Academy Expectations – Reminder – Term 3: January 2022
Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome to term 3!
I, along with all my colleagues, look forward to welcoming students back to the Academy for what I anticipate being a hugely productive and successful term. Whilst we continue to navigate the challenges thrown at us by the pandemic, we are committed to our mission of giving people the best chance of success and continuing to improve. Your support, challenge and feedback has been instrumental in improving the Academy further, and your involvement in the Academy is an important part of our improvement journey.
Since taking up the post of Principal I have been really impressed by the resilience, work ethic and kindness shown by students. This is a great reflection of our Academy values:
Dream BIG – We have high expectations of ourselves and what can be achieved. We remain optimistic even when things are difficult. I am the master of my fate…
Work Hard – We never give up. We remain positive so that we have the strength to persevere with even the hardest work. We do what it takes for as long as it takes. 100% every day.
Be Kind – Politeness gets us where we need to go in life. We have genuine mutual respect and show gratitude. We climb the mountain and become the best possible version of ourselves.
To give students the best chance of success, we have high expectations of everything they do (and high levels of support) to ensure everyone can flourish.
The purpose of this letter is to update / remind you of:
- Change to the Academy Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Academy expectations relating to Manners, Uniform, Mobile phones, Electric scooters, Equipment, Attendance/punctuality, and times of day.
- Term 3 Events / Key dates
Change to the Academy Designated Safeguarding Lead
You may be aware that Ms James left the Academy at the end of last term to take up the post of Vice Principal at another Academy. Although we were sad to see her go, everyone at the Academy is extremely proud of her progress and the promotion she has secured, leaving a remarkable legacy at the Academy. I am sure you will join me in wishing her well for the future. Mrs. Tushingham will take up the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead in the interim whilst we appoint someone to this role permanently. Mrs. Tushingham has extensive experience of safeguarding, having previously been in the role. If you have any safeguarding concerns / queries you can contact the safeguarding team via email: [email protected]
Academy Expectations Relating to Manners, Uniform, Mobile phones, Electric scooters, Equipment, Attendance / Punctuality, Times of Day
Manners:
We believe politeness gets you where you want to go in life. We want to continue the great work you have done instilling manners and mutual respect in your children, within the Academy. We expect students to always be polite, courteous, and show mutual respect so that positive relationships between staff and students can be achieved. This makes for a supportive and engaging learning environment where everyone can thrive.
Responding to a Reasonable Request from a Member of Staff, “First time, every time”:
It is our expectation that students follow staff instructions, first time every time. This creates a safe, calm environment within the Academy which enables everyone to be successful. If a student refuses to respond to a reasonable request from a member of staff, they will be given a 15-minute detention (either at lunchtime or after the Academy day, depending on the time of issuing the sanction) and parents/carers will be informed via a text message. The student will then be given another opportunity to follow the member of staff’s request; should the student continue to be defiant they will be placed into a 45-minute SLT detention and parent/carers will be called.
Uniform:
The Academy uniform is an important part of our community and building a sense of belonging. It is one piece in the building blocks of creating a culture of high expectations and high achievement through an inclusive, supportive environment. All students are expected to be in full Academy uniform every day. Uniform checks will be carried out every day upon arrival at the Academy. On a day that a student has PE, they will need to bring their Academy PE kit into the Academy and get changed at the start of their lesson. This is to ensure we can continue to offer a wide range of PE activities, something that has been restricted during the last 12 months. Academy uniform requirements can be found here: https://hanhamwoodsacademy.clf.uk/our-academy/uniform-equipment/
If you are waiting on branded uniform items and have any concerns or queries regarding uniform, please do get in contact so that we can help. South Gloucestershire Council are also providing financial support here: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/community-resilience-fund
Mobile phones / Headphones:
Mobile phones / headphones are not permitted to be out during the Academy day. If they are seen or heard, they will be confiscated, and students can collect their device from reception at the end of the Academy day. This rule is in place to support student mental health and well-being by reducing screen time. It also reduces distraction in lessons so that teachers and students can focus on learning. If you need to contact your child, please call reception and a message will be passed on. If a student needs to contact home, they can speak to a pastoral leader who will facilitate a call home.
Electric Scooters:
Electric scooters are currently illegal to ride on public highways unless a driving license and insurance is held by the rider. It is not appropriate for students to be riding e-scooters to and from the Academy and they are, therefore, banned from the Academy site. This measure is in place to protect and uphold the safety of all students as they commute to and from the Academy. If a student arrives to the Academy on an e-scooter, it will be confiscated, and you will be called and asked to come and collect it.
Equipment:
It is important that students are properly equipped every day so that they are ready to learn. An equipment check will be carried out daily in tutor time to ensure students are ready to learn. Academy equipment requirements can be found here: https://hanhamwoodsacademy.clf.uk/our-academy/uniform-equipment/ Students can purchase a pencil case (containing the correct equipment) from reception for £1. If you need support with equipment, please do get in contact so that we can help. Incorrect equipment will result in a 15-minute lunch time detention.
Attendance & Punctuality:
Our ambition is for students to attend every day on time and be on time for every lesson. This is to ensure students get the maximum learning time and the most enriching experiences from the Academy. Students need to be in their tutor room at 08:30 ready to start their tutor program, every day. To ensure a prompt start to the tutor time programme, students need to be on site by 08:25 so that they can comfortably get to their tutor room by 08:30, ready to learn. Arriving to the Academy after the 08:30am bell is considered late and will result in a 15-minute lunch-time detention.
Throughout the Academy day, students are expected to arrive at their next lesson within 3 minutes of the previous lesson finishing. This ensures a prompt start to lessons and provides all students with the maximum learning time.
If for any reason your child is not well enough to attend the Academy, please:
- call the attendance line on 0117 440 8900 / Option 1 before 8:30am to advise; providing details of the illness.
- If your child is unwell for more than one day you will need to call on each morning of the absence.
Key information regarding attendance can be found here: https://hanhamwoodsacademy.clf.uk/key-information/attendance/
Academy Times of Day:
08:10 – 08:30 – Student arrival via Memorial Road main gates
08:30 – 09:00 – Tutor
09:00 – 09:50 – Period 1
09:50 – 10:40 – Period 2
10:40 – 11:00 – Break
11:00 – 11:50 – Period 3
11:50 – 12:40 – Period 4
12:40 – 13:20 – Lunch
13:20 – 14:10 – Period 5
14:10 – 15:00 – Period 6
15:00 – 15:15 – Exit via Memorial Road main gates
PLEASE NOTE: The main gates are closed to traffic from 14:55 to 15:07 to facilitate a safe exit from the Academy. No cars will be able to enter or exit the Academy site during these times.
Term 3: Key Dates / Events
Key dates and events for Term 3 can be found here: https://hanhamwoodsacademy.clf.uk/events/
Thank you for taking the time to read this start of term update. If you have any concerns or queries, please do get in touch either via email: [email protected] or phone: 0117 440 8900. Everyone at the Academy is extremely excited to welcome students back to the Academy. I look forward to continuing our work together to give people the best chance of success.
Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Kind.
Yours sincerely,
Mr S O’Callaghan| Academy Principal
