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July 2025

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  • KAR Newsletter 18/07/2025

    Published 21/07/25

    Dear parents and carers,

    I hope you have had a great week. 


    We have had a busy and productive return to school after enrichment week. Our year 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to engage in careers morning, a total of 18 external speakers discussing job opportunities from different sectors. A great event organised by Ms Colbourne.

    I am also delighted to announce that King's Academy Ringmer's submission for the Intermediate Level International School's Award has been successful and approved by The British Council regarding our work on the global-facing aspects of our work at KAR. The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world. They have given glowing feedback on our work in embedding global citizenship in a rural setting, and our partnerships with schools in China, Spain and France. Full communication will follow, but a huge thank you to Ms Taylor, who has led these activities.

    Given the ongoing hot temperatures, next week will remain as PE kits from Monday to Wednesday if students would prefer to wear these. After the recent student voice, we have also agreed a non-uniform day on the final day (Thursday).

    I will be in touch next week with detailed communication regarding useful dates and information for the start of next year and beyond.

    Have a great weekend

    Best wishes,

    Mr Harvey

    Year 10 Work Experience 

    We were incredibly proud of our Year 10 students who took part in their Work Experience last week.  They explored potential career paths, built their confidence, and gained a valuable understanding of workplace culture.  The feedback from employers was excellent, with many praising the students for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and eagerness to learn.


    Well done to all involved — you represented the school brilliantly and learnt some valuable skills to take forward into year 11.

    Mrs Colbourne 

    Careers Morning 

    Our Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in our career morning this week. We had eighteen speakers from a variety of job roles speaking about their careers. The goal of this event was to spark conversations amongst the students about different career paths and career journeys. We wanted them to understand what various jobs involve and, most importantly, to feel inspired and excited about the career choices that lie ahead.

    We had speakers from a range of careers such as the Fire Services, NHS, Journalism, Archaeologists, Civil Engineer, Radiotherapy Engineer, Director of an innovation agency, Personal trainer / boxing coach, Tax associate Director, Contract Manager in social care, Green Careers, Vet, Graphic Designer, TV, Associate Director of Temple, Publisher, Mental Health Therapist.

    We were all very proud of our students for the way they conducted themselves throughout the event, asking questions and engaging in conversations to learn more about different careers directly from those experienced in those fields. 


    DT Department – Year 7

    Year 7 are coming to the end of their first year in Design & Technology and Mrs Hepburn wants to say a huge well done on all their hard work and their safe behaviour in the workshop. Beautiful acrylic jewellery has been taken home and well-crafted Memphis style clocks.  Mrs Hepburn looks forward to teaching them again in year 8.

     

    DT Department – Year 8

    Wow! Year 8 have truly outdone themselves this year. Some beautifully designed Art Nouveau LED lights have gone home and superb herb racks. Mrs Hepburn is amazed at the high-quality outcomes leaving the workshop - what a talented bunch. Bring on year 9!

     

    DT Department – Year 9

    For some of the year 9’s it is the end of their Design & Technology journey, and they have gone out with some real showstoppers! Mrs Hepburn is sad to not be teaching all of them again but is thrilled by the huge uptake in those who have chosen the subject for their GCSE, and is very excited to see them shine even brighter over the next two years ahead. 

    The last project of year 9 was the mechanical toys and they are by far the best Mrs Hepburn has seen in her teaching years so far. Well done year 9, be proud of all that you’ve accomplished. 





    DT Department – Super Curriculum

    The final group of Textiles Super curriculum have created some real show-stoppers this term. Good enough to eat, you may say. Mrs Hepburn, hopes you have enjoyed your time learning sewing skills! 


    RE Department

    On Monday 14th July, Year 10 students visited the Buddhist Brighton Centre as part of their GCSE study of Buddhism.  They took part in meditation, a shrine quiz and reflected on the daily practices of the Brighton Buddhist community.  Our students were excellent role models and represented Ringmer well in our local area.  

    If you are interested in visiting the centre, they have an open day on Saturday 13th September.

    Mrs Simmons, Subject Leader for RE





    Change News

    For the first time, Kings Academy entered the Ringmer Show at the weekend. We entered art, baking, horticulture and produce classes. We were very pleased with our results as we got placed in many of the classes and one of our students came home with a trophy for her baking.

    We were particularly happy with the success of our vase of flowers. All the flowers were picked by a student on Friday from the school grounds and this display won the class. Second place for beans and carrots grown in school! The organisers were very impressed with the standard of the entries and are looking forward to collaborating with us in the future. Many students have been involved in our growing projects and this is a collaboration of sowing and propagating seeds, looking after the plants and enjoying picking the produce.

    Involving our students in community events such as this has many benefits, including a sense of fulfilment, purpose, achievement and pride. 






    Perfect Pet competition

    Winners of our Perfect Pet Competition are as follows:

    • Layla Yarrow - Year 8 - Best Cat 

    • Jayden McKie - Year 10 - Best Dog  

    • Maria Mackenzie - Best small animal 

    We are just waiting to hear what the total funds raised for the Raystede charity are from this lovely competition.  Really well done to the winners and to everyone who took part.

    Mrs Simmons, Subject Leader for RE

    Free School Meals - Changes from April 1st 2025

    Please see below updated information received from East Sussex County Council with regard to free school meal changes.
    We are writing to update you on some recent changes the Department for Education (DfE) have made to their plans around Free School Meals and transitional protection rules.

    • Transitional protection rules will apply at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.

    • From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, transitional protections will end for all year groups. From this point, claimants must meet the eligibility criteria to be entitled to free school meals.

    • From September 2026 the DfE intends to extend free school meals to all children in households in receipt of Universal Credit.

    This is a significant change to the information previously given to parents.

    There will now be no review of Year 6 and Year 11 pupils in receipt of FSM at the end of this term or termly reviews of newly entitled students. Year 6 pupils who are entitled to free school meals will remain entitled in Year 7. Year 11’s will be removed from our system and parents/carers will need to reapply as their sixth form destination is not known to our service. 

    When the transitional protection rules end in July 2026, all entitled children will have their entitlement reviewed, not just those at the end of a phase of education (Years 6 and 11). FSM entitled children will then have their entitlement reviewed each year and will be removed from your FSM entitlement list if they no longer meet the criteria.

    Please see below information on how to apply for Free School Meals 

    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.

    Ringmer Repair Café – Saturday 26 July and Saturday 30 August 2025

     

    Ringmer’s 2025 Picnic on the Green 

    Ringmer Parish Council is holding a bumper Picnic on the Green to be held this August Bank Holiday, Monday 25th August 2025. The event starts at 1pm and there will be a host of games and fun for all ages.  

    This year, they have invited local community clubs and village organisations to join in, and events will include a Car Show, Line Dancing, treasure hunts, the ever-popular Dog Show, a host of fun challenges, including a Water Balloon Competition and Football Target Game, as well as traditional children’s games”. Live music will be provided by The Rock Choir, Skulldrummery and Work in Progress, while representatives of East Sussex Fire and Rescue and St John’s Ambulance will be showing off their equipment and training. Refreshments will be available, including ice cream, pizza and jacket potatoes. There will be a WI Tea Stand and Ringmer Cricket Club will be running a licensed bar. 

    The one thing they can’t predict is the weather, but they will have a large marquee on the Green if we need to take shelter.  

    Please save the date and join Ringmer Parish Council with a picnic for what will be a fun day for all ages. For more information: Nick Chaloner, 01273 813242

    Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - Resources to support young people with their mental health and wellbeing over the summer months

    As schools and colleges prepare to finish for the summer, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust would like to share with you some resources to support young people with their mental health and wellbeing, particularly those who are awaiting their exam results.

    1. Text SUSSEX to 85258

    Text SUSSEX is a free text service, there to help anyone who is struggling with their feelings.

    If you’re feeling worried, sad, or lonely, text the word ‘SUSSEX’ to 85258 to start a silent conversation with a mental health professional.

    The service is free, confidential, and available at any time, day or night.

    1. Resources for families, carers and professionals

    Please visit Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's website for a range of resources for families, carers, and professionals. This includes a series of pre-recorded webinars for parents and carers with hints and tips on how to support young people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health. Visit the website.

    ESCC - Common seasonal infections and hazards

    As the summer holiday arrives, children are likely to spend more time outdoors. This guide for parents has useful information about common seasonal infections and hazards to help spot illness more easily and take action if needed. 

    A parent’s guide to summer infections and health hazards – UK Health Security Agency

    ESCC - Bikeability Holiday Courses 

    Bikeability holiday courses run over the summer holidays. They will be taking place at both the Eastbourne Cycle Centre and the Peacehaven Cycle Hub.  See link for further information: https://www.facebook.com/EastSussexCycleTraining/?locale=en_GB 

    Make (Good) Trouble CIC

    Spaces still available for a free HAF Drama Holiday Club this Summer, designed for students in East Sussex who receive free school meals. It is part of East Sussex County Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

    Hosted by Make (Good) Trouble, this unique holiday club will take place in the beautiful Friston Forest, part of Seven Sisters Country Park, and will be led by a qualified children’s drama therapy coach from Dragon Drama.

    Club Details:

    ·       Dates: Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th July, 11am-3pm

    ·       Location: South Downs National Park

    ·       Activities: Woodland exploration, drama, storytelling, music, movement, art, group games & more!

    ·       Free lunch provided daily

    What to Bring:

    ✅ Wet-weather gear (just in case!)

    ✅ Sturdy footwear (no sandals or slides)

    We also have access to an indoor space if the weather takes a turn. Help with transport to the location can be provided.

    This is a fantastic opportunity for children to build confidence, express creativity, and have fun in nature! Spaces are limited, so we would love your help in spreading the word to eligible families.

    The sign up form and details are here: https://eequ.org/book/woodland-drama-workshop-with-make-good-trouble-cic-5213

    Brighton and Hove Albion Soccer Schools – Summer School Activities

     

     
     

    BHAFC Soccer Schools are the best way for your child to get active and have fun this summer.

     

    There’s something for everyone at our holiday camps - learn to play the Albion way and enjoy the holidays!

    We have sessions at eight locations across Sussex, suitable for boys and girls of all abilities aged 5-13 (or girls-only sessions for girls up to 16).

    We’ve also launched three new girls-only sessions in Worthing, Chichester, and Eastbourne.

    Their qualified BHAFC Foundation coaches are ready and waiting 

    Please follow link to view all available training camps and booking system - https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/football-participation/holiday-sessions/bhafc-soccer-schools/ 
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  • KAR Newsletter 11/07/2025

    Published 11/07/25

    Dear parents and carers,

    As we wrap up a truly exceptional Enrichment Week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a brilliant, ambitious, and joy-filled five days for our students. This week has been a celebration of learning beyond the classroom – of curiosity, challenge, creativity, and character.

    Across the week, our students have taken part in an astonishing 34 individual activities and trips, ranging from national museums and adventure parks to creative workshops and skill-building sessions back at school. Organising such a diverse programme is no small feat, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, who have worked tirelessly over many weeks to design, plan, risk-assess and lead this experience. The scale of this week is something you might expect in a much larger school, yet our small community has delivered something truly special.

    Some of the highlights from this week include:

    • Ardeche trip - multi-activity trip in the Ardèche region of France

    • Battle Abbey (Year 7), where students explored the site of the famous 1066 battle and deepened their understanding of our nation's history.

    • Work Experience (Year 10), with students stepping into the world of employment and representing the school with maturity and pride.

    • Thorpe Park (Years 7, 8, and 9), offering fun-filled excitement across year groups

    • Blacklands Farm (Years 7 and 8), where students take on outdoor challenges and built resilience in nature.

    • Visits to national landmarks like the British Museum, Science Museum, and Natural History Museum, enriching students' cultural and academic horizons.

    • Year 8 PGL Camp - outdoor adventure with a focus on adventure, learning, and personal development

    • Branching Out: an outdoor adventure centre located in beautiful woodland, offering a range of treetop activities

    • West End Theatre trip, which gave students a taste of London’s performing arts scene.

    • Creative and practical activities in school such as:

      • DT’s High Tea with a Twist, rocket building, web design and packaging workshops

      • Gardening, music and band sessions, film club, and Spanish cooking

      • Art workshops, air-dry clay, board game design, storytelling, dance workshops and a very popular science of solving mysteries.

      • Outdoor experiences like the Ringmer Walk and activities at Laughton Woods
         

    It is not possible to mention every activity and trip, but thank you to all the staff for running each of these. One of the most rewarding aspects of the week has been the feedback we've received from external providers and venues. Repeatedly, we’ve been told how outstanding our students have been – in conduct, politeness, engagement, and maturity. They've stood out from the crowd and represented our school’s values in the very best light.

    Whether it was trying something completely new, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, or supporting their peers, our students have truly shone this week. This week has not only been fun – it has also been aligned with our school’s vision: to shape well-rounded, confident individuals ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

    Enrichment Week is a huge logistical challenge, but it’s one we embrace because of the incredible opportunities it provides. We are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together – staff, students, and our wider school community.

    Thank you again for your ongoing support. I wish you and your families a restful weekend and hope you enjoy hearing all about the adventures of the past week.

    Best wishes,

    Mr Harvey
     

    Current Year 11 Only

    This is a gentle reminder to check ParentPay and cancel any auto-top-up payments that were set up for student lunch accounts please.  Disabling this feature will avoid any further money crediting accounts.

    Packaging and IT - Enrichment Week

    Mrs Hepburn ran a full day of learning why packaging is important and how we can create purposeful packaging ideas with multipurpose. 

    Some of the group went on to do the baking with Mrs Budd on Tuesday, so for their packaging project, the group made packaging for slices of cake. 

    Their designs are all so individual to the students’ personalities and would definitely be successful in the shops! 





    Year 7/8 Step Up to the Challenge at Blacklands farm!

    We kicked off the week with adventure, excitement, and a healthy dose of bravery as our Year 7/8 students tackled the great outdoors head-on!

    The day began with abseiling—an activity that pushed many students out of their comfort zones. Some charged ahead without hesitation, diving straight into the challenge. Others, while not quite ready to take the leap, still climbed to the top and faced their fears head-on. It was incredible to watch those same students later in the day confidently stacking crates higher and higher, overcoming nerves and showing real determination.

    As teachers, we usually see students in the classroom, focused on our individual subjects. But watching them work together, encourage one another, and challenge themselves in a totally different environment reminded us how much more there is to each of them.

    We were especially impressed by the emerging leaders among our Year 7 cohort—students who stepped up to support their peers, communicate clearly, and lead by example.

    A huge well done to all involved—you made us dizzy just watching you climb! What a fantastic start to the week of adventures.

    Creativity in Action: Students Shine with Stencil and Lino Print Projects

    This week, our students rolled up their sleeves and dove into a hands-on art project that challenged both their precision and creativity. Tasked with creating detailed stencils, they demonstrated an impressive level of focus and control—no easy feat when working with designs that require a steady hand.

    But the creativity didn’t stop there.

    Moving from stencils to lino printing, students tackled one of the more complex and demanding printmaking techniques. Linoleum is not a forgiving material; it requires patience, care, and resilience. Yet, these young artists took it all in stride. With determination and a fantastic attitude, they carved, inked, and pressed their way to truly stunning results.

    We’re constantly amazed by the originality and confidence our students bring to their work. Projects like these remind us just how much talent and imagination they hold—and how exciting it is to see that expressed through such rich and challenging mediums.

    Well done to everyone involved. The outcomes were nothing short of fabulous!

     

     

    Students Make Stunning & Fashionable Tote Bags with Screen Printing – and Felt Their Way to Creative Landscapes!

    During enrichment week, creativity was in full swing as students dived into the world of textile design. They kicked things off by designing and screen-printing their very own tote bags – and the results were straight from a Vogue magazine. From bold patterns to fashionable graphics, each student’s bag was a unique expression of themselves.

    This activity demanded focus and precision, with students quickly discovering the value of a steady hand. In fact, they became honorary members of the “Steady Hand Club,” embracing the concentration required to pull off clean, professional screen prints.

    Following their tote bag triumphs, students were introduced to the traditional art of needle felting. While a few became “Sleeping Beauties” (thanks to the occasional pin-pricked finger!), they persevered with enthusiasm and a bit more care. The result? Breathtaking felt landscapes, full of texture, colour, and imagination.

    Enrichment week is always a highlight – a time when we get to work with students we don’t usually teach and see them shine in creative, unexpected ways. 

    Just amazing through and through, but don’t just take our word for it – scroll through the images and see their incredible work for yourself!


     

    Rocket building

    This week, in a fine return to top form, Jeff Taylor has led the Ringmer Aeronautics and Space Administration on many successful projects that aimed for the moon but made it to the dizzy heights of the Steve Green Building!

    Students from key stage three have been creating an array of rockets that have been turbocharged with water and a modified track pump!

    The year seven day was dominated by Eva C; Leeza A; Emilia S and Summer B - however, as you can see, Scarlett M-C; Rose B; Laila A and Chloe F definitely had the most aesthetically pleasing rocket, affectionately named "Princess Polly".

    The highest and straightest rocket of the week was designed by "Team Tesco" formed of Kayson B; Finley S-H and Finnian C.  The secret, it turned out, were massive fins and a pointed nose cone apparently, but rest assured they did not spend all of their budget!

    Thank you to all the students for a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxed week of rocket building and to the staff who make these experiences what they are for our wonderful students.



     

    Triumphant winners of the 'Design a Board Game' competition with their winning entry 'The Great Heist' 

    Players have to plan and carry out a bank robbery (!)

    The prize was a packet of Oreos each

     

    Ringmer Summer Show

    Saturday 12th July - Ringmer Village Hall 2-4 pm with 

    Kings Academy Ringmer will proudly be exhibiting some entries into this show on Saturday.

    The show is an opportunity for the local community to showcase its talents in growing, cookery and baking and handicrafts and hobbies. We are proud to be part of this. Expect to find some produce from our garden and greenhouse, artwork and baking. This is the first time we will be entering the show. We hope to inspire future exhibitors for events like this to continue into the future. Fingers crossed we will be placed.

    The show is open for viewing from 2pm - 4pm. Refreshments are available and entry is free and produce is auctioned off at the end.

    For additional info please visit their website www.ringmerhorticulturalclub.co.uk


     

    ESCC New Parenting Guide for

    July to September 2025

    Children –Online parenting courses - children | Family hubs

    Teenagers – Online parenting courses - teenagers | Family hubs

     

    All Abroad! Bus Holiday clubs (Seaford)

    Seaford-based summer holiday clubs is particularly for those aged 12 and under, although they are usually happy to accept older children if they would like to join them. 

    This summer they are running their 5th summer series of holiday clubs with two weeks at Mercread Youth Centre in Seaford. Their theme this year is inspired by TV series ‘Race across the world' with 1 week racing across South America, and another week crossing Europe and North Africa - offering children and young people the opportunity to 'travel' each day to different countries, through food, art, language, games, physical activity and some 360 VR tours!

    There are some free HAF places for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals and other criteria, as well as a handful of crowdfunded places for families who are finding it extra tough this year, as well as paid places. 


    See poster for booking information


     

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