Regents Review Summer 2024

REGENTS PARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

SUMMER 2024

Year 11 Prom

Hot 50 Fun!

Sports Day

Matilda Jr.

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

WELCOME Headteacher’s Welcome

Another fantastic year celebrating all that is special about working in education and the genuine privilege of watching our students develop into wonderful leaders of the future. The voice of our young generation has never been more important and this year we have increased our student voice leadership for the third year in a row. In this bumper version of our Regents Review, you will note that on almost every page, we are celebrating the independence and resilience of our students: Duke of Edinburgh, allotment leaders, mentors during Transition Day, careers leaders, competition winners, digital leaders and sports leaders. We know our students are passionate about changing their school for the better, so we embrace the superb views of our Student Ambassadors and College Council, who lead regular meetings and they always set us targets that they expect us to achieve. This year, we took our school leaders to another level when they attended the Secondary Education Forum and presented to a wide range of educational leaders on key topics they feel very passionate about, a very proud moment for any Headteacher. We also continue to develop school leaders of the future, with our staff completing leadership qualifications including Masters, Apprenticeships and NPQs, to mention a few. With this success, comes the celebrations of promotions and this year we celebrate the success of several of our staff team moving to new promotional posts in the autumn term. We wish Mr Grainey and Miss Birch the very best of luck, as they embrace change and new challenges moving to new leadership posts. We must also celebrate the creativity that we love so much at Regents Park and some of our staff are certainly being creative, as they move to new schools and new posts. We wish Mr Selfe, Mrs Smith and Mrs Sturdy a very successful move to their new schools and we look forward to hearing all about the adventures of working in other schools. Mrs Freeman has been leading the creative arts department at Regents Park, for over twenty years and this year, she will retire from teaching. I would like to thank her for her commitment to our school community over these years and we hope that she will enjoy all the adventures that she has planned in her retirement. As many of you will know, Mrs Bishop has worked alongside Mrs Freeman and together they have been the dream team, just

quietly making things happen. This year has been very challenging for Mrs Bishop as she has battled illness and despite her determination, she has decided that she needs to step away from teaching. Mrs Bishop has been the most supportive Head of Year to hundreds of students over her years at RPCC and I know you will all join me in wishing her well. A new year always starts with the next generation of RPCC staff and they are all ready to join our community. I know you will give a warm RPCC welcome to the following staff who will join us in September: Mrs Holloway, will be our new Head of Creative Arts and she will be joined by Miss Buckle (Art/DT), Miss Coull (Art/Photography), Miss Poole (Drama/English) and Mrs Green (Food Technology). Mrs Meeghan will be joined in maths by Mrs Becker and Mr Faur, as we continue to develop our RPCC mathematicians. The MFL team will welcome Miss Gurung. We also welcome Mrs Petals who will teach computing & business and Mrs Osborne who will join the English team. Our amazing support team will also see some changes with Mrs Thompson, who has been an Art/ DT technician for many years, retiring to support her family. Mr Demollari will take over all her amazing work. We will miss Mrs Thompson with her organisation to keep everything working so smoothly across creative arts and we wish her well as she embraces these changes. With the ever increasing level of practicals in science, I am delighted that Mrs Stear will be joining the science team and I know we will value her passion and knowledge linked to STEM. In a challenging recruitment landscape, the warmth of our community means that we have employed new staff that are passionate about making the difference to young people and although there is always an additional challenge for new staff to build relationships and learn our systems, I am confident that this is a truly wonderful opportunity to add to our Regents Park family. The final message from me is to wish you an enjoyable, safe and happy summer and I look forward to leading Regents Park once again in September for another wonderful school year. Mrs Barnes Headteacher

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Resource Hub Gerbils! The Resource Hub would like to announce the names that have been chosen for our gerbils. The votes are in and have been counted and verified… the gerbils are named Salt and Pepper! Thank you to all students and staff that have taken part in the name recommendations for our newest arrivals. The students have enjoyed researching the gerbils, to find out how to best look after them and what treats they like. Their favourite is mill worms! Some students have even hand fed the gerbils, as they are becoming more familiar with their environment. Students can feel free to come and visit our gerbils, Salt and Pepper in the Resource Hub - but remember, you need to be quiet, as they don’t like loud noises.

Calling all ex students! We would love to hear from our ex students to see what you have all been up to! Please contact us if you would like to be part of our growing alumni community at info@regentspark.southampton.sch.uk

SIMS Parent App SIMS Parent App enables you to access real time information. • Achievement points

• Behaviour points • Student timetable • Attendance • Calendar

• Update student data information • School reports (when available)

If you wish to register for SIMS Parent App, please contact us via telephone or email.

Summer Uniform Update Students can continue to not wear a blazer and have shirts untucked when in school. On cooler days, students can wear a plain school jumper or blazer. Hoodies are not allowed. Normal uniform will be back in place for September.

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Year 7

have had this year, but as I only have a limited amount of space, I will condense it to 5: 1. Hot 50 x3 times 2. Over 40,000 achievements points given across the year – our target was reached! 3. Trips such as to the Southampton Oceanography Centre and to see Six! the musical 4. Some of the highest attendance in the school 5. Over 50 zero heroes! (No behaviour points all year) I would like to personally congratulate our top 10 students, who have received the most achievement points this year. A

huge well done to all of you. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves!

What a fantastic first year of secondary school Year 7 have had! I am so immensely proud of the way our students have faced the new challenges that come with starting at a new school. These have included: navigating new friendships, finding their way around a bigger site, as well as challenging new learning, sometimes in subjects they have not had before. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow both academically in their progress and attainment, but socially too. I could go on for pages and pages about all the successes Year 7

Wisdom Poppy Zander

491 480 413 394 381 380 373

Uzair

Emaan

Leon

James

Ola 372 I am really looking forward to welcoming you all back in September, but until then, have a wonderful summer!

Miss Harrison Head of Year 7

Year 8

attendance web page here: regentsparkcollege.org. uk/attendance/ Have a wonderful summer break and enjoy the time away from school. Mr Ramshaw

As the year draws to an end, Year 8 have proven that they are ready to step up into Year 9 and prepare for the start of their GCSE years here at Regents Park. There has been so much positivity to look back on for this year, with record achievement points being earned, excellent attitude to learning in reports and highest amounts of students gaining entry into the Hot 50. Well done to everyone who has pushed themselves this year. The priority for next year is excellent attendance. If students are not in school, they cannot learn and as we approach the most important time in your education, you have to be at school. 9 out of 10 or 90% may be good in a test, but in terms of attendance, it is unacceptable and risks your child falling behind in their subject knowledge and skills. There are 13 weeks in the year to take holiday and book appointments. 195 days in school per year and with 90% attendance, means that your child misses 4 weeks of school, which is 120 lessons! This disadvantages their future prospects. If you need support with attendance issues, please refer to our

Assistant Headteacher Interim Head of Year 8

100% Attendance

Alfie

PWE KGR NKH NKH NKH KGR NKH MBR NKH

Angela Jayden Jessie Joshua

Kamalpreet

Kimberly

Nikyar

Testimony

Tofunmi Yashwa

KBL

JFI

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GENERAL NEWS

Highest Achievement Points

0 Behaviour Points

Zuzia Keven

KBL

436 424 422 422 414 413 409 409 391 385 381 371 367 361 356 355 353 352 352 351 350 348 343 339 339 339 338 337

Ace

KGR

Kit

KBL

MBR KBL BBR MBR MBR KBL KGR PWE NKH NKH KGR KGR NKH MBR NKH MBR

Aiden

NKH Lacey PWE Laura PWE Lily-Mai NKH Luisa

PWE

George Dwen Hastiin Junior

Alfie Alice

KBL

JFI JFI

Amelia Angela

KGR NKH

Mahi

KGR MBR PWE

Holly

Ash

Mankiran

Ace

Ashleigh Benedict

JFI

Mason

Alfie

BBR Matylda

KBL

Ash

Binti

KBL

Myra

JFI

Zahrah

Bobby Bruce Callum

NKH Nicole

KGR NKH

Mehreen

JFI JFI

Nicu Noah

Mohammad MBR

JFI

Rahul

Charlotte

NKH Oliwia

PWE MBR KGR

Jayden

Chyna Czarina

JFI

Phoebe

Tilly Jack

MBR Rahul

Dana

JFI

Riley

KBL

Czarina

Dominik

KGR Ruby

PWE PWE

Julia

KBL

Emily

KBL KBL

Shahid Shanai

Baboucarr

NKH

George

JFI

Jireh

KBL

Grace

BBR Sofia

NKH NKH MBR PWE NKH

Andriana

JFI

Halima Hastjyot

KGR Testimony

Angela

KGR KBL NKH MBR KBL BBR

KBL KBL

Tilly

Isa

Holly

Timmy Tommy Yashwa

Sofia

Jayden

NKH

Toshko

Jireh

KBL

JFI

Olaf

Junior

MBR KGR

Yonis

NKH NKH

Roksana

Kamalpreet

Zahrah

Keven

MBR Zuzia

KBL

Kimberly

NKH

Year 9

From the amount of ethos badges that have been awarded, the support they have given me and their tutors and of course, the support and commitment they give around the whole school - especially in their support for school-wide events, such as the Year 6 transition day. I have received nothing but the highest praise and feedback.

The students have achieved over 28,000 achievements points, with 34% of the year achieving zero behaviour points. We have also reduced a lot of the low-level behaviour across the year group. I would like to add a thank you to all the parents for their support with this. In attendance this year, we have

I have had a wonderful time working alongside the students and the Year 9 team over the last two terms. As we come to the end of another academic year and the students last year of KS3, I find myself reflecting upon their success and achievements.

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had over 50 students with over 97% attendance and the following with 100% attendance:

The students have now chosen their options for Year 10, which means they begin their Key Stage 4 GCSE lessons in September. I have spoken to many of them and they are excited to be given the opportunity to choose subjects to study and are ready to start their next journey at RPCC.

Finally, I would like to wish all of Year 9 and your families a lovely summer holiday. We are all very much looking forward to welcoming you back as Year 10 students in September. Mr McIntyre Head of Year 9

Georgia-Rose Mariam Jacob Kinti Ella Tate Dyllyon Bella Ashley Ben

Year 10

As we approach the final last few weeks of the term, I have had time to reflect over this last year and in particular, how well Year 10s have settled down into KS4. We have had a full-on year with: work experience, interviews for the Senior Student Leadership Team, mock exams and a taster day at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College and City College, trips for the Duke of Edinburgh award and our final Hot 50 reward of the year. Year 10s are now entering the final stage of their journey here at RPCC, as they start Year 11 in September and start preparing for their GCSEs. I have been honoured to work alongside with Mr Sinclair, Head of Year and for us to continue with this fantastic year group. We have so much to look forward to, in the upcoming year of 2024/2025. Our first event is on the 4th September, as we have our team building trip to Thorpe Park, our prom committee is up and running and looking forward to fundraising and organising their prom for 2025. A big thank you to all the tutors, who have been involved and supported our Year 10 group. I would like to wish all of Year 10 and their families a wonderful summer break and look forward to seeing you back in September as Year 11s. Mrs Jarvis Head of Year 10 Support

Top 10 Achievement Points this Year Olivia 362 Wiktor 357 Priya 349 Kiera 344 Daisy 310 Mae 307 Bryony 306 Hikmet 301

Students with 0 Behaviour Points this year Alana Jessica Resham Alejandro Jessica Rose Aleksandra Joanna Samuel Amelia Julija Sana Ava Kyle Savannah Beth Laura Sayema Camsy Leo Senesa Carla Levi Sophie Ece Lily Sophie Emma Logan Taisia Faith Luca Tolu Filip Nikola Umar Hailey Olivia Victoria James Philip Wiktor Jasveer Priya Jess Rebeka

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Daisy Senior Prefects Wiktor Gayathri Mya Samuel

Senior Student Leadership Team 2024/2025 Head Ambassadors Alana Hikmet Deputy Head Ambassadors Sophie

Year 11

We love you, we will miss you and we are incredibly proud of you. Well done, Year 11. Mrs Board Head of Year 11

Well, it’s the end of an era! We’ve finished exams, had our leavers’ assembly, and now we’ve finally danced the night away at prom. Year 11 have made not only me, but the whole community here at RPCC immensely proud. We have grown a lot – physically and emotionally – and are now ready to take on the world, whether this be at local or distant colleges, or through apprenticeships and work placements. We have all said our goodbyes and good lucks, so I’d just like to end how I ended my speech at the Year 11 Leavers’ Assembly: I have only been your Head of Year for not even a full year, however I can honestly say, it’s been my most rewarding year as a teacher so far. I’ve spent midnights awake and worrying about you, dinner times laughing with my husband about silly jokes you have made, and endless days fighting your corner every second that I can. I can only say that I’m jealous of Mrs Bishop for getting to have you for four whole years, and I had such a short time with you. I also owe massive thanks to her for getting you in such a good shape as a year group – my job could have been a lot harder. Thank you for letting me lead you and thank you for making me feel like I’ve made a difference in your lives. That is something about which every teacher dreams. Live your wildest dreams, but don’t forget the story of us and how your adult life began in these very halls. Now it is your time to begin again.

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Business Manager’s Update

Calendar – This is updated on a regular basis, with additional events: regentsparkcollege. org.uk/home/school-details/ calendar/. Skoolkit / KoolSkools - Please visit the school uniform page on our website for up to date information on our uniform: regentsparkcollege.org.uk/school information/school-uniform/ In addition to the above, please ensure your child remembers to wear their lanyard and School Card as this is part of the school uniform. Not only is this used to purchase lunch, as part of the fast track service, but it is also needed if your child needs access to a laptop or to borrow books in the library. Please look at our uniform policy for full details. FSM – is your child entitled to a Free Meal at school? Please complete the online form to see if you are eligible. cloudforedu.org. uk/ofsm/southampton/ School Street – we have a road closure in place on Richville Road at the start and end of the day to allow safe arrival and exit by the students. Please can parents ensure that they are parking appropriately on King Edward Avenue and Oakley Road. Please do not block driveways, double park or park on yellow lines. Alumni – if you are, or you have a child who is, an ex-student, we would love to hear what you/they have been doing since leaving Regents Park. Please get in contact by emailing us at info@ regentspark.southampton.sch.uk Clubs & Classes – We have a range of different clubs & classes that run after school. For a full list of these, please visit: regentsparkcollege.org.uk/school information/clubs-classes/ Breakfast Club – Students have the opportunity to start their day with breakfast and a drink at Breakfast Club, which Mrs Simmons, Welfare Officer,

continues to run every morning from 8:00am – 8:20am. Communication If you are contacting the school as your child is absent, please dial the absence line 02380 725712 (answerphone service available) For all other urgent enquiries please call our main reception – 02380 325444. Due to high volume of calls received during school hours, if your call is not answered there will be an option to leave a message. All urgent communication from the school to parents will be via text message and email in the first instance and posted on our website and social media platforms. It is therefore important to ensure that the school has your up to date contact information and this can be updated via SIMS Parent App or contacting the school reception. In addition to the above, if the school has an urgent matter to discuss regarding your child, you may receive a phone call on this occasion by the relevant member of staff. Non Urgent Communication The main method of non urgent communication from parents to the school is via email and Parent App in order that our phone lines are kept available for urgent messages. Our email address is info@ regentspark.southampton.sch. uk – please indicate in the subject header the person you would like the information passed to. We will always check to ensure it is the most appropriate person for your request. You will receive an automated response confirming that your email has been received and that you will receive a response within 2 working days, however this is likely to be longer during the school holidays. There is also an expectation that staff will keep

The school is continues to improve its streamlined communication system. Our website is the hub of all information where daily school news can be found. All general letters will be emailed, they are also available to view under the parent section on the website. regentsparkcollege.org. uk/news-and-calendar/letters/ Access to X ( Twitter ) is available from the website so that you can follow the school news or Spencer, our Therapy Dog – use the ‘X’ icon on the right of the homepage. twitter.com/ RegentsParkCC You can also follow us on our Facebook page for up to date news and information facebook. com/RegentsParkcc Access to the SCOpay online payment system for school meals, trips etc is also available from the website using the ‘£’ icon at the top of the homepage: scopay.com/login Catering - Please visit the catering page on our website for information regarding the current school meals menu regentsparkcollege.org.uk/school information/school-meals/. We would like to encourage students to pre-order food, as this will allow the students to avoid the queues and ensure they can order their favourite items without being disappointed if we run out. Please visit this link to use our preorder system: regentspark. swift-order.co.uk/. Access to our Parents Evening Booking System is also available from the website using the ‘family’ icon at the top of the homepage. regentsparkcommunitycollege. schoolcloud.co.uk/

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you informed of your enquiry if it is likely to be longer due to a matter being investigated. All non urgent communication from the school to parents will be emailed, in addition to being posted on our website and other social media platforms.

We welcome feedback from you and this can done in several ways: Email: info@regentspark. southampton.sch.uk Contact Form via the website https://www.regentsparkcollege. org.uk/home/school-details/ contact-us/

Phone: 023 8032 5444 If you wish to speak to the Headteacher, Mrs Barnes, please contact Fiona Hayward, Headteacher’s PA, on 023 8072 5711 Carlene Amos Business Manager

Celebrating Attendance Success at Regents Park The Attendance Improvers Challenge We are thrilled to share the success of the Attendance Improvers Challenge at Regents Park! This initiative launched to boost student attendance and promote the importance of consistent school participation and has yielded some great results. Our students have shown outstanding commitment and determination. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed a significant increase in attendance rates across students who have been involved with this challenge. The challenge encouraged students to take pride in their punctuality and regular attendance, understanding that every school day counts toward their educational journey. Special Recognition for Persistent Absent (PA) Students A unique aspect of this challenge was the focused effort on students currently classified as persistent absent (PA), with attendance below 90%. These students were chosen to take part in the Attendance Challenge with a clear goal: improve their attendance to 95% or above. Each PA student received a personalised attendance chart, encouraging them to come to school every day, each term. For each day they attended, they placed a sticker from their tutor into the correct box on their chart. This visual representation of their progress, motivated them to strive for perfect attendance and earn a special reward. Celebrating Success The determination of these students has been remarkable. We have seen not just better attendance, but also enhanced engagement in

classes and wider school activities. To celebrate these achievements, we have been hosting special popcorn and pizza parties, along with a free lesson off to watch a film. This fun-filled event is our way of saying thank you to the students for their hard work and perseverance. We look forward to seeing further improvements in attendance in our next academic year.

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Phone Free School Students have embraced the use of our mobile phone wallets, to help them de-digitize and have less distractions. We have already seen more focus within lessons and student feedback, that they welcome the chance to come off their devices. The average teenager in the UK, use their phone for 7 hours per day. By using the wallets within school, they are not tempted to check statuses or social media, whilst simply focusing on work within their lessons. Year 6 Transition Visits Head of Year 7, Mr Wilson and support team have recently been visiting our local feeder primary schools to meet with Year 6 students, who will be joining RPCC in September. These visits are part of our efforts to support all students with the transition from primary to secondary school, as this change can be both challenging and daunting. To help make this transition easier, we recommend the following tips: 1. Establish a routine: Start practising the new school routine a few weeks in advance, including waking up early, preparing uniforms, and packing school bags. This helps students adjust more easily. 2. Organise materials: Ensure students have all necessary school supplies, including books, stationery and any required uniforms or PE kits. Being organised reduces stress and helps students feel ready. 3. Discuss expectations: Talk to students about what to expect in secondary school, such as different subjects, multiple teachers, and the structure of the school day. This helps set realistic expectations and reduces anxiety. 4. Encourage independence: Gradually increase responsibilities at home, such as packing their own lunch or managing their homework schedule. This fosters a sense of independence and confidence. 5. Stay positive: Focus on the positive aspects of

moving to a new school, such as making new friends, joining clubs, and learning new subjects. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Year 7s into the Regents Park community, as they start their next chapter here with us.

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GENERAL NEWS Alternative Provision Our Alternative Provision students have been really testing their skills at Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre. They have showed great bravery and teamwork, encouraged each other and most importantly had great fun.

School Allotment RPCC is fortunate to have an offsite allotment and space at the side of the school for students to participate in gardening activities. Since September, two groups of students have been working hard each week to obtain an Asdan qualification in gardening. They have been learning when and how to grow different vegetables/flowers. When the vegetables are harvested, we have been using these for meals in cookery lessons. When we returned in September, it was still warm, this gave us the opportunity to spend time preparing the allotment/garden spaces, ready for the new year’s crops/flowers. We started to prepare the soil and dug up all the weeds. The allotment was very overgrown, when we first started and this took a lot of hard work and resilience in the heat to cut everything back. The weeds had definitely rooted themselves and we had to dig deep - then deeper! This was a challenge. The autumn months started to set in and the weather was turning chilly, there were the odd days between the rain that we got out and started to plant our spring bulbs. We discussed what we

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GENERAL NEWS wanted to plant and decided on a combination of 100 daffodil and tulip bulbs, ready for gifting on Mothering Sunday. We worked meticulously on the vegetable patches/flower borders and pruning the fruit trees. At the beginning of this year, when it was too cold and wet to go outside, we started to make biodegradable pots from newspapers, to start sowing the seeds. These sessions also gave the students time to do the theory side of the course, that is expected to pass the qualification. We also made some beautiful wind chimes from canes, beads and shells to help scare the birds away from the crops. With our seeds sown in propagators on the classroom window sills and the weather starting to improve, we spent more sessions on the allotment. We made cane frames for the sweet peas and peas to grow up. We made protective netted frames for the carrots and lettuces. On school site, we put up a plastic greenhouse. The students that do both allotment group and rebuild, made a spectacular work bench, as well as a wooden flower bed with netting that we have sown cucumbers in. As novices, to working on an allotment, we have been very privileged over the period of time to have been given some valuable support from other allotment holders whilst working. Graham, Geoff and Chrissy have helped with advice and donating plants for us to use on our plot. We must also thank Lee who has given up his own valuable time to come down on weekends to mow the lawn and cut down the over growing weeds and pathways for us. This has been very much appreciated. As we approach the summer holidays, we are so pleased to be seeing the produce of our hard work. The fruit trees, strawberry, tomato and pepper plants have flowered, which will have fruit and vegetables for when we return in September. The potato plants have grown so high, we have had to take them out of the greenhouse. They will be ready to harvest in a couple of weeks. Although at times, the upkeep of both projects has been hard work, the students have enjoyed the results and have felt really proud of what they have achieved. We are all looking forward to returning in September to sow new seeds and watch the crops grow.

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GENERAL NEWS Transition Day

to the Year 7 curriculum. Mr Wilson has set a challenge to beat the record for the most students in the ‘Headteacher’s Hot Chocolate,’ rewarding those who put in the most effort over the summer. After such a successful transition experience, we eagerly anticipate welcoming the next generation of Regents Park students in September. Ready to wear their uniform with pride, having tackled their summer homework, they will be prepared to respect their new classmates and be excited about the creative learning ahead.

On the evening of 2nd July, we hosted our annual Transition Parents Evening, as part of our transition programme. We were delighted to introduce Mr Wilson, our new Head of Year, supported by Mrs Wales, who outlined their high expectations for the upcoming year. Our Headteacher, Mrs Barnes, formally welcomed parents to our community. The evening opened with a performance from Cliff, our Regents Park Got Talent winner and talented pianist. Parents also enjoyed poems read by current Year 7 students, sharing their journey and experiences throughout the year. Following this, our famous uniform fashion show featured Year 7 students modelling the school uniform. The evening concluded with a parade, showcasing our student leaders. The next day, our Year 6 students had their first day on site. Their first challenge was to find their name badge and their relevant colour group. Once students had found their name badge and correct group, Mr Wilson set the challenge to get to know someone from a different school, by asking questions to learn more about their new peers. With 22 different primary schools coming together, it was a significant moment, as they all became part of the Regents Park community. Supported by LSAs and a team of student Transition Ambassadors, the day began with a guided tour of the school and it’s facilities. The students participated in various lessons, aligned with our school values of Respect, Pride, Challenge, and Creativity. In art, students created hands that represented them as individuals. These hands will be combined into a single piece with our Year 7 mantra: “All hands in, be the best version of you,” and displayed in the hall this September. In PE, students engaged in team-building activities and physical exercises. The science lesson featured hands-on chemical experiments. In geography, students faced the challenge of creating earthquake proof towers using spaghetti, marshmallows, and strawberry laces, reflecting the Regents Park spirit of creativity and problem-solving. At the end of the day, all Year 6 students received certificates recognising their successful participation and embrace of the Regents Park ethos. Additionally, one student from each group was awarded a Regents Park bear for exemplifying hard work in all areas of the school’s values. They were also given a ‘summer homework’ booklet filled with activities from each subject area, linked

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HOT 50 Fun! Students had lots of fun during our HOT 50 event on Thursday 11th July. Well done to those students who made the final list of this academic year. Remember the four criteria to be in for a chance of taking part in the HOT 50 next time, which is: attendance, attitude, behaviour and achievement.

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commented how well behaved everyone was in the group, and also another guest came in to the office and commented that: they were very impressed with the DofE students, with how polite and nice they all were - Heathfield Campsite. Here are some student comments: “It was a great challenge but was worth it in the end” - Dylan “It is rewarding, it is beautifully scenic. My favourite memory is when we have walked a long journey, our tents are set up and we can spend time with our friends in the outdoors. It really pushes you outside of your comfort zone” - Julia “I love spending time with the teachers in a less formal setting. It is such a rewarding experience doing DofE” - Suheera “Our perseverance gained us rewards for our struggles” - Junior

DofE at RPCC has been booming this year! We have had two bronze groups from Year 9 and 10, and one big Year 11 silver group! We have had amazing activities completed for each section, including tutoring and conservation for volunteering, amazing artistic language and baking extravaganzas for skills and wonderful sports completed for physical activities. All bronze students have completed two expeditions in the New Forest, with amazing scenic views, incredible determination and wonderful team spirit. Year 11 completed a very challenging March practice, with constant hail, showing great resilience. They have completed an incredible adventure for their assessed DofE, travelling to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and battling the coastal paths and hills, navigating amazingly well. We are so proud of these students, they have shown such Respect, Pride, Creativity and Challenge along the way. Miss West has spoken to the site wardens and they

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GENERAL NEWS Examinations

Year 11 GCSE Exams: A Job Well Done!

As we reach the end of another busy term, we are delighted to share some fantastic news and updates regarding our students’ recent achievements and efforts. Year 10 Mock Exams: A Strong Start Our Year 10 students have also been busy, having sat their first round of mock exams. We are thrilled to report that they have shown great effort and enthusiasm in preparing for these important assessments. This experience marks the beginning of their journey towards the final GCSE exams next year and their hard work now sets a solid foundation for future success. We encourage our Year 10 students to keep up the excellent work and continue to apply themselves diligently in their studies. The dedication they are showing now, will undoubtedly pay off, as they progress through the next academic year.

Our Year 11 students have recently completed their GCSE exams and we couldn’t be prouder of their performance and behaviour throughout this challenging period. The dedication and commitment shown by our students, have been truly commendable. It was fantastic to see so many of them attending the intervention sessions, working hard, and putting in their best effort to achieve their goals. We understand how much hard work and preparation have gone into these exams, and we want to congratulate each and every student for their perseverance and determination. Your support as parents and guardians has been invaluable in helping our students reach this milestone. Please note that information regarding GCSE Results Day will be sent home soon. We will provide all the necessary details to ensure a smooth and organised process for receiving the results. We eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate our students’ successes with them.

Looking Ahead As we look ahead to the coming months, we remain committed to supporting all our students in their academic and personal growth. We will continue to provide resources, guidance and encouragement to help them achieve their best. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we can ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed and thrive.

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

GENERAL NEWS Exciting Events @ RPCC We are thrilled to share some of the exciting events that have taken place at RPCC recently. Our commitment to providing enriching and educational experiences for our students has led to a series of remarkable events, that have sparked curiosity, inspired creativity, and fostered a love for learning across various subjects. A Journey Through the Digestive System with the Royal Society Science Show Our students had the incredible opportunity to attend a captivating science show presented by the Royal Society. This interactive event took them on a journey through the human digestive system. Through engaging demonstrations and hands-on activities, students learned about the complexities of digestion in a fun and memorable way. The excitement in the room was palpable, as our budding scientists explored the wonders of the human body, making science come alive right before their eyes!

The professional actors brought the characters to life, with their powerful performances, leaving our students spellbound and with a deeper appreciation for the Bard’s work. This unforgettable experience not only enriched their understanding of literature, but also ignited a passion for the performing arts.

Mathletes in Action: Big Maths Day Challenge Our Big Maths Day was a huge success, filled with energy, excitement, and a healthy dose of competition. Students from all year groups participated in various math challenges, competing against each other to solve complex problems and puzzles. The event fostered a spirit of teamwork and collaboration, as students worked together to tackle mathematical conundrums. It was incredible to see the enthusiasm and determination in our students, as they embraced the challenges and showcased their mathematical prowess. Big Maths Day was not only educational, but also a fantastic way to build confidence and celebrate the joy of learning math.

Shakespeare Comes to Life: Henry V Performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company In a spectacular display of theatrical talent, the Royal Shakespeare Company graced our school with an interactive performance of Henry V. Our students were transported to the world of medieval England, experiencing the drama and intensity of one of Shakespeare’s most famous historical plays.

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

GENERAL NEWS Looking Ahead

These events are just a glimpse of the many wonderful opportunities we provide at RPCC. We believe that such enriching experiences are crucial for the holistic development of our students, helping them to build cultural capital, ignite their passions and develop a lifelong love for learning. We look forward to bringing more exciting events and activities to our school community, continuing to inspire and engage our students in new and innovative ways.

Careers We have lots to celebrate this term in the RPCC careers department! Careers Innovative Teaching Week - Go To Work! Departments from across the curriculum, paid particular focus to careers in their lessons. For example: in English we had students writing Saturday job letters, in MFL we had students decoding as language analyst for GCHQ. In maths, students were creating graphs and tables based on maths graduate salaries. What a valuable way for our students to get an insight into the world of work! Y10 Your Future Visit Students got the opportunity to visit the Solent University campus and circulate amongst a huge variety of post-16 Southampton providers. They spoke not only to further education colleges and sixth forms, but also apprenticeship providers, charities and employers, all giving them even more advice and guidance for their futures.

Gatsby Summer Benchmark Completion

We are pleased to be meeting 6 out of the 8 benchmarks at 100%! With next years targets being to improve our benchmarks 3 and 5, further still.

Careers Festival 2024! This year’s festival has been our biggest yet! We have an even more varied timetable of activities for all year groups, more external guests than ever before including: Medical Mavericks, ElevationX workshops, Barclays Eagle Labs, Solent University and also contributions from over 20 different individual companies from across the city, in order to inspire our students Sadly, I will be leaving my teaching and career leader role at RPCC this summer. The past 8 years managing the careers programme, has been an absolute passion of mine, with the Investor in Careers accreditation being a particular highlight. However, I can think of no one better at RPCC than Mr Winson, with his vast experience in personal development, to take over the role and provide inspirational activities and events for the students. with their career planning. New Careers Leader

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

Mathematics DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

MyMaths Masters This year, we have introduced MyMaths as the main homework app for KS3. Currently Year 7 and 8 are using it for their homework. This will be extended to Year 9 in the 2024/25 academic year. The following students have been recognised for their effort using MyMaths this half term:

MathsWatch Masters MathsWatch is the main app we use for setting homework in KS4 Maths. Homework is set weekly based on the topics the students are studying in class. Students completing homework, benefit from being able to practice the skills they have learned in class, which is all part of the retrieval practice skills they are mastering. Top 5 Year 9 Year 10 Kundai 9BZ Nelly 10BX Fatimah 9BX Aleksandra 10BX Alicja 9BX Yasin 10GX Mya 9BW Victoria 10GX Zaine 9BW Emma 10GX

Year 7

Rachel Hannah

7BX 7BX 7BX 7BY 7GX 7GX 7GX 7GX 7GY 7GY 7GZ 7GZ 8BW 8BW 8BX 8BX 8BY 8BY 8BZ 8GX 8GY

Beth

Edward Wisdom Zander

Sophie Adrian Oguz Najib Adam Miah

Careers with Maths ‘Where will I use this in real life?’ Fractions

Year 8

Joshua

Mehreen

Poppy

Tilly

Kyron Junior

Trigonometry

Kimberley

Ace

Chloe

Quadratic Equations

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Maths Puzzle This is a magic square. This means that the numbers add up to the same total in every direction. Every row, column and diagonal should add up to 111, but there are some numbers missing! Fill in the missing numbers. They are all different.

White Rose Maths Starting September 2025, we will introduce White Rose Maths to Key Stage 3. The curriculum is broken down from years into blocks and then into small logical steps. They help students develop core maths skills. It puts depth before breadth and it focuses on fluency, reasoning and problem solving.

Further Maths GCSE For our most able mathematicians, we offer an additional GCSE, further maths. This course covers many of the grade 8 and 9 topics at GCSE, as well as looking at some topics that students would cover in maths and further maths at A level. Here are some examples of the questions.

June 2021

June 2022

June 2022

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

English Film Studies

• Black Swan • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets • Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring • East of Eden

• The Breakfast Club • Napoleon Dynamite

Year 11 have completed their film studies exams and are feeling very positive about how they went. Good luck to you all! Year 10 have now watched all of the set films that they need in order to sit their exams. Next year will involve lots of revision and lots of practising responses to exam questions. Don’t forget - the mock exam for component 1 is in November. Year 10 have also completed their coursework! Yippee! Lots of hard work and hours of typing have presented us with a screenplay for each student, a shooting script and an evaluation that references influential films. It was a long process, but a worthwhile one. We are excited to welcome the next batch of Film Studies students into Year 10! Any Year 9 student that has chosen film studies for one of their options next year, have a watch of as many of these as you can over the break – parental discretion required regarding age certification: • Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom • Hugo • La La Land • Sound of Metal • Maestro • Night Crawler • Critters • Gremlins

For Year 10, it’s no surprise, but my suggestion is to watch your set films again! These are all on Google Classroom and some can be accessed on streaming platforms. You can also watch the above satellite films to enrich your knowledge of directors and cultures.

• Rebel Without a Cause • Ferris Bueller’s Day Off • Whiplash • Attack The Block • Tsotsi • District 9

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Media Studies Year 11 leaving us, marks the end of Media Studies at RPCC for a while. Our students much prefer our film studies GCSE option, so we will run that course, until there is a demand for an alternative. Throughout this term, Year 11 students have revised many, many products, that explore many different shades of society in the UK through media products. We now have some avid listeners of The Archers, some die hard Swifties – and even some converted Beliebers. Our study of how the media influence our thoughts and understanding of the world around us has been rigorous, academic and challenging. I hope that the ability

to ‘see through’ what the media choose to show us will stay with these students long into the future. Mrs Board Subject Leader for Media Studies

Science

Welcome to the science department news and updates for the summer term of 2024. It is that time of the year when our Year 11 students have completed all their examinations and have now left for greater and better endeavours. A big thank you to all of them for their outstanding commitment and behaviour during this busy and stressful time. Transition Day During the first week of July, our future Year 7 students visited RPCC, to experience for the first time in their education, working and learning in a science laboratory. We are very fortunate at RPCC, to provide all science lessons within recently completed modern and well equipped science facilities.

All of our Year 6 students attended an hour session run by our team of dedicated science teachers. They got to experience practical work for the first time. They clearly and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Science Mastery @ RPCC This year, we have launched some changes to our Science curriculum, aiming to improve the enjoyment of science and ultimately, the outcomes of our students at GCSE. This academic year, Year 7 and 8 students have been enjoying the lessons of our new curriculum in science, ‘ARK Mastery’. This new curriculum not only delivers amazing resources for students and teachers alike, but also provides a unique opportunity to study with an up to date educational program, backed by the latest research in cognitive science. Curriculum design in Ark Curriculum Plus is informed by four key design principles. Our curricula: 1. Knowledge-rich 2. Academically ambitious 3. Logically sequenced 4. Designed to support memory We intend to roll out the Ark Science Mastery to all our students at RPCC in 2024-2025.

Year 8 STEM Project This year, ABP sponsored a STEM project running for a couple of weeks with our current Year 8 students. The project consisted of designing the fastest rocket propelled car. All students were introduced to the project by qualified and practicing engineers, followed by research, planning and design lesson time to better their prototypes. The student teams used the same base components (composite block, wheels and axels) then modified, as per their own design to aim to be the fastest possible car. Each team will then present their concept and race their cars. The winners will be announced in a future edition of the review.

Creative Arts & DT Year 7 Textiles

Year 7s are learning about fundamental key skills in textiles, such as sewing a button, back stitch and running stitch. They have applied these new skills by creating their own junk monsters inspired by Jon Burgerman.

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The Regents Review Summer 2024

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Year 8 Textiles The Year 8s are learning to develop their fundamental key skills in textiles, such as appliqué and using the sewing machine. They are applying these new skills by creating their own wall hanging with pockets inspired by the cross-curricular theme of ‘The Seasons’.

Year 9 Textiles Year 9 are continuing to develop, advance and progress in using the fundamental skills of textiles to create a tote bag. The bags are inspired by the graffiti artist, Mr Brainwash. Students are learning the difference between graffiti, vandalism and street art.

Year 7 Art In art, students have been using clay to sculpt their own African inspired clay tile. Students have looked at African symbols and used them to design, refine and create a clay tile.

Year 8 Art In art, students have been looking at the artist, Wayne Theibaud and his amazing cake, sweets and ice cream paintings. Students have designed their own clay cakes, which they have based the theme on their own hobbies and interests.

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