July 2011 Dear Parents, Our Awards Evening on Monday celebrated this year’s events and the many achievements of our students. It is hard to believe that we could pack so much into a year! Congratulations to our students on their many rich and varied achievements, some of which are featured in this newsletter. Many students have been involved in adventure camps in this country (Tree Jumpers) and abroad (the Ardeche). Our Arts provision continues to thrive with opportunities for students to showcase their learning through performances; dance, drama, music, through exhibitions and through photography, film and animation. Our work is now extending world-wide with visits to France and Ghana inspired through the world of Carnival. Our Carnival for Rye last Saturday was not deterred by the driving rain and we all had great fun! The fete held afterwards raised over £1500. We are grateful to members of our local community for their support last weekend. On behalf of my colleagues, I wish you all a happy summer break.
Ann Cockerham - Principal
Rye College Carnival & Fete If you saw Paul McCartney in Rye on Saturday - along with the remaining Beatles then you must have been standing in the pouring rain, cheering on Rye College students in the annual Rye Carnival. A theme of Champions was set and every department selected a Champion from the curriculum to turn in to a giant puppet. Rye was packed with contemporary and historical figures from Louis Braille to Vivienne Westwood, Andy Warhol to Charlie Chaplin and Rosa Parks to James Dyson. Woody from Toy Story was the choice of ICT as Ms Bayley created an animation programme inspired by Pixar. Local primary schools from Rye and Winchelsea joined in with carnival makes from Finding Nemo, Indonesian animals as well as a spectacular elephant. Spirits were kept high with the Bloco dancers and drummers providing Samba beats and a riot of colour whilst a sound system blasted out a student playlist from the music champions that included Bob Marley and Debbie Harry. Site specific performances of Charlie Chaplin inspired Cops and Robbers could be spotted along the route too. The parade stormed back to college for an outstanding dance routine with the Rye Champion OBA choreographed by Ms Daines and performed by the Rye College Dance Company. The performance and the giant puppet is part of the Imagination Our Nation project that is building up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic cultural programme and will be seen at the World Party next year. Students and staff had a wonderful day despite the weather and the fun continued at the College Fete that provided music, games and refreshments all afternoon. Ms Townshend would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and efforts, especially those that braved the weather and took their creativity in to the streets of Rye.
Carnival Photo Special Pages 4+5
Amazing Grace Seals Podium Finish Grace is confident her track season is set to take off after leaving the Aviva English Schools Track & Field Championships clutching bronze. The Year 10 student highlighted her versatility as she took to the Gateshead International Stadium track for the inter girls’ 3,000m fresh from finishing 3rd at the English National Cross-Country Championships earlier in the year. She once again claimed the final podium step thanks to a time of 10:05:55, her best track finish at that distance so far this season. The Rye College s t u dent isn't about to rest on her laurels, instead targeting her next podium finish. “ I t was really good to win a medal. I still have got one more year left in this age group so I am ahead of schedule and am really please,” she said. “I never made the final in these conditions before so this gives me lots of confidence for the rest of the year. I have had a very good season in cross-country but this is probably my best result on the track and to get on the podium in front of a big crowd was brilliant. We have the nationals in Bedford coming up soon and I am looking forward to that and maybe getting another medal!”. Words from Rye & Battle Observer
Year 11 Leavers Assembly 2011 Year 11’s enjoyed a final morning with their teachers and parents at the ‘Class of 2011 Leavers Celebration’. It was an emotional morning of sad goodbyes and happy memories as various photos from Year 7 to 11 were shown. Awards were presented by Curriculum Leaders and Heads of House. The awards included best in each subject, for outstanding contribution to college life and contribution to community life. There was also an extra treat as some Year 11 musicians performed a superb rendition of Katy Nash’s ‘This is the life’. There was a lovely atmosphere and the hall was packed with people who genuinely wanted to be there to give this very special group of Year 11’s a wonderful send off. Everyone at Rye College will miss this fantastic year group who have brought so much to both the college and the community with their talent, hard work, determination and vibrant personalities. We would like to wish them all the very best for a wonderful future.
Carnegie Book Award This year, eleven students from years 7 and 8 have been involved in the CILIP Carnegie Book Award Shadowing Panel. The books have ranged from a compelling story set in 15 century Spain to a tale set in Zimbabwe in the early 1980’s with further contrast being provided by a book about a fourteen year old boy defying his foretold death in a set on unpredictable adventures. Carnegie readers met each Thursday to discuss the books they have read with lively debate and to write book reviews. The wide variety of topics provoking lots of mixed opinion enabling the development of critical appraisal and viewpoint! Our final shadow voting took place on 21st June. Our winner was ‘Monsters of Men’ by Patrick Ness, a very worthy winner. A very original and topical book in many ways with regards to the issues of power, survival and the realities of war with an emphasis on self reliance. In ‘Monsters of Men’ and the other five titles involved the inestimable value of integrity is highlighted together with the unifying theme that forging friendships can cross seemingly unbridgeable divides. The actual winner decided by the Carnegie Panel of Librarians in London on 23rd June was also ‘Monsters of Men’ which reaffirms our students discerning judgement and critical skills.
Yr. 7 P.E. Enrichment Day 15 gifted and talented students attended the annual P.E. enrichment day at the University of Brighton. All were chosen due to their excellent performance in school P.E. and outside teams. The activities included: Tri Golf, Climbing Wall, Dancing, SAQ Circuit and Rocket Ball.
Yr. 10 Windsurfing & Mountain Biking 20 students attended trips to Spray Water Sports and Bedgebury Park, taking part in an afternoon of windsurfing and mountain biking. All students loved the opportunity and many more trips like this will be organised.
Basketball Star at Rye College I play basketball in Sevenoaks on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Thursday’s and, if I’m lucky, on Sunday’s. When I play on Sunday’s it is always the last Sunday of every month, this is when everyone from around Britain comes to play. On the three week days it is mainly skill based drills and adrenaline, like running. I have three coaches, one of which comes from the United States of America, he coaches many professionals. Another of my coaches comes from Canada and the third is from here in Britain. I have loads of team mates, some already have turned in to professional basketball players. In all I have around 12 team mates, some of which are from the United States of America. I am being coached professionally at Sevenoaks, which is a professional school. My coach says that I’m pretty good at basketball. It is a sport which I would like to continue playing for the rest of my life!
Migle - Year 8 Student at Rye College
PGL Ardeche 2011 A group of 38 students, three Rye College staff and three accompanying adults travelled to the south of France on a mainly water sports activity trip between the 25th June and the 3rd July 2011. Fairly poor conditions on transfer day proved no obstacle. Students and staff alike overcame adversity and experienced a truly great adventure on the ‘mighty Ardeche river’. After an overnight journey through France we arrived for breakfast at our first destination – Ardeche Gorge – Segries, about an hour south of Montpelier. We had a brief ramble around the village of Vallon enabling the students to acclimatise themselves to the local environment and currency. Over the three days the party canoed down the river, the overall descent is about 37km in length. Indeed it was quite wonderful to witness the sense of achievement on students faces at the end of the trip. On the morning of the 29th June we set off for our second destination, the PGL site near Beziers on the Mediterranean. The day was split in to two sessions – windsurfing, snorkelling, kayaking, banana boating, pico sailing, raft building and team exercises. Whilst on the Med we had a day excursion to a water sports theme park in Cap D’agde and as always proved to be a real highlight for many. The final activity on the last day was a successful session on the climbing and abseiling tower. Finally we left for home on the 2nd July for the long overnight journey. The trip was a huge success, thanks to everyone involved! J. Naylor - Trip Organiser 2011
Young Enterprise Team ‘Esperanza’
Our Year 11 Young Enterprise team ‘Esperanza’ has been working all year round to raise money for The Children’s Trust, Tadworth. The trust provides care, education therapy and rehabilitation to children with multiple disabilities, complex health needs and acquired brain injury. Although the team was small, they were dedicated and enthusiastic about the company and business. After visiting the charity, the team were more determined to generate a substantial profit in order to support the amazing work they do there as much as possible. The team initially designed, made and sold Christmas cards at local events around Rye. They then designed and produced a yearbook and hoodie for the Year 11 leavers of Rye College. The yearbooks were all printed in-house and Hastings based company, Orotoro, provided and printed the top quality, fair trade cotton hoodies. The sales were excellent and many students can be seen around the town proudly wearing their leaver’s hoodies. The local finals of the Young Enterprise competition was held at the Azur Restaurant in Hastings on May 3rd. Esperanza impressed the judging panel and won three awards. The awards were given for Best Product, Best Presentation and Best Company Report. The team comprising of Imogen Steer, Nick Prentice, Lucy Le-Port, Rhiannon West and Jenni Quinnell made a total profit of £1000.00 which will be given directly to the charity to help them continue their good work.
Rye College Carnival & Fete
Year 11 Prom
Six-D Debut Single Out Now! Six D release their eagerly awaited single, the high octane ‘Best Damn Night’ on July 24th on Jive. The debut track from the world’s first street dancing pop band is an appropriately danceable and rhythmic slice of pulsing, party-centric R’n’B flavoured fun. Written by Wayne Wilkins (Cheryl Cole, Beyonce) and rising stars on the production scene, Antoine "T-Wiz" Collins and Priscilla Renea ‘Best Damn Night’ is an explosive dose of attitude packed, electronic pop. The super-talented Six D are the first UK act to work with Laurieann Gibson; Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj's creative director and choreographer. Laurieann is also currently starring in the Dance Scene, the new worldwide hit on the E! channel. Signed by Jive Records at the beginning of 2010, the six young members of this exciting British group are the best of the best. Joining movies like Streetdance 3D and Step Up, and the triumph of acts such as Diversity on Britain’s Got Talent, Six D are the latest addition to the global vogue for street dance. 'Best Damn Night', will be followed later in the summer by the release of Six D's debut album. Touring as special guests to JLS and the Saturdays earlier in the year to rave reactions, 2011 looks set to be defined by both the look and the sound of Six D. For all you SIX-D fans who welcomed the group when they came to Rye College, they have been in touch to let you know that their debut single is now out and available. Just follow the link below: http://www.youtube.com/user/SixDVEVO
Town Sports 2011 Rye College were successful again in Town Sports this year, racking up 6 medals. (from left to right) Alex , Ben , Joe , Lewis , Phill and Tommy .
A Year in the Humanities Department The Humanities department has had another busy year. In October Year Seven students visited Pevensey Castle and the 1066 battlefield at Battle. At the castle they thought about the difficulties of attack and defence and the strategic importance of the castle’s site. In the afternoon they walked the 1066 battlefield and visited the spot where it is thought Harold died after being shot by a Norman archer. Great fun was had re-enacting part of the battle which involved exhausting charges uphill by the Normans and loud, defensive cries by the Saxon army standing on the ridge. In November Year 9 visited the Imperial War Museum’s Holocaust Exhibition. Students were briefed by a relative of a holocaust victim before entering the exhibition. They found this an extremely moving experience which raised many questions about the nature of humanity and morality. In March, Year 9 and 10 students visited Ypres as part of their work on World War 1. The students learnt about the dramatic and tragic events of the war through the experiences of the battlefields and stories of the soldiers. Students were struck by the sheer number of soldiers listed at the Menin Gate. We visited British and German cemeteries and all students found it to be a poignant and rewarding experience. Finally the students were lucky enough to gain firsthand experience of what life was like in a trench, which included lots of mud and lost wellies, when they visited the preserved trenches and tunnels at Hill 62. During March, Year Seven students went to London to visit a mosque and synagogue. At the Central London Mosque they were shown around by a member of the Muslim community and in the main hall they witnessed Friday prayers. They then visited an exhibition about the historical and scientific aspects of Islam. After lunch they went to the Central Synagogue and were given a guided tour and were shown interesting Jewish artefacts by the rabbi. In May, Year Eight students visited the spectacular Neasden Mandir. Whilst there they witnessed the arti ceremony which is the community worship of Hindu gods. They then went on to Hampton Court Palace where they spent the afternoon looking around Henry VIII’s apartments and kitchens, and most fascinating of all, Henry’s toilet. Then into the famous maze and some finding the exit a lot quicker than others! In July, Year Ten Geography students visited Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and learnt about its salt marsh which is being developed as part of a national project to recreate this valuable habitat around the U.K. coastline. Students then followed the course of the Cuckmere River from near its source to the sea, carrying out experiments related to its cross profile and speed. They then considered the issue of what should happen at Cuckmere Haven – whether it should be maintained in its current managed state or allowed to return to its natural, early 19th century condition as a salt marsh. In July Year Seven were off again, visiting Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle. the cathedral they were given a tour by expert guides and visited the spot where Thomas Becket was gruesomely murdered by four knights. At the Dover Castle, they had fun exploring its newly recreated kitchen and great hall, before reaching the roof with its spectacular views over the Channel. Then it was onto exploring the medieval tunnels and the obligatory visits to the gift shops before returning home.
News from the Music Department It has been a very busy year here in music. Here are just a few of the many events we organised this year: November: A Night at the Movies. A spectacular and glitzy event showcasing singing students and raised £4,500 for The Childrens Charity. December: Music students perform for the Mayor at the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Event. February: The X-Factor at Wembley Arena. Over 100 students enjoyed a brilliant day out at Wembley Arena.
A Night at the Movies STOMP
March: STOMP at the Brighton Dome/Six-D come to Rye College. Drumming students enjoy a wonderful event watching the brilliant STOMP and meeting the performers after the show. April: N-Dubz at the Brighton Centre. A great time was had by our senior students when N-Dubz came to Brighton. May: Rush at The 02 Arena.
The X-Factor
June: London College Music Exams. Our students achieved stunning results in their exams. We had 20 passes, 22 merits and 18 distinctions. Well done to them all and their superb tutors Anneliese Dale and Matthew Juckes. Britain’s Got Talent at Wembley Arena. A fun filled evening at Wembley Arena the week after the nationwide final of Britain’s Got Talent. Shrek at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Students and parents enjoyed a lovely evening out in the West End. July: Summer Concert. Two nights of great performances from over 140 of our brilliant students and a sad occasion in saying goodbye and thank you to our talented year 11 students. The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium - the home of entertainment. A world class line up in a world famous venue. Many of our parents and students enjoyed a fabulous evening out in London’s West End. What a lovely way to round off a busy year.
N-Dubz
Mayor’s Christmas Event
RUSH
Six-D
Audio Active @ Rye College Our friends at AUDIO ACTIVE in Brighton will be working together with us from September offering some superb classes in Music Production, Sampling, DJ’ing and Beatboxing not only here at Rye College but at The Creative Centre. Offering your children something musical and constructive to do in the Summer Holidays beginning with an Open Day on July 28th at The Creative Centre.
Instrumental Lessons Thanks to you, our parents, we have maintained record number of students who choose to have weekly music lessons. Our numbers far exceed many neighbouring schools here in East Sussex and we’re very proud of that. Should your child be interested in starting lessons in September simply contact the Music Dept. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL LESSONS BEGIN AGAIN FROM MONDAY 12th SEPTEMBER.