Attendance

Attendance continues to be impressive.  Thank you for your support especially as we enter the most challenging part of the year which is the end of this term and the beginning of next term. 

During this time, if we have the need to use external cover teachers, please reassured that whenever possible we are appointing experienced subject specific staff.  We know that this can sometimes be frustrating for students but in some circumstances, this is unavoidable. 

 

Face Coverings

I will continue to ask that you ensure that your son/daughter understands where have coverings should be worn and how to ensure they are effective.  Can I remind you to support the school by providing reusable cotton face coverings rather than disposable ones. 

 

Year 10 Performing Arts and beyond

This week, the Year 10 Performing Arts students participated in a virtual dance session from a cast member of the West End Show “Hamilton”.  I was very lucky to be able to watch them work and was extremely impressed by how quickly the students picked up some difficult dance moves.  Congratulations to them all.

Across the year group, we have been impressed with the positivity and engagement.  Thank you to ALL our students for your contribution to the school.

 

Virtual Christmas Concert

We are disappointed that this year we are not able to do our popular Carol Concert at St Mary the Virgin Church in Ringmer.  However, Ms Urquhart is creating a virtual Christmas Concert and is pleased to say that we have had lots of lovely performances being sent in over the past two weeks ready for the Winter Performance video. If your child would like to record themselves singing or playing to be included in the video then please email the video to francesca.urquhart@kingsacadmies.uk If they are feeling shy about being filmed then it is always possible to angle the camera so that they're keyboard/guitar/drums/other instrument are in view... just audio is possible too!

The music they perform could be Christmassy or seasonal or just something they love and have been learning recently! All those who participate will be awarded achievement points which will go towards their house totals before the end of this term.

We know you are out there….

 

Student Voice

I am delighted to say that we have re-established our KS3 Student Council and our full compliment of representatives will be meeting for the first-time next week.  I am sure they will have a lot to ask me. 

 

Year 11 Revision evening

This week Ms Da Nobrega hosted a virtual Year 11 Revision Evening with contributions from some key members of staff.  If you haven’t yet taken advantage of this, here is the web page link so that you can access all the resources.

 

This week’s whole school assembly

This week Mr Taylor created a virtual assembly on Trust.  It has created quite a stir in the corridors so we will share it with you here.

 

Christmas Lunch – 16 December 2020

The King's Academy Ringmer traditional Christmas lunch will be available on Wednesday 16th December 2020. The price of this 2-course roast turkey meal, or vegetarian alternative, will be £2.20. 

The dining room is accepting bookings which will close on Friday 4th December 2020. All students must book directly with the catering team; payment will be deducted from the students' accounts at the time of booking, so please ensure students lunch accounts are topped up. 

Students will be provided with a ticket at the time of purchase. Students on Free School Meals must also book directly with the catering staff and payment will be taken on 16th December so as not to affect their daily allowance. Please see this flyer. 

There will also be hot roast meat baguettes, pizza and sandwiches available on this day.

 

King’s Academy Ringmer Ski Trip

Due to the current COVID situation, the 2021 ski trip has been postponed until 2022.  All parents whose son/daughter had signed up to go have been sent an individual email explaining this.  If you have received an email, please reply with your option by 4 December 2020 to allow us to update our records.  We will be processing refunds via ParentPay and will email when they have all been done

 

Safeguarding Focus

 

1. PREVENT: New Counter-Terrorism website ACT Early

Between 1st January 2019 and 30th June 2020, 17 children were arrested in relation to terrorism offences. Some were as young as 14 years old and nearly all were radicalised entirely online.

In the same time period, more than 1500 children under the age of 15 were referred to the Prevent programme to help them choose a different path, away from hatred and violence.

The impact of Covid-19, social isolation and a rise in hateful extremism online has created a ‘perfect storm’ which is making more young people vulnerable to radicalisation and other forms of grooming.

The new website emphasises early detection and is aimed at family and friends and are encouraged to call the Prevent advice line on 0800 011 3764.

The website can be found here: https://actearly.uk/  

 

1. Cunch-Line Chronicles – Game Warning

 

Please be aware of this game, which young people might be playing on their phones or tablets. It is called Cunch-Line Chronicles.The game is about ‘County Lines’ drug running. There are concerns about its potential influence on vulnerable young people as it has themes of drug-running, CSE and grooming.

Please be mindful of the online games your son/daughter are playing and discuss the issues with them.

 

Have a great weekend

 

Kind regards

Sian Williams

Principal King's Academy