Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you have had a good week.
I was delighted to send out a further update regarding the additional bus capacity from next week. Many thanks for your support on this matter, as I truly believe the outcome was supported by a collaborative effort.
Assemblies have focussed this week on Black History month, led by Ms De Nobrega. The assembly looked at the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history and promoted an awareness of Black culture, history, and the ongoing pursuit for equality. This will link into a range of activities and reflections during the next few weeks.
Many thanks to our Year 8 parents and carers who attended the Route to Success evening this week. Our final two are as follows:
• Monday 7 October - Year 9 - Year Group Launch Evening - 5.30pm to 6.30pm
• Monday 14 October - Year 10 - Route to Success Launch Evening - 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Congratulations to our Year 8 football team, who scored a stunning 8-2 win against Peacehaven. Despite being a smaller school, we have some excellent sporting pedigree at Ringmer. It is fantastic to see students gaining these valuable opportunities.
I continue to enjoy our new oracy lessons, it is great to see students given further opportunity to debate, reflect, develop their well roundedness and consider other viewpoints. They certainly have lots of opinions!
Many thanks for your ongoing support regarding attendance. This has risen this term rather than the seasonal drop, and we are seeing the effects in the classroom as students are not missing lessons, and are subsequently retaining and understanding the learning more effectively. Every day is important, and I have congratulated students this week for 'showing up' and working hard since Day 1, as every day in school is an investment in their future. I reminded them at roll call that we are very proud, and impressed, by their focus and work ethic so far this year.
I hope you have a great weekend
Best wishes,
Mr Harvey
Homework
At King's Academy Ringmer (KAR), we are committed to providing a high-quality education that helps every student reach their full potential. One of the key components of this educational journey is homework, which serves as an essential tool in reinforcing classroom learning and fostering independent study skills. The following outlines the importance of homework and presents some key statistics that support its role in student success.
Homework at KAR is carefully planned to provide students with opportunities to practise what they have learned in class, enhancing retention and deepening their understanding of the subject matter. We use a range of Internet-based platforms such as Sparx and Tassomai to provide homework, which include materials to support the learning as well as to provide tasks that are tailored to each individual student.
Studies consistently show a positive relationship between homework and academic achievement, particularly at the secondary school level. According to research conducted by the Educational Endowment Foundation (EEF), regular and meaningful homework can improve academic performance by up to five months' additional progress each year, particularly when the assignments are well-planned and linked to classroom learning.
Research conducted by Harris Cooper and colleagues at Duke University found that 1 to 2 hours of homework per night for secondary school students can significantly improve learning outcomes. Students who completed assigned homework regularly outperformed those who did not, demonstrating better understanding and retention of key concepts.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also found that students in countries with moderate homework loads tend to perform better on standardised tests like the PISA exams. Their data indicates that students who spend about an hour on homework each day achieve higher scores compared to those who either do no homework or spend an excessive amount of time on it.
Beyond the clear benefits of improved attainment, homework also encourages independent learning by requiring students to apply their knowledge without immediate teacher guidance. This autonomy helps students develop problem-solving skills, time-management, resilience, and a sense of personal accountability. These attributes not only contribute to academic success but are also critical for students' personal growth and future professional endeavours and support KARs aim of ensuring our students leave as well rounded, confident individuals who are world ready.
To maximise the benefits of homework, we encourage parents to create a structured and supportive environment for learning at home. Setting aside a quiet space and a regular time each day for homework can help students develop consistent study habits and reduce stress. When parents engage in their child's homework, it provides an opportunity for meaningful interaction and insight into what their child is learning at school. This engagement has been linked to higher levels of academic motivation and achievement.
Homework is an invaluable part of the learning process that reinforces classroom lessons, builds essential life skills, and supports academic achievement. By encouraging and supporting your child's homework habits, you are contributing significantly to their educational success and lifelong learning journey.
At KAR we aim to celebrate successful completion of homework through our rewards system. We also recognise that sometimes homework is not completed due to a student being stuck. In such circumstances it is important to communicate with the class teacher before the deadline. We will be providing lunchtime sessions where staff will support completing homework, as well as informing parents when homework has not been completed. If students fail to complete homework and have not endeavoured to seek this support then they will receive a lunchtime detention.
A document containing details regarding what homework should be completed for each year group and the relevant platform will be sent out to families soon. If you have any questions regarding homework, please contact your child’s tutor in the first instance.
PE & Dance announcement
Firstly, we have had a great start to the year in both PE and Dance with the majority of students fully and actively joining in with lessons. Students in PE have been taking part in various activities including, football, netball, gymnastics, table tennis and fitness.
PE clubs have been well attended with a number of football fixtures taking place. The Year 8 boys football team got the first win for KAR with an 8-2 win over Peacehaven Community College.
We have, in recent weeks, noted that unfortunately, not all students are bringing in their Pe/Dance kit with them. As part of both departments, the policy is that students still need to bring their kit even if not able to physically take part (unless they are unable to change). This is because students will be given other roles to undertake during the lesson. If students do not have a kit they will be asked to wear a spare kit which is washed after each use.
Can you please ensure that students have the correct kit for PE and Dance lessons? If their normal kit is in the wash please bring either plain Black/Blue clothes instead.
Best Wishes, The PE & Dance team
Whole School Photo Day – Lightroom Photography
On Thursday 17 October, Lightroom Photography are coming in for the day to take individual student photos and also Year 11 whole year group photo.
As in previous years, on the day of the photography session, your child will be bringing home a photo sheet containing QR codes. These codes will allow you to register and view your child’s photographs online.
If you already have an account, simply log back in and add the additional code provided on the sheet. When your child’s photographs are ready to view, you will automatically be notified by email.
If your child is new to the school and you have not previously registered for an account, you can easily do so by scanning the QR code or entering the web address and the code on a mobile device or laptop.
Please kindly ensure that your child brings this sheet home. If you do not receive the sheet, we advise you to check their school bag. In the event that you still cannot locate it, please don’t hesitate to email Lightroom Photography direct at info@myschoolpics.co.uk with your child’s name and class tutor group, and they will provide you with the necessary code.
Additionally, Year 11 students will be taking a year group photograph. They will receive a separate sheet to view this group photo online.
Super Curriculum
In Fine Art Sculpture this week, the students looked at organic abstraction inspired by the work of sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and students did some amazing sculpting out of soap!
Music Department
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Winter Showcase 2025
Date for your diaries: our Winter Showcase will take place on Wednesday 11th Dec from 6 - 8pm in the Hall.
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Corelli Ensemble
A local group of professional musicians the Corelli Ensemble will be performing with international soloist Raphael Wallfisch in concerts this month. One in Seaford and one in Lewes. Ms Urquhart will be playing the double bass in the group if you are interested in coming along to hear the performance! Tickets can be booked at the following link. https://corelliensemble.co.uk/future-concerts.html
Ms Urquhart
Subject Leader for Music (in school Tuesday - Friday)
French Update
Year 8 French students wrote calligram poems for National Poetry Day. They have been studying the topic of school, so based their poems on this.
Year 9 also created some poems for National Poetry Day.
Design & Technology
Year 8’s have been making LED lights with polymers and have had an opportunity to investigate what happens to polymers when heat is applied. They have explored line bending, vacuum forming and the thermoforming oven to experience three different methods of manipulating polymers.
Year 8 & 9 Visit to Ardeche, France - Enrichment Week July 2025
Please see the Edulink email that has been sent to parents/carers of our Year 8 and 9 students with regards to an exciting visit that will be going ahead during Enrichment Week in July 2025.
This visit is open to all students in Years 8 and 9 and looks to be an exciting visit with lots of activities.
There will also be a Year 8 Camp to Blacklands Farm option for Year 8 students with further details to follow when finalised.
CV Writing Workshop
TUESDAY 8TH OCTOBER: 6.30PM - 7.30PM
The session is supported by East Sussex Careers Hub - however, you can join from anywhere in the UK.....or indeed the world!
A CV's job is to get you into the interview room....where you can then WOW the employer with your personality, your experiences, your skills and your all-round awesomeness. But a poorly written CV means that you might not even get into the interview room, and so they never get to see what they're missing!
My first great job has been helping young people find their first job for over 30 years. Whether that's straight after GCSEs, A Levels or after graduating from university. I know what works and what doesn't.....and have a bunch of easy fixes that you can apply to your CV.
They will cover:
- How to write a great Summary Statement
- What order to put your CV in (and why that can sometimes change)
- How to lay out your qualifications
- Why your part time jobs are really important...and how to present them
- Interests? Is anyone interested in your interests? Of course they are!
- What should I do about references?
- What design templates to use......and which ones to avoid
To book a free ticket click the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-write-your-great-first-cv-tickets-1026795582227
Help your child thrive
Arriving to school on time can be challenging for some parents. A late arrival can impact how children feel and staff members then have to spend extra time and effort helping them settle and engage with the day at school.
With this in mind, I’m offering a free one-hour workshop for parents called “A Peaceful School Run”.
This workshop will give parents tools to set up their children for a good day by:
- Empowering their children to take a more active part in getting ready in the mornings and develop life skills that will serve them well at school and in other areas of life.
- Saving parents time and energy because they don’t have to repeat the same things over and over again.
- Creating more space for connection and fun in your mornings.
Here’s what staff members from other schools shared about this workshop:
"This workshop offered parents time to reflect, practical advice and further opportunities for support. As a school, we benefited from being able to target specific parents, advice and reflection that could be shared with other parents and a link made with Una for future signposting for parents. Una is very knowledgeable and has a lovely style of delivery."
- David Neill, Assistant Headteacher, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, East Sussex
"The workshop was interactive, and parents took the opportunity to share experiences. Una created a safe space for parents to share their experiences and offered practical support for a peaceful school run. It was a supportive session with lots of practical solutions."
- Joe Wheatley, SENCo, Borough Green Primary School, Kent
This workshop will take place online, on Wednesday, October 9, 1-2 pm. It’s free, all parents are welcome to join. All they need to do is follow this link to register:
https://www.helpyourchildthrive.co.uk/peaceful
The replay will be available for one week to all registered participants.
Una Archer
Website: Help Your Child Thrive
Varndean College annual IB Diploma Presentation Evening
8 October 2024 – 9.30pm to 7.45pm
This is a reminder that Varndean College will be holding its annual IB DIPLOMA PRESENTATION EVENING on TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER, from 6.30PM - 7.45PM. Doors open from 6pm and no advance booking necessary.
This is the perfect opportunity for students and their parents to find out more about this prestigious and popular alternative to A Levels, recognised not only in the UK but worldwide. Many of our IB students go on to study at top UK Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Information for families from East Sussex County Council
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Families are reminded to claim free fruit and veg payments
Over 1,200 families across Lewes, Wealden, Eastbourne, Rother and Hastings are missing out on extra funds for milk, fruit and vegetables, as well as access to free vitamins. People who qualify for help will be sent a Healthy Start card with money loaded on it that can be used in shops such as supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations, and pharmacies that display the Mastercard® symbol and sell healthy food and milk. The Healthy Start card is topped up automatically every four weeks.
Families are being urged to check if they are eligible for help to buy milk and food through the NHS Healthy Start initiative.
Click for more details and to apply
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Pension Credit, could you be missing out
Hundreds of eligible, pension age households in East Sussex are missing out on Pension Credit. Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. It is also separate from your State Pension.
Claiming Pension Credit doesn't just top up your income – it could also help you get other benefits. Including help with health and housing costs.