Ringmer Community College and Sixth Form Additional Information

Additional Information

An Academy for a Sustainable future

Welcome

Learning and Teaching

Our staff are committed to going the extra mile to provide a flexible curriculum and extensive extra curricular opportunities for every student.

We are a 11–19 community college delivering the National Curriculum with Key Stage 3 and 4 and Sixth Form education for students of all abilities.

Years 7 to 8 In the first two years of secondary education, all students follow a common curriculum which comprises the following subjects:

“Students enjoy school, describing it as a ‘happy, friendly place’. Relationships between staff and students are good.”

Ofsted 2008

Core Subjects English Information Communication Technology Maths Science

Foundation Subjects “The flexibility and breadth of the curriculum is motivating students and sustaining their commitment to learning.”

Ofsted 2008

Art French / Spanish Geography History Music P.E R.E Design Technology

Enrichment Subjects Citizenship Dance Drama Personal, Social and Health Education Work Related and Enterprise Education (cross curriculum events) In Year 7 students are organised into ability sets in English, Maths and Science.

They are in mixed ability groups for all other lessons.

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Years 9 to 13 Students are offered a flexible curriculum that leads to between 6 and 13 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Our courses are designed to suit all learners and interests. Students can select from a range of qualifications including GCSEs, Arts Awards, BTEC’s and the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness.

Core Subjects – Years 9 to 11

“The strong leadership of the principal stems from a clear vision of success that is being realised in the development of the curriculum and the plans for sixth form provision. A cohesive, hardworking, senior team provides her with good support.”

Ofsted 2008

Science Option – Years 9 to 11

Citizenship

BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science

Core P.E.

Science in the 21st Century – Double Science

English / English Literature

Science in the 21st Century – Triple Science

ICT Functional Skills Mathematics Personal Social Health Economic and Citizenship Education Philosophy and Ethics Science

General Options – Years 9 to 11 Art Business Studies BTEC Certificate of Personal Effectiveness Dance Drama Engineering (Double GCSE)

Technology Options – Years 9 to 11 Food Technology Graphics Product Design Textiles

Health, Social Care and Early Years Level 3 National Diploma

Sport BTEC National Sport and Exercise

French Health and Social Care (Double GCSE) Geography History ICT Music Sport BTEC Spanish

“Supportive relationships are an important factor in student’s enjoyment of school and positive attitudes to learning.”

Ofsted 2008

Statistics

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A Levels – Years 12 to 13 Art Biology Business Chemistry Engineering English Literature Film Studies Football Coaching NVQ L1, 2 and 3 Geography History ICT Law

“Concern for the welfare of individual students is at the heart of the college’s ethos, and hence the quality of pastoral care is good.

Parents agree that the college makes effective arrangements to look after their children. Outreach work in local primary schools ensures that children settle into college life well.”

Ofsted 2008

Maths Music Technology Photography Physics Product Design Psychology Sociology Textiles Additional subjects are continually being developed

Religious Education and Collective Worship Religious Education is provided in accordance with the East Sussex agreed syllabus arrived at after consultation with the various church authorities. The syllabus is essentially Christian and non-denominational but also introduces students to other world religions. Regular assemblies are held and Mentors lead discussions in which practical, social, and moral issues may be discussed. The College encourages its young people to identify for themselves a clear set of essentially Christian values upon which to base the important decisions of their lives. Assemblies are sometimes taken by the local vicar or baptist minister. If parents do not wish their children to participate in any aspect of Religious Education they should write to the Principal who will make suitable alternative arrangements.

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“Opportunities for leadership and responsibility are popular. Increasing numbers of students enjoy positions of responsibility, and over 200 are ‘eco-representatives’ who play an active role in improving and developing a sustainable environment.”

Ofsted 2008

Meeting the Educational Needs of All Students

Curriculum Enrichment Days for All

At Ringmer Community College we strive to give every a student an education which is as personalized as possible giving them the opportunity to both achieve their best and extend themselves.

We hold a Curriculum Enrichment week each year which provides students with an opportunity to experience a wide range of special events and activities.

For some students additional provision is made to meet additional needs. This includes students who have been identified as Gifted and Talented either by their Primary school or by staff at the College. The College’s policy for Students who are Gifted and Talented is underpinned by a belief that everyone should excel at whatever they can and all youngsters should recognize and respect those talents in themselves and others. A Vice Principal is responsible for the progress of students who are identified as being Gifted and Talented.

Additional provision is also made for students who have general or specific learning difficulties, physical disabilities or other difficulties which affect learning.

All Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching corresponds to County and National guidelines, as required by the SEN Code of Practice. The SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and Assistant SENCO in charge of Inclusion and the specialist Learning Support staff are always happy to meet parents to discuss how the College might be able to meet the needs of the individual. Further details concerning the whole College policy for Learning Support are available on request.

As in all aspects of College life we value the involvement of parents and will willingly share information about students’ progress. Parents’ evenings and our reporting process provide regular points of contact. We keep parents and students informed about extra curricular opportunities.

Extended Learning Extended Learning is an integral part of the teaching and learning process. Students are given a College Planner in which to record all homework tasks and projects. A homework timetable is issued to students each September, together with expectations regarding homework.

Work Experience and Careers Guidance During Years 10 and 12 vocational students take part in a programme of two separate blocks of five days’ work experience away from the College (usually in May and July) experiencing the world of work related to their course e.g. Engineering, Environmental and Land Based Studies and Hair and Beauty. Year 10 students who are studying Health and Social Care are also required to undertake one block week of work experience in May. The aim of work experience is to enable students to: relate education to the world of work and training; to learn outside the classroom; to understand the nature and structure of business; work alongside adults as part of a team; develop and practise a range of new skills; become more confident in their abilities; make more informed decisions about their future.

It is sometimes felt that individual students in years 10 and 11 may benefit from an extended work placement for one or two days a week providing them with a focus on vocational educational opportunities outside the school curriculum.

In the Sixth form some students may also have the opportunity of doing either individual days or block weeks work experience as part of their NVQ/Diploma courses/wider life skills.

A well-stocked careers library located in the College Learning Resources Centre provides up to date careers information. The careers library is open at breaktime, lunchtime and after school. In addition, arrangements can be made to use the careers library at other times. Students can make decisions about the next stage of their careers in an interview with an experienced Careers Adviser. Parents are, of course, invited to attend these interviews. The sixth form students also have their own separate careers library over in the Sixth Form College.

In the Sixth form some students may also have the opportunity of doing either individual days or block weeks work experience as part of their NVQ/Diploma courses/wider life skills.

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A well-stocked careers library located in the College Learning Resources Centre provides up to date careers information. The careers library is open at breaktime, lunchtime and after school.

In addition, arrangements can be made to use the careers library at other times. Students can make decisions about the next stage of their careers in an interview with an experienced PA Connexions Careers Adviser. Parents are, of course, invited to attend these interviews. The sixth form students also have their own separate careers library over in the Sixth Form College.

Lifelong Learning The College’s growing community education programme offers a wide range of additional opportunities for young people to develop their skills, interests and personality. There are also many educational opportunities for adults in line with the College’s commitment to family and lifelong learning.

ABC Group The ABC group is made up of a group of students who co-ordinate anti bullying support throughout the college.

Our aim is to support students; we are doing this through: • • • •

Peer Support Scheme (Oasis) Assemblies – to inform the school of the support we offer Transition Support – to support year 6 students who are coming up to Ringmer Discussing anti bullying in PSHE Lessons

How to Access Support • • • •

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6th Form Support House Leaders Mentors Any member of the ABC Group / Oasis Group

Health Education The Health Education programme concentrates on aspects of positive health and aims to provide students with sufficient knowledge and understanding of human function, development and behaviour, including sexual matters, so as to encourage them to lead healthy and responsible lives. The programme covers physical, mental and emotional health, together with some aspects of social and community health. It starts in Year 7, building on what has been done in Years 1 to 6 in the primary school, and is developed in all subsequent years. In developing their policy on sex education, governors have made it clear that sex education should find a natural place within the context of broader personal, social, moral and health education, helping youngsters to understand the human reproductive process and methods of birth control within the context of responsible, caring relationships.

Support for Learning Policy The College code for behaviour has been developed in consultation with students, parents and governors over many years. It is designed to ensure an orderly climate for learning where individuals feel happy, safe and supported. The essential basis of College discipline is the careful communication to students of a clear code of conduct and the reasons for this code.

Our main approach is the encouragement of self discipline and the positive reinforcement of good behaviour. When these fail however, they are reinforced by the use of sanctions which may, if necessary, include an after school detention (we give parents at least 24 hours prior notice of such a detention and ask them to make any special transport arrangements home that may be required). Of course, if there are regular difficulties the child may be excluded from attendance at school for a short period or, in extreme situations, permanently. Parents are fully involved in discussions of such serious incidents and there is a right of appeal.

Students are expected to observe College codes of dress and behaviour from the moment they leave home in the morning to come to school until they return home in the evening.

The College is a non-smoking campus for all members of the College community.

College Uniform

Inclusion Statement

An important contribution to the College’s sense of community is the students’ distinctive uniform. It is possible to purchase uniform from the College shop. The shop is open every lunchtime and goods can also be purchased via the Ringmer Community College Website www.ringmeracademy.org.uk through our On-line ordering system. Parents are asked to ensure that their child always wears this uniform correctly. An important reminder is that for safety reasons in laboratories and workshops certain types of shoes are not allowed; adherence to this rule can avoid problems!

To be an inclusive college we need to:

How can Students and Parents/ Carers Make their Own Contribution?

Achieving, Caring, Contributing The strength of the College comes from the positive contributions made by every individual member of the community. There is a positive culture of contributing, students are encouraged to use their talents and develop personal skills by taking on roles of responsibility or by offering help to others. This is a Community where showing care for others is encouraged not only within the community but on a national or international level. By their charitable activities the students help support others who do not have the same advantages as themselves.

Students are very much involved in shaping college life, they run their own Council, holding democratic elections and feeding the feelings of students to the staff and governors in assemblies and governors meetings. Senior Student Leaders work alongside staff to promote and support the college ethos. There are many other opportunities to contribute some of which are linked to a specific year group but others which are linked to the wider community.

A strong partnership with parents is essential for young people to achieve their full potential.

Parents/carers are encouraged to maintain strong links with their child’s mentor and to attend all subject teacher parent evenings where learning is reviewed. There are also many opportunities for parents/carers to contribute to college life; through the governing body, supporting productions, as volunteers during the college day, offering to come in to pass on their skills to the young people. However, if parents/carers do not have time to offer they could support the College financially through our tax–free scheme.

• set out, establish and work together within agreed principles (see our policies and home school agreement as well as this prospectus) • protect rights, especially the right to feel safe and be safe • accept and value people as they are • promote equality and celebrate difference • listen, communicate and operate fairly • be open and honest

• respect life, people, property, ideas and self • reject violence and aggression • co-operate and work through difficulty • protect and enhance self esteem and dignity • reject all abuse on any grounds (race, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation).

We aim to be inclusive – we invite you to be included

What is the Role of Governors?

The Trustees of the Academy and the Governing Body play a full and vital part in the life of the College. The governors are also Directors of the Academy and consist of parents, staff and other professional local people who work in close cooperation with the Principal in directing the development of the College and ensuring that the highest possible standards are reached. Their task is to ensure that the views of our local community and parents are reflected in the management of the College. They do much to harness local energy and resources to further the College’s development. For a list of names and further information please consult our website.

“Students feel safe in school and are appreciative of the individual care they receive through the House system; they feel bullying is dealt with promptly and effectively by House leaders.

Students themselves support and contribute to a number of anti-bullying projects.”

Ofsted 2008

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Teaching Staff

8

Full Name

Role

Full Name

Role

Full Name

Role

Ms N Allen

Hair and Beauty Tutor

Mr CJ Dyer

Subject Leader for Geography

Mrs P Peters

Teacher – PE

Dr E Allison

Vice Principal

Ms C Edwards

Subject Leader for History

Ms CA Pick

Teacher – English

Ms LA Bagot

Arts and Media Teacher

Mrs F Edwards

Teacher – MFL

Miss K Potter

Subject Leader for Religious Education

Mrs C Baker

Learning Leader for Physical Education and IAG Co-ordinator

Dr MR Fairbanks

Teacher – English

Mr O Prado Hinojal

Mrs J Baldry

Claims Only Lecturer + Examination Invigilator

Mr N Gates

SENCO + I/C Certificate of Personal Effectiveness

Teacher – covering maternity leave and Cover Supervisor

Ms D Purdie

Teacher – Health and Social Care and Food

Ms TA Breeds

Learning Leader for English and Literacy

Mr R Gibson

Vice Principal

Miss KA Roughley

Learning Leader for MFL

Mrs C Brown

Art and Technology Technician and Unqualified Teacher

Mr M Greenop

2i/c Science

Mr A Russell

Graduate Teacher Programme – DT

Mr P Guy

Teacher – Mathematics

Mr M Sankey

2 i/c English

Teacher of Science and Cover Supervisor

Mr R Seymour

Teacher – Science

Mr D Shear

Director of Specialism and Learning Leader for Technology

Ms L Shersby

Teacher – Circle Project

Ms K Stonier

Principal

Mrs MA Symons

Learning Leader for Science, Eco and Environmental

Mrs J Taylor

Learning Leader for Performance Arts

Mr P Burchett

Head of Sixth Form and Learning Leader for ICT and Business

Mr S Hamblin Mrs E Harvey

Teacher – MFL

Mr E Burke-Duggan

Lecturer of Photography

Mr T Hogg

Teacher – Mathematics

Mrs CL Campbell-Gohil

Teacher of Business and Enterprise

Mr D Innes

Teacher – Music

Miss L Caplin

Graduate Teacher Programme – Drama

Mr J Kitts

Teacher – ICT

Miss C Cardin

Teacher – Geography

Mrs CJ Lethbridge

Ms A Castile

Teacher – COPE

Miss T Cavanagh

Teacher – Humanities

Teacher – Design & Technology / Art – On Sabbatical from 1 September 2011 to 31 August 2013

Miss S Clarke

Subject Leader for Drama and Learning Leader for Performance Arts

Mr J Coulthard

Teacher – PE

Miss A Crane

Tutor – One to one tuition for English

Mr S Crisp

Lecturer – Psychology

Mr S Croft

Mrs J Lloyd

Assistant Dance Teacher

Ms K Thomson

Teacher – Media, Arts and Design

Mrs SP Mason

Teacher – Engineering and Design and Technology

Ms J Turner

Tutor – One to One in English

Ms L Moores

Tutor – One to one tuition for English

Mrs J Warren

Senior Teacher / Learning Leader for Food, Catering and Hospitality

Ms N Moorhouse

Learning Leader for Humanities and Citizenship

Mr D Weaver

Teacher – Design & Technology and Professional Tutor

Tutor – One to one tuition for Maths

Mrs L Nyaseme

Learning Leader for Visual and Media Arts

Ms K Weisz

Teacher – Mathematics

Mrs P Crosbie

Teacher – Science

Mr SN Ogley

Teacher – Science

Mr J Wood

Advanced Skills Teacher – Mathematics

Mrs D Du Feu

Senior Vice Principal

Mrs C Palmer

Subject Leader for Health and Social Care

Miss C Wootton

Subject Leader for Music

Mr G Dummett

Learning Leader for Mathematics, Numeracy and Statistics

Mr T Pask

Advanced Skills Teacher – Design & Technology

Central Services Staff Full Name

Role

Full Name

Role

Full Name

Role

Mr B Allen

Cleaner

Mrs G Gamble

Examination – Invigilator

Mr C Phillips

Cleaner

Mr G Allen

Facilities Manager

Mrs A Glasheen

Examination – Invigilator

Mrs R Phillips

Cleaner

Mr G Argent

Building Assistant

Mrs S Goldsmith

Cleaner

Mrs WA Pomfret

Teaching Assistant

Ms CM Baker

Individual Needs Assistant for the Circle Project

Mrs A Gooch

Administration Assistant

Mr O Prado Hinojal

Mrs J Baldry

Claims Only Lecturer + Examination Invigilator

Mr J Govett

Teaching Assistant – PE

Teacher – covering maternity leave and Cover Supervisor

Mrs J Green

Mr A Preston

ICT Technician

Mrs C Barnett

Claims Only Examination Invigilator

Finance Assistant and Examination Invigilator

Mr PG Pretorius

House Leader – Bodiam

Miss A Bell

Administration and Attendance Assistant

Mr S Green

Environmental Co-ordinator

Mr J Price

Examination – Invigilator

Miss JA Bishop

Individual Needs Assistant for the Circle Project

Miss FM Harwood

Personnel and Administration Assistant

Mrs M Roche

Reception Office Manager

Mrs H Heal

Arts and Media Technician

Mrs A Rose

Assistant SENCO

Mrs J Bowden

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs S Hemington

Examination – Invigilator

Mrs AP Seymour

Teaching Assistant

Mrs C Brown

Art and Technology Technician and Unqualified Teacher

Mrs A Hunt

Vice Principal – Business

Mr HR Singh

Cover Supervisor

Mrs K Hutchison

Examinations Officer

Mrs M Smale

Teaching Assistant

Ms R Brown

Teaching Assistant – ASDAN

Mrs BR Kempton

Examination – Invigilator

Dr K Stiebahl

Examination – Invigilator

Mrs E Collins

Individual Needs Assistant for the Circle Project

Mrs P Kenward

Curriculum Services Manager

Mrs L Surgey

Receptionist

Miss C Knight

Individual Needs Assistant for the Circle Project

Mrs D Tasker

Cleaner

Mrs S Tomey

Individual Needs Assistant for the Circle Project

Ms G Cooper

Examination – Invigilator

Mr P Dean

House Leader – Arundel

Mr R Lanius

Building Assistant

Mrs T Di Paola

Senior House Leader – Pevensey

Ms J Lawrence

Cleaner

Miss C Toynton

PA and Administrator for the Sixth Form

Mrs D Du Feu

Senior Vice Principal

Miss T Lawrence

Cleaner

Miss S Turner

Cover Supervisor

Mrs D Duckworth

Finance Office Manager

Mrs J Leach

Learning Resources Assistant

Mr CG Weavil

Examination – Invigilator

Mrs T Fitzgerald

Examination – Invigilator

Mrs S Lockyer

House Leader – Lewes

Mrs R Whitlock

LRC Manager

Mr T Foord

Examination Invigilator and Minibus Driver

Miss F McDowell

Teaching Assistant

Miss G Whittle

ICT Administration Assistant

Mrs JE Francis

Science Technician

A Moss

Examination – Invigilator

Mr P Wightman

Design Technology Technician

Ms A French

Personnel and Administration Manager

Mrs N Mott

Food Technology Assistant

Ms L Williams

Cleaner

Mr A Frost

Director of Internal and External Communications and New Media

Mrs S Petraitiene

Cleaner

Mrs K Wood

Cleaner

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Performance 2011 The college attained its best ever results in 2010. High academic performance came from 19 students who gained 5 or more A*/A Grades at GCSE level.

2011 GCSE Targets

Summary of 2011 GCSE Results Total

Achieving 5+ A*– C %

Achieving 5+ A*– C % (including English & Maths)

Achieving 5+ A*– G %

74%

54%

97%

% range 5+ A*– C

69% ↔ 75%

5+ A*– C (including English & Maths)

54% ↔ 63%

5+A–G

96% ↔ 98%

2011 % Results Achieved by Students entering GCSE aged 15* A*– A

A* – C

A* – G

Subject

A*– A

A* – C

A* – G

Art & Design

14

43

95

French

31

56

100

Citizenship

16

59

98

Geography

6

64

100

D&T Food Technology

7

85

100

Health & Social Care

6

65

100

D&T Graphic Products

38

81

88

History

38

80

100

D&T Resistant Materials

25

65

100

Information Technology

0

70

95

D&T Textiles Technology

23

77

100

Mathematics

17

65

99

Dance

0

46

100

Music

53

87

100

Drama

14

86

100

Religious Studies

16

52

92

English Language & Literature

12

61

94

Science Double Award

9

60

100

English Literature

41

93

100

Science Single Award

13

68

99

Spanish

17

83

92

Subject

10

2011 BTEC Subject

Distinction *

Distinction

Merit

Pass

% Obtaining No Grade

Science BTEC

0

0

89

11

0

Sport BTEC

34

0

16

42

8

Business BTEC

33

8

25

34

0

2011 Certificate in Personal Effectiveness Award Scheme

Number Obtaining

Merit

Pass

Total

14

0

1

Boys

5

0

0

Girls

5

0

1

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Ringmer Community College and Sixth Form Lewes Road, Ringmer, Lewes BN8 5RB T. 01273 812220 F. 01273 813961 E. reception@ringmeracademy.org www.ringmeracademy.org.uk