Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you have had a good week.

You will be aware that we have recently had some internal quality assurance from a serving Ofsted inspector to help us prepare for inspection and support development for our staff. Having now received the report, I am delighted to say that feedback has been exceptionally positive. In particular, I am pleased with the following line:
 

• Behaviour seen around the school is typically calm and well-ordered, underpinned by respectful communication between staff and students.

I think this reflects the school well and highlights the community that I see day to day. With challenges both nationally and locally, I continue to be proud of the students in this school. I am pleased to advise that my simple goal in Term 1 of expecting politeness as a minimum is being met, I now get 100s of 'good mornings' or 'have a good day' on the school gate each morning, many more than in September! We want to develop well rounded characters at this school, and encourage positive communication in every way we can.

Attendance is rising, our students report that they feel safe in school and our Year 11's are currently projected to achieve above average progress again. With around 100 days to go until exams begin, the work for the final run in is very much underway. All reasons to be cheerful!

A reminder that we are still seeking a parent governor. We have had some applications since last week, so any further interest please contact my PA on Amanda.French@kingsacademies.uk.

Have a great weekend

Best wishes,

Mr Harvey
Principal

 

English Department

Bedrock and SPARX Support Sessions: To help support students with accessing and using both SPARX Reader and Bedrock the English department will be offering help to students who have been unable to access the learning platform at home. These sessions will take place during tutor time and also during Thursday lunchtime. The students will be invited to attend by their English teacher and we hope this will help students to become more familiar with the programme and more confident in using it effectively to improve their understanding of new texts while developing and extending their vocabulary.

Food Tech

Mya Windle year 10 Star Baker with her cheese scones

 

Competition - Win Heartstopper Volume 5 and a chance to meet the author

We have two tickets to Meet Alice Oseman, the creator of the # 1 bestselling Heartstopper series. The prize includes a copy of Heartstopper volume 5 which the author will sign during the event. 

The event will take place on Friday 16th February during half term at The Book Nook bookshop, 1st Avenue, Hove. Winners may be accompanied by one non-paying guest. 

To win this fantastic prize please submit a book review of your favourite Heartstopper volume to Mrs Colbourne in the Library. Winners to be announced on the 8th February (the last day before half term).  Good Luck, Mrs Colbourne and Ms Nobrega

Library news 

Congratulations to our library sponsor Much Ado Books in Alfriston who were voted by The Times as one of the Best Browsable Bookshops in the UK.  We are thrilled to hear this news and so well deserved. Kings Academy are very proud to have strong links with this incredible bookshop through sponsorship and ongoing support for our school Library.

Read about it here and do plan a visit to enjoy some wonderful browsing this year.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/seven-of-the-best-browsable-bookshops-in-the-uk-pz87jnvs7

Mrs Colbourne  

 

Children’s Services Update

Alison Jeffery

Director of Children’s Services

23 January 2024

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As some of you may be aware there has been an increased use of vaping among young people across the county. The purpose of this letter is to give you more information about vaping, and to provide some useful links for you and your children.

What is vaping?

A vape or e-cigarette is an electronic device which allows the user to inhale vapour. The devices used come in a range of different styles, designs, and flavours. Vapes can also include nicotine which is an extremely addictive substances and can be harmful for children and young people.

Even though vapes are less dangerous than smoking, they are not risk free and should not be used by children, young people or those who have never smoked. Vapes should only be used as an aid to quit smoking.

Nicotine use in children can affect their brain development that controls attention, mood, learning and impulse control. Having an addiction to nicotine can also lead to poor mental health due to an increase in anxiety, trouble sleeping and trouble to concentrate due to the craving for nicotine. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown.

The Law on Vaping

Like cigarettes it is illegal to sell vapes or vaping items containing nicotine to anyone under the age of 18 years old. It is also illegal for anyone to buy vaping products for those under the age of 18 years old. Underage sale reports and complaints can be made to Trading Standards here: Reporting Underage Tobacco or Vaping Sales.

 How can parents support their children who are vaping?

If you know or suspect your child is vaping and would like to support them to stop, there are a number of useful tips provided by ASH (Action on Smoking and Health). There also several apps available for example Puff Count which has been created to help people quit vaping and is free.

The NHS website Better Health has information and useful links to help quit vaping.

You can find out further information regarding vaping and young people by watching the Panorama episode on BBC iPlayer titled Teenage Vaping: What's the Harm?

We hope you find this information helpful. Please contact your School Health Service if you would like to discuss concerns about your child, and for information about our local stop smoking service please visit One You East Sussex.

Yours faithfully

 

Darrell Gale FFPH                                          Alison Jeffery

Director of Public Health                             Director of Children’s Services

eastsussex.gov.uk

 

Year 11 - Prom Dresses

 

O.A.S.I.S - Offering.All.Students.Individual.Support

Student ambassadors and peer mentors

These students are here to offer support with many issues including friendships, school worries and will listen without judgement.

All of these students have completed training, both online and in person they also wear a blue badge so look out for them.

Peer mentors are available to meet with you 1:1 during tutor if required. 

If you feel you would benefit from a peer mentor OR if you are interested in becoming a student ambassador you can do any of the following;

• Speak to your tutor
• Contact your head of year
• Talk to any of the pastoral staff
• Email Miss Beattie - jo.beattie@kingsacademies.uk

Ronnie is in school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and spends lunchtimes in the eco area, everyone is welcome to join her but eco is a calm and quiet area so numbers are restricted !