Parent/Carer Notices for all Year Groups
6th March 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers
It has been great finally to see the sun again this week, and the College has been busy and productive. Â
We have begun our focus on Gender Equality month, with assemblies and an inspiring input from poet, Red Medusa. We have also been celebrating World Book Day, with guest author, Kathryn Evans and the Big Owl Hunt.Â
Excitingly, we are also nearing the completion of our extensive renovations and improvements of Learning Plus, which have very significantly improved our accommodation to support both academic and emotional literacy interventions. To aid the completion of the sensory room, Haider S. led a planned PDT Facility meeting, to which all Facility students were invited. He skillfully fed back the results of individual student voice about what the room should look like and led a discussion about what rules should be established for students’ use – well done, Haider! (Photo below)
We were also delighted to welcome so many visitors to Year 7 parents’ evening last night – and it was wonderful to see so many proud faces, of both parents and students! The feedback from parents about their children’s experiences of Year 7 were overwhelmingly positive, and much appreciated by the staff team.
Best wishes
Sara Marshallsay
Deep Learning Day 3: Tuesday 24th March
On Deep Learning Days, students step away from their regular timetable to explore specific themes, skills, and topics in greater depth. Below is a summary of the sessions planned for each year group.
Year 7: Diversity and Inclusion
Students will explore the vital values of equity and equality. The day focuses on understanding inclusion and how to foster supportive friendships and school communities. Parts of the day will involve tailored sessions for male and female students to discuss gender stereotypes, positive masculinity, and menstrual health in a comfortable environment.
Year 8: STEAM Detectives
Year 8 will sharpen their STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths) by stepping into the world of forensic science. Students will learn how these disciplines are applied in criminal investigations and the training of detectives.
Year 9: Relationships and Safety
As part of our Whole Person Curriculum, Year 9 will focus on relationships and sexual health. The day is designed to provide a clear understanding of safe, respectful, and healthy relationships. Key topics include consent, contraception, LGBT relationships, and STI awareness.
Year 10: English (Macbeth)
‘By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes…’ The English Department has curated a day of immersive, interactive workshops to introduce students to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This deep dive will bring the text to life and provide a strong foundation for their GCSE studies.
Year 11: Maths
Year 11 will participate in ‘Walking-Talking Mocks.’ These guided sessions demystify the exam process by having teachers model the thought process behind tackling complex high-mark questions in real-time, boosting both technique and confidence.
Year 12: Recruitment and Alumni
Students will take part in interactive tasks simulating professional Assessment Centres. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop employability skills, topped off by a networking session with Sixth Form alumni who will share insights into their diverse career journeys.
Year 13: Independent Study
With A-Level exams approaching, Year 13 students are granted a day of home revision. Please note that a small number of students may be required to attend College to complete essential coursework; these individuals will be contacted directly by their subject teachers.
Uckfield College Careers Fair - Wednesday 11th March
The Uckfield College Careers Fair is on Wednesday 11th March and will be in the Hall and the Theatre. There will be a wide range of exhibitors, including universities, further education colleges, training providers and employers.Â
Year 10s and Year 11s will be attending the Careers Fair during either period 3 or period 4, and 6th Form students will also be brought to the Careers Fair during study periods and PDT. All other year groups can access the careers fair during break and lunch.Â
Further information about the careers fair can be found on the attached slides
Future of AI and Digital Skills FREE Webinar for Parents/Carers - 24th March 2026 5.30 - 6.30pm online
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Link here to register for the event Â
Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping the workplace – from healthcare and finance to marketing, media and education. As parents and carers, it can feel difficult to know what this means for our children’s future career choices.
This webinar will explore:
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How AI is changing jobs and creating new opportunities
• Which skills will matter most in an AI-enabled future
• How education is responding to rapid technological change
• How parents can best support young people to feel confident and prepared
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Hosted by Dan Wallman, Founder of TechNative Digital, the session will begin with a short overview of how AI is already impacting the job market and how it is expected to reshape both the skills landscape and career pathways in the years ahead.
 The event will then feature a panel discussion with three experienced professionals working across AI, business and education:
- Mary Kemp – Co-Founder of AI Potential, supporting organisations to implement practical, human-centred AI strategies that improve productivity and innovation.
- Toby Moore – Curator and Director of TEDxBrighton, working with entrepreneurs and innovators to translate complex ideas into powerful, accessible stories
- Emily Maltby – Founder of Spark Stars Education, researching how to close the STEM gap for girls and helping schools prepare young people for the digital future.
There will also be the opportunity to submit questions for a Q&A during the session.
This event forms part of the Digital Futures Accelerator, delivered by East Sussex Careers Hub and TechNative Digital, and funded by The Careers & Enterprise Company. The programme connects education and industry to help young people better understand real-world digital and technology careers.
We hope you can join us for what promises to be an insightful and practical conversation about preparing young people for an AI-enabled future.Â
National Theatre Connections performance - reminder - 9th March
Essential Online Safety
Easy Fundraising for Uckfield College
Uckfield Model Railway Club - Open Day
Vacancy - Science Technician
Art of the Week
We are thrilled to showcase another four incredible pieces from our Year 7 cohort, each interpreting Bisa Butler’s iconic textile style through their own unique lens.
Did You Know?
Year 7 Notices
Key Dates
Monday 9th March – Connections Macbeth Performance 6pm
Tuesday 24th March – Deep Learning Day
Thursday 26th March – Last day of term for all students
Friday 27th March – INSET Day
Level 2 Bikeability - week commencing 23rd March
We are running Level 2 Bikeability training for students in Year 7 during the week beginning 23rd March.
Please see the attached Parent information sheet for more details about the course. The course will cost £20 per student. The session will run for 4hrs over one day during the Bikeability week. Students can either bring their own bike and helmet to school that day, or are welcome to borrow one of our school bikes and helmets (if bringing their own bike, it must be in a road worthy condition). If a school bike is required, please email s.levett@uckfield.college so that the bike and helmet can be made available for the correct day.
Students must be competent on a bike in order to complete Level 2 training. Please follow this link to complete your booking and consent for your child to undertake the training. Payment will then be made accessible via Parent Pay and will need to be paid before the course starts.
Please note that there are only a limited number of places available, so they will be given on a first-come-first-served basis. The deadline for consent form submission is Monday 16th March. Students will then be contacted with which day their course will take place on.
Year 8 Notices
Key Dates
Monday 9th March – Connections Macbeth Performance 6pm
Tuesday 24th March – Deep Learning Day
Thursday 26th March – Last day of term for all students
Friday 27th March – INSET Day
Year 9 Notices
Key Dates
Monday 9th March – Connections Macbeth Performance 6pm
Thursday 19th March – Year 9 Parents Evening (face to face)
Tuesday 24th March – Deep Learning Day
Thursday 26th March – Last day of term for all students
Friday 27th March – INSET Day
Tuesday 28th April – The Big Futures Show
Parents' Evening Booking System - Martin Bradley
The Year 9 Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 19th March starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 7.30pm. This will be held as live, face to face meetings in College, which can be booked using the School Cloud system.
Some staff who do not work on Wednesdays will hold their appointments remotely on Tuesday 17th March or Wednesday 18th March between 4.30pm and 7.30pm
Parents will be able to book appointments from Saturday 7th March at 10am to Tuesday 17th March at 10pm . This information sheet gives details of how to book an appointment.
Year 9 Careers in Subject Lessons: week commencing 9th March
Every subject for Year 9 will be spending some of their lessons in the week commencing 9th March considering careers learning in that subject. This can be researching the careers that the subject leads to, or other careers-related activities to the subject (e.g. a decision making exercise that highlights the role of different professionals).
We are sure that Year 9s will be inspired by the range of careers they find out about during this week and this will motivate them to put even more effort into their learning. Parents may wish to discuss this with them and use this to start a conversation about future career options.
'Time Out' Theatre Production - Friday 13th March
Year 9 will be attending a Theatre in Education production on Friday 13 March. The Solomon Theatre Company has been commissioned to deliver a performance of ‘Time Out’ to secondary schools in East Sussex.
This Theatre in Education performance explores drug and alcohol use through an engaging live theatre experience and workshop. Issues including vaping, mental health, peer pressure, and home and family life are explored through an interactive live performance. This complements the lessons provided as part of Life Learning.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact Will Roney (Curriculum Lead – Life Learning).
Year 10 Notices
Key Dates
Monday 9th March – Connections Macbeth Performance 6pm
Tuesday 24th March – Deep Learning Day
Thursday 26th March – Last day of term for all students
Friday 27th March – INSET Day
Year 10 Habits of Champions: Own Your Destination Information Evening - Wednesday 11th March
As an essential first step in working in partnership with us during your child’s GCSE course, we would like all parents to attend an evening of information sharing, focused on our Year 10 motto of ‘Own Your Destination’. Â
The evening is a new format, which has been planned specifically for parents and carers of Year 10 students. It will consist of a short presentation in the Theatre, followed by a series of 15 minute sessions on a variety of important topics – see below for details. There will only be time for you to attend three of these sessions, but the content of all sessions will be shared after the evening.
Please find full details of the evening in the letter attached here.
Mathematics - GCSE Revision Books
- The Revision Guide provides revision notes on every topic in the syllabus.
- The Revision Workbook allows students to practise questions on each topic. The questions match each page in the Revision Guide.
- Ten Minute Tests provides short tests on each topic so students can diagnose areas of strength and weakness.
Gender Equality Month
In March, are celebrating Gender Equality Month at Uckfield College. Gender Equality Month in the UK, observed throughout March, is a dedicated time to celebrate women’s achievements, promote gender equality, and challenge bias. Running alongside International Women’s Day (March 8th), it highlights the need for equal rights and opportunities for all.
As part of this and following this week’s Red Medusa session for girls, Year 10 boys will be taking part in the following workshop run by external visitors.Â
Voicebox Workshop for Boys –Â Thursday 12th March
An interactive workshop that will help boys explore societal pressures, challenge stereotypes, and define masculinity in positive, resilient ways. Through guided discussions and activities, participants will gain tools to understand and express emotions healthily, build stronger self-esteem, and build supportive relationships.
If you have any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Will Roney.
Year 11 Notices
Key Dates
Monday 9th March – Connections Macbeth Performance 6pm
Tuesday 24th March – Deep Learning Day
Thursday 26th March – Last day of term for all students
Friday 27th March – INSET Day
Keep Calm and Carry On Workshop - Thursday 26th March
Andrew from Action Your Potential is leading a powerful and helpful workshop on Thursday 26 March at 7:30pm. It is called “Keep Calm and Carry On,” and it’s all about how we help our children build resilience and bounce back from setbacks. Video Promo for Webinar
Click the Zoom link below to sign up.
Year 11 Friday-Finishers
The Students’ Guide to University 2026 from UniTasterDays.com
The Students’ Guide to University 2026 is now available to support students considering university and is ideal for Years 11–13.
This popular 112-page publication features professional advice from over 80 university experts and is designed to help students make informed decisions about higher education. Inside, they can explore open day travel scholarships, learn how to access funding and free money, understand changes to the UCAS personal statement and gain valuable application tips from current university students.
The guide can be downloaded for free from this link: Â https://www.unitasterdays.com/university-support-for-students/students-guide-to-university-brochure/
Unifrog University Subject Discovery Fair - 18th March, 4pm - 6.30pm
The Unifrog University Subject Discovery fair is a great opportunity to find out all about studying at university and get all your questions answered by the experts. Join universities from across the UK to speak to their representatives via Q&A, and attend live sessions to get an insight into the exciting subjects you could be studying!  Careers Unlocked: How to Break into Top Careers
InvestIn are running a series of free interactive workshops, Careers Unlocked, giving students the opportunity to hear directly from experienced industry professionals about what it really takes to break into some of the world’s most competitive careers. These will be held on the following dates:- How to become a doctor – 10th March, 6pm Register Here
- How to become a lawyer – 10th March, 6m Register HereÂ
- How to become an engineer – 11th March, 6pm Register Here
- How to become an entrepreneur – 11th March, 6pm Register Here
- How to become a psychologist – 12th March, 6pm Register Here
- How to become an investment banker – 12th March, 6pm Register Here
Sixth Form Notices
Key Dates
Monday 9th March – Connections Macbeth Performance 6pm
Tuesday 24th March – Deep Learning Day
Thursday 26th March – Last day of term for all students
Friday 27th March – INSET Day
Thursday 26th March – Ten Pin Bowling at Brighton Marina, 4.30 – 9pm
Thursday 16th April – Year 12 UCAS Higher Education and Apprenticeship Convention at Brighton Centre
Thursday 23rd April – Year 12 Preparation for Higher Education Evening, 6pm
Year 13 Leavers’ Hoodies 2026
We are delighted to be able to offer students a Leavers’ Hoodie at a cost of £25.50. They are available in five colours – Arctic White, Ash, Baby Pink, Navy Smoke & Burgundy Smoke. The hoodies will have the names of all students printed on the reverse, the year and the College Logo on the front, with a personalised space at the bottom of the reverse for either initials or surname.
Please find the link with the full letter and google form here
Introducing Gemini to Sixth Form Students
We are writing to share some exciting news regarding our approach to technology and learning at Uckfield College. Starting Thursday 12th March, we will be providing our Year 12 and Year 13 students with access to Gemini for use during lessons and independent study. Gemini is Google’s generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool.
Enhancing Learning through AI
We believe that, when used correctly, AI can be a powerful tool to enhance your child’s academic journey. We are encouraging students to use Gemini as a “thought partner” to support their learning in several key ways:
- Metacognition: Helping students manage their own progress, identifying what is going well and which areas require more focus.
- Effective Study: Assisting students in planning and organising their workload both in and out of lessons.
- Interactive Feedback: Acting as a partner to support them with understanding questions, structuring answers and stretching their learning.
Guiding Effective Use
While we are embracing this technology, our message to students remains clear: AI will never replace hard work. It is an enhancement to their efforts, not a substitute for them. To maintain academic integrity, we have established strict guidelines:
- Prohibited Use: Students must never use AI to produce coursework, essays, or homework.
- Examination Integrity: Students will not have access to AI during formal exams.
To ensure students use this tool responsibly, we will be guiding them on how to use AI effectively. Students will be supported in assemblies and through ongoing mentoring to ensure they feel confident and ethical in their use of AI.
Safeguarding and Security
We take the safety of our students seriously. Please be assured that Gemini has passed all comprehensive safeguarding checks. The platform is being rolled out within a controlled school environment to ensure it is used safely and for educational purposes.
If you have a question about the use of AI in a particular subject, please contact your child’s teacher directly. For any other questions, please contact us via office@uckfield.college
Unifrog University Subject Discovery Fair - 18th March, 4pm - 6.30pm
The Unifrog University Subject Discovery fair is a great opportunity to find out all about studying at university and get all your questions answered by the experts. Join universities from across the UK to speak to their representatives via Q&A, and attend live sessions to get an insight into the exciting subjects you could be studying!  The Students’ Guide to University 2026 from UniTasterDays.com
The Students’ Guide to University 2026 is now available to support students considering university and is ideal for Years 11–13.
This popular 112-page publication features professional advice from over 80 university experts and is designed to help students make informed decisions about higher education. Inside, they can explore open day travel scholarships, learn how to access funding and free money, understand changes to the UCAS personal statement and gain valuable application tips from current university students.
The guide can be downloaded for free from this link: Â https://www.unitasterdays.com/university-support-for-students/students-guide-to-university-brochure/
Careers Unlocked: How to Break into Top Careers
InvestIn are running a series of free interactive workshops, Careers Unlocked, giving students the opportunity to hear directly from experienced industry professionals about what it really takes to break into some of the world’s most competitive careers. These will be held on the following dates:- How to become a doctor – 10th March, 6pm Register Here
- How to become a lawyer – 10th March, 6m Register HereÂ
- How to become an engineer – 11th March, 6pm Register Here
- How to become an entrepreneur – 11th March, 6pm Register Here
- How to become a psychologist – 12th March, 6pm Register Here
- How to become an investment banker – 12th March, 6pm Register Here
The Sixth Formers' Guide - Degree Apprenticeships
The Sixth Former’s Guide on degree apprenticeships is an essential guide for 6th formers and is published annually. It has lots of useful information on degree apprenticeships from a range of sectors and employer profiles.
Please find the link here
Year 12 UCAS Higher Education and Apprenticeship Exhibition - Thursday 16th April 2026
In addition to our Information Evening, we have arranged a visit to the UCAS Higher Education and Apprenticeship Convention at the Brighton Centre on Thursday 16th April.
The purpose of this annual conference is to give your child an introduction to Higher Education and other options after Year 13. The conference planners aim to have over 100 exhibitors, including university admission staff, careers advisors, apprenticeship providers, sponsorship organisations and Gap Year staff.
Please see the full letter here
Year 12 Preparation for Higher Education Evening Thursday 23rd April, 6pm to 7.15pm in the Theatre
As part of our programme aimed at informing your child about their Higher Education or gap year options, we have arranged a Higher Education Information Evening at College on Thursday 23rd April 2026, for both students and parents. The 6th Form Team and a representative from the University of Sussex will talk through the UCAS process and the reasons why students might wish to consider Higher Education. The talk will start promptly at 6.00pm. This is a most important, valuable and informative evening for both you and your child, and attendance is encouraged.Â
If you are intending to join us for the evening, we would be grateful if you could complete the attached Google Form in order to give us an indication of numbers. Â