SEND
Schools-based Keyworker
We are delighted to announced that Mrs N Campbell has
successfully applied for a new post within the school’s SEND
and Pastoral Care team, and will shortly be in post as our
first Schools-based Keyworker. Mrs Campbell will work with
SEND pupils and their families at St Richard’s, and also
our four Deanery Primary partner schools – St Thomas à
Becket, Sacred Heart, St Mary Star of the Sea and St Mary
Magdalene’s, to provide support either in school or in the
home. This will expand our ability to provide direct support for
children and families, without the need for an outside referral.
Mrs Campbell will continue to work closely with in-school
pupils and colleagues. We are really excited to be working
with her in this new role.
Year 11 GCSEs and Year 10 mock examinations
All the very best of luck to Year 11, who begin their GCSE
exams on Thursday, 9th May. We know you’re ready and
can’t wait to see you give your best on the day, and receive
the results you richly deserve in the summer! Year 10 pupils
are soon to begin their first set of mock exams. The whole
Learning Support team would like to wish them all very good
luck for their first experience of formal exams.
What’s cooking?
A group of young chefs in Years 9 and
10 have begun regular cooking sessions
in school! Freya and Darren have been
flipping pancakes with Seb, our OT.
Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
We are embarking on a pilot project with the Local Authority
to help to increasing our knowledge and understanding as a
school of EBSA, and improve our ability to support children
and young people experiencing this. This will involve
working with the local Educational Psychologists service,
and it’s hoped that as a school we can contribute towards
developing knowledge and confidence around EBSA
throughout East Sussex schools.
SEN Magazine
In the most recent edition of the free online magazine, there
are articles on: selective mutism, toxic stress and young
brains, neurodiversity; and wait time, amongst other topics
that may be of interest to all parents/carers.
Upcoming events during Term 5:
Thursday, 25th April 2024, 5pm-8pm: Year 8 Parent/Carer
Consultation Evening. Please contact me to arrange an
appointment: mrsmithi@strichardscc.com
Oliwia, with able assistance from Mrs
Fitzgerald, baked this fantastic banoffee
pie! We all hope there are lots more
goodies to come…!
With very best wishes, Mr Smith and all in the Learning Support department
Page 8
Newsletter 5 - March 2024
Mrs Mead, Subject Leader for RE
RE
It has been a very busy two terms full of exciting topics and discussions in
the classroom.
In Year 7, pupils have continued their
learning of the new RE curriculum. They
completed ‘Galilee to Jerusalem’ last term
and are currently working on ‘Desert to
Garden’. They are taking on the increased
rigour with real passion and enthusiasm.
In Year 8, pupils have completed a topic on philosophy.
They found this unit really engaging with all the
philosophical discussions in class. They are currently
working on a topic called “God is Calling you.” This
topic covers vocation, marriage, confirmation and
ordination. They have been fortunate to have visits
from the local clergy, talking about vocation.
Last term, Year 9 pupils covered a unit called
‘Medical Ethics’ and were fortunate to have
a visit from the local charity Reflect. This
term, pupils have been working on a unit
called “Death and Resurrection.” They have
had a much closer look at the events of
the Paschal Mystery and why this liturgical
season of Lent and Easter is so important for
us as Catholics.
Year 10 have almost completed half of their GCSE course. They will prepare for their mock exams
coming up after Easter. Year 11 have started their revision for their summer GCSE exams and are on a
revision rotation.
(Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)