END OF YEAR SCHOOL NEWS: RATTON’S ANNUAL SPONSORED WALK RETURNS!

Supported by staff and volunteers, students set off from the Sovereign Centre and followed Eastbourne’s beautiful seafront all the way to Holywell before returning along the coastline, covering an impressive 6–7 miles in total.

While the walk is always a fantastic opportunity to raise money for local charities and community projects, it is also about much more than fundraising. It is a chance for students and staff to come together outside the classroom, promote positive wellbeing through physical activity, and celebrate the strong sense of community that makes #TeamRatton such a special place.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience and encouragement for one another, making the most of the sunshine, sea views and shared experience.

Mr Kearsey, teacher & event organiser, said:

“The Sponsored Walk is one of my favourite events of the year because it brings together so many aspects of what we value at Ratton. Seeing hundreds of students supporting one another, chatting with friends, enjoying the outdoors and raising money for worthy causes is something we’re incredibly proud of. The students were a credit to themselves, their families and the school throughout the day.”

A Year 7 student said:

“I was a bit nervous before we started because I’d never walked that far solidly before, but it was actually really fun. We talked the whole way and the time went much quicker than I expected. It felt good knowing we were raising money for charity at the same time.”

A Year 9 student added:

“t’s nice to spend time with friends outside lessons, it was the perfect day for it in the sunshine! The walk felt more challenging this year because of the heat, but the sea breeze made it all the more enjoyable. Knowing we were raising money for charity made finishing it feel like an achievement.”

The event was a wonderful way to end another successful year at #TeamRatton, bringing together students, staff, families and the wider community in support of a shared cause.

We would like to thank all of our students and their families for their enthusiasm, fundraising efforts and support. Details regarding the final amount raised and the charities that will benefit will be shared in due course. WATCH THIS SPACE!

At South Downs Learning Trust, our mission is to #AchieveSuccessTogether, and events such as the Sponsored Walk provide a brilliant opportunity for our students to demonstrate the importance of community, charity and teamwork beyond the classroom.

A huge well done to everyone involved – you did yourselves and #TeamRatton proud!