Start of Term 1 (Sept 2023) Letter
Dear Parents/Carers,
I hope that you are enjoying a restful summer break and that students are ready to return to the Academy next week – we are really looking forward to welcoming them back (especially our new Year 7 cohort)!
We have enjoyed another successful summer of GCSE results, with the Class of 2023 achieving some of the Academy’s best ever results (both in terms of attainment and progress). We are all incredibly proud of their hard work and the legacy they leave for our current students who have a great opportunity to benefit from the culture and curriculum in place at the Academy to achieve success.
A big part of the Academy’s success has been your support in helping students to meet the Academy’s expectations (which are in place to create a safe, calm and enjoyable learning environment for all students). This partnership will help students to continue to be successful and I want to thank you in advance for this support.
Below is a reminder of our start-of-term arrangements and Academy expectations.
September 2023 – Start of Term Arrangements
I can confirm what the first few days will entail and when students will return to the Academy in September:
- Friday 1st September 2023: INSET day / Academy closed to students
- Monday 4th September 2023: INSET day / Academy closed to students
- Tuesday 5th September: Year 7 and Year 11 students return [Year 8, 9 and 10 students remain at home]
- Year 7 arrive between 08:00 – 08:25
- Year 11 arrive between 09:15 – 09:30
- Wednesday 6th September 2023: ALL STUDENTS return (staggered to manage induction) to the Academy
- Year 7, 8, 9 and 11 students arrive between 08:00 – 08:25
- Year 10 students arrive between 09:00 – 09:15
Academy Expectations for September 2023 relating to Manners, Uniform, Mobile phones, Equipment, Academy Rules and 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. Please click here to read our expectations for September 2023 regarding Academy uniform.
Academy Rules // Updates to Ready to Learn
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 30 minute After Academy Detention and the phone can be collected at 15:30. Please do not call students on their mobile phones during the Academy day. If you need to contact them please leave call the Academy reception.
Further information on updates to our Ready to Learn policy can be found by clicking here.
No Swearing
If a student is heard casually swearing around the Academy, they will be issued with a 30 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 30 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.
Enrichment:
Providing enriching activities for students is an essential part of giving them the best chance of success. We take great pride in offering a range of activities to students and taking feedback from students on what activities they would like to see. We will be publishing an enrichment timetable early in Term 1 and will communicate this to you. Please support the enrichment offer by encouraging your child to attend at least one activity.
Term Dates for 2023/2024:
To view the term dates for 2023-2024, please click here
Key Academy Dates / Events:
To view the key Academy dates/events for 2023-2024, please click 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
