The presentation of certificates, cups, trophies and salvers was interspersed with musical and dance pieces in which the school specialises. Harrison Henderson sung and played guitar, Alicia Harffey and Daniella Lenihan entertained with a dance. The World Music Group who recently returned from Birmingham where they performed in the Music for Youth Festival, enthralled the audience with their take on the Circle of Life. Finally the audience were treated to an Irish dance by the newly formed group Rinceoiri Ratton, trained by Miss Kirwan in the Performing Arts Department.The guest speaker this year was Mr Keith Ridly, Editor of the Herald and other local newspapers.Over 200 students were presented with awards and the cup winners were as follows:

The Headteacher’s Cup for enthusiastic involvement in all aspects of school life – Jamilla Hekmoun – Head GirlThe Headteacher’s Cup for contribution to the school community – Beth DaviesThe Headteacher’s Cup for contribution to school life – Joel TrumperThe John Williams Award for leadership – Felix Smith – Head BoyThe Ann Cockerham Cup for excellence – Alice BertoliniThe Graeme Fern Cup for service to the school – Sophie ReynoldsThe Robert Reed Cup for showing spirit to succeed – Charlie ChittleThe Natalie Porter Cup for creative writing – Eric BarrellThe Rachel Paine Cup for consistent high achievement – Aidan PittmanThe Ratton School Award – for spirit to succeed – Elizabeth ParkerThe Lizzie Cooper Cup for contribution to school life – Lucy CheethamThe Simon Hannah Music Award – David WilliamsThe Marie Creed Cup for spirit of adventure – Laela HekmounThe Momma Cherri Cup for achievement during the school year – Kelly Van DoornThe Wheatcroft Singing Cup – Harrison HendersonThe Dennis Cullen Cup for service to the community – Ashley GreenThe Veronica Jobbins Dance Cup – Aston BradleyThe Alison Duncan Dance Cup – Amy TonerThe Phyl Webb Award for contribution to the school – Sophie CalverleyThe Fred Hutton Cup for improved performance in Maths – Emily BettsThe Maev Wilkinson Award for Drama – Robyn NashThe Eastbourne Sovereign Rotary Club Music Trophy – Rebeka ShieldsThe Liam Harper Sports Award – Dan LucasThe Pierce Cup for high achievement in Sport – Emily BignellThe Clive Douglas Cup for achievement in History – Ashley GreenThe Nigel Waterson Cup for contribution to the community – Winners of “Our Community” Project: Molly Brabner, Rebecca Greene, Jody Joy, Brendan Pittman, James Stone.

A draw took place from the students who have received the most rewards over the year and 2 laptops were won by Adam Pluck and Amy Chiu.

There are two students from Lyric who have each received 13 rewards this week. They are Hollie Wilkins and Amber Hansen.

Lyric received the most rewards this week as did year 8.

Paige Jordan-Evans and Harriet Leeming are both in the lead for most rewards received over ten weeks.

Mrs Davey, English, issued the most rewards this week.

Letters have gone home but there are still many outstanding reply slips.

In order that year 8s can benefit from this educational trip, we are extending the deadline for handing the slips in to next Thursday - 27th May.

Over 200 students graduated, 67 with distinction and 59 with merit. The students arrived at 1 p.m. where they spent time saying goodbye to their tutors and others in their tutor groups. At 1.30, years 7-10 went home and year 11 students and staff enjoyed a buffet in Refresh which was decorated with banners and balloons.

The formal graduation started at 2 p.m. Students went onto the stage to receive their graduations scrolls plus certificates for those who had received the highest rewards since February.

The formal presentations were interjected with more light hearted awards given by staff and students.

The whole event was a very pleasant occasion enjoyed by all. Mr Anderson, Senior Assistant Headteacher, was extremely pleased with Ratton's first formal graduation.

We wish all year 11 students the very best in their forthcoming exams.

The students and staff who are off to Uganda in July, also raised another £365 for the cause by packing customer bags in Sainsbury's on Saturday 16th May.

Report by Jacob Bradbrook

The PFA and School Council (monies donated by parents) have provided the funds for this new addition and we are very grateful to them for making this possible.

We would like to thank Blueprint Leisure Limited at Hailsham for doing such a good job. We hope that even more students will take up this offer next year.

It was a very lively and colourful show depicting various "tricks" and presentations using different types of gases. Several very loud bangs shook the foundations of the building and kept the audience enthralled from start to finish!

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