February News

February News

Time to Dance

St Richard’s Catholic College took part in the annual Time to Dance festival at the White Rock Theatre on Wednesday, 8th February. The Dance Company, under the direction of dance teacher Mrs Becky Knight, performed two pieces ‘suffrage’ based on the suffragette movement of the 19th century. This piece will also be danced at the Great British Dance Regional finals in March. The second piece “Fireflame” danced by KS3 pupils explored London rebuilding after being destroyed by fires in the Great Fire, The Blitz and more recently riots. St Richard’s Boys’ Dance Company presented their piece “NYC Windbavk” and for many of these pupils this was the first time they had danced in a professional show.

 

Mental Health Awareness week

There has been a big focus on emotional well being and breaking down the stigma of mental health this year.  Pupils received designated assemblies, form time activities and PSHE lessons to begin to break down the stigma associated with mental health.  We are also focusing on how our young people can take responsibility for their own emotional well being, through exercise, prayer and meditation, hobbies, volunteering, spending less time on their phones and more time with their families and talking things out.  

We secured £10,000 of funding to improve our work in this area.  This means that pupils will have greater access to quality resources and support around emotional well being.  Pupils physical activity will be enhanced through the use of pedometers and new PE equipment such as bicycles and rowing machines.

 

We have identified Year 9 as a particular focus group, where aspirations and behaviour could be improved, and are working with the ‘Art of Brilliance’ company to do so.

We also believe in the importance of role modelling emotional well being and supporting staff with their own. There is now a programme in place that includes the following activities for all staff members wishing to partake: weekly meditation, mindfulness walks mornings and afternoons, introduction to mindfulness workshop, art for relaxations, a range of exercise classes to include yoga and pilates.  Jo has also offered designated times for staff wishing to talk to her in private and the chapel window has been covered to offer confidentiality at this time.

Signposting for both staff and pupils for support in this area is visible around the school.

 

PE Department News

SE England Schools Inter County Cross Country

Well done to Noah Canby and Erika Body for producing great performances with both finishing in the top 30 runners out of 120 against Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Essex and Berkshire at Brands Hatch.

Hastings Area Basketball

Year 8 v Hastings Academy. Won 37 – 17.

Year 10 v Hastings Academy. Won 42 – 14.