Attendance

Thank you for your ongoing support.  Attendance is slightly improving and we hope it continues. 

 

Lockdown

As we enter the second lockdown, I cannot help but express my relief that schools and colleges will remain open.  At KAR, we have grown into our “new normal”.  The majority of our students are happy and focused and for those that are finding it a struggle, I am pleased to staff that our staff have excelled in their support. The school will remain fully open and the current RA we have in place will be updated in light of the guidance released by the government yesterday.

Key changes for us are that now face coverings will be mandatory in doors in communal areas. They will still not be worn in classrooms as this impedes teaching. If you feel your son or daughter is exempt you will need to ensure they have a sunflower wrist band. Link included in this newsletter.   

Sunflower wrist band: https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/ From Monday these face coverings are mandatory, they should be a plain design and made of double thickness cotton. Scarves and snood type coverings are not acceptable. As I said in my letter we will be updating our face coverings protocol on the website ASAP.

The guidance also explained in detail what to do if you, or a member of your family, is clinically or extremely clinically vulnerable. In a nut shell, clinically vulnerable students and staff should still come t school and your GP/Consultant will provide you with written confirmation of what to do in the next few days, if you are extremely clinically vulnerable. If the advice is to stay at home, the school will need a copy of the letter please.

The one disappointment that we have is that after school clubs and catch up programmes once again have to be suspended until lock down is over. So please be aware.

Star Bakers in DT Food this week….

Millie Year 7 – Bread Rolls  

George Year 7 – Samosas

Joshua Year 8 Mini Quiches  

 Archie Year 9 – Creative Bread

 

Year 10 English Assessments

Year 10 will have assessments for Macbeth and Poetry over the next few weeks.  At home, students should be making quotation flashcards and rereading the poems studied in the Summer Term.  Teachers have set revision tasks to complete and links to helpful tutorials.  Please support your children by reminding them to revise and testing them.

 

BTEC Sports Leaders

On 19 October, the Year 11 Btec PE students led a number of sessions for Ringmer Primary ensuring that all current Covid guidance was taken into consideration.  This was for part of their Sports Leadership Unit and they all delivered fantastic sessions and adapted their plans accordingly, ensuring that all equipment had been sanitised and that they kept 2 metres socially distanced.

Both Kings Academy Students and Ringmer Primary school appreciated the collaboration and look forward to trying to get more of these joint opportunities organised.

All the pupils who delivered activities of Football, Netball & fitness showed a real maturity and showed what positive Role Models they can be.

Well Done, Mr Coulthard and the students.

 

Remembrance Sunday

Despite lockdown the school is being represented at the Ringmer War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, where a wreath will be placed on our behalf.  It is important that despite the current challenges we face we take some time to remember those that fought for our freedom. 

On Wednesday 11 November, the school will be acknowledging Armistice Day.  At 11am will ask students to pause in their activities to think and reflect.   

In addition, as it is INSET day on Friday 6 November, we would like our students help us create a small display.  We ask that over the weekend if they wish, to make a weather proof poppy and place it under one of the trees at the front of the school.  We may get 10, we may get a 100 but we would like to acknowledge this significant day in a Covid way.

 

Safeguarding Focus

 

Bonfire Night

Please see attached letter from the Police regarding Bonfire Night.  I would like to reiterate the message they send with regards to social gatherings which says:

In recent weeks, in particular over the weekend, there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour and public disorder. This behaviour will not be tolerated and partner agencies will be working together to ensure the relevant action is taken against those who partake in this disorder.

The Prime Minister has announced a second lockdown for the country which will be in place from Thursday, 5 November. From this day, you will not be allowed to congregate in groups and there will be a restriction on the number of people you can see outdoors. 

Police will be engaging with the public to explain the latest government guidance and encouraging you all to adhere to it. However, those who choose to flout the legislation could find themselves receiving a fine.

Emergency services are already busy and we appreciate the public’s support to keep everyone safe.

 

Road Safety

We are currently looking at Health and Safety with Year 7s in PSHE , road safety and railway lines are two examples of the topic we cover.

However this week we had a concerned member of the public contact us to say that several students we stepping out into the road outside school without looking. We will remind all of our students (not just Year 7s) in assembly and would be grateful, if you think it is relevant, to have a quick road safety reminder conversation at home.

 

The Social Dilemma - Netflix

On Saturday night I did one of my favourite activities – and watched a film.  

I watched ‘The Social Dilemma’ which is a documentary-drama hybrid from Netflix and 'explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations'.

The question raised of course is: is social media bad for us. Spoiler Alert - yes it is. But there is some chilling content, especially toward the end of the film, when we learn that many of the creators of social media, don't use it and don't want their children to use it either (until at least 16 anyhow).

In essence, the creators built a force for good, but it has gone sour. Not just sour, but in many ways it's actually dangerous. And this should matter to all of us.

‘The Social Dilemma’ has the best explanation that I've seen, about how 'algorithms' work to mine for people's attention and to influence their behaviour. 

One of the people who takes part in the programme is ex-Google design ethicist Tristan Harris. He began to worry about the ethics of modern technology in 2013, and has since then has created the Center for Humane Technology. The organisation has some resources for teachers and parents to use when discussing this film which you can find here: https://www.humanetech.com/the-social-dilemma

 

Looking for jars/glass vases

Does anyone have any large clear glass jars or vases they could donate to the school's Art Department? 

They are trying to recreate images in photography like this one.