Staffing Update
I am pleased to re-introduce our core team, with some
changes in job roles, for the new school year.
•
SENCo: Mr Ian Smith
•
Deputy SENCo: Mrs Kirsten Britt
•
Key Stage Co-ordinators: Miss Leah Hanlon (KS3) and
Mrs Pauline Kerrigan (KS4)
•
Schools-based Keyworker: Mrs Nikki Campbell
We are also delighted to welcome Miss Sibley (INA) and
Miss Cleary, who is providing TA support for 1 day per week,
to our Learning Support team.
New term, positive mindset!
As we begin a new academic year, we are focused on
equipping our students with the skills they need to thrive.
Success isn't just about academic ability; it's also about
building confidence and resilience. We are committed to
helping our learners develop key life skills that will serve
them throughout their educational journey and beyond, using
techniques such as:
Goal setting: Through reviews of their Snapshot or
Additional Needs Plan (ANP), we help pupils to identify their
ambitions and create clear pathways to achievement.
Study skills: We equip our students with evidence-
based learning techniques, including mind mapping and
metacognitive skills. These methods give them the edge they
need to become confident, effective learners.
Resilience: We work to build emotional strength and coping
strategies that help students bounce back from setbacks. Our
focus is on developing a growth mindset, managing feelings,
and the vital skill of turning challenges into opportunities.
SEND Clubs
Lunch Clubs:
Our lunchtime club runs daily as a quieter space for pupils
to eat their lunch, have a chat and play games during their
lunch break. There is a room available daily for Years 7 and
8, and a separate room for Years 9, 10 and 11. Please see
the timetable on the SEN Office door. Other lunchtime clubs
and activities are available to all year groups, and are warmly
encouraged for all pupils.
Prep Club and Prep Club Plus:
At St. Richard’s we offer two after school homework clubs:
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Prep Club: with Ms Hubbard, BICT from 3:30pm – 5pm
(Monday – Thursdays) / 3:30pm – 4:15pm (Friday):
Prep Club is available to all pupils as a supervised
space where pupils can access PCs to complete their
homework at the end of the school day.
•
Prep Club Plus: CICT 7 from 3:25pm – 4:25pm (Monday
– Thursday) for SEN pupils who benefit from additional
support to complete their homework, supported by our
team of Teaching Assistants/LSAs.
Further reading
The most recent (July/August) issue of SEN Magazine.
Article from SecEd on proposed changes to law around SEN
in the new SEN White Paper.
Wishing you all a very happy new school year.
Mr Smith and all in the SEND team
We have some wonderful news to share with you all! We'd
like to extend a huge congratulations to our Year 11 pupils
for their incredible English results this summer. Their hard
work and dedication really was worthwhile. We achieved a
spectacular 91% pass rate in combined English Language
and Literature, with 85% of students earning a grade 4 or
higher in English Language and 84% in Literature.
We're exceptionally proud to announce that our English
department is now at the top of the county for both
Language and Literature results! This remarkable
achievement is a testament to the talent and perseverance
of our pupils, as well as the tireless commitment of our
dedicated English team. It's been an absolute privilege to
watch everyone succeed.
As we begin a new academic year, we're filled with
excitement and optimism. We look forward to welcoming
our new pupils and inspiring them to find a similar passion
for their studies. We're also thrilled to introduce you to the
newest member of our team, Mrs. Hamer. A highly qualified
and enthusiastic English teacher, she's eager to become a
part of the St. Richard's community.
We hope you all had a fantastic holiday. Let's make this
another year of incredible learning and success together!
Page 9
Newsletter 1 - September 2025
SEND
(Special Educational Needs
and Disabilities)
A very warm welcome back to all pupils, and a special welcome to our new Year 7s. All of us in the SEND team hope the
term is already off to a great start, and that with the right support, our learners will have a fantastic and fulfilling year at St.
Richard’s. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is crucial for your child's success.
Your insights and feedback are invaluable, and we encourage you to stay in touch with us. The email address to use is
send@strichardscc.com, or alternatively please phone the school and ask for the relevant member of staff.
English
Miss Rowland
Subject Leader English