Star of the Sea Church and the Snowflake
homeless charity and managed to raise
just over £1000. Well done, Mimi!

Edulink One Amovi Franklin-Lester who represented

Download today from the her synchro swimming club in a Sussex synchro
App Store or Google Play competition. She is the proud recipient of a bronze
medal for individual figures and a gold medal for
her team routine.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 18

PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

We attended some fabulous trips and performances last term. This term, our Year 9 pupils are busy preparing their own
performances as part of their Performing Arts classes. Outside of the classroom we are busy preparing for the Advent
Service. It promises to be a lovely evening, so do please join us on Wednesday, 18th December.

Induction Mass

Year 7 pupils and their families celebrated their new beginnings at St Richard’s with their Induction Mass. The Performing Arts
team and Chaplaincy worked with pupils across the disciplines and we were delighted with the results from the hard work of
all involved.

For many of our dancers this was the first time they had performed in front of an audience,
dancing to the Psalm ‘Sing a new song’, led by Elisa Fletcher 7H, Millie Moore 7U and
Amelia Magni 7H. Pupils were also delighted to dance to St Richard’s Hymn 2019 version
before finishing the Mass with a piece especially choreographed ‘You've got a friend’ This
included: Elisa Fletcher 7H, Millie Moore 7U, Amelia Magni 7H, Mia Ashford 7R, Anastasija
Saklunova 7R and Maisy Rees 7H. Former pupil and Dance Company member, Rosa
Cave, and Keia Penman 10R were on hand to help out, calming nerves and helping
backstage. They did a sterling job. Well done, girls.

The Year 7 Drama club performed their first piece of Liturgical Drama in the Induction
Mass. They created some lovely work based on a story called ‘Make the Changes’
combining ensemble speech and movement with some fantastic still and moving images,
as well as having loud and clear speech throughout. The message to help and support
each other throughout your time at St Richard’s came across very clearly. A fantastic start
to the year, and we look forward to much more throughout the year!

Finally, we were delighted with the high standard of singing and musicianship throughout the year group, and particularly from
some of our young soloists and cellists.

St Richard’s 60th Celebrations Prize Evening

The choir and orchestra were involved in supporting the Our orchestra and choir gave superb performances at our
liturgy during our 60th Celebrations of our school opening. Prize Evening which were well received.Congratulations
Bishop Richard celebrated the Mass and the choir and go to the recipients of all Awards.
orchestra provided the music. It was a beautiful celebration.

Well done to all involved.

Newsletter - December 2019 Cake Sale

As I am sure you can imagine, the cost of
costumes and competition entries is a significant
expense for the Dance department. The Year 7s
have been busy raising funds to help towards the
costs, arranging a cake sale raising a fantastic
amount of £148.00 We are currently planning
future events to help raise funds towards these
costs. Well done to all involved.

Page 19

Blood Brothers Theatre trip National Theatre Connections

Year 10 and 11 English and Drama pupils went to see Rehearsals have started in earnest for the National
‘Blood Brothers’ at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings on Theatre Connections play, ‘The Marxist in Heaven’.
Friday 15th November. It was a brilliant production of the
famous musical that really brought the story and characters 30 Year 9 and 10 pupils are involved, and have been
to life. Pupils really enjoyed the performance and it really sharing ideas and contributing to the collaborative
helped them to understand the play, which is a set text in production. Ms Whelan is very excited by the standard
both Drama and English. of acting, and the energy and creativity of the whole
cast.
Chantry Primary School
It is also fantastic to have Marni Lippin 10S involved
We are delighted to have been asked again this year to in set and costume design (particularly angel wings!),
choreograph Chantry Community Primary School’s Time and Benjamin Taylor 9O as our resident sound and
to Dance piece. Betsie Field and Keia Penman, both lighting technician. Disco dancing to keep the world
10R have been working with pupils every Wednesday turning has never been so much fun!
after school alongside Mrs Knight, choreographing their
piece. The girls will use this as part of their Silver Arts Performances will be at the beginning of March
Award. Well done, girls, for your dedication. next year in school, and on Friday, 1st May at the
Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

Trinity Laban

We were delighted to be invited to spend the day at Trinity
Laban in London The pupils received a tour of the building,
a talk about CAT and Dance careers, demonstrations of
CAT ballet and CAT contemporary technique classes and
then they had the opportunity to take part in a practical.

We were also able to see what St Rchard’s pupils have been up to whilst attending the CAT programme on Saturday
morning. Thank you to Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Dann who supported Mrs Knight. Betsie Field 10R reports:

‘We got off the coach and saw this majestic mirrored building, built with a curve. They made the building to be mirrored so that
you’re always able to see how your body moves through the day and at night you see the silhouettes, After having a tour of
the building we had a talk where they explained what the CAT scheme was about and how it worked to support young people.
We were also told about many of the dance career opportunities that are available to us. We then sat and watched half a
ballet class and half a contemporary class which were both very interesting and inspiring. We also got to see St Richard’s
pupils, who are already on the CAT scheme and what they learn each week. After this, we had a workshop where we learnt
a piece of choreography, then went into duets and came up with our own short pieces of dance where we interlocked our
movements all based on the artist Kandisky’s curves and lines. I found this whole day very interesting and inspiring. I am
really looking forward to auditioning for the CAT programme. If I am successful then I think It will be a fantastic opportunity for
me to develop my dancing skills and prepare for college.’

Matt Cordell 10, Edward Pepper 10L, Zack Appleyard 10U, Amelia Allen 9O and former pupil, Bailey Vice, are currently
studying on the CAT scheme. Matt reports, ‘On 16th November at Trinity Laban I participated in a careers day. This involved
dancing with a university programme. We also got to try a variety of workshops including one led by an African dance group;
a professional dancer from the musical CATS who taught us a sample of the piece and a teacher from Trinity Laban who
taught us some choreography. I enjoyed all of the styles but I enjoyed the CATS piece the most because it gave an insight in
to what musical theatre is like as I want to pursue musical theatre as a career.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 20

Bexhill College Hofesh Shechter Workshop

Molly Differ 10S reports on The Hofesh Shecter workshop that was held at Bexhill College. Our Year 10 BTEC pupils and
senior members of the Dance Company got the opportunity to take part in the workshop learning original repertoire.

‘On Wednesday, 20th November 2019 we attended a The piece ‘Political Mother’ was one of Hofesch’s oldest
dance workshop with Hofesch Shechter Dance Company. pieces as it was created 10 years ago. It was a fast paced
This was held at Bexhill College with two representatives dance and needed full focus and precision from all dancers.
from Hofesch - Rachel taught us a dance routine from ‘The
Political Mother’ and Adam taught us the style and how to Some other dance styles used were ballet, modern and
train our bodies to flow with the music. He taught us the contemporary. Before they taught us the piece, Adam
fluidity of the arms, legs, spine and even our fingers. He taught us how to let your body be fluid as it was a key
advised us to never be afraid to let loose of your body and concept in the piece and was constantly used throughout.
feel the music flow through our souls. Both Adam and Rachel did not enter the company with the
Hofesh style of dancing so they learnt during the time they
The workshop was a mix of being professional and also were there. Hard work paid off for Adam because he started
letting loose at the same time. Adam and Rachel said in the junior team and is now in the main company team.
that even if you’re having fun, don’t forget to concentrate
on the feedback that you have been given. This was a In conclusion, the Hofesh Dance Workshop taught us new
really different style that let us be free. Being taught by skills and gave us new perspectives on the different dance
professionals has opened my eyes to a whole new dance styles that there are. Hofesh is a very unique dance style
genre. This was based on contemporary dance style and it that unites the different types of dancers regardless of the
was shown through the continuation of the techniques. styles that they have been trained in.’

Future Events Rigoletto at Glyndebourne

Next term is extremely busy for the Dance department. Upper School pupils enjoyed a fabulous performance of
We have many performances and trips happening. Verdi’s Rigoletto at Glyndebourne. As always the set and
Details will be coming home shortly. costumes were amazing, enhancing the stunning music.
We were delighted with the discussions that our pupils
Performances were having about the music afterwards, demonstrating
January a good understanding of how the musical elements
15th:Brighton University (4.30pm-9.30pm) enhanced the communication of the story.
25th: Holocaust Memorial Event at St Mary’s in the
Castle (8.30am -12.00pm) Red Shoes

February Thursday, 8th April will see our BTEC Performing
12th:Time to Dance (3pm-9.30pm) Arts, Year 9 Performing Arts and Dance Company
pupils attend a performance of Matthew Bourne’s new
March adaptation of Red Shoes at the Marlowe Theatre in
16th: Lets Dance (7pm) Canterbury. Please do contact Mrs Knight if you would
18th:James Wilton Brighton University like your child to attend.
23rd: Great Big Dance Off (from 12.30pm until late)

Move IT

On Saturday,14th March both the boys and the girls Dance
Company as well as the Year 10 Btec and Year 9 Performing
Arts will have the opportunity to attend Move It at London
Excel. Move It is everything dance under one roof offering
the pupils a chance to take part in workshops and watch
professional performances as well as shopping and meeting
students from professional dance colleges. Highlights this
year for the pupils include the chance to meet Flawless.
Please do contact Mrs Knight if you would like your child to
attend.

University of Sussex - School of Music and Media

Our Year 11 pupils demonstrated great musical understanding when they visited the
University of Sussex to participate in a series of lectures based on A-level syllabus set
works. It was a challenging day which gave a real insight into learning at University level.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 21

Achievement and Results

Millie Moore 7U Has been extremely busy over half term competing at the East Grinstead festival,
receiving a fantastic set of results including:
• Classical Trio 1st, Classical duet 2nd, Ballet solo 3rd, Tap solo 3rd, Lyrical solo 3rd,
• Greek solo 3rd, National solo 3rd, Own Choreography solo 3rd
Miliie has also qualified for the WCS championships in her ballet, tap and Lyrical solos. MIllie has also
successfully auditioned for the Sussex Youth Ballet and will be performing in one of their ballets in
January. Well done!

Elisa Fletcher 7H and Sophie Paine 8R have recently taken their RAD
Classical Ballet exam. Elisa has also taken her ISTD Grade 4 Modern exam.

Evie Dawes 9I competed in 1066 dance championships in half term, placing
2nd in Tap and 3rd in Modern.

Millie Rose White at the 1066 Dance Championships
Millie competed in the senior section, against dancers up
to age 18, for Ballet, Tap, Modern and Song and Dance
and reached the finals in all four genres. Millie competed
in the World Performer Heat in Romford, Essex, in a
heat of 26 dancers. Millie won the heat and will now be
dancing in the finals in Blackpool at the world famous
Winter Gardens as one of 90 finalists. This is the second
year running Millie has reached the finals.

Instrument and Vocal results : November 2019

Huge congratulations to the pupils who took their singing exams with Mrs Byrne this term.

Millie McIvor: Grade 7 Musical Theatre: Distinction
Amelie Bennett: Grade 6 Popular Vocals Distinction
Faith Simon: Grade 6 Popular Vocals: Distinction
Aimee Lawrance: Grade 4 Popular Vocals: Distinction
Leo Jones: Grade 4 Musical Theatre: Distinction
Sophie-Rose McEvoy: Grade 4 Musical Theatre: Distinction
Noah Burrows: Grade 1 Popular Vocals: Merit

Exams being taken outside of school:

Millie White: Grade 6 Musical Theatre: Distinction
Olivia Zheng: Grade 7 Piano (awaiting results)
Bellza Moore: Grade 3 Piano: Distinction
Solomon Dillon: Grade 6 Piano (awaiting results)
Eleanor Klein: Grade 5 Theory

Congratulations to all pupils who have worked extremely hard over the last few months to achieve high results in their
instrumental or vocal examinations. Well done!

ROTARY YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR 2019

In a collaboration between Hastings Rotary Club and Hastings Musical Festival we present
an evening of Euterpean delight in a competition to find the Hastings representatives for
instrumental and vocalists for this wonderful competition.

Our esteemed judges will be Peter Georgiadis, International Bassist and Teacher of Music
and Kenneth Roberts, well known Musical Director and International Festival Adjudicator.
The winners of this Hastings heat will progress to the District Finals and, if successful, the
Regional and National Finals.

One of our former pupils, Rose Wood has begun an exciting journey by winning the first
heat of the Rotary Young Musician of the Year. I had the pleasure of accompanying and
working with her on her pieces and will be joining her on her next step in the District Finals.
Good Luck, Rose!

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 22

Performing Arts Clubs

Learn an instrument and join the school orchestra

Calling all string, woodwind, brass and percussion players; come
and join our St Richard's orchestra. We know you’re out there and
that you would make great members of our team. We are almost 20
strong at present and you could take us to in excess of 30. Join us,
whatever standard you are, we’ll find a part to suit.

BTEC Performing Arts boost

This is a drop in ‘clinic’ run by Mrs Knight for all Year 10 and 11 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 if they would like extra support with their Arts Award.

8.15am - 9.00am 1.00pm - 1.30pm 3.15pm - 4.00pm
Yr 7 Drama Club (Drama Studio)
Monday GCSE Drama Boost
Tuesday Vocal Rehearsals (Drama Studio)
1.10pm - 1.40pm (Mu2) Dance Company (Hall)
Wednesday GCSE Music Boost (Mu1 & Mu2)
Year 7 Music Club
Thursday The Staves Come and try out our many Choir (Mu2)
Our school orchestra (Mu1) instruments with Ms Mason (Mu1) Dance Company (Hall)

Friday Studio Skills BTEC PA Boost (Dance Studio)
(Mu1) Advanced Drama Club
(Drama Studio)
Boys Dance Company (Hall)
Friday Night Live
(Mu1 & Mu2 until 5pm)

Special Educational Needs

Year 11 mock examinations Parent Panel

Well done to all Year 11 pupils on their mock examinations If you are a parent/carer of a pupil at St. Richard's with
completed last month. These exams were planned to have any additional learning needs, and would be interested in
been as close an experience to pupils' summer GCSEs as participating in an SEN parent/carer voice panel, please
possible! contact me via email ([email protected]) to
register your interest. I will be happy to provide more
As well as pupils' revision and hard work during the exams information.
themselves, I would like to express my thanks to the staff
who were behind the wider organisation which helped these Future events
exams run smoothly: Mrs Britt, the SEN Administrator;
Mrs Fletcher, the Examinations Officer, and all Teaching Looking ahead to after the Christmas break, I look forward
Assistants and invigilators who supported pupils throughout to seeing Year 9 parents/carers at the Consultation evening
this very busy time. on Thursday, 16th January, 2020 alongside Mrs Campbell
(TA Co-ordinator). Please make an appointment via Edulink
Pupils who have use of a reader, laptop and/or additional if your child has a known educational need, or if you would
time sat these exams in the Dance Studio, as will also like to discuss a specific query or concern with me.
be the case this summer. These arrangements will be
discussed with pupils who opted not to use their allowances Parents' Evening for Year 11 follows on Thursday, 13th
during the mock exams. Allowances that were not used may February where Mrs Park and I will be available for
be withdrawn from those pupils in the summer exams in appointments.
some or all subjects as a result.
Finally for the next term, the Year 9 Curriculum evening
Please contact me via email ([email protected]) takes place on Thursday, 30th January. Mrs Campbell,
or telephone the school if you or your child/ward have any TA Co-ordinator for Year 9 and I will be available to offer
queries about exam access arrangements. advice on your son/daughter’s choice of GCSE courses.

With best wishes from myself and all in the SEN department for an enjoyable and restful Christmas break, Mr. Smith

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 23

#sophiespostcard2020 Call for artwork

We have already had a wonderful response to our call for artwork for #sophiespostcard2020 with over 90 wonderful postcard
works of art already received. See some of the fantastic work below or check the website www.sophiespostcard.com
where all new postcards are uploaded regularly. If you would like to take part, artwork can be completed on the pre-printed
postcards which are available from reception or on good quality postcard-sized paper but must be signed on the back. We
ask for a suggested donation of £1 for each postcard and entry to the auction. All artwork to be sent by 1st June 2020 to:
#sophiespostcard2020, St Richard’s Catholic College, Ashdown Road, Bexhill on Sea TN40 1SE

Thank you so much for your help and support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and this very special fundraising event
in memory of a dearly loved pupil, Sophie Maria Taylor (2004-2017). Please contact Miranda Pennington misspenningtonm@
strichardscc.com if you have any ideas for sponsorship or would like a pack to send to a famous friend! In 2018, St Richard’s
Catholic College raised almost £15,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of Sophie. Celebrities, renowned
artists – including Sir Quentin Blake, Liz Pichon, Thomas Taylor and Bob & Roberta Smith – pupils, parents, staff and
accomplished local artists were among those to contribute wonderful work, and more than 570 original postcards were
auctioned on eBay.

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. The auction will run for ten
days on eBay and end on Saturday, 27th June 2020.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 24

MathemMaatitchseDmeaptairctms ent

KS3 Numeracy

Well done to all the Year 7s and Year 8s who completed their end If your child has been asked to complete the
of term tests last week: lots of great work has been achieved this Numeracy Intervention Programme they have
term. until the end of this term to get their score up
to 80% or more to be awarded with House
Special congratulations goes to Felix Millwood-Sinclair (Year 8) Points. This programme is aimed at helping
and Leona Stephen (Year 7) for persistent hard work in class and develop pupils’ numeracy skills through
excellent test scores; Ezrine Ilagan (Year 8) for excellent class additional practice at home.
notes and always putting in maximum effort; Blesson Jiju (Year 7)
for an excellent end of term test score; Camille Maneclang (Year We really encourage your child to work on
7) for having a great attutide to learning and Zachary Read (Year these tasks as strong numeracy skills are vital
8) for fantastic test scores, always striving to push himself, and for pupils’ success in GCSE topics.
frequently completing the challenges.
During 2020, pupils across the year groups will
be competing in the UKMT Maths Challenges.

Pupils in years 9, 10 and 11 will be entered in
the Intermediate Maths Challenge whilst those
pupils in Years 7 and 8 will be competing in the
Junior Challenges. Your maths teachers will be
completing the entry forms in the New Year, let
them know of your interest.

Year 11 Revision

A wealth of websites are available to Year 11s to
continue their maths revision into the New Year.
For example: Corbett Maths has 5 questions a day
for each day of the year.

Christmas Bonus Puzzles

Please hand your solutions to the following puzzles to Mr Jacobs

More Christmas Trees
The plot of land below was willed to seven people. Each person wants to make sure
that he or she has a Christmas tree on his or her part of the land. However, due to
high costs of surveying, they can only afford to have three boundary lines drawn.
Where will you draw the three lines so that each person gets a Christmas tree on his
or her land?

25 is the favourite number of the Claus family.

Can you add the numbers 3 to 11 into this grid so
2t5haist ethacehfamveomurbieter onfutmhebefarmoiflythisesCulrarouusnfdaemdilbyy.
four numbers that add to 25.
Can you add the numbers 3 to 11 into this grid so that each member
oTfhtehneufmambeilrys i3s, s4uarnrodu6nhdaevde baylrefoaduyr nbeuemnbaedrdsetdhat add up to 25?
Tfohreynouum. bers 3, 4 and 6 have already been added for you.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 25

CAREERS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

CAREERS AMBASSADORS TRAINING An apprenticeship is a real job, with hands-on
On Tuesday, 3rd December 2019 16 pupils from Year experience, a salary and the chance to train while you
9 attended Careers Ambassadors training during their work. You’re treated just like all the other employees,
PHSE lesson. This training was led by Cath Brunger, with a contract of employment and holiday leave. Your
the Enterprise Advisor, who is supporting the careers apprenticeship can take between one and six years
programme at St Richard’s. The group engaged well and to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you
participated in activities to look at people they admire choose, what level it’s at, and your previous experience.
and what skills and qualities these people possess Different apprenticeships are available all over England,
which are vital to employing people within the various at companies large and small, in a wide range of
industries identified. The group also explored which industries and organisations, from local organisations to
careers fit into various industries and job families. The large national brands.
Careers Ambassadors have committed to running
further training with a group of Year 7s within the school. Completing your apprenticeship means you've
This will continue to be supported by the Enterprise earned and learned. Given your training is funded by
Advisor who will work on skills such as Networking, contributions from the Government and your employer,
Decision Making and Communication Skills. The and you receive a regular salary, apprenticeships
Careers Ambassadors will also provide fantastic support are a great option for getting on the job ladder or
in the running of the Careers Fayre that will be held on supercharging your career. To search for apprenticeship
February, 13th 2020. opportunities or find out further information please visit:
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
APPRENTICESHIPS
On 22nd October 2019 a group of Year 11s participated WORK EXPERIENCE
in a workshop about apprenticeships with a guest Just a quick reminder, that all Year 10 pupils must
speaker, Phil Golding, from Apprenticeship Support pick 3 possible choices for work experience from the
and Knowledge programme (ASK). The pupils involved database or put in the information of an own placement
were given an interactive workshop, exploring what by Thursday,19th December 2019.
apprenticeships are, the wide ranges of apprenticeships This can be accessed by entering the following website
that are offered and which employers are offering address (there is also a link on the schoolwebsite):
apprenticeships. Pupils were able to ask questions https://aspire.eastsussexbrighton.org.uk/
and share comments throughout the workshop. They wexpupilchoiceslogin.aspx?aspirenetview=student
were surprised at the wide range of apprenticeship
opportunities within large companies. We are hoping to Once this has been done, we can then start to contact
have support from Phil and ASK at our Careers Fayre employers and place the pupils at a suitable placement,
and also another session in school to raise awareness this will work on a first come, first served basis. Most
within an assembly and for pupils to experience a pupils have completed this already, however some
mock assessment centre as an alternative interview placement choices have not yet been confirmed.
experience.

CAREERS EVENTS ,
This December we had careers workshops for Year 8 pupils. This
involved local employers from various careers backgrounds attending
the school to present to pupils what it is like working in the industry,
what skills and qualifications are required for that career and which
route of education or training can be followed to pursue a range of
careers.

We have also had our Alumni Network attending for a morning to
deliver a Building Resilience Workshop to a large group of Year 9
pupils; this involved former pupils of St Richard’s and was a very
valuable experience for pupils involved. If you are a former pupil of the
school or a supporter of the school and would like to join our Alumni
Network please follow the link below and complete your details to
receive regular updates on school events and opportunities to support
the school: https://networks.futurefirst.org.uk/signup/strichards

Thank you to all employers, volunteers and members of the Alumni
Network who have signed up to support these events.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 26

Anti-Bullying News

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Bullying can have an impact on a child's mental health, so
if your child is showing signs of serious distress such as
The Anti Bullying Ambassadors have met twice this term depression, anxiety or self-harm, always see a GP.
during their lunch times to plan how they can support
pupils in the school and also raise awareness of Anti- How can I help my child if he/she is being bullied?
Bullying Week which was held at St Richard’s the week
commencing 18th November 2019.

Our Ambassadors felt it was important to raise awareness • If your child is being bullied, don't panic. Your key role
of the theme of this year’s Anti Bullying Week which is listening, calming and providing reassurance that
was “Change starts with us”. Some of our Ambassadors the situation can get better when action is taken.
independently developed a presentation that was used
in assemblies and also sent to Form Tutors to share with • Listen and reassure them that coming to you was the
form groups. This highlighted the definition of bullying, right thing to do. Try and establish the facts. It can
the impacts of bullying and the key message that to stop be helpful to keep a diary of events to share with the
bullying is a collective responsibility. Change starts with school.
a conversation. Change starts here and now. Change
starts with us. Some of the Ambassadors delivered these • Assure them that the bullying is not their fault and
assemblies to their own year groups. that they have family that will support them. Reassure
them that you will not take any action without
The Anti Bullying Ambassadors also felt that it was discussing it with them first.
important to have some time during the week for
pupils to meet them and share ideas and feedback. • Don't encourage retaliation to bullying - such as
Pupils attended lunchtime drop in sessions with the violent actions. It's important for children to avoid
Ambassadors to share how they are feeling, how they hitting or punching an abusive peer. Reacting that
can be supported and to also make pledges of how way has negative and unpredictable results- they may
“Change starts with us”. be hurt even further, or find that they are labelled as
the problem. Rather suggest that they walk away and
Spotting the signs that my child is being bullied… seek help.

You know your child best so will be aware if something • Find out what your child wants to happen next. Help
seems wrong. The type of behaviour that might be an to identify the choices open to them; the potential
indication of bullying includes: next steps to take, and the skills they may have to
• A reluctance to go to school help solve the problems.
• Unexplained stomach-aches or headaches
• Showing signs of distress on a Sunday night or at the • Encourage your child to get involved in activities that
will build their confidence and esteem, and help them
end of school holidays to form friendships outside of school (or wherever the
• Becoming either quiet or withdrawn bullying is taking place).
• Torn clothes and missing belongings
• Seeming upset after using their phone, tablets, • Discuss the situation with your child's teacher - or the
lead adult wherever the bullying is taking place. Every
computers etc. child has a right to a safe environment in which to
• Wanting to leave for school much earlier than learn and play.

necessary or returning home late. Mrs Hills ([email protected])
Mrs E Dann ([email protected])

An accident waiting to happen!

The staff and I are really concerned about the volume of traffic that is now bulding up in Ashdown Road. There
have been occasions, particularly on wet mornings, where car drivers have mounted the pavement in their hurry to
drop off pupils. This action puts the pupils walking on the pavement at risk!

Please can I urge those parents/carers dropping off or picking up in Ashdown Road to be considerate of other car
drivers and the pupils, in particular. As far as possible, I would encourage you to use surrounding roads such as
Links Drive to ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’. This will ensure that the pupils walking to and from school are kept safe and
residents are able to leave the road to get to work; staff on train duty can get to the station promptly, and the school
bus can leave safely.

May I thank those parents/carers already making other arrangements to ensure pupil safety on Ashdown Road.
Miss Cronin

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 27

English Department

It has been a busy term once again in the English department. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Head Boy, Joe
Baszczak, who won first prize in the National Poetry Day competition with his excellent poem entitled ‘The Sea’.
Joe's poem will be read alongside Mrs Knight's Dance Company's performance later in the year. He was awarded a
GoTab for his efforts. May Fogarty-Stevens in Year 9 and Nico Luscombe in Year 8 were runners up and they were
awarded £10 Amazon vouchers for their entries.

It was a difficult decision to decide on the winning entries and I was impressed with the high calibre of poems from
all year groups. All the poems are being published in an anthology which will be available to browse through in the
library and in Main Reception. Joe's winning poem is printed below.

Poetry Competition - Joseph Baszczak This term, our Reading Buddy scheme has
commenced. Some Year 7 pupils have been
The Sea paired with enthusiastic Year 9 readers and they
have been reading together in our school library
Silence haunts the isolated shore, on a weekly basis.
It seems the picture of tranquillity.
Nothing has defied the fine grain that make its body. We hope that this will encourage a love of reading
and literature and help to improve the reading
Alienated. skills of our Year 7 pupils. I would like to thank all
It sits along amidst a backdrop of nothing. the Year 9 pupils involved.

Its sandy dunes roll in anguish. Next term, we look forward to taking Year 10 and
It has been made a pariah by society. 11 pupils to see The National Theatre production
of ‘An Inspector Calls’ in February. There are still a
Now, it is left to die. few tickets left so please ask your English teacher
for a letter or see Miss Rowland in B12 for more
Every now and then, details.
A silenced wave dashes its body against the shore,
It conforms to the rules placed by its predecessors.

The waters are jealous,
Jealous of the flawless sky it stares at daily.

Haunted by night,
Both chasms, heaven and hell, are dark.
The sky (now painted red) soaks the water in the liquor of death.

But still the woman does not move.
Her eyes caress the Lovecraftian monstrosity,
Perhaps something hides it in its stygian loneliness,
Maybe sleeping, its great clawed hands unmoving.

Another wave rocks the woman’s loose, fanned out hair
It is yet another wave that gallops eagerly towards its demise.

The swimming thoughts of the woman drag her down, Finally, as we look forward to our Christmas holiday,
Slowly, she succumbs to the pressures. I would encourage pupils to continue to use Bedrock
She welcomes the caliginous depths. Vocabulary over the festive period.
Now she is gone.
Why not ask Father Christmas for a new reading
Now she is gone, book this year?
But the waves thrash themselves upon the shore.
There are plenty of excellent reads that can be
Still the glimmer attracts the unknown. found on The School Reading List website:
Still the vicious blackness underneath the utopia-like façade https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/category/secondary-
ks3-ks4-reading-lists/
hungers for many.
It hungers for the lost. Miss Rowland
KS3 Coordinator and Literacy Lead, B12
For the solemn.
For the grieving.
It hungers for all.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 28

Poetry by Heart was launched on
Thursday, 5th December at 1pm in
A8. This is a nationwide competition
which encourages pupils to be able
to recite two poems by heart.

The first part of the in-school competition will run until February
when we will select the winner to go forward to represent our
school in the regional final! All year groups are welcome.

45 pupils went to see Blood Brothers at The White Rock
Theatre on Friday, 15th November. An enjoyable evening
was had by all. A fun-filled tragic tale was brought to life by an
amazing cast and seeing a live performance really supported
those pupils who are studying this text as part of their English
Literature GCSE

Mrs Wood,
Professional Development Lead and Assistant Head of English, A8

The English Department is excited to announce that St Richard’s
Catholic College will be hosting the 2020 public speaking competition
Youth Speaks in Term 4. The competition is organised by the local
Rotary club and is an excellent addition to your portfolio of achievement.
Our school performed very well last year, and we hope to bring home
the trophy in 2020! So, are you ready to challenge your public speaking
abilities? Eager to perform, persuade and entertain the audience with
your display of wit and knowledge of a topic?

Come to the auditions at lunch time on Wednesday, 11th December
in B15 and dazzle us with a one-minute elevator pitch on any topic.
We will select two teams, to represent KS3 and KS4. Participants can
select a topic which is important to them, giving them an opportunity to
delve deep into research, formulate ideas and build confidence.

KS4 News Year 11: Thank you for taking such a mature approach to
your English mock exams. Now, please listen to the advice
Year 10: By the time you read this you will have completed and feedback of your teachers. If they ask you to attend an
your language and literature data capture. Try not to intervention group, it is for your benefit so please make sure you
forget ‘Macbeth’ entirely when we leave it to start our new attend. You are also receiving 5 lessons of revision per week as
texts! Keep it ticking over by returning to TV/film versions, we have now completed the course. That is a lot of opportunity
practising keywords etc. for you to get the help you need!

Years 10 and 11: Well done for approaching the term so Make sure you are regularly returning to your keywords and
successfully. We are really impressed by all your hard work. continuing to learn your key quotations. Everything you need,
Try to read as much as you can (fiction and non-fiction are including keyword lists, is accessible on the Google Drive and
relevant to your exam). As well as being a great way to relax, padlets. Ask your teacher if you are not sure where to find these.
the more you read the better you will write as you pick up
tips and vocabulary from writers without even realising!

The English Department wish everyone a happy and restful Christmas break. Mrs Niitsoo, Subject Lead for English, B15
Newsletter - December 2019 Page 29

RE Department News

As we are now in the season of Advent, all pupils have had the opportunity
during RE lessons to be involved in an examination of conscience. This was an
opportunity for pupils to have a time of spiritual reflection on their relationship
with God and their relationship with others. This formed part of the preparation
for the Sacrament of Reconciliation available to pupils this term.

The Year 7s have been studying the topic “Reason for the Season.” They have learnt
about the liturgical seasons, the Rosary, the annunciation and visitation, the importance
of Mary and Advent.

The Year 8s have been studying the topic
“Judaism.” In this topic they have learnt about
Abraham, keeping the Sabbath, the Torah
and the Synagogue. In addition, they learnt
about the Passover festival and why this is
such an important celebration in the Jewish
faith. They also enjoyed a Passover meal in
their RE lessons. Nico Luscombe even made
some delicious challah bread (a Jewish bread
traditionally eaten on Shabbat (Sabbath).

We are planning a trip for a small group of Year 8
pupils to the Synagogue in Eastbourne, for them
to see and learn more about the Jewish place of
worship. Representatives from each Year 8 RE class
will be going and feeding back to their group on what
they saw and learnt.

The Year 9s have been learning about “Discipleship.” They
have learnt about the struggles and sacrifices one must be
willing to make to be a disciple of Jesus. They have learnt
about the difficulties shown in Mark’s Gospel regarding the
disciples Jesus chose.

The Year 10s have been studying “Catholic Practices” as part
of their GCSE course. They have been exploring the practices
of our faith, namely the sacraments, the funeral liturgy, prayer,
Catholic social teaching and, most recently, mission and
evangelism.

This is a short clip on Catholic Social Teaching pupils have seen
in class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNcBCPVbYDU

The Year 11s have completed their mocks and have had feedback on these in RE lessons. So far they have covered
6 out of the 8 units needed for the GCSE. The final part of the course is the Muslim paper. In this part they will cover
Muslim Beliefs and Muslim Practices. We are very fortunate to have an former parent of the school who is a Muslim;
over the years, he has come into St Richard’s on many occasions to talk about Islam. He will be coming in during term
3 to talk to some Year 11 pupils about Islam and answer any questions they may have.

Mrs Mead,Subject Leader for RE

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 30

Computing Department News

CyberCenturion VI

A group of St Richard’s pupils took part in the 1st round of
the Cyber Security competition in November with two more
rounds to complete in December and January, for a chance
to take part in the grand final in March.

Pupils are required to defend a network of computers over 6
hours scoring points each time they find a vulnerability. They
are also competing against other schools around the country.

The pupils taking part are:

Francois Ralph - Year 7
Eirinn Patch - Year 8
Maia-Li Dermondy-Lawrence - Year 8
Macy Leonard - Year 9
George Wyer - Year 10
Beth Dineley - Year 10
Hannah Chan - Year 11
Alicia Smith - Year 11

For more information go to https://www.cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk/what-we-do/cybercenturion-vi

Pupils in Computing Classes took part in the UK Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge this term.
The Bebras Computing Challenge introduces computational thinking to pupils of school age. It is organised in over
40 countries and designed to get pupils from all over the world excited about computing.

The Bebras challenges are made of a set of short problems called Bebras tasks and are delivered online. The tasks
are fun, engaging and based on problems that Computer Scientists often meet and enjoy solving. The tasks can
be solved without prior knowledge but instead require logical thinking. The aim is to solve as many as possible in
the allocated time. For more information visit: http://www.bebras.uk/

Mobile Phones Pay online for
School uniform and Trips
Pupils with permission to bring in a mobile phone must hand it
in at Reception at the start of the day and collect it at the end Don’t forget you can now pay for
of the day. The pupils concerned must not be using the phone school uniform and trips online.
travelling to or from school unless there is an emergency. Email the Finance Office for your
login information:
Any phone confiscated will need to be
collected by a parent/carer. [email protected]

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 31

Art Department

The Art Department is expecting outstanding work from our GCSE groups at the end of this term. Our pupils have been
working with great enthusiasm on their final mains under exam conditions. We always place a strong focus on Good to
Outstanding work in all areas in the Art Department It establishes a highly professional work ethic amongst all of our pupils.

Year 10 Art Craft and Design pupils have produced some Three of our GCSE pupils’ work was selected to go on
wonderful ceramic vessels inspired by Kate Malone and display at the Farley Arts Trust Awards. A highly prestigious
Natural Form. They are now embarking on lino-cuts. Year award ceremony in Chiddingly, home of the English
9 are painting their ceramic fish which will all look beautiful Surrealists. Tucked away in the Sussex countryside, Farleys
on display. Year 8 have completed their ceramic Novelty conjures up an extraordinary atmosphere that testifies
teapots, (now awaiting painting) and Year 7 are about to to its position as a meeting place for some of the key
construct their ceramic nightlights. Fine Art Year 7 are personalities in 20th century art. Organised by Farley Arts
working on very intricate steampunk mechanimals and Year Trust, this biennial event celebrates the outstanding creative
8 are producing beautifully rendered Day of the Dead Tonal achievements of GCSE and A level standard art students
skulls using 6B pencils to great effect. Year 9 are working from across East Sussex Schools and Colleges. Scarlett
on Quarter portraits considering tone, pastel, colour pencil Chalk, Pamela Busuego and Aleezah Lopena all attended
and watercolour studies. Year 10 Fine Art have embarked with their parents. The standard of work was incredibly
on their Identity project, producing inspired tonal self high and our pupils’ Art looked fantastic in the exhibition.
portraits with limited colour painting. Pamela's sketchbooks were highly commended and she
won a prize given to her by Sir Peter Blake. Former St
Congratulations to the following pupils who were shortlisted Richard's pupil, Katarzyna Fedor, won a prize for her work
for The Lions Peace Poster Competition: Oliver Chapman, at Lewes College.
Evelyn Britt, Oseluole Ebhohimen, Chloe Rubit and Jack
Hylands. The theme this year was ‘Journey of Peace’ and Finally I would like to thank Brighton University trainee,
the quality of the entries was excellent. The Lions came into Mrs Miller, for her hard work in the Art Department. She
the Art Department and took five of the pupils’ work away has been teaching our Key Stage Three and Four pupils
to judge at their Head Office. Well done to Chloe Rubit who and they have all really enjoyed her lessons. On behalf of
was chosen to represent the region. Her piece will now go the Department I would like to wish her well in her future
on to the National Finals. teaching career.

Keep creating! Mr Peachment (Subject Leader)

Year 9 Fne Art

Year 9 Art, Craft & Design - Fish Year 10 Art, Craft & Design - natural form
Newsletter - December 2019 Page 32

Year 8 Fine Art Lauren Porter - Year 7
Colour Wheel homework

Pamela Busuego

Farley Arts Trust Awards ceremony at Chiddlingly

Aleezah Lopena

Winning Peace Poster by Chloe Rubit Scarlett Chalk

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 33

Spanish news

In October a group of Year 9 pupils had the opportunity to visit Barcelona on a
residential trip organised by the MFL department. The trip was a great success
and everybody had a wonderful time. We are already looking forward to doing it
all again next year!

“This year I went on the Spanish trip. It was the best school trip I have ever
had. I have made friends with people I never suspected I would. It was great.
The views were great. The hotel was amazing and best of all the food! We woke
up every morning with a buffet breakfast and every evening we enjoyed a three
course meal. I learnt a lot about the culture and I learnt new Spanish vocabulary
from a student in the school we visited. I would recommend this trip to anyone
who can do it. Best trip ever!” Benedict Shimmons, Year 9

French news

Years 8-9 Residential Trip to Normandy, Northern France
Thursday 2nd April - 5th April 2020

We are very much looking forward to our trip which is fast approaching in Term 4. A few reminders to all those who have
signed up:

• If you are paying by instalments, here is a reminder of the payment dates outlined in the initial letter: £100 by
01.10.2019, £100 by 01.12.2019 and £100 by 07.02.2020. Many thanks to everyone who has sent in their payments.
There are some outstanding payments from October and December which need to be paid in at the Finance Office by
the end of term, please.

• Passports and EHIC cards will need to be available to hand in by March. We will not be able to take your child on the
trip without them so please do check everything is in place to avoid any last minute panic!

We will be in touch in January with the date of the parent/carer meeting prior to the trip. Many thanks to all parents and
carers for encouraging and supporting their children to take part in this trip, which we hope will be an enriching and enjoyable
experience.

French Club
(Every Monday 1.00-1.30pm

in B14)

Many thanks to Arthur Pepper, Austin
Thomas, Michael O’Brien, John Youssef
and Alfie Mason who have been coming
along regularly as helpers to organise,
promote and lead activities at French Club
since September.

It has been great to welcome some new year 7s to join our Year 8s in some friendly competition in French ‘brain box’ and
‘snakes and ladders’ this term. Some Year 7s have also come along and made the most of getting advice and support from
the Year 10 helpers with their French homework. We are looking forward to a French film month in January with a showing of
‘Avril et le monde truqué’. See the advert from the Year 10 helpers above.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 34

Year 7 French Speaking Stars!

We have been very impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by our Year 7 French pupils who have all
worked on putting together a performance of a conversation using all the French that they know. We would like to
extend particular congratulations to the following pupils who produced particularly impressive performances either in
class or in the form of an entertaining video:

Jocelyn Scott (7R), Anastasija Saklunova (7R), Pablo Haylock Fernandez (7R),
Harry Rouse (7I), Art Burnett (7I), Tyrone Mlotshwa (7S)
Eleni Baziotopoulou (7S), Jude Collard (7I), Emma Feery (7I), Grace Jones (7H), Milan Manesh (7R),
Jessica Newbold (7I), Harvey Wheeler (7S), Joseph White (7I)
Dilaxia Antonislas (7O), Alyssa Alba (7U), Jamie Barrow (7L), Lauren Gunson (7O),
Isabella Carey (7F), Lila Brooker (7L), Helena Zomer (7L), Francois Ralph (7O)

Can you guess which Year 7 pupil performed their French video under the guise of ‘Père Noël’?
See Miss Chong with your guesses. The first correct guess will win a French treat!

German news ‘The Christmas trip to Aachen was a wonderful
experience; you got to see first hand what
Christmas in Germany! German culture is like at Christmas time. This
trip was a great opportunity to explore Germany!
Last weekend a trip to the famous Christmas markets in We went to the Christmas market, enjoyed ice
the German town of Aachen gave 33 Year 8 pupils the ideal skating, visited Aachen Cathedral and even went
opportunity to get into the festive spirit! Pupils were able to buy to the Lindt chocolate factory! The trip was a
traditional Christmas gifts and try different German foods on offer time to get to know each other more and make
like ‘Bratwurst’ and ‘Flammkuchen’. The highlight for many was new friends and practise using the German
the ice skating on the second day and a visit to the Lindt chocolate vocabulary we have learnt.’
factory shop. The trip was a really enjoyable and valuable Written by Phoenix Petit-Hayes, 8S
experience from the point of view of both language practice and the
cultural and personal experience that can be gained from taking
part in a visit like this one.

This is what the pupils said:

‘I enjoyed the German trip so much. It was
really fun to explore around the markets. I
also enjoyed the ice skating and staying in
a hostel. The food was delicious and I hope
to go to Germany again.’
Written by John Quintos, 8O

Newsletter - December 2019 ‘It was a great experience to talk to the cashier people and hearing only German
around you. I loved the Christmas market (especially at night) because it was
absolutely gorgeous and because I bought a special loaf of bread.

Going to the Lindt chocolate shop was
exciting because there were so many
delicious chocolates to choose from. The ice
skating was fun because you could skate
around with your friends. The Cathedral in
Aachen was massive and the inside was
beautiful. I would love to go again one year.
Written by Jonas Litvinavicius, 8U

Page 35

German Club: It’s been wonderful seeing some new faces at German Year 10:
Club this term. Thank you to Sarah Halleron and Bethany Emson
in Year 9 for leading the club and coming up with so many great Most of you have ordered and collected a
activities. We have plenty more in store for Term 3 and beyond so revision guide to support you in GCSE
make sure you don’t miss out! German. Please can any remaining pupils
collect their orders before the end of Term 2
See you on Mondays at 1pm in B5! from Miss Auzinger in B5.

Year 11:

Well done for working hard during your mock
exams. The Monday after school revision
slot and the lunchtime booster sessions will
continue in Term 3. All pupils are welcome
and some pupils will be expected to attend
as part of their post-mock intervention.

Christmas Factoids:

In France, a Nativity crib is often used to help decorate the house. French cribs have clay figures in them.
During December some towns and cities, such as Marseilles, have fairs that sell Nativity figures. As well as
having the normal Nativity figures in them, French scenes also have figures such as a Butcher, a Baker, a
Policeman and a Priest.

Most people in Spain go to Midnight Mass or 'La Misa Del Gallo' (The Mass of the Rooster). It is called this
because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that Jesus was born. Christmas Eve is known as
Nochebuena. In the days before Nochebuena, children might take part in 'piden el aguinaldo' where they go
and sing carols around their neighbours hoping to get some money!

Did you know that glass Christmas ornaments were invented in Germany? Hans Greiner started making glass
Christmas ornaments in 1847 in Lauscha, Germany. Two years later, Prince Albert (a native of Germany) used
them to decorate the royal tree. The ornaments became popular in Europe shortly afterwards; it is also thought
that tinsel was first made in Germany, out of real silver!

The MFL department wish you all a Happy Christmas and the very best for 2020!
Joyeux Noël! Frohe Weihnachten! ¡Feliz Navidad!

Year 8 ‘My Chinese Teacher’ programme

‘Nǐ hǎo, nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?’ - in Mandarin this means,
‘Hello, what is your name?’. This term we have been learning
about dialects, tourist destinations, and lots of new phrases,
such as ‘cāi yī cāi’ (have a guess) and ‘wǒ shì xuéshēng’
(I am a student).

Newsletter - December 2019 We have been rapidly learning lots of new words and our
teacher in China, Gao Zhang, has been making sure that
everyone has a go! After one of our lessons learning about
the different regions of China, we were inspired by Gao
Zhang’s enthusiasm about the wildlife centre in Chengdu, and
we are now thinking about adopting a wild panda, which the
Madarin club is very excited about! Nico Luscombe (8R)

Page 36

Science Department

Young investigators club

It has been a busy term for the Young Investigators club. Year 7 pupils have
been making microscope slides and looking at cells. They have also been
completing the Build a Raft challenge, making bird feeders, looking at density
and making electrolysis work using pencils!

The club runs every Thursday lunchtime in Lab 5 and is always looking for
new members. In the run up to Christmas, we will have a festive theme doing
some dendrochronolgy on Christmas trees and looking into the science of
snow shakers!

"My favourite experiment was the dyes" Michal Saba

"I enjoyed making slides and using the microscopes" Orson Finch

"The raft challenge was great because it was competitive and fun" Patrick Heeson

St Richard's Electronics and Makers The pupils have been shown how to solder and given
essential health and safety advice. They have also been
St. Richard's Electronics and Makers started in a fine way given time and materials to practise before they move on
with brand new Weller soldering irons and fume extractors. to the minDUINO construction. Of course, the minDUINO is
The pupils have been given a project to build in the shape just the start and the pupils are being encouraged to seek
of the minDUINO, a variant of the Arduino which is a out projects that they may wish to design and construct with
platform for electronic design prototyping and building. The the help of the club's resources. Additionally, we have some
circuit was designed by Steve Smith who heads the club of the pupils from what was the Radio Club building radio
along with Mr Curtis. kits.

Some soundbites from the club include: 'It’s a fun creative
place' (Francois). ‘There is lots of cool things to create and
I get to have lots of fun’ (Will). ‘I like this club as it gives us
freedom to delve into the electronic universe’ (Ryan).

The minDUINO will allow the pupils to experiment with a Steve Smith (electronic engineer)/Mr Curtis
wide variety of components and sensors that will ultimately
be used to develop and build a project of their own design.
Perhaps a weather station, home alarm system or model
railway controller - The minDUINO can be used for a
multitude of tasks so it will be very interesting to see what
the pupils put it to work with.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 37

Herstmonceux evening telescope tour and jacket potato supper 5th December 2019

An excited group of Year 7 pupils got the opportunity to take an
exclusive after hours tour at Herstmonceux observatory and science
centre last week. 63 pupils made the trip to the centre. They had
a talk from an astronomer about viewing the night sky and what
advances have been made since the Herstmonceux telescopes were
in use from the 1950s to the 1980s. He used a computer program to
allow pupils to travel through space and see detailed images of the
planets and constellations.

During the telescope tour, pupils learnt that the Herstmonceux
observatory was officially opened in 1958. In the early 1960s Sir
Partrick Moore used the telescopes here to develop accurate Moon
Maps, which were used by the NASA Apollo programme to plan the
moon landings. Apparently, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael
Collins found the data to be accurate to within a few feet, when
Eagle finally touched down in July 1969.

Pupils also enjoyed a jacket potato supper and got time to use the
fantastic science experiments that the science centre hold as part of
their permanent displays.

What the pupils said about the evening:

‘I really liked it when we had some spare time to play with the experiments.
There was a chair that lifted up using vacuum power. There was a wheel that
you put a bean bag in and spin it; the force meant it wouldn’t fall out, even
upside down. There were a lot of other fun experiments too.’ Erin Gunson 7I

‘I really liked the jacket potatoes ‘I really enjoyed it when one of the
and we had a choice of orange or scientists took us to all of the planets using
lemon juice. We also got cake for technology. We looked at loads of planets
pudding. There was also a gift and the stars and constellations. We also
shop with lots of space related talked about the sun and all the moons.’
things.’ Elizabeth Hales 7I Lauren Gunson 7O

‘I enjoyed the spare time to play with the science equipment and
I also enjoyed the virtual tour of the planets.’ Hugo Keet 7L

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 38

PE Department

Netball

Gymnastics Netball has once again been a very
popular club this year, with over 80 girls
Pupils attended the Sussex schools gymnastics competition, held attending from both the Lower and Upper
at the University of Brighton, on Saturday 30th November. The School. Pupils have worked hard over
squad grew for this second year attending the competition, with 17 these past two terms, developing their
gymnasts entered. The pupils worked tirelessly from September skills and strategic knowledge of the
through to the final session on Friday, 29th November, consolidating game. Alongside attending club, the girls
and refining their skills, timing and musicality. They performed their have been competing in the Hastings and
routines with pride, ensuring all of their hard work paid off. They Rother schools netball tournaments since
were entered into a number of tiered categories for pupils aged October. All girls who have participated,
11-16, according to their skill levels, ranging from novice-for those did so with enthusiasm and showed great
who are new to gymnastics to regional-for those who compete determination throughout the matches.
outside of school. Two pairs placed 5th and 6th out of 16 in one
category, and one of the trio groups secured 3rd place in the The overall results of the tournaments are
regional category. A huge congratulations to all of those involved, still to be published, however it can be said
for your hard work, dedication and determination. We look forward that the girls should be very proud of their
to continuing to build upon the success of this year’s squad in 2020. efforts. We look forward to celebrating the
overall results in the New Year.

Swimming

Nate Cahill has achieved 14 county times for
his age group to enable him to compete in 14
races at the Sussex Swim Championships.
Nate recently achieved a personal best
against the best in his age group in the
county and he won bronze medals for the
following races:

200m Individual Medley

Girls’ Cricket 50 m Breast stroke
100m Breast stroke

We have the pleasure of announcing that due to the phenomenal 50 Freestyle

uptake last year, St Richard’s is the only school in the whole of

the South East to be selected to continue to receive funding from The aim of the programme is to raise the profile of
the ‘Chance to Shine’ programme, for the second year running. girls’ cricket, and generate higher numbers of girls
This means all girls within the school will benefit from coaching involved within the sport outside of school. The
sessions led by Sussex cricket coaches. pupils’ response to the programme last year was

fantastic, with over 30 girls regularly attending the

after school sessions. We are very much looking

forward to seeing this continue this year, with the

added bonus of starting the programme in the new

year.

This year sees the addition of a leadership element,
which will allow girls to attain the skills required
to lead and run a cricket tournament for the local
primary school children in the summer. As well as
this, there will be a club which will be run by Sussex
Cricket, where pupils can attend and enjoy learning
about the game, with the opportunity to take part
in local competitions. Another exciting opportunity
which we look forward to, in the New Year.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 39

Year 7 Football

The Year 7 football team put in a remarkable come
back in a match against a particularly strong Bexhill
Academy team. The match was a very even contest
with excellent football being played by both teams.
St Richard’s went 1 - 0 down.

Year 7 were without their usual goalkeeper,
consequently Gus Abulu and Zack McCaig took
turns to help the team out with a half each in
between the posts. Midway through the second half
it was Gus in his new position as striker who found
an extra gear of pace. He finished neatly and we
were level at 1 - 1.

It must be said that all of the boys put an incredible amount of effort into the game and they kept their focus
throughout with Harvey Wheeler keeping the door to our defense firmly shut. Late on in the game it was Gus again
who somehow found the required pace to get past his defender and finish cleverly from a tight angle. St Richard’s
were 2 - 1 up and we managed to hold on to this score line until the final whistle.

Year 8 Football Year 9 Football

Match report by Ash Latuske: Great team performance winning 3 – 1 against a
strong Claverham team who beat us last year. A super
“St Richard’s managed a great 2-0 win against The performance in goal by Aidan Castle. Franz Cuison,
Hastings Academy. Well done to Noah Kamangala Dominic Corbin, Arthur Karapetyan and Finley Dorling-
and Tom Murray. One goal was scored through some Parkes were also fantastic through the spine of the team.
excellent passing play; the other came from a shot that
was saved by their keeper, the ball was deflected out to Two goals came from Arthur (one penalty) and super sub
us and the rebound was tucked away. Tom Davies. Tom has scored three times in two matches
and seems to have a knack of being in the right place at
We had good interplay with many one-twos .We also the right time.
seemed to play more like a team than last season. I felt
like the game was in our control and they didn’t have Football
many proper chances. From my point of view we would
have won by more than two goals if we had put away Ash Latuske was successful in
more of our chances. It felt as though the three new his two County trials. He has now
additions to our team really helped in the game. Well been selected to be part of the
played, everyone: look forward to the future.” Sussex Schools Football Squad.

Newsletter - December 2019 Table Tennis

Our Table Tennis teams have progressed really well this
year. They demonstrated this in our Hastings and Rother
Table Tennis competitions at St Leonards Academy. Our
KS3 teams were fortunate to have a huge number of
games in their competition.

The boys finished fourth and the girls managed to come
third. A special mention must go to Tom Kehoe: he won
every single match and ended the competition unbeaten!

Page 40

PE Department Clubs/Practices (Term 3, 2020)

Lunchtime After School 1 After School 2

FOOTBALL - Year 7 GCSE/BTEC Sport Intervention PRIMARY EVENTS EACH
Mr Dallaway *Dates may change to a Tuesday WEEK - Sports Leaders to be
(Sports Hall) depending on meetings involved.
Mr Bligh Mr Varney and other PE staff
(Gym)

Monday

BOYS BASKETBALL - Year 7 & 8 TRAMPOLINING GIRLS RUGBY
Mr Feery Mr Feery RFU Coach
(Gym) (Sports hall) (Field)

BASKETBALL FIXTURE NIGHT

Tuesday FOOTBALL - Year 8 GCSE/BTEC Sport Intervention BADMINTON
Mr Dallaway *Dates may change to a Monday Ms Gill
(Sports Hall) depending on meetings (Sports Hall)
Mr Bligh
BOYS BASKETBALL - Year 9
Mr Feery GIRLS CRICKET
(Gym) Sussex coach
(Gym)

Wednesday FOOTBALL - Year 9 BOYS BASKETBALL U’14 LOWER SCHOOL BOYS
Mrs Dallaway Mr Feery RUGBY
(Sports Hall) (Sports Hall) Mr Bligh
(Field)
GIRLS BASKETBALL - KS3 GIRLS FOOTBALL
Mr Feery Mr Dallaway BASKETBALL FIXTURE NIGHT
(Gym) (Field)
GIRLS BASKETBALL - All years
Thursday FOOTBALL - Year 10 SKILLTEK FOOTBALL Mr Dallaway
(Mr Bligh) Skilltek coach (Sports Hall)
(Field)
BOYS BASKETBALL - Year 11
Mr Feery
(Gym)

Friday TABLE TENNIS - All years BOYS BASKETBALL - U16 FOOTBALL - All years
Mr Dallaway Mr Feery Mr Dallaway & Mr Bligh
(Gym) (Sports Hall) (Field)

GIRLS BASKETBALL - All years BASKETBALL FIXTURE NIGHT
Mr Feery
(Sports Hall)

Saturday BASKETBALL - U’16 and U’14
Mr Feery
(Sportshall 8.45-11.15)

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 41

Badminton

Report from Aurora Bonoan:
‘The girls’ badminton tournament resulted in us winning
several matches. Despite the late start due to the traffic on
the way, we all still did our best and represented the school
very well. The team consisted of Muriele Mercado, Natalie
Collinson, Kirsty Head and Aurora Bonoan. The other
schools participating were Bexhill Academy, Ark Alexandra,
St Leonards Academy, Claverham Community College and
Robertsbridge Community College. After some closely fought
matches we managed to finish in third place.’

Report from Benedict Shimmons:
‘This term I attended a Badminton tournament with the
school. It was great fun. The contestants at the tournament
were great sports and every one respected one another.
I was on the St Richard’s boys Badminton team and played
in the singles and doubles. Both were equally as challenging
and both were equally as fun. We did great as a boys team.
As a single player I got to the final and as a double we got
far. All together the boy’s school team came third. The team
were: Rhyan Paraoan, Benedict Shimmons and Rowan
Vadukkoot Edwin. This was a very proud moment for all of
us to represent the school and we hope to continue to do
well in future games and tournaments.’

In the KS4 competition the boys finished joint third out of six, beating Bexhill along the way and just losing out to Claverham
(the eventual winners) who had an extremely strong team. The boys’ team was made up of Alvin Manoj, Austin Thomas, Rony
Stephen and Nigel Johny. The girls team played well in their matches, but didn’t end up getting the win their efforts deserved.
Their team consisted of Hannah Chan and Zuleika Smyth.

Glyne Gap School Christmas Party Page 42

On Tuesday, 10th December, 16 Year 10 pupils put on a spectacular
Christmas party for the children of Glyne Gap School, Bexhill which
caters for children between 2-19 years of age with severe and
profound learning difficulties. The Year 10 pupils provided the pupils
with a Christmas party, including a guest appearance by Father
Christmas, who delivered presents to all pupils!

The pupils involved had an excellent time and enjoyed interacting
with all of the pupils at Glyne Gap. Following the party we received
lovely feedback from the Head of Lower School, Sarah Tidmarsh:

“The students were superb with our pupils, playing and speaking to
them in a very respectful and appropriate manner. They showed such
maturity, conducting themselves in an outstanding manner and were a
real credit to your school.”

The pupils look forward to putting on another superb party for the
pupils next year. Well done to all involved. Thank you to Mrs Park and
Mrs Lea-White for coordinating; the staff of St Richard’s for donating
the party food and the Year 10 pupils for providing the entertainment!

Mr Campbell, Assistant Principal/ Pastoral Leader Year 10

Newsletter - December 2019

Safeguarding

Parents/carers are reminded of our Child Protection and Safeguarding policy (https://www.strichardscc.com/parents/safe-
guarding/)

As a school we always put safeguarding of pupils at the very centre of all we do. We seek to always work with parents/
carers in ensuring this for all. At times, we are required to seek external help and advice and details about this can be
found in our Child Protection and Safeguarding policy. We always work to educate our young people about the wide range
of issues in our community and world. We do so in a safe and positive environment through PSHE lessons, form time and
assemblies.

This term a variety of different topics have been covered in the appropriate age group. These have included,
• Anti-bullying (all years)
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Identifying controlling relationships and domestic violence
• Substance misuse - in partnership with the police who have been visiting Year 9 PSHE lessons
• Mental health and Well-being (all years)
• Drive safe campaign (theatre presentation)
• Road safe campaign (theatre presentation)

Next term we welcome in a theatre group to present their production around the danger of County Lines (drug dealing
through mobile phone lines) to Year 9.

A reminder that there are a number of support agencies both internal and external who come into school to support our
pupils - pupils can self refer via their Form Tutor, Pastoral Leader, Emma Dann Pastoral Manager, or myself at any time.
The poster below outlines the services available to pupils...

Mrs Bligh, Vice Principal

Peer Support at St Richard’s Mental Health Pastoral Support

 Anti-bullying Ambassadors St Richard’s will not tolerate See posters for Staff Mental Mrs Bligh – Pastoral Lead E-motion is a free online
 Mental Health bullying of any kind. Health First Aiders. There is Emma Dann – Pastoral
information outside Mrs Bligh’s Support Manager counselling service that
Ambassadors If you experience or witness any office and Tech 4. Talk to Mrs Jo Doyle – Lay Chaplain anyone aged 12 – 18 can
 Student Listeners bullying, please report this to White or our Mental Health Your Pastoral Leader access. Trained
 Prefects any member of staff; do not Ambassadors. You can also Teacher Mentors: counsellors can help you
delay! You can also seek support speak to Pastoral Support Mr Padgham, Mrs Knight, deal with any negative
There is always someone to talk from an Anti-Bullying Manager, Emma Dann. Mrs Hills thoughts or feelings.
to. Ambassador. To use this service email:
[email protected]
School Counsellor
Youth Employability Service Childine are a service Frank is an honest website Fearless is a service that
If you would like an
appointment to see Helen, A service for 15 – 18 year olds run by the NSPCC. You with information about allows you to pass on
our School Counsellor, this offering information and can talk to Childine about drugs and alcohol. You can information about crime 100%
can be arranged. Please advice regarding education, anything, no problem is call Frank on 0300 123 6600 anonymously. Do not hold
speak to any member of staff employment or training. Can too big or too small. If for confidential advice. onto information that may
that you feel comfortable be contacted by emailing: you do not want to call East Sussex also have a lead to someone being
speaking to or email Mrs you can visit the website: support service called harmed. Report this online at:
Bligh. [email protected] Under 19s Substance www.fearless.org
www.childline.org.uk Misuse Support.
School Nurse Aged 14 – 25
I-Rock Drop in service for
Our school nurse is available for young people in Sussex to
a drop-in service every Thursday support emotional wellbeing,
lunchtime. This is in Mrs Bligh’s resilience and more. Based in
Office (B Block). Hastings, Eastbourne and
Newhaven
You do not need an
appointment, just turn up and
have a chat.

For advice on healthy, safe
relationships please visit a drop
in service facilitated by the NHS
in Hastings or Eastbourne.

For 11-19 year olds, text
Chathealth on: 07507 332473

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 43

Chaplaincy News

As we enter the season of Advent we look forward to the arrival of Jesus on Christmas morning. Here in school we began
preparing with the sacrament of Reconciliation offered to all pupils. Preparations are under way for our annual Advent
Service in the school hall on Wednesday, 18th December at 7pm and we look forward to welcoming as many of you as
possible to help us finish the term ready for our Christmas celebrations.

Form and Year Liturgies

8H and 8U celebrated a lovely Service with Deacon Eugene on the
theme of Self-Acceptance. 100 and 10S focused on Advent and
preparing for Christmas in their Service with Fr Chris and Deacon
Ian. Year 10 also celebrated their year Mass which was led by Fr
Tristan and focused on courage following our inspirational Mission
week, Year 10 prayed for the courage to be more active and open
to opportunities to increase their faith

Wednesday Rosary Club

Following Mission Week, Deputy Liturgy Rep
Captains, Rosemary and Frieya, have helped
me to set up a Rosary club every Wednesday
Lunch-time. It is a lovely opportunity mid week
to take 10/15 minutes out of our busy lives
and pray the Rosary together in the Chapel.
All pupils are welcome and we extend a warm
invitation to Year 7 who have been learning
about the Rosary in their lessons.

School Council Mufti day fundraising

Last term I pitched a charity to the School Council
for their chosen charity for the proceeds of their
Mufti day. Warming up the Homeless is a registered
Charity based in Bexhill and serving the homeless in
Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hastings and St Leonards.

As this is such a local group, the School Council felt
this was the most deserving as it helped those less
fortunate on our doorstep.

Trudy Hampton, the Head of the charity, was overwhelmed by the pupils’ generosity when we handed over a cheque
for £800 in assembly. She told pupils it would be going towards a new project they are trying to set up providing
services such as Nurses, Mental Health care workers, hairdressing and general health care to those on the streets in
our town. Warming up the Homeless has a bin in the Co-op on Western Road in which you can donate food items are
then distributed to the homeless.

More information can be found here: https://www.warmingupthehomeless.org.uk/.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 44

Mission Week

On Monday, 11th November pupils arrived in school to find
the Sion Mission Team had taken over the school hall. Our
Mission Week was launched with rousing assemblies for each
year group. The team then visited each classroom in teams of
two and explained a bit more about themselves and how they
came to join the Sion Community.

Each day we had assemblies for each year group which were
full of drama, song and reflection and based around themes
which looked at our Faith Journey.

Each Year group had the opportunity to experience
a workshop and these had various themes such
as - Mass of the Day (Football themed workshop
on the importance of mass), #like a Girl (a
workshop for girls only), 3D Gospel (drama based
workshop).

On Tuesday, the team led a session with the Staff ensuring
the whole school benefited from the time out and reflection a
Mission Week brings.

On Thursday, parents and parishioners were invited in for
an evening of thanksgiving and celebration where pupils
showcased the talents given to them by God and spoke about
their experiences during the Mission Week.

Finally, we celebrated the end of the week with a very moving
Liturgy bringing together the work of the Mission Week. Pupils
who helped out with the liturgy, Light Fever and Prayer4U
joined the team for mass in our Chapel to close the Mission
Week P5 on Friday afternoon.

My thanks to the Clergy who supported the Week and to those
who hosted team members for the week. Let us pray the
Mission Week has a long lasting impact on our school.

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 45

Whitstable Retreat

At the end of our inspiring Mission Week, a group of 16 Year
7’s set off from school on Friday 15th November, heading
to Whitstable to the St Vincent’s Retreat Centre. We had
a wonderful weekend of reflection and thought provoking
sessions around the theme of community. We also had
great fun playing games and going bowling, We celebrated
a lovely intimate mass on Saturday evening in the Centre’s
little chapel where pupils got involved in the readings and
prayers.

My thanks to Mr Brett(Science Trainee) and Mr Trimby (TA
and Minibus driver) for their support over the weekend. I
look forward to joining the team again in the summer with
Years 8 and 9.

Interact Club Friday Mass

The Club have been busy collecting in Boxes for Our usual Friday Voluntary Mass happened to land on the
our Rotary Shoebox Appeal and planning for next Feast of All Souls and the local parish were invited to join
term’s activities with a local nursing home. More us as we remembered those who have gone before us. It
details to come in the next newsletter. was a lovely, well attended celebration.

As we approach the Christmas holidays may I wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas and I look forward to
seeing you all in the New Year. Jo Doyle - Lay Chaplain ([email protected])

Prep Club & Prep Club Plus

Need somewhere quiet to complete homework?
Why not come to Prep Club one or two nights a week?

Open 3.15 - 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday in ‘C’ Block ICT Suite. Give it a try!
Supervised by a member of staff.

See what a difference it makes to your evening by completing homework
in school rather than at home.

Prep Club Plus takes place in BICT from 3.15-4.15pm and is for pupils with SEN.

The library is also open until 4.30pm Monday to Thursday
with computer facilities available as well as plenty of books!

Newsletter - December 2019 Page 46

St Richard's Catholic College Calendar - Academic Year 2019/2020 (as at December 2019)
Please keep this sheet in a safe place and replace when updates are provided

Advent Service Wednesday, 18th December (7:00pm)

End of Term 2 Thursday, 19th December at 1.15pm



INSET Day (school closed for pupils) Monday, 6th January 2020

First Day of Term Three for pupils Tuesday, 7th January 2020

Parental Focus Group (am) Wednesday, 15th January (9.15am))

Year 9 Parents’ Evening Thursday, 16th January (5:00pm - 8:00pm)

Parental Focus Group (pm) Thursday, 23rd January (6:15pm)

Neuro-Ninja Seminar 3 - Being Anxiety Aware Part 2 Tuesday 21st January (6:30pm - 7:30pm)

Year 9 Curriculum Evening Thursday, 30th January (6:00pm-8:00pm)

Neuro-Ninja Seminar 4 - Through Anxiety & Beyond Wednesday, 5th February (6:30pm - 7:30pm)

Careers Fayre (in the school gym) Thursday, 13th February (2:00pm-4:00pm)

Year 11 Parents’ Evening Thursday, 13th February (5:00pm-8:00pm)

End of Term 3 Friday, 14th February

First Day of Term Four for pupils Monday, 24th February 2020
Neuro-Ninja Seminar 5 - Brain Science of Meh Tuesday, 3rd March (6:30pm - 7:30pm)
Parental Focus Group (am) Wednesday, 11th March (9:15am)
Year 8 Parents’ Evening Thursday, 12th March (5:00pm-8:00pm)
Parental Focus Group (pm) Thursday, 19th March (6:15pm)
Neuro-Ninja Seminar 6 - Be a Study Neuro-Ninja Thursday, 19th March (6:30 - 7:30pm)
Year 10 Parents’ Evening Thursday, 26th March (5:00pm-8:00pm)
Neuro-Ninja Seminar 7 - Your Brain & Others Wednesday, 1st April (6:30pm - 7:30pm)
End of Term 4 (Easter Services for pupils) Friday, 3rd April

First Day of Term Five for pupils Monday, 20th April 2020

PTFA meeting Monday, 20th April (7:00pm)

Neuro-Ninja Seminar 8 - The Way of the Neuro-Ninja Thursday 23rd April (6:30 0 7:30pm)

Parental Focus Group (am) Wednesday, 29th April (9:15am)

Parental Focus Group (pm) Thursday, 30th April (6:15pm)

Year 7 Parents’ Evening Thursday, 21st May (5:00pm-8:00pm)

End of Term 5 Friday, 22nd May

First Day of Term Six for pupils Monday, 1st June 2020

Parental Focus Group (am) Wednesday, 10th June (9:15am)

Parental Focus Group (pm) Thursday, 11th June (6:15pm)

New Intake Evening for September 2020 admissions Wednesday, 18th June (7:00pm)

PTFA Summer Fayre Saturday, 20th June

INSET Day (school closed for pupils) Monday, 22nd June

BLOCK Day 1 Thursday, 2nd July

BLOCK Day 2 Friday, 3rd July

Summer Production 7th, 9th and 10th July (evening performances)

Newsletter - December 2019 Edulink One

Download today from the
App Store or Google Play

Page 47

School Christmas Card

Thank you and well done to Year 10 pupil, Marni Lippin, who designed this year’s school Christmas
card for distribution to primary schools, secondary schools and the many friends/supporters of the
school. A beautiful image which has been well-received by its recipients.

Well done, Marni.

BBC Radio - Christmas Carols schedule

On Friday 20th December, our very own school choir will be heard on the radio at 13.35pm to
get you in the festive mood (being ‘live radio’, the timings could change slightly on the day). Do
tune in if you can! You can hear BBC Sussex on 104.5, 95.3FM and DAB and BBC Surrey on
104.0, 104.6FM and DAB. The stations can also be heard on Freeview and you can tweet
@bbcsussex or @bbcsurrey.

Newsletter - December 2019 Poppy Appeal 2019

£500 was collected by the school community this year. The Royal British
Legion send their thanks. Without your help they would be unable to
continue their vital welfare and benevolent work. Well done to all the
pupils and staff for their generosity.

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