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Newsletter 5 - March 2025
Pupil Leadership
Trip to Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day Service
Eight Year 11 pupils were lucky enough to be invited to attend the annual
Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday, 10th
March. The Commonwealth Day Service is a celebration that honours the
Commonwealth’s people as well as its cultures and customs.
It featured readings, hymns, reflections, and musical performances and
concluded with the congregation afÏrming its belief in justice and peace
for all. Some highlights were being greeted by the drumming of Shree
Muktajeevan Swamibapa, a Hindu Scottish pipe band based in London, as
well as watching the Masai dancing performance. Pupils also had a close
view of the procession as Their Majesties came down the aisle, followed by
the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal as they entered the
Abbey. We also later spotted Sir Keir Starmer as well as other global leaders.
We saw some famous sights in London on the way, for example Buckingham
Palace, Big Ben and Parliament Square. It was a brilliant day and a once-in-
a-lifetime opportunity; we even made it onto TV! You can watch the recording
of the service on BBC iPlayer…keep an eye out for us!
Mrs Holder, Pupil Leadership Lead
Careers
Work Experience MOCK Interviews
In preparation for work experience, the timetable is suspended for one morning of activities. The activities include: writing
curriculum vitae, role play and health and safety whilst in the workplace. Each pupil also attends a 20 minute one-to-one
interview. I am looking for volunteers to act as interviewers for this morning, which will take place on 3rd June. Each
interviewer will see approximately 3-4 pupils over the duration of the morning. Feedback should be given to the pupils in
terms of their CVs and any tips or advice for the future. If you are interested in being involved in this event, or would like
further information, please contact me at the email address below.
Investors in Careers
The kitemark for quality careers education and guidance,
‘Investors in Careers’, which St Richard’s Catholic College
currently holds is due to be reassessed. The reassessment
fully incorporates the eight Gatsby Benchmarks. The
reassessment is structured around four key elements:
1. Commitment - the school renews our commitment to
careers education, information, advice and guidance
(CEIAG) and The Quality in Careers standard.
2. Organisation - the school continues to have a stable
careers programme, including how we are meeting the
DfE statutory requirements.
3. Delivery - a programme of Careers Education is
delivered that addresses the careers learning needs of
each pupil. This is where we must demonstrate we are
meeting all eight Gatsby benchmarks.
4. Evaluation - ensuring that all staff involved in the
careers programme prepare all pupils for choices,
decisions and transitions. The CEIAG programme is
systematically monitored, reviewed and evaluated to
ensure it is meeting the needs of all pupils.
As part of the reassessment process we will have an
assessor in school. If successful, the school will be given
the award for a further three years.
Work Experience update
Year 10 pupils will go on a week’s work experience in
June. As you are aware, the deadline for submitting work
experience placement choices has now passed. Mrs Forte
is busy behind the scenes contacting employers and
coordinating with East Sussex County Council to ensure
each placement is suitable. At the time of writing, Mrs
Forte has approximately 50 pupils left to place. If there
has been a problem with your child's chosen placements,
Mrs Forte will speak to him/her, or contact you directly to
source a solution. Once all of the pupils have been linked
to a work experience placement, (I am hoping this will be
completed by the end of April) details of the placement will
be shared with you and your child via email. Your email
will contain a link to an agreement for you, a safeguarding
document and also a medical emergency form (which will
be shared with the placement). Your child will receive a
separate email with a pupil agreement for them to sign. All
of these documents need signing and submitting prior to
the placement being able to take place.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Mrs Adams, Careers Lead - mrsadamsc@strichardscc.com