Dear Parent/Carer,

Our iPad scheme has been enhancing students’ learning experiences for over ten years and continues to evolve in many ways. However, one persistent challenge has been the provision of a suitable stylus. While some families choose to purchase Apple Pencils, this isn’t a viable option for everyone due to the high cost. Additionally, recent changes to iPad charging ports have made older Apple Pencils more difficult to use with newer devices.

Over the years, we have trialled various third-party styluses but have struggled to find a cost-effective option that meets our quality standards. Recently, however, we have tested a stylus called the Metapen, and I am pleased to report that it has performed very well in trials. Some students already using it have provided positive feedback.

To ensure all students can interact effectively and efficiently with their iPads (particularly for handwriting tasks) we have decided to roll out Metapens to all students within the scheme who would like one.

We have negotiated a discount with the manufacturer and the school will subsidise the rollout. However, we are asking for a voluntary £5 contribution from parents to support this initiative across Key Stages 3 and 4. You can make this donation through the MCAS system, under the ‘Store’ section.

If your son already owns an Apple Pencil or another stylus that he is happy with, he is welcome to continue using it.

We will begin the rollout with Year 9, who have recently received new iPads. Other year groups will follow later this term or at the start of September. Students will be expected to bring their stylus into school each day and use it for writing tasks on their iPad. Any lost Metapens that have been provided by the school will need to be replaced. We will keep a small stock of them in school and are likely to cost £8.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards,
Mr Henderson
Deputy Head

Dear Parents/Carers,

If you ordered a copy of the booklet “GCSEs what can a parent do?” following the Year 10 information evening, these have now arrived in school and were distributed to your son this morning to pass on to you.

Thank you for all the support you give your children in helping them through Years 10 and 11.

Kind regards

Mrs Costello

Assistant Head Teacher 

Dear Parents/Carers,

Headphones

Over the last few years, we have asked students to ensure they have a suitable pair of headphones in school to use with their iPad, so they can access media content in class as directed by the teacher.

These could be wired or wireless headphones (including in-ear), but large over-head headphones are to be avoided, as they are bulky to carry around and far more likely to get damaged in bags. Please note that students are not allowed to wear earphones other than when directed by their teacher. Please ensure your son has a suitable pair of headphones to use in school.

Stylus

Whilst all students will have exercise books for many subjects and will write with a pen in the ‘traditional’ way, there is also a need to write on the iPad to complete some work. Whilst a stylus is not a required piece of equipment, if a student prefers to use handwriting on their iPad rather than typing in text boxes, they should have a suitable stylus that will allow them to keep handwriting neat so it is legible to the teacher and for their own revision.

Apple pencils are a good choice, but at around £80, are an expensive option. There are a number of much cheaper styluses available on the market from sites such as Amazon from around £12. I would recommend one with a solid tip as they are likely to be more durable and some even have charge indicators so you can see visually when it is running low. We will not be selling Apple Pencils through the school this year, as we cannot secure them any cheaper.

Thank you for your anticipated support,

Mr Henderson

Deputy Head 

Dear

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many of you for attending the Year 10 information evening last night, you can access the slides via this link: http://tinyurl.com/RCKS4-2024

In my talk, I referred to a booklet called “GCSEs what can a parent do?”. The booklet is now available on your MCAS account to purchase at a cost of £2.75.

The deadline for the purchase is Friday 11 October. Once the payment service is closed we will order the booklets, delivery takes about 2 weeks, so we will inform you when we have passed them onto your son which will probably be after half term.

Thank you for all the support you give your children in helping them through Years 10 and 11.

Your sincerely

Mrs Costello

Assistant Head Teacher

Dear Parents/Carers of Year 10,

Richard Challoner School is committed to ensuring students have the best resources available to plan ahead for their future and as part of that students are provided with impartial Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance.

This can be in lessons, through school events, the careers library and also through the Careers Lead and CEIAG Advisor, Mrs Stansbridge.

Throughout the year Mrs Stansbridge will focus on seeing students either in small groups or individually beginning with students in year 11 to help them think about important choices for post 16 education. Students in years 7-13 will also be offered opportunities as the year progresses and at key points in their decision making.

For year 10,

• Careers appointments will begin in the summer term and are made with students through their student email. Please join us in encouraging students to check their emails and to think ahead about any questions they may have, or areas to explore. Students may be seen in pairs or small groups or as requested through pastoral staff.

• If, as a parent, you have questions or would like to speak to me please make contact through the email address below.

• Year 10 will also complete their careers unit in tutorial at the same time and this will focus on getting ready for making choices in year 11 about their next steps. They will reflect on their first year of GCSE’s and think ahead to end of year papers and revision.

• virtual work experience which will take place during February half term.

• National Apprenticeship Week in February and National Careers Week in March are celebrated in school with activities taking place during tutorial time and materials are placed on the website in advance.

Introducing the concept of careers and future planning at an early stage does allow students to explore their strengths and help to make informed choices. Each year group will also have time in their pastoral programme to explore these themes in more detail. Students are also welcome to drop into the careers office.

There will also be support for school activities and arranging for professionals from varying careers backgrounds to come in and work with students to inspire and bring the working world further into education.

This year we are continuing to use our careers platform called Xello. More information is available on the careers pages linked above and we hope to roll out a parent side later in the academic year to allow you to see your sons progress and career ideas. Students have access to this platform via their ipads and can use independently and during guided time in careers units

Please also visit the careers pages on the school website https://www.richardchalloner.com/careers where there will regularly be information regarding events or opportunities as well as some useful information for parents around career planning. I will write to you again with an update once I have completed the appointments.

If you are able to support in these activities through giving a talk, representing your company or industry or sharing stories with students please complete the following short google form- Click here

Please take this opportunity to talk at home about future plans and if you have any queries, questions or would like to support these activities in anyway please contact the school or email careersiag@challoner.kingston.sch.uk

Yours sincerely

Mrs LJ Stansbridge

CEIAG Lead (Careers Education and Information Advice and Guidance)

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce the launch of a new initiative here at Richard Challoner School, our very own Martial Arts Club! We are constantly seeking ways to enrich our students' experiences both inside and outside the classroom. We firmly believe that martial arts not only instils physical fitness but also cultivates discipline, focus, and respect; values that are integral to the development of our boys.

The Martial Arts Club will provide a structured environment where students can learn the Korean martial art of Taekwondo. We will also run a series of martial arts taster sessions: Boxing, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Kickboxing. These will be on first come first served with a register circulated prior.

The sessions will be led by experienced instructors who are passionate about both martial arts and education, our aim is to create a supportive and inclusive community where every participant can thrive.

Here are some key details about the Martial Arts Club:

1. Club Times:

The club will meet once a week on Mondays from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm initially. We understand the importance of balancing academic commitments with extracurricular activities, so the schedule is designed to accommodate students' other obligations. This day may be subject to change depending on circumstances. After the initial taster sessions there will be an opportunity to join a paid club after school on Thursdays from 4.30 to 5.30pm.

2. Curriculum:

Our curriculum is designed to cater to students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Through a combination of technical instruction, physical conditioning, and sparring exercises, participants will develop their martial arts proficiency while also honing important life skills such as self-discipline and self-confidence.

3. Safety Measures:

The safety and well-being of our students are paramount. We have taken all necessary precautions to ensure a safe training environment, including providing protective gear and enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols during training sessions.

4. Benefits:

In addition to the physical and mental benefits of martial arts training, participation in the club offers numerous other advantages, including opportunities for leadership development, teamwork, and personal growth.

We believe that the Martial Arts Club will be a valuable addition to the extracurricular offerings at Richard Challoner School.

Please complete this form https://forms.gle/3AcbQRMymhhxr1K87 to express your son’s interest. We encourage you to fill it in as soon as possible.

More communication regarding start dates, exact times and payment details will be sent out at the beginning of the new school year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to

me by email at: mrsemwogerere@challoner.kingston.sch.uk

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Kind regards,

A Semwogerere