Term 5 2023_24 Newsletter

Rye College Newsletter

Welcome to the Rye College End of Term Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

Our termly round up of activities, successes and achievements, along with Important news and upcoming dates for your diaries.

Thank you to our outgoing team of wonderful Year 11 Student Leaders

As we are handing over to our new Year 9 and 10 Student Leadership Team, we wish to look back on the hard work that has made by this year’s Student Leaders so successful

Led by Kinga and Ava, our outgoing Head Students, the team have been fantastic role models to their fellow students and have positively impacted our school through their charity and event work We are grateful for all your support with Open Events, welcoming prospective families to our school and giving them your thoughtful insights on what it is to be a Rye College student. We received so many lovely comments about you all.

A particular highlight was your exceptional role in our Christmas and early new year activities; from leading the Rye Food Bank donation drive, to entertaining younger students at Christmas lunch to welcoming families to our Spring Concert.

We wish you every success on your onward educational journeys and hope you look back on your Student Leadership role with great fondness and pride.

Welcome

Mr. D. Downes Head Teacher

Dear families,

Year 11 examinations are well underway in school and our Y11 students are working hard We are grateful for the support they are getting from you at home and we hope that it is not proving a too stressful process We continue to support them in and outside of school with masterclasses and pre-examination on-line sessions. Students are expected to attend school so that they can receive subject specific support from their teachers In addition, you will have received a letter from us, regarding May half-term revision sessions

In staffing news, we would like to extend a warm welcome to Ms. K. Grennan, who has joined us as a teacher of Drama. Ms. Grennan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. We are absolutely delighted that Ms Grennan joins the Performing Arts team, alongside Mrs L Greenough (teacher of Dance) and Mr Maxim (teacher of Music) to strengthen and grow our offer

This term has seen numerous events, providing our students with enriching and exciting opportunities both in and outside of school. I am especially delighted to report that the Rye College Press Club, who meet every Tuesday in the library, had their first article published in Rye News this week The team, working with volunteers from Rye News, explored the hot topic of a potential youth club in Rye The students surveyed their peers about whether they wanted a club, what activities would they like to do there and when. Using the information they had gathered, the team produced an article – special mention to Bel for all her hard-work. The Press Club members choose, develop, and write their own articles, learning journalistic skills from the brilliant volunteers We are very grateful to the team at Rye News, who bring with them extensive journalistic experience and wisdom

It was lovely to see a great turn out for the Y7 Progress Evening, where families were able to meet our colleagues, Mrs S Springell, our Place2Be counsellor, and Mr Swingler from Action Your Potential We also welcomed Y9 families for our Guided Choices Evening: where families met their child’s maths and English teachers, and learnt about the available choices for study in Years 10 and 11. We really hope that these events prove useful and informative.

However, we appreciate that not all families were able to attend or get appointments with the teachers: there is a limit to the number of appointments available in the allotted time If you wish to contact your child’s teacher at any point, please email office@ryecollege co uk stating which subjects you wish to contact for more information. Please also visit our website curriculum pages (Curriculum | Rye College | Aquinas Trust), where you will find useful information about the subjects we teach here at Rye College.

Next term will be an incredibly busy one for everyone here at the school Y11s will complete their examinations and all the rituals associated with moving onto the next stage of their education and lives. Meanwhile, we will be visited by both Y5 and 6s as they prepare for their secondary education. We are extremely proud when we are visited by our prospective families because all of our students are exceptionally welcoming and act as amazing ambassadors for their school I know that when groups of families are taken around the school, they will walk into classrooms where students are focused, engaged and learning

A final word and reminder for all Year 7, 8 and 9 families we are building towards Enrichment Week 2024 taking place week beginning Monday, 24th June At the same time, our Y10s will be embarking on their work experience placements, developing their employability skills Please look out for communications relating to these events: it is important that students meet the deadlines for activities so that they get the best out of these enriching opportunities.

Have a fantastic half term break.

Student Leadership

By Miss Mitchell, Student Leader Mentor

Over the past two weeks, Year 9 and 10 students have had the opportunity to apply to be a part of the 2024-2025 student leadership team.

The students, who applied, had to first complete an application form to share their interests and ideas. This was then followed by an interviewed carried out by Mrs Biddle, Mr Harrison and Miss Mitchell

It was fantastic to see how many students were interested in being a part of the team However, unfortunately, there are only 12 spaces Well done to all those who applied, you made the decision extremely tough However, after a lot of deliberating the student leadership team has been appointed.

Firstly, congratulations to Jessica Hilder and Morgan Collins, who were successful in achieving the role of Head Students. Congratulations as well to Ella Sherman, Frankie Gall, Freddie Hesmer, Isabel Hayward, Lucie Broome, Oliwier Zimirski, Riley King, Summer McHenry, Thomas Breen and Wilma Boddy, who make up the rest of the Student Leadership team

The new team is already underway in planning their next 12 months in post from running events, to charity activities, to working on the student voice The team will be made up of smaller sub-teams, each of which have been tasked with developing their area. A few projects already in the pipeline are: peer-to-peer mentoring, whole school charity events, school fundraising, environmental improvements and many more.

The new team is brimming with enthusiasm, productivity and kindness. Every member has different qualities to bring to the table, making it a very strong and dynamic team! We look forward to working with you and seeing what next year brings for the Student Leadership team, good luck!

Hello, my name is Jessica, I'm one of the new Head Students at Rye College I'm very appreciative to be able to uphold such an important responsibility, and I will make sure to keep in mind the Rye values and represent the school positively. The Student Leadership team are a group that takes on a role in leading student voice, this ranges from the wellbeing of students to any issues, concerns or changes students may have in mind It is our role to make sure that students are heard, and I aim to do that as much as I can over the next year, as well as build connections with students around school. You'll be hearing from the Student Leadership team frequently through the Weekly Student Bulletin and updates via the School Newsletter I look forward to be able to work with students to help change Rye College for the better, and I hope that you'll take an interest in seeing the Student Leadership Team’s progression over the next year. If you do have anything in mind for the school don't hesitate to let me or any member of the Student Leadership team know

Introducing our Head Students Jessica and Morgan..

Hi, my name is Morgan and I am one of the new Head Students for next year. I am grateful to get the position and can’t wait to continue the good work achieved by last year’s Student Leadership team We’re eager to start getting involved in many things for the school such as fundraising to benefit everyone else’s school experience. We are very excited to start helping with many school events next term such as leading family tours around school with Year 5s, Sports Day and Year 7 transition, and are looking forward to making a positive impact for all students at our school.

Sporting News

By Mr Gambrell, Head

of Physical Education

It’s been another busy term for Rye College students in PE and sports on and off the sports fields

Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation Trip to the AMEX Stadium

We took 10 female students to The Amex Stadium in Brighton for an 'Opening Doors' initiative This was a careerbased event where several representatives from the Brighton and Hove Albion Charity were present and spoke about their job, and how they work with the local community. We had an exclusive stadium tour where the students visited both changing rooms, manager dugouts and the walkout tunnel - all of which had state-of-the-art facilities! In the afternoon the students took part in team building and problem-solving activities with the other schools on the trip. This was a fantastic opportunity and something we would like to repeat next year.

Lifeguarding Swimming Lesson Success

Year 9 Bexhill College Football Tournament

A mixed group of Year 9 students participated in the Bexhill 6th Form College Football tournament alongside a host of other local schools.

Although we did not come away victorious, we can feel very proud of our team effort and strong performances Everyone enjoyed the tournament atmosphere and inter-school competitive spirit.

Throughout Term 5, we have worked with Rye Leisure Centre to deliver lifeguarding training sessions to students in Years 8 - 10 During these sessions, students have learned basic first aid skills and applied this in a practical setting The sessions were enjoyed by all students and everyone learned vital skills that may be needed in the future. We hope to run these sessions again in our next academic year.

What’s coming up in Term 6...

Canterbury Christchurch University Sports Science Trip

On 13th June, we are taking a group of Year 10 Sport Science students to Canterbury Christ Church University to visit the Sport Science Labs. During the day, students will participate in a carousel of activities that will be facilitated by the University sports staff and link directly to the student’s learning. This will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the subject to help students complete coursework assignments and the exam which is completed in Year 11. Aside from the curriculum benefits, the children will be using state-of-the-art technology and equipment in a Higher Education institution. We’re looking forward to this trip.

Sports Day

Sports Day is taking place on Tuesday 16th July and is building up to be an exciting event We have secured medals and certificates for competitors and we have been working hard behind the scenes to have everything prepared so the day can run smoothly. The student sign-up will be completed in Mentor groups during Term 6. We encourage ALL students to sign up for at least 1 event. Best of luck to all competitors!

Trip News

By Ms Ruhla, Teacher of French and Mrs Willett, Head of Geography

Year 9 Geography Fish Industry Trips

This term, Year 9 Geography students had the incredible opportunity to visit Rye Fish Market as part of their learning unit about sustainability.

Students gained an important insight into the workings of one of Rye’s oldest industries and the related employment via the fishing fleet, shops and the national and international distribution of our local catch

GCSE French Exchange Trip

Our French language students had a wonderful time on their exchange trip to Montreuil-sur-Mer!

Rye Fish Market took students on an immersive and entertaining journey from learning about the boats on Simmons Quay.

Adam, whose father, and grandfather were both fishermen, spent time with students explaining where the various types of fish came from and encouraged some brave handling! He also gave a fantastic demonstration on gutting, filleting and prepping: giving our students some top culinary tips!

The highlight was learning to cook and then enjoy eating the freshly caught haddock, bass and scallops at the Seafood Bar adjacent to the market

We are so grateful to Rye Fish Market for the opportunity to help us raise awareness of our food chains, sustainability challenges and promote career opportunities in our local community.

We were warmly welcomed by our fellow exchange students and their teachers. Our students were excited to finally meet their penfriends!

Students loved the opportunity to experience lessons in a french school and all the inter-school bonding activities they participated in including; firing catapults, to presentations on our respective towns, a guided tour of Le Touquet and shopping trip Our trip ended in a party in the school chapel where we ate delicious food, chatted to our new friends and danced the night away! Lots of strong friendships were formed

We would like to congratulate our students on demonstrating our Rye College ‘kindness’ value throughout the trip From helping us carry things, to tidying up, to looking after their peers and being so open to new friendships

We are very proud of this inaugurual exchange trip between our two towns We are so very grateful for the help and support of Lord Astor and the Rye Town Mayor and Councillor for the development of this new partnership, and for the kind financial donation which helped enable the trip

Rye College Press Club

Encouraging our young journalists!

We’re so excited about our innovative partnership with Rye News! This collaboration aims to provide students with hands-on experience in journalism by offering them the opportunity to publish articles and engage with real-world journalistic practices

By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, we are not only fostering the development of journalistic skills but also nurturing a sense of responsibility and local engagement. Our students are being empowered to actively participate in informing the narrative of their local community

The first article commissioned by Rye News editor James Stewart looks at the potential new youth club in Rye He was also impressed by the students’ story plans “Everyone may have a different idea, but they were all keen to work together. The range of stories is brilliant. I’m sure our readers will enjoy what’s written, and getting to know this new generation of Rye News writers ”

We’re really looking forward to sharing it.

Mr Downes (pictured below with the Editor of Rye News) said, "We are thrilled to develop our already strong relationship with Rye News. Our students will benefit immensely from the opportunity to apply their learning in a practical setting, gaining valuable insights into the field of journalism and developing essential skills for the future. Writing is such a key life skill and this new club fits in perfectly with what we want our students to achieve They’ll also develop new research skills and find new ways of expressing themselves."

Earlier this term, 90 of our Year 7 and 8 students participated in the nationwide UK Mathematics Trust Junior Mathematical Challenge as part of our Rye Advance Programme The challenge involved a 60 minute, 25 multiple choice paper which encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency to make students think.

We are delighted to announce that our incredible students’ success Congratulations to you all! Year 7

Gold Award - Ethan O

Silver Award - Dellanti, Harry, Eileen, Naina

Bronze Award - Kiril, Milo, Betty, Blake, Dexter, Todd, Cadyen, Lydia Year 8

Gold Award - Hannah, Jack R

Silver Award - Dusty, Keegan, Benjamin, Daisy, Lottie

Bronze Award - Rex, Cadi, Toby, Aggie, Felix, Paige T, George A, William, Jack A, George C, Charlotte, Albie, Luca, Lewis

Meet our Team

5 Minutes with...

Ms Grennan, Teacher of Drama

Tell us about your role at Rye College? I have been appointed as a teacher of Creative Arts I am in charge of the planning and delivery of all Drama lessons in KS3 and Eduqas GCSE Drama. I also will be running extra-curricular activities.

What's the best part of your job?

I am very inspired when I see students become confident and proficient in Drama skills and when they can deconstruct a performance verbally This is very empowering for them, particularly in the current climate of social media monopoly. I also really enjoy the extra-curricular aspects of my role, such as doing School Productions, Drama Clubs, and Introducing young minds to unique unusual theatre productions.

Why do you think Performing Arts is so important for young people?

Performing Arts is an emotional and physical release for young people. It is a different type of learning and expression. It encourages them to be self-disciplined, collaborate and think laterally Some of the key skills in a drama lesson can be verbally and intellectually articulating thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

Tell us about some of your exciting department plans.

Well! I am supporting the production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is lovely From September, I plan to run lunchtime Drama clubs for years 7, 8 and 9 in and Key Stage 4 will have free use of the Drama facilities two lunchtimes a week as they do a lot of performances for their GCSE in Drama We also plan to run a Performing Arts showcase for all years before Christmas. Finally, we plan to run a GCSE Theatre visit in the autumn term and a KS3 Theatre visit later in the academic year So, all very exciting!

What performance, play, film, song and book has had the greatest impact on you?

Performance - a wonderful production of Shakespeare’s' The Tempest at the Almeida Theatre, Islington.

Song - Feeling Good by Nina Simone.

Book - The Unbearable Lightness of Being, By Milan Kundera

Film – Emily based on the wonderful author of Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte and the musical score by Abel Korzeniowski is sublime.

What's one item you can't leave home without? Carmex Lip balm!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Tickets on sale now!

We’re so excited to share news that tickets for our summer production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are now on sale.

The cast and crew have been working so hard all year - its going to be a night to remember!

Click here to book your tickets

Curriculum Spotlight

Religious Education

Mrs Phipps, Head of Religious Education

Tell us about the RE curriculum at Rye College?

What we study is based on national requirements for RE. The syllabus requires us to teach a range of different worldviews including atheist and “non-religious” worldviews, alongside major world faiths, including Christianity. We aim to give our students a clear understanding of the base of the three main “Abrahamic” Religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam, alongside non-religious beliefs such as “Humanism” first, before introducing “Dharmic” faiths like Sikhism and Buddhism Between broad modules like “Prophecy” or “Wisdom Literature”, which give a foundational understanding of concepts there are shorter “Lived out” units which could be about the experience of Muslim teenagers in Britain today, or how Humanists (Atheists, non-religious people) celebrate Christmas, or how Christians celebrate Epiphany, for example

What do you think are the most important benefits of RE for our students?

Reflecting on, understanding, and expressing what they believe personally, analysing what others believe, and practising how to communicate with others who may have different views, is an essential skill for modern life. It helps with everything from communication with friends, to voting in an election, to figuring out what job you might like, or getting along well with your neighbours.

What are your plans and aspirations for the Rye College RE department?

RE is such amazing subject and it gives students a window into the wider world – as we develop and build the curriculum, I hope there will be more chances for visits and cultural events as well as work that involves drawing different subject areas together so students can see how sets of skills work together I would like to also enter national competition called “Spirited Arts” and next term we will select some of our best student pieces to enter, bringing reflection on RE themes and artwork and writing together

Tell us a little bit about your background?

I always wanted to be a secondary school teacher, and I was an English teacher for many years, which I loved I still love language and literature, but I always loved learning about religions and ideas, so when opportunities to teach RE came up it felt a natural move It’s all about understanding what makes people tick RE combinates lots of different disciplines and overlaps with various different subjects – History, Psychology, Geography, Literature, Sociology, Theology, Philosophy, Archeaology I love to learn about people and how they live and what’s important to them I am a priest While some priests run churches (i e “vicars”), there are quite a lot working in different communities, and my main love is education So, although I help in local church services sometimes, I mainly choose to be in a classroom!

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I have always loved sport At university I used to play competitive volleyball – although I’m not that fit right now! I’ve also enjoyed ballet for many years and am currently enjoying getting back into archery, which I used to do as a teenager I also love cooking and trying out new recipes on friends and family, especially cakes and puddings.

Religious Education in action....

This term, Year 10 enjoyed learning about Judaism with a special lesson courtesy of Mr Werret in Food Technology Students enjoyed learning about and making Challah bread - and then eating their creations!

What’s Ahead

Looking forward to Term 6

Key dates for your diary

Date Activity

03/06/2024 Return to Term 6

04/06/2024 Return French Exchange Visit to Rye College

13/06/2024 Year 10 Canterbury Christchurch University Sports Science Trip

17/06/2024 Year 10 PPEs

21/06/2024 Year 10 ESCG Taster Day

24/06/2024 Key Stage 3 Enrichment Week Year 10 Work Experience

25/06/2024 Year 7 and 8 Trip to France

26/06/2024 Year 11 Prom

28/06/2024 Year 7 and 8 Trip to France

29/06/2024 Year 9 and 10 Italy Trip 2024

09/07/2024 Year 10 Progression Morning

11/07/2024 Year 10 Bexhill College Taster Day

16/07/2024 Sports Day

17/07/2024 Rye College Awards Evening

19/07/2024 End of Term 6 - non-uniform day and early finish 12 30pm