Regents Review Summer 2025
REGENTS PARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2025
Year 11 Prom See page 13
Business Studies & Enterprise Page 30
The Magic Science Show Page 21
Munich Trip
Transition Day
Page 17
Page 32
The Regents Review Summer 2025
WELCOME Headteacher’s Welcome
As we reach the end of another successful year at Regents Park Community College, I want to celebrate the many achievements of our students and share some important updates about our staff. Our students have shown great commitment across many activities this year. Our Duke of Edinburgh participants have worked hard on their expeditions and community service. The allotment leaders have done excellent work caring for our growing spaces and teaching others about the environment. During Transition Day, our student mentors did a wonderful job welcoming new Year 7 students. Our careers leaders have provided valuable guidance to fellow students, while our competition winners have brought recognition to the school through their talents. Digital leaders continue to help with technology across the school and our sports leaders have achieved great success in their competitions. We have enjoyed some fantastic educational trips this year. Students experienced German culture during our Munich visit, students also experienced the Spanish culture when we visited Tenerife, had fun at Paulton’s Park, learned about horse racing at Newbury Races and explored higher education opportunities at Southampton University. Celebrating student success is very important to us. Our Year 7 Cinema Experience rewards have been popular, recognising good behaviour and achievement. Our attendance rewards continue to highlight the importance of coming to school regularly. We are particularly proud of our students’ success in the Solent Business Challenge, where they impressed judges with their business ideas. As we move into the new academic year, we have some staffing changes to share. We say goodbye to Mrs Board, who has a promotional post to Curriculum Leader of English in another Southampton school, we know she will do a great job. Miss Robinson has been inspirational in the work she has implemented across the PE
department linked to Student Leadership and we wish her well as she moves up north to a promotional post, where she will continue to find great student leaders. Miss Gilbert-Twigg has moved from our RE department to our geography department, adding a splash of colour and creativity in whatever she does and as she moves back home to a new post, we know she will continue to add her unique vibe to whatever she does. Miss Buckle and Miss Coull have inspired students in our creative art department and are moving to continue their training in other schools. Mr Muller is retiring after supporting the science team and we hope he enjoys all the adventures and challenges that he has planned. We also have changes in Year 7, as Mr Wilson moves to a promotional post at another school. Mrs Wales will be taking over as Head of Year 8 in September. We wish Mr Wilson well and he has worked hard to make sure that Year 7 have had a positive start to RPCC. Miss Harrison will be taking maternity leave and we wish her all the best for this exciting time. Miss Cole will be Head of Year, covering Miss Harrison’s leave. Several members of our wonderful support team are also leaving. Mrs Harris has supported the cleaning team at RPCC for many years and we hope that she enjoys every minute of her retirement, Mrs Kassamali is leaving the LSA team, where she has supported many of our students within the school community. As staff move on to new challenges, we are always pleased to welcome new staff members: Mr Middleton will be joining social sciences and PE, Mr Farnden will be joining English and PE, Miss Vincent will be joining the science team, Miss Halliday will be part of the English team, Mr Van Reenen joins the maths team and Mr Hearmon is our new curriculum leader for science. Mrs Kaur will be working across RE and English. They bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our team. Thank you to our whole school community for supporting our students throughout the year.
Mrs S Barnes Headteacher
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Please visit www.regentsparkcollege.org.uk/ attendance/ for all your attendance needs or queries. Government Report on Absence and Attainment (grades) The Government have released a research report on “the link between attendance and attainment in an assessment year”. This report clearly shows that if students are absent from school, they will be less well-off as adults. The key findings are as follows: • The higher the attendance, the better the outcomes. • At KS4, students who attended school nearly every day in Year 11 were 1.9 times more likely to achieve the Grade 5 in English and maths GCSE, compared to students who only attended 90-95% of the time (relating to up to 2 weeks more time in school over the course of a year) and 3 times more likely than persistently absent students, who only attend 85-90% of the time (relating to 4 - 6 weeks more time in school). • Missing just 10 days of Year 11, reduced the likelihood of achieving grade 5 in English and maths by around 50%. • At both KS2 and KS4, moving up a single attendance band by attending school 2 extra weeks a year, is associated with an increased chance of achieving the expected outcome of at least 30% (KS2) and 10% (KS4) across the full range of attendance. At KS4, moving from 90-95% to 95-100% was associated with largest increase in chance from moving up one band. • At school level, as more students are in the higher attendance bands, the greatest gains in outcome could be made by students from the 90-95% band moving into the 95-100% attendance band (0-20 days extra in school over the year). However, this analysis shows that there may be gains in attainment by improving attendance of all students by a single 5% band across the range of attendance bands. How Attendance Impacts Grades On the next page, there is an example of how poor attendance impacts grades for the same student (based upon real GCSE analysis):
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. • 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. Attendance Matters At RPCC, we expect students to attend every lesson, every day. Good attendance is important because: • Statistics show a significant, direct link between under-achievement and absence below 95% (absence of 10 school days or 20 sessions) • Regular attenders make better progress, both socially and academically. • Regular attenders find school routines enable them to build relationships, succeed and enjoy school life. • Regular attenders find learning more satisfying. • Regular attenders have greater success transferring from primary to secondary school and into Further Education and Higher Education, employment or training.
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for their final exams next summer. Remember 90% attendance = • 10% absence • Classified by the government as “persistent absence” • A day off every 2 weeks • A month off school each year • 114 missed lessons Please ensure that wherever possible, your child comes into school. The school Welfare Officer, will help determine if they are not fit to stay in school and can monitor students as necessary. If you are unsure, please check out this NHS Guidance. nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/ Remember, if students aren’t in school – they’re missing out!
What we are doing to help As well as our usual breakfast club to support students coming in on time, we have started a new prize draw. For each week a student has 100% attendance, they will automatically be entered into a prize draw. There is a prize for a student in each year group, every term. Just for coming in as they are supposed to! Please do not worry if your child has an ongoing medical need or alternative provision – we’ve thought of that as well. Whilst you are now being shown the official attendance figures each week (according to what we have to report to the DfE), our pastoral team are monitoring attendance as well and entering everyone we feel is attending all they can, so no one misses out if they are doing what is expected. As we’re nearly at the end of another term (and academic year), the next set of winners will be drawn soon! How Are We Doing with Attendance? Whilst we are doing better than the Southampton average, when compared to the national picture (or even our own targets), we are not doing as well as we could be for attendance. Unfortunately, our attendance has also dropped a little this term, compared to our last update. We Need Your Help! When compared to other Southampton schools, we have fewer appointments during school time (thank you), but our students still appear to be having more days off due to illness than the Southampton average. Our Year 10 attendance is obviously a concern, as they are now our oldest year group and gearing up
Curriculum at Regents Park As we move towards the end of term, preparations are already well underway for the September return. Curriculum is key to this, as it underpins our timetable, staffing and student options. Curriculum Leaders use this time of year to reflect on and review their curriculum maps – what is being taught, how and when. Much of the national conversation at the moment, is about KS3 and whether this contains enough rigour and challenge, so that students are properly prepared for KS4 studies when they get to Year 10. This is indeed something which we have been discussing and a continued review of KS3 is taking place. Recent changes in academisation mean that there are high quality ‘schemes of learning’ and resources which can be purchased. Often these have been produced by a team of subject specialists, working solely on ensuring that their curriculum is the best,
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the most challenging and the most supportive. Whist we want what we teach to meet the needs of our students in our context and engage them, it makes sense that such professionally produced and validated curriculum resources will be gradually woven into the Regents Park learning offer. There have been rumours of a return to a national end of KS3 assessment, possibly in the core subjects of English, maths and science, much like the Year 9 SATs, which were discontinued in 2010. Our 3-Year KS3 structure, will facilitate this, should the government decide to roll it out. In line with an improved rigour, we will also be introducing more high profile assessments in KS3 and making sure parents are aware, not only of when these take place, but of results and what this actually means for their children. Our broad and balanced KS3 curriculum, means that all students study the full range of subjects up until the end of Year 9, when they choose their KS4 options and begin their specialised studies. Our current Year 9 students have completed this process and will be starting their new courses as soon as they return in September. What is interesting, is the way choices vary with each year group. This year, our most popular choice subjects are enterprise and marketing, health and social care, hospitality and catering and BTEC sport. Textiles is making a comeback and has proven popular this year and RE, which is a choice for the first time in a long time at Regents Park, has a faithful following! Computer science continues to attract boys, but Mrs Moussa, as a female digital role model, has encouraged more girls to take this subject. Spanish is benefitting from the raised profile of the language in music, TV and film and this year has muchos estudiantes! Business studies, separate science and iMedia are running again and with a new Curriculum Leader in creative arts, we have seen an increase in the number of students choosing subjects in this area, such as photography, art and 3D design. In addition to their formal timetabled lessons, our extracurricular offer, means that students can also add to their collection of qualifications and enrich their CVs with opportunities like further maths for top set, arts award for musicians, Duke of Edinburgh
Award and the Higher Project Qualification. Year 9 also do a leadership course, as part of their PE curriculum. Whilst we will be raising our expectations of students, we will continue to support those for whom accessing the full curriculum may prove difficult. Our alternative offer is adapted each year, but some of the current Year 9 can expect to do some ASDAN qualifications, college courses, like construction or hair & beauty, and work experience placements. More information about the curriculum can be found on the school website.
Innovative Teaching Week! (ITW)
This June, RPCC proudly celebrated our second Innovative Teaching Week of the year and the results have been nothing short of exceptional! With 100% curriculum area participation and 100% teacher engagement, our focus on Effective Formative Assessment has truly resonated across our entire school community.
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Our ITW Focus: Formative Assessment Mastery • Consolidating strategies across all subject areas • Honing our expertise in assessment for learning • Making adaptations to support every student’s journey The impact has been remarkable, with 87 lessons observed across Years 7-10, showcasing the breadth and depth of innovative practice happening in our classrooms every day. Student Voice: Our students’ feedback has been invaluable in shaping our understanding of effective formative assessment. Here’s what they told us works best: Mini Whiteboards emerged as the clear winner! Students love them because they’re “reassuring if I get things wrong” and provide “the best option for speed and understanding.” WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like) was praised for helping students “understand what is expected” - a powerful tool for clarity and confidence. Live Modelling resonated strongly, with students appreciating when “my teacher works alongside us.” While some strategies like ‘Don’t Know is Banned’ received mixed feedback, this honest dialogue helps us refine our approach to ensure all students feel supported. Teacher Insights: Our teaching staff have embraced ITW with enthusiasm and professionalism. The feedback speaks volumes about our commitment to continuous improvement: “The strategies are a fundamental part of my teaching, but the bingo card was a good prompt.” “Exit tickets are more powerful than I realised and a super quick way to support my planning and adaptations.”
The collaborative discussions sparked by our ITW bingo cards have strengthened our professional learning community, with teachers reflecting on strategies they use regularly and discovering new approaches from colleagues. Popular Strategies Across RPCC
Student Favourites: • Mini Whiteboards • WAGOLL examples • Live Modelling Teacher Champions: • Exit Tickets • Live Modelling • Retrieval ‘Do Now!’ activities Beyond ITW
The true measure of ITW’s success, lies not just in the week itself, but in how these formative assessment strategies continue to enhance learning throughout the year. Our teachers are now equipped with refined techniques, that support their ability to adapt lessons in real-time, ensuring every student receives the targeted support they need to thrive. From exit tickets in maths and English providing instant feedback on student understanding, to ‘blurting’ activities in science encouraging rapid recall, and WAGOLL examples in art and English setting clear expectations - formative assessment has become the heartbeat of learning at RPCC. Looking Forward ITW 2025 has reinforced what we already knew: at Regents Park Community College, innovation isn’t just a week-long event - it’s our everyday commitment to supporting progress.
“Do Now is so useful to support my adaptations.”
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Safeguarding: Keeping our Children Safe! Safeguarding is an absolute priority at Regents Park and permeates all that we do. We have one of the biggest teams in any Southampton school, with over 15 Deputy DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads), who have all been trained to DSL Level 3. This includes all key pastoral staff, such as Heads of Year and Head of Year Support, our Welfare Officer, Internal Suspension Manager, SENCO, Attendance Officer and the Leadership Team. This means there is always someone trained to deal with a safeguarding concern. All staff across the school, receive regular safeguarding training, including the use of an online platform called SSSCPD, sessions on our training days and a weekly safeguarding bulletin. In addition to core training, this year Regents Park staff have also completed training on bereavement and loss, county lines, misogyny & incel subculture, modern slavery and human trafficking, as well as, the government’s prevent training. Additionally, our Deputy DSLs are developing their own areas of expertise on specific topics, for example how to support victims of abuse, preventing child-on child abuse and self-harm. Earlier this year, staff completed a safeguarding questionnaire, so our processes and actions could be monitored. Feedback from staff was extremely positive and showed great faith in our processes. Where any questions
were raised, this informed future staff training or the weekly bulletins. Governors are also updated about safeguarding in every report and the governors’ meeting agenda always includes a verbal update. Yearly presentations are also given to governors and in January, our safeguarding link governor, completed his yearly audit evaluating our provision. Students are also well informed and take safeguarding seriously. What always impresses, is the way our children will look out for each other and share concerns about friends. In assemblies, safeguarding topics this year have included ‘Call it Out’, where students are encouraged to ‘call out’ any inappropriate language or behaviour, which could be deemed discriminatory, for example sexism, racism or homophobia, online safeguarding & AI and county lines & gangs. One important assembly warned about Andrew Tate and his misogynistic rhetoric. This was received by students with real maturity. Every assembly begins by reminding students who the Lead and Deputy DSLs are, so they are never in doubt about who can help. Sadly, the risks to children change rapidly, especially in the online world, which is why it is of paramount importance that our Lead and Deputy DSLs are well trained, that our whole staff body receive regular updates and that students are educated about risks, but also where and how to get support. If parents ever have safeguarding concerns about
their own children – or any other Regents Park child - they can refer this to any of our Deputy or Lead DSLs by phone or email and there is an online link on the website to report anonymously. Over the holidays, if parents have concerns, they can report these in a number of ways. Firstly, if a child is at risk of serious harm, then always call the police. Southampton Children’s Resource Service can be contacted directly on 023 8083 3004, where a member of their team can offer advice or take a formal report. Their website also has useful advice to support anyone worried about a child. Finally, one of our DSLs is on duty over the holidays to pick up calls or emails from parents.
We wish children and their families a happy - and safe - summer holidays.
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Manga Artist Some of our Year 8 students were given the chance to work with the amazing, Sally Goodden, a local artist, who joined us to run a manga art workshop in the library. Manga books are hugely popular and students are able to borrow these on a short term loan. Public Library If you haven’t already joined the public library, this is a fantastic resource available to everyone. Just pop in to your local branch and you can sign up for FREE. You will then be able to borrow any of the resources including e-books, audio books and magazines. Follow this link to find out about the services offered at your local library www.southampton.gov. uk/libraries/. ReadEasy Scheme If you, or someone you know is struggling with reading, you can get help from the ReadEasy scheme. You can also help others with their reading journey by volunteering with them. Find out more here: https://readeasy.org.uk/how-can-we-help you/ . Borrowing Books Students can borrow books from the library to read over the summer break and also have access to e-books via their Google Classroom accounts. The e-books can be adapted to large print, dyslexia friendly fonts and the books can even be translated
Library It has been a very busy year in the library with many changes, which have been well received by the students. Over 2,500 books and e-books have been borrowed from the library and our Year 7 and 8 library lessons still continue with a focus on ‘reading for pleasure’. We have celebrated some of the following events with bright, interactive and colourful displays – Earth Day, Star Wars Day, VE Day, Refugee Week, Oceans Day, Green Week, World Environment Day, Empathy Day, as well as Share a Story month and Pride month. Students have also been enjoying break and lunch times in the library, with some lovely craft activities and board games, which have created some fantastic social interactions. We have also had great fun at the Wellbeing Club, which is held in the library on Wednesdays after school. Some of our students have been attending the Dyslexia Support Group in the library on Wednesday. Thank you to Luke, our Student Dyslexia Ambassador, for being such a great support to other students. A group of lovely Year 10 students have been coming to the library during tutor times, once a week to read with some of our Year 7 students, this has been a fantastic opportunity to build on reading skills and to improve confidence in reading aloud. It has been lovely to see some great partnerships developing.
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into other languages so that students can read with family members too. Please see instructions below: 1. Log in to Google Classroom. https://classroom. google.com/ 2. Select the dotted symbol in the top right-hand corner.
3. Scroll down and select the ePlatform application
Examinations Update Well done to our Year 11 students! We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Year 11 students, who have shown exemplary behaviour and tremendous effort throughout their exams. Their dedication and hard work are commendable and we look forward to welcoming
them back for GCSE Results Day on Thursday 21st August. Meanwhile, our Year 10 students are diligently completing their assessments and mock exams with positivity and determination. We encourage them to continue this momentum, as they prepare for their future exams. Important Reminders for Parents and Students As we navigate this busy exam period, we would like to remind
all families about the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) policies regarding electronic devices. • Prohibited Items: Students are not allowed to have mobile phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, smart rings, or any electronic devices on their person during examinations. • Clear Water Bottles: Only clear water bottles are permitted in the exam room. Please ensure that these are free from any labels.
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The consequences of having prohibited items will be strictly enforced and we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that these policies are adhered to. New AI Policy from JCQ We would also like to bring to your attention, the new guidance issued by the JCQ regarding the use of AI in GCSE assessments. This guidance is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and outlines the expectations for both schools and students. 1. Understanding AI Use in Assessments: Students must be aware of what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate use of AI in their coursework and exams. 2. Malpractice Policies: Schools are required to have a written malpractice policy that
themselves with this policy. 3. Consequences of Misuse: Misusing AI in assessments, such as submitting AI generated content as one’s own work, can lead to serious consequences, including loss of marks or disqualification. 4. Declaration of Authenticity: Students will be required to declare that the work they submit is their own. This declaration should be taken seriously, and students must understand the consequences of making a false declaration. 5. AI and Plagiarism: The guidance emphasises that using AI tools without proper attribution is considered a form of plagiarism and malpractice. 6. Seeking Clarification: Parents should encourage their children to seek clarification from teachers or school staff if they have any doubts about
the appropriate use of AI in assessments. The JCQ guidance aims to protect the integrity of qualifications by addressing the potential for AI misuse in assessments. It is vital that students understand the rules and expectations surrounding AI use. We encourage all parents to actively engage with their children and the school to ensure a clear understanding of these guidelines and to promote responsible AI use in education. Thank you for your continued
support, as we strive for excellence at Regents Park Community College! Mrs McCarthy Assistant Head Teacher
includes AI-related issues. Parents should familiarise
Year 7 As we approach the end of the academic year, we’re incredibly proud of everything Year 7 has achieved in their first year at RPCC. From day one, this year group has shown enthusiasm, resilience and a real commitment to learning and their successes speak for themselves. Outstanding in the Classroom Year 7 students have impressed across all subjects, with fantastic progress being made in lessons and a positive attitude to learning shining through. Their hard work has been reflected in their outstanding achievement points total – the highest in the whole school! Attendance Champions We’re delighted to announce that Year 7 have also
achieved the highest attendance across all year groups, showing real dedication to their learning. Not only that, they have recorded the lowest number of behaviour points, demonstrating the fantastic maturity and respect this year group brings to school every day. Sporting Success This term saw the creation of our new Year 7 cricket team, who have proudly represented the school in competitive matches. They’ve shown great sportsmanship and teamwork and we look forward to their future success. Our Year 7 girls have also been making an impact, joining forces with Year 8s in after-school rounders — a brilliant example of how our students build positive relationships across the school community.
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Looking Ahead As we moved into the final weeks of term, we were excited for the ‘Hot 50’ rewards celebration - recognising the top 50 students, who go above and beyond every day. We also prepared for the special cinema experience reward for all students who had maintained 95% attendance or higher this year. A big congratulations, to our most improved attendance students - those who started the year below 90% and have worked hard to turn things around. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed, and we are proud of your progress! A Message from Us Both myself and Mrs Wales are incredibly proud
of all that Year 7 have achieved this year. It has been a privilege to watch them grow in confidence, character and ambition. They have set the bar high and we can’t wait to see what they go on to accomplish in Year 8 and beyond. Well done, Year 7 - you’ve made a fantastic start to your journey at Regents Park. Keep it up and let’s make next year even better! Mr Wilson Head of Year 7
Year 8 Year 8 has truly demonstrated exceptional growth and maturity throughout this academic year. From the beginning of term, they’ve shown remarkable resilience in adapting to increased academic demands, while maintaining their enthusiasm for learning across all subjects. Their collaborative spirit has been particularly evident in group projects and peer support, with students consistently looking out
for one another and celebrating each other’s achievements. The year group have embraced leadership opportunities, from organising charity events to mentoring younger students, showing a genuine commitment to their school community. Their improved focus and self-discipline in lessons, combined with their creative contributions to school productions, sports teams and various clubs, has made them a pleasure to teach. What stands out most is their positive attitude toward challenges –
rather than being discouraged by difficult concepts or setbacks, they’ve approached them with curiosity and determination, embodying the growth mindset that will serve them well, as they progress through their secondary education. Looking forward to seeing their continued growth when I get back!
Miss Harrison Head of Year 8
Year 9 I can’t believe we have come to the end of another academic year. Your time with us is flying by and I am so pleased to see the majority of you making the most of your school journey here at RPCC. All students have now chosen their options for their GCSEs, which start in September. I have seen maturity in students, whilst making important decisions, which will impact their future. Year 9s have had a positive year with regards to behaviour points and attendance, but I know, as a group,
there are improvements to be made. Coming back from maternity, I wanted to have a push on correct uniform, I am proud of the improvement we have seen with uniform in Year 9, so well done and thank you for your support. We have lots of positives in store for the year group next year and I look forward to watching the students enjoy the subjects they have chosen and to rise to the challenge of KS4 level work.
Mrs Mouland Head of Year 9
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Year 10 Year 10 has been a year of significant growth, achievement and support. As students transitioned into the GCSE phase of their education, many rose to the challenges of increased expectations with maturity and determination. The commitment to both academic success and personal development has been evident throughout the year. One of the standout aspects of Year 10, has been the wide range of achievements across subjects. Students have engaged enthusiastically with their studies, producing excellent coursework, demonstrating consistent progress in assessments and participating in enrichment opportunities, such as subject-specific trips, competitions and workshops. There has been clear evidence of students beginning to take ownership of their learning, building the habits needed for success in Year 11 and beyond. Equally important, has been the pastoral support provided by the school. The pastoral team has played a key role in ensuring students feel safe, supported and equipped to manage the pressures that can come with GCSE preparation. Whether through one-to-one mentoring, wellbeing check-ins, or group sessions focused on resilience, the pastoral care has been a vital foundation for many students’ success this year. Class teachers have also been instrumental in Year 10’s positive progress. Their dedication to high quality teaching, feedback and support - both in and outside the classroom, has helped students stay on track and feel confident in their subjects. Teachers have gone above and beyond to provide extra help when needed, encourage independent learning and celebrate individual successes. A special highlight this term has been the appointment of our new Head and Deputy Head Ambassadors, alongside the Senior Prefect team. These students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and integrity. As they take on their roles in the coming year, they will play
an important part in supporting the wider school community - acting as role models, helping to organise key events, mentoring younger students and strengthening the bridge between students and staff. Their presence will undoubtedly contribute to a positive, respectful and inclusive school environment. As Year 10 comes to a close, students can look back with pride on what they have accomplished so far. With continued effort and the same level of support from the pastoral team and teachers, they are well prepared to face the final year of Key Stage 4 with confidence. Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Year 10 this year - Miss Moore, tutors, teachers, support staff, the wider pastoral team, parents and carers. Your guidance and encouragement have made a real difference. I am incredibly proud of how far the students have come and I look forward to leading this fantastic cohort through the challenges and triumphs of Year 11, as they take their final steps towards GCSE success. Mr McIntyre Head of Year 10 Top Achievement Points
Alicja
421 372 354 393
Luyanda
355 444 392 377 371 462 342 366 352 373
Ella
Maisie
George
Mateusz
Harry
Nadia
Hayden 355 Humeyra 408 Jasmina 414
Olumide
Rida Ruby
Jax
348
Safi
Jessica 344
Saran
Kara
432
Tim
Koyna 531
Tymoteusz 346
Liam
361
Zia
459
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Year 11 As this academic year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on just how proud I am of our incredible Year 11 students. It has been a true privilege to serve as their Head of Year, and watching them grow into the confident, capable, and resilient young people they are today, has been one of the greatest joys of my career. Leading this group has been an honour. From their achievements in the classroom to their contributions in sports, the arts and the wider school community, Year 11 has consistently shown what it means to be role models and ambassadors for our school. As they prepare to take their next steps, whether into sixth form, college, apprenticeships, or the world of work, I want to wish each and every one of them the very best. I have every confidence they will go on to achieve great things and I will be cheering them on from afar. Although it’s never easy to say goodbye, I will carry with me, fond memories of our time together and will miss them all deeply. Year 11, thank you for making my role such a rewarding one. You have made me immensely proud and I know the future is brighter because of you. I will very much look forward to seeing you all again on results day on August - ready to celebrate everything you’ve worked so hard for. Warmest wishes Mr Sinclair Head of Year 11
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Business Manager’s Update
available from the website using the ‘family’ icon at the top of the homepage. regentsparkcommunitycollege. schoolcloud.co.uk/ • Calendar – This is updated on a regular basis, with additional events: regentsparkcollege. org.uk/home/school-details/ calendar/. • Skoolkit / KoolSkools - Please visit the dress code page on our website for up to date information on our uniform: regentsparkcollege.org.uk/school information/school-uniform/ • Uniform/Cards – 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 • FSM – is your child entitled to a free hot meal at school? Please complete the online form to see if you are eligible. cloudforedu.org. uk/ofsm/southampton/ • School Street – we currently have a road closure 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 avoid blocking driveways, double parking or parking 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 – 8:25am. 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. Please be aware that calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes. • 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
The school is continuing 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/ • You can 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
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GENERAL NEWS 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 SIMS 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 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
Transition Day On Tuesday 2nd July, RPCC was thrilled to welcome our future Year 7 students for Transition Day. The day was all about giving them a taste of life at RPCC - and what a day it was! From the moment they arrived, the excitement was clear, as they took part in a fun-filled schedule of activities designed to introduce them to our school community. Students had the chance to explore their creativity in art, spark curiosity in science, dive into the world around them in geography and get active during PE taster sessions. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and to witness the enthusiasm and energy these young people brought with them. We can’t wait to see them again in September, as they officially begin their RPCC journey as Year 7s!
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Mathematics DEPARTMENTAL NEWS Maths in Real Life In a recent practical maths lesson, some Year 10 students experimented with both ratios and flavours when they made fruity mocktails. A ratio refers to the proportions of different ingredients mixed together. A classic ratio could be three parts orange juice to two parts pineapple juice to one part lime juice, written in maths as 3:2:1. Students were able to choose from a selection of fresh juices, sodas and even coconut water. Some students used three ingredients, but other students went wild, trying very interesting combinations. Using measuring jugs with millilitre (ml) scale, we considered how to scale up a ratio to make
Problem Solving Here is a problem for you to try! Work out the values of each piece of equipment. Please give a reason for your answer.
the correct volume. By scaling up our ratio by a factor of 30 to give 90:60:30, we could make enough to add to crushed ice for a refreshing drink. Finally, glasses were decorated with mint leaves and strawberries. We concluded that ratio really is the key to good taste!
there are a range of topics covered at the beginning of the lesson.
Catch-up for Missed Work
Retrieval Practice We start every maths lesson with retrieval practice. This involves actively recalling information from memory rather than simply re-reading or reviewing it. This strengthens the memory, making it easier to recall in the future. It improves long term retention and understanding. Here are two examples of Year 10 work, where
It is not uncommon for students to fall behind on their school work due to various reasons such as: illness, family emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary support to catch up and thrive academically. In our maths department, we recently started
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DEPARTMENTAL NEWS
trialling ‘catch-up sheets’, which are called ‘knowledge tickets’. These summarise the key points of the lesson, providing examples, misconceptions and a chance for student’s to practice the concepts taught. Here is an example of what we have used recently. We encourage students to make their own, when they have been absent. Sparx Maths We have had a successful year of using Sparx Maths for homework. It has had a real impact on progress for students, who complete their homework each week. Amazingly, we achieved our goal to having 1 MILLION questions answered correctly! What an achievement this is. It really shows the commitment and hard work of our students at RPCC.
These students go above and beyond, not only completing 100% of their homework on time, but completing additional tasks to ensure their success. Sparx Superstars for each year group are:
Gayathri
Year 11 Year 10
Marta Faeeza
Year 9 Year 8 Year 7
Luke
Each week, we show who the top 5 students are in the school on social media, our Sparx Superstars!
Tawhida
English Celebrating the English
explored an exciting range of topics, that have sparked students’ creativity and critical thinking. In imaginative writing, for instance, our learners have crafted captivating narratives that showcase their growing skills in character development and plot construction. It has been a joy to see them unleash their storytelling talents and convey their unique voices. After Easter, our exploration of Shakespeare’s works has been equally inspiring. Students have engaged with plays like “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Julius Caesar,” diving deep into characters and themes that resonate well beyond their time.
The discussions, sparked by these texts, have been lively and enriching, allowing our students to connect literature to their own lives. At the beginning of Year 8, we have journeyed into the realm of dystopian fiction, where students have analysed thought-provoking texts that challenge societal norms. This exploration has led to some fantastic discussions, empowering students to express their opinions on our world today, while developing their analytical skills. Our poetry focuses have also been a highlight, encouraging students to experiment with
Department’s Achievements As we look back on the year, it brings us great joy to highlight the wonderful achievements of our students in the English department. Their hard work and enthusiasm have truly shone through, in a variety of projects and lessons, leading to significant growth both academically and personally. Throughout the year, we have
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DEPARTMENTAL NEWS
different forms and styles. It has been heartwarming to witness their creativity flourish, as they express themselves through their own poems. Lastly, the persuasive pitching for investment project, tasked our
students with blending creative writing and practical skills. They worked collaboratively to create compelling pitches, enhancing their teamwork and communication abilities along the way.
In summary, the English department is immensely proud of the fantastic progress made by our students this term. Their dedication and enthusiasm is truly inspiring and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey of learning together.
Nature Poetry During the summer term, Year 7 students studied poetry on the theme of nature. The poems that the students were tasked to create, are inspired by a fossilised sea urchin and a piece of drift wood. Entombed Deep on the bottom of the ocean, rolling across the floor. A creature as purple as a grape. It shimmers under the sunlight: the sea urchin. Spikes that are as sharp as knives. Impenetrable. Indestructible. Until his life comes to an end. Slowly sinking down to the dark depths. Entombed in sedimentary rock. It has left it’s mark, leaving its legacy. Ancient in time, forming through the centuries. Washed ashore, exposed and free from the ocean.
Driftwood Wind traces rigid edges. It tumbles along the pebbles. With the salt. Silently. The tidal waves slowly. Backing away from the shore. Sat there contemplating. Burnt ends seeping through. Calico white broken. Spots of bleached white. Frayed edges. Blended in with sand. Solely to be brushed off. By the warn breeze. Out in the open. Bathing in the sun. Cracks to show endurance. The tide will win soon. It will erode. Washed away. By the sea again.
What a rare thing to find. by Tomasz - Year 7
by Tawhida- Year 7
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DEPARTMENTAL NEWS
Science As we wrap up another academic term, the science department is thrilled to share some exciting highlights and achievements from our students’ recent assessments. Celebrating Academic Excellence All students have been engaged in their end-of-year assessments, with results of these, yet to be released. However, we are proud to reflect on the outstanding results from our previous term assessments. Several of our students achieved remarkable success, placing them in the top 10% across 25 schools, with whom we collaborate for assessments.
Year 11 Examination Efforts Our Year 11 students have been exemplary in their commitment to their studies, participating in lessons and after-school revision sessions leading up to their exams. We wish them the very best of luck, as they await their results! Year 10 Interventions Year 10 has taken charge of their learning, with small group interventions, successfully conducting sessions for combined science on Wednesdays and separate science on Fridays after school. This proactive approach has been instrumental in preparing them for their mock assessments. Enrichment Opportunities This summer term has been bursting with exciting enrichment
opportunities, that have truly brought science to life! The Magic Science Show
Our Year 8 and Year 9 students were spellbound by an exhilarating performance that showcased the wonders of science, demonstrating how it can often seem like magic! The show was a resounding success, leaving students inspired and buzzing with enthusiasm.
Year 7
George Roman
Felix Alex
Keira
Emily
Aayan Year 9 Adam Bruce Shahid Nikyar Rahul
Jack
Nataniel Rocco Year 8 Wayne Asrielle
Abby Rand
Faeeza (Top 1%)
These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of them!
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