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October 2025

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  • KAR Newsletter 17/10/2025

    Published 17/10/25

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    It’s been another fantastic week at Ringmer, full of energy, community spirit, and achievement across the school.

    Earlier this week, we had our whole school photo, what a wonderful occasion! Every year group was involved, and it was great to see such a sense of pride and unity across our school community. The photography team commented on how fantastic our students were throughout, a real credit to you and to Ringmer.

    Today, we’re also proud to be marking Show Racism the Red Card Day. It’s been inspiring to see so many students and staff wearing something red as a symbolic act of solidarity against racism. This initiative encourages education, awareness and positive action. You can find out more about the campaign here: https://www.theredcard.org/

    We’re also looking forward to our Just Dance House Event this afternoon, a brilliant opportunity for students to have fun, be active and enjoy some friendly house competition. It promises to be a lively and joyful end to a busy half term!

    Some of our Year 7 and 8 students were lucky enough to take part in a special Open Doors careers visit to the Brighton & Hove Albion Amex Stadium. The event, run by the East Sussex Careers Hub as part of their Open Doors Programme and hosted by the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, gave our students an inspiring behind the scenes look at professional sport. They explored the director’s box, VIP areas, changing rooms and players’ tunnel before taking part in activities focused on career aspirations, employability skills and the many pathways within the sporting industry. It was a fantastic experience, and our students represented Ringmer beautifully throughout the day.

    We also recently celebrated our Senior Student Tie Giving Ceremony to recognise and congratulate our new school student leaders. They showed confidence, courage and commitment, and we are extremely proud of each of them. Our senior students have already supported the school through events such as the Year 6 Transition Day, House competitions, Open Evening and Progress Evenings, where they demonstrated real responsibility and leadership. At Ringmer, we value not only what our students achieve, but also who they are becoming as individuals, and we are confident these young leaders will continue to be ‘world-ready’ as they move forward in their studies, careers and communities.

    Our Year 11 students have completed the first week of their mock exams with real determination and maturity. Their focus and attitude have been exemplary - well done to all of them as they head into the second week.

    This week, I also had the opportunity to attend the East Sussex 11–19 Heads meeting, where we discussed the challenges and opportunities facing schools locally and across the county. It was affirming to hear such positive feedback about Ringmer, our students and the reputation of our school continue to be recognised locally for all the right reasons.

    Finally, a big thank you to all parents and carers for your ongoing support with attendance. We’ve seen a noticeable rise over the past few weeks, which is a fantastic way to finish the half term. Consistent attendance makes such a difference to learning and wellbeing, and your partnership is truly appreciated.

    Wishing all our students, families and staff a wonderful two-week half term break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead.

    Best wishes,

    Chris Harvey

    Senior Student Tie Giving Ceremony

    On 2 October 2025, our Senior Students had their Senior Student Tie Giving Ceremony to celebrate and congratulate their achievement of becoming a school student leader. 

    Mr Harvey and I were so impressed with their interviews - they showed confidence, courage and competitiveness when presenting and as a result, we are extremely proud of them. 

    Students have already supported the school in events such as year 6 transition day, house competitions, open evening and progress evenings where they showed responsibility and were role models for younger students in the school. 

    At KAR, we don't just care about what you achieve but who you are as a person. As we look ahead into the future, I have no doubt that you will all become "world-ready" and continue to lead in your studies, in your careers and in your communities. 

    Mrs Avery, Head of KS4


    Design Technology Department – Year 10s

    The Year 10's have been successful in completing their stools this term. They have built resilience in using new tools such as the table top router, handheld router, and jigsaw to build on their workshop skills and prepare them for more advanced making in year 11. Lots of very proud students this week! 

    Mrs R. Hepburn Imber, Design & Technology Lead Teacher, Head of House System



    Open Doors Visit to Brighton and Hove Amex Stadium

    Some of our students from year 7 and 8 were treated to a very special careers visit to The Amex Stadium.

    The event is run by The East Sussex Careers Hub and is part of their Open Doors Programme. The day was hosted by The Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, who are the official charity of Brighton & Hove Albion. They use the power of football to engage and inspire young people to change their lives and help them to get active, learn new skills and improve their wellbeing.

    Our students were treated to a very exclusive behind the scenes tour including the director’s box, VIP areas, changing rooms and the tunnel. The students then took part in a range of fun activities to get them thinking about career aspirations, develop key employability skills and learn about the jobs roles and pathways within professional sports. 

    Super Curriculum Ceramics & Clay Work

    Students have been developing their clay-handling skills, focusing on ceramics and glazes along Autumn and Halloween themes. They created a variety of pieces, including spooky pumpkins, scary ghosts, realistically-coloured leaf-prints, and creatively sculpted hanging decorations. This project not only allowed them to explore texture and form but also encouraged imaginative thinking and personal expression. The use of glaze techniques added vibrant finishes, bringing their seasonally-inspired creations to life.  

     

    King’s Academy Ringmer Christmas Card Design Competition

    Pro:Direct Academy Open Evening

    Upcoming Open Evening on Monday 20th October for Year 11 Boys and Girls.  If your son/daughter is interested in attending, please follow link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkSX8TPRCc2E3_VorADFHvDqkzro5OhRD5im_l1PObxNoxSA/viewform?usp=header 

    Varndean Sixth Form College – Open Evening on Thursday 6 November 2025 from 4pm to 8pm

     

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  • KAR Newsletter 10/10/2025

    Published 10/10/25

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    It’s been another fantastic fortnight at Kings Academy Ringmer, and I wanted to take a moment to share just a few of the highlights.

    Year 7 Parents’ Evening

    It was wonderful to see so many parents, carers and students attending our Year 7 Parents’ Evening. There was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the evening, and it’s clear that our newest students have made an excellent start to life at Ringmer. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event.

    Year 7 Football Success

    I was delighted to catch some of the Year 7 football match against Chailey last week. The team played some excellent, flowing football which led to an impressive 11-0 victory. A superb performance and a brilliant display of teamwork – well done to all involved!

    Visitors to the Academy

    We’ve had a busy week welcoming a range of visitors, including members of our Trust executive team, interviewees, and representatives from East Sussex. All of them, many of whom work across a number of schools both locally and nationally, commented on the exceptionally calm and positive atmosphere throughout the school.

    They were particularly impressed by how our students took the time to engage them in polite and thoughtful conversation. It’s always a proud moment when visitors recognise what makes our school so special – well done to all our students for representing Ringmer so positively.

    OVCO Youth Climate Event

    Five of our students recently attended a Climate Action workshop at school and went on to represent Kings Academy Ringmer at the Ouse Valley Climate Action Youth Event at Lewes District Headquarters in Newhaven.

    This was a great opportunity for students from across the local school cluster to come together, share ideas, and celebrate the sustainability work taking place in their schools. Our students spoke passionately about our green initiatives, and it was brilliant to see sustainability continuing to take centre stage in our community.

    National Poetry Day

    A huge thank you to all students who got involved in National Poetry Day. It was a joy to see students rehearsing their SLAM poetry performances in the playground and quoting lines around the corridors. The poetry quiz during PDT was also a big hit – many students said how much they enjoyed it. A great way to celebrate creativity and expression!

    Recent Assemblies

    Over the last two weeks, Mr Weir and Mr Madriaga have led important assemblies focusing on Black History Month and on staying safe both inside and outside of school. These messages are always valuable and relevant, and it’s great to see students engaging thoughtfully with these topics.

    Bus Travel – 28 to Hailsham

    We are aware of some recent challenges with the 28 bus service to Hailsham. With 60 additional students joining the school this year, including a growing number from areas served by this route, we have noticed increased demand.

    We are currently working with the bus company to explore solutions. There is a second 28 service scheduled shortly after the first, which is intended to come onto the school site, but this has been inconsistent. I am seeking clarification on its operation, as it could provide extra capacity. We will update families before half-term with the next steps. 

    Key Reminders

    • Thursday 16 October – Whole School Photo Day

    • Monday 13 October – Year 11 Mock Exams Begin

    Thank you, as always, for your continued support – particularly around attendance. Every day really does count, and we’ve only got five more school days until we all enjoy a well-earned two-week break.

    Have a lovely weekend.

    Best wishes,

    Mr Harvey

    Food Technology Department

    Y10 had a great Food Technology lesson making meatballs and tomato sauce. Students learned additional skills required for the GCSE course. They especially enjoyed eating their dishes afterwards.  Great work, well done!

     

    Change News

    Students have been busy cooking with the ingredients grown at school. The students made two courgette cakes which went on to be sold at the Ringmer Repair Café at the weekend. We also cooked and ate ‘Daisy Beans' (green beans, pesto and feta), pickled cucumbers, vegetable and rice stir-fry. Students cut up and roasted some butternut squash which we have frozen and will cook with these in the future.

    Benefits of growing your own food include: It's tasty and cheap. It is great to be outside in the fresh air. It's a great sense of achievement after planting a seed and then eating the fruits of your labour. There are no transport emissions from the origin to the shops. Food is less likely to be wasted and can be shared. You can collect some seeds and have more the following year. The pollinators will be grateful!

    Mrs Simon-House, Eco Co-ordinator









    OVCO Youth Climate Event

    Last week, five students attended both a climate workshop at the school and then represented Kings Academy Ringmer at a Youth Action Climate event on Friday at Lewes District Headquarters in Newhaven.

    The event was hosted by Ouse Valley Climate Action, and the event was attended by students and staff from other secondary schools in our local school cluster.

    This event gave our students the opportunity to showcase and celebrate some of our sustainability activities that we have been involved in at the school and the opportunity to talk to other students and adults. The main part of the event was for the students to question a panel of adults about their concerns around the pressing climate crisis we are facing and to find out what is happening at government and local levels and challenge if they felt there was more to be done. The panel included the Mayor of Lewes and the CEO of South Downs National Park, plus representatives in positions in Local Authority and education.

    The students learnt the power of the young person's voice and how this voice can be used to activate change. They were also encouraged to go on to use this voice to activate changes.

    I was immensely proud of the students for the way they conducted themselves and the confidence that they demonstrated when talking out to a large room of people. They were a credit to the school. 

    Mrs Simon-House, ECO Co-ordinator



    Super Curriculum Spotlight: Talent, Energy, and Opportunity at The King's Academy

     

    There’s something truly special happening across our enrichment programme — and we don’t want you to miss it!

    1. Art That Speaks Volumes – Step into Mrs Colbourne’s art sessions and you’ll find students completely immersed in creativity. From bold brushwork to delicate detail, the artwork being produced is nothing short of inspiring. These sessions aren’t just about technique — they’re about confidence, expression, and joy.

    1. Skate School & Temper Boxing – Skill Meets Spirit – Our Skate School students are flying — quite literally! Their progress in balance, coordination, and resilience has been phenomenal. Temper Boxing is equally impressive: the discipline, focus, and sheer talent on display make every drop-in feel like a masterclass. These young people are building not just physical strength, but self-belief.


     

    1. Forest School & Running Club – Nature and Nurture – Forest School continues to be one of the most popular choices, and it’s easy to see why. Students are thriving in the outdoors — exploring, collaborating, and reflecting. Mr Rednall’s Running Club is also going strong, with students learning how to pace themselves, set goals, and enjoy the rhythm of movement. It’s fitness with purpose.

    1. Making a Band with Mr Burchett – Soundtrack of Student Talent – One of the most exciting additions this term has been Making a Band with Mr Burchett. The sessions are electric — students are collaborating, composing, and performing with passion and flair. The talent emerging is phenomenal, and the popularity of the club speaks for itself. Whether it’s vocals, guitar, drums, or songwriting, our students are proving they’ve got what it takes to make music that moves people.

    1. School Magazine – Student Voice in Action – Mr Maund’s School Magazine team is sharpening their interview skills, and we’re eagerly awaiting their next feature — an exciting interview with a member of staff! The professionalism and curiosity of our student journalists is something to celebrate.

    2. Gardening Club – Growing Pride in Our Grounds – Gardening Club has quietly blossomed into a hub of care, teamwork, and environmental pride. Students have been planting, pruning, and planning with purpose — making real contributions to the school grounds and learning about sustainability along the way. Their efforts are helping shape a greener, more welcoming campus for everyone.

    3. Botanical Art Super Curriculum

    Botanical Art Super Curriculum students and a volunteer group of Year 7s have created and decorated some beautiful autumnal bunting which is hanging in Reception.  They are having great fun spotting their own designs in the final display.


    1. 3D Art Super Curriculum

    3D Art Super Curriculum students have been having great fun bringing recycled materials to life by creating bottle faces! Using plastic bottles, mod roc plaster modelling bandages, and a variety of paints, they’ve produced a fantastic array of imaginative designs. From quirky characters to expressive portraits, each piece showcases unique creativity and personality. Some of the facial expressions are truly brilliant!

    We Need You! Parent-Led Enrichment Opportunities – As our Super Curriculum grows, we’re keen to hear from parents who might know of — or be willing to lead — an enrichment activity. Whether it’s a creative workshop, a sport, a skill, or a passion project, your involvement could help us offer even more to our students. If you’ve got an idea, we’d love to hear it!

    At King’s Academy Ringmer, we’re proud to be creating well-rounded, world-ready, confident individuals — and our Super Curriculum is a powerful part of that journey. Thank you for being part of our community.

    Post 16 Evening 

    Last week, we hosted our post-16 options event and welcomed a number of colleges and learning providers to come and talk face to face with our students, parents and carers. This was a well-attended event by both our year 11s and year 10s. The exhibitors were kept busy with interested students and were really helpful in answering all the questions. The event gave our students the opportunity to plan for their futures and helped them to explore all the exciting courses and options available to them after their GCSE’s. Thank you to all those who attended and everyone involved for making the evening a success.

    Mrs Colbourne



     

    Scholastic book fair

    The Scholastic book fair returns to King’s Academy Ringmer next week. The book fair is a pop-up celebration of reading. There will be 200 of the best new books at great discounts starting from £2.99. Students will be able to browse books in the LRC during break and lunchtime. They will then bring a wish list home and parents/ carers can pay online for the titles chosen. Every time you buy a book from the book fair, you are helping earn rewards for free books in the library. 

    To pay for the chosen books, simply follow the link to pay online: https://bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/pay/1497973

    Mrs Colbourne and Mrs Overton Harvey 

    Foundation Scholarship at Bede's -Year 11 students 

    A foundation Scholarship provides full support for children for the entire duration of their time at Bede's and is available specifically to children who meet the criteria stipulated by the Bede's Development Foundation.

    The foundation aims that through this type of scholarship, children who have faced extreme adversity are given the opportunity to flourish within an environment which they would otherwise not be able to access. Unlike a scholarship, a Foundation Scholarship is a means-tested award where the overriding criteria is the family's financial circumstances.

    For more information please contact :

    General Enquires:, The Admissions Team 

    admissions@bedes.org

    01323 356600

    Further Information and to arrange a meeting :

    Richard Mills

    richard.mills@bedes.org

     

    Careers In Creative Industries – See poster below

     

    Corelli Ensemble Concert Lewes Sunday 12th October

    Lots of beautiful music for strings. Ms Urquhart, Subject Leader for Music at KAR is playing the bass!  If you'd like to see a live music ensemble of local professionals, please come along to this concert. £5 for students and only an hour long!

    https://corelliensemble.co.uk/next-concert.html

    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/corelli-ensemble-presents-fairest-isle-tickets-1562975835799?aff=erelexpmlt&_gl=1*yrxoki*_up*MQ..*_ga*NDg5NjM4ODYwLjE3NTk0MDU4ODc.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NTk0MDU4ODYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk0MDU4ODYkajYwJGwwJGgw

    Biggest Sunflower yet from the school vegetable patch/garden

    National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA), NEW SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


    Before the summer, all parents/carers and students were informed that Kings is now registered with the NSEA.  This gives our students the opportunity to compete in some equestrian interschool events. The NSEA are pleased to announce with the new school year, comes a new schedule of events, catering for a variety of disciplines and abilities.

    There are some show jumping and eventers challenge events in November and December in the South East and the NSEA would love to have Kings Academy represented there.

    If you are interested in finding out more about these events and maybe entering, please contact Mr Quinnell in the first instance.

    Do not worry if neither of those events are your chosen discipline; there is a variety on offer throughout the school year. You can still register your interest and the NSEA will let you know when those events are happening and, hopefully, you can join in the fun and represent your school at the same time.

     

    Doggy Day Care Request

    I am wondering if there is anyone in Ringmer that you know that could look after my cute little Maltipoo, a 6-year-old dog called Susie, 3 days a week.  I live a long way from school, and she often spends hours on her own. I do have a dog walker that pops in for a short walk, but she craves company.  I am a teacher here at Kings Academy and you can contact me via email   francoise.rabin@kingsacademies.uk I would bring her food and bed. She would just need a short walk early in the afternoon. 

    I hope you can help. Many thanks, Ms Fran Rabin

     

    Chartwells Bonfire Night Menu – 7 November 2025

     

     

    Do you qualify for Free School Meals?

    To make applications easier for parents/carers we have changed the way that you can apply for free school meals. Applications are now processed online via East Sussex County Council, the criteria for being able to apply and for the online application please see the details below.

    Free school meals for children in Year 3 and older

    Older children may get free school meals if their parents or carers get any of these benefits:

    [Anyone who gets Working Tax Credit - GOV.UK, won’t get free meals regardless of income]

    • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

    Children will get free school meals if they meet the criteria and are in school both before and after lunchtime.

    Children eligible for free school meals on or after 1 April 2018 will remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2025 even if your circumstances change.

    Our Electronic Checking Service might be able to confirm entitlement. If not, you’ll need to show recent proof that you qualify. Meals cannot be given until eligibility is verified.

    Apply online if your child goes to school in East Sussex.

    Letter from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service re: Fireworks – Staying Safe.  Please share this information with your son/daughter

    Ringmer Village news and information regarding forthcoming events

    There are a number of Eco Talks and a special music opportunity coming up soon in the village which will be of interest to our parents and carers and students.  Please note the following:

     

    1. The next 2 Eco talks relate to sustainable travel and holidays, and then Insects and Bio Diversity.  The first talk is on Thursday, October 9th at 7.30pm.  The second is on November 13th, at 6.00pm to enable families to come more easily to the Buzz Club session. Both are being held in the Church Room at St Mary's.  All the details are on the poster. 

    1. The music opportunity is on Saturday, October 11th, between 2 pm–4 p.m. to be part of the 2025 Year of the Organ, a national project. This is especially for students who play any sort of keyboard, whether a beginner or more advanced. All the details are on the poster.

    1. King’s Academy Ringmer’s ECO Co-ordinator and ECO students arranged for the first contribution by students to the Repair Cafe on Saturday...Courgette cakes were made from veg grown and baked by King’s Academy Ringmer students.  Donations were made by the public towards ingredients for the next event – see photo 

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