Academy Expectations – Term 1 (2021-2022)

Dear Parents/Carers

After almost three weeks back at the Academy I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your support. We have had a really positive start to the year and the atmosphere in the Academy has been one of excitement and optimism for the academic year ahead.  

During the first three weeks we have spent a lot of time embedding our mission, values and expectations with students to give them the best chance of success. We set high expectations of students in everything that they do (and provide high levels of support). It is this inclusive culture that will ensure everyone has the opportunity to flourish. I’d like to draw your attention to a few of our expectations that, with your support, we would like to improve further. 

Punctuality to tutor time when arriving to the academy in the morning: 

Students need to be in their tutor room at 08:30 ready to start their tutor programme, 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 08:30am will result in a 15-minute lunch-time detention. 

Attendance & Punctuality to lessons: 

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 are expected to arrive at their next lesson within 3 minutes of the previous lesson finishing.  

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/ 

Electric scooters: 

Electric e-scooters are currently classed as a powered transporter which means they are covered by the same laws that govern the use of cars and other motor vehicles when used in public. This makes it illegal to ride an e-scooter on public roads without a valid driving license and insurance. With this in mind 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, you will be called and asked to come and collect it. 

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. Arriving to the academy in the incorrect uniform will result in a 15-minute lunch time detention. If there are extenuating circumstances, please provide a note. 

We are aware that there have been some issues with supply of uniform.  If you are still waiting on branded uniform items or 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 / Hoodies: 

Mobile phones / Headphones / Hoodies are not permitted to be seen (or heard) during the academy day. If they are seen or heard they will be confiscated, and students can collect them 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 at break time or lunch time who can facilitate this. 

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/ 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. 

Responding to a reasonable request from a member of staff, “First time, every time”: 

It is an 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 receive a text to inform them of the sanction.  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. 

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 appreciates your continued support. 

Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Kind. 

Kind Regards 

Mr O’Callaghan | Academy Principal