End of Term 2 / Start of Term 3 Letter
Dear Parents/Carers
As we come to the end of Term 2 at the Academy, I wanted to share my immense gratitude for your support, feedback and challenge that has helped us to improve the Academy further. Term 2 often feels like one of the most demanding terms of the academic year due to the wintery weather, but this has not dampened our spirits or our ambition for further improvement! Not only have we seen students make further progress through the curriculum, but we have seen huge numbers of students get involved in the many enrichment activities / clubs on offer. On a day-to-day basis, I’ve been incredibly proud to see the resilience of students and their determination to succeed – a great reflection of our values: Dream BIG, Work Hard, Be Kind.
Everyone at the Academy wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you can have a restful break and enjoy the festivities.
We look forward to welcoming students back to the Academy on Wednesday 4th January 2023 to give them the best chance of success. Please continue reading to learn more about our start of term 3 arrangements and a reminder of Academy expectations.
Start of Term 3 // Wednesday 4th January 2023
The first day back for students will be Wednesday 4th January 2023. Students should arrive on site no earlier than 08:00 and be ready to start tutor time by 08:30.
Below is a reminder of our key expectations ahead of Term 3 starting.
Academy Expectations relating to Manners, Uniform, Mobile phones, Equipment, Academy rules, electric scooters:
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.
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. If a student arrives at the Academy in the incorrect uniform, we will support students in the following ways to meet our expectations:
- offer uniform items to borrow (if available)
- ask them to go home and change (in agreement with parents/carers)
- ask them to work in the Inclusion Area until the correct uniform is delivered to the Academy by parents/carers
Please note the following items which are not allowed:
- Jeans (defined as having back pockets and jean-like material) or leggings
- Trousers with zip pockets
- Tube skirts/tight stretchy material for skirts-skirts must be to the knee
- Hoodies
- Trainers
Some of these items may be marketed as school items so please check they meet the uniform requirements before you buy.
All uniform guidelines apply to all students in Years 7 to 11 – there are no exceptions made for Year 11 students. Please ignore the sentence in the planners that says that uniform guidance does not apply to Year 11, this was printed in error. We apologise if this has caused any misunderstanding. All communication with students and parents has said that uniform guidance does apply to Year 11.
We are asking that all parents/carers and check the following items before next term to ensure that students are meeting expectations:
Jewellery:
Students are not permitted to wear jewellery due to our health and safety guidelines. The only jewellery that is allowed is a single nose stud and 1 pair of small stud earrings. Please note that all jewellery should be removed for PE. Plastic retainers for piercings are not permitted. Necklaces, bracelets and multiple sets of earrings must also not be worn to the Academy as we need to ensure students are not wasting time in PE lessons removing excessive jewellery. Please ensure that you have checked and spoken to students about jewellery expectations so that all jewellery is removed for the Academy as far as possible. Please do not allow students to have additional piercings which cannot be removed.
Top Buttons:
Students are expected to have their top buttons done up when wearing a tie.
If you are unsure if the item you are purchasing meets the policy please check before you buy. We also have preloved uniform for purchase through the Friends of Hanham Woods.
We will be checking that students are meeting these expectations in Term 3. Please do ensure that you have checked that students know and understand the policy. If you know of any reason why students cannot meet the uniform guidance you must get in contact with the pastoral leader or academic leader to agree support (see below). Notes on the day are not permitted and it will mean that students may be asked to borrow an item or stay in our inclusion area until the matter is resolved.
We have very high standards in everything we do, and we want your child to look as smart as possible at all times. Wearing smart uniform helps to create the right conditions for learning and enables students to take pride in belonging to our community. We are very proud of our students and the high standards of their uniform, and we know that you are too! If you require further clarity or support to ensure your child is in the correct uniform, please get in contact.
A reminder about our uniform expectations can be found here
Academy Rules
No mobile phones: Mobile phones should be off and in bags when students arrive at the Academy gates in the morning and only be taken out of bags once they have left the main Academy gates. If they are seen or heard during the Academy day, the phone will be confiscated and placed securely in reception. The student will be issued with a 45 minute after Academy detention and the phone can be collected at 15:45.
No Swearing
If a student is heard casually swearing around the Academy, they will be issued with a 45 minute after Academy detention. We expect students to be polite and respectful.
No ‘hands on’ (pushing and shoving / playfighting)
If a student is seen pushing and shoving other students or playfighting, they will be issued with a 45 minute after Academy detention. We expect students to respect the personal space of others and conduct themselves in a safe manner around the Academy site.
Equipment:
It is important that students are properly equipped every day so that they are ready to learn. All students are required to bring a bag to the Academy. 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. 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.
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 at the Academy on an e-scooter, it will be confiscated, and you will be called and asked to come and collect it.
Term Dates for 2022/2023 can be found here
Key Academy Dates / Events: can be found here
If you have any concerns or queries, please do get in touch either via email: [email protected] or phone: 0117 440 8900.
Thank you for your continued support of the Academy as work together to give people the best chance of success.
Dream Big // Work Hard // Be Kind
Mr O’Callaghan | Principal
