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
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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