Start of Term 6 Letter – June 2022
Dear Parents/Carers
I hope you have enjoyed a restful half-term break as we head into the final term of the academic year.
We continue to support our wonderful Year 11 students as they focus on their remaining exams. They have the Academy Prom to look forward to (providing they adhere to our behaviour expectations) as well as a leavers event (more details to follow shortly).
We will be celebrating Pride month at the Academy during June as we continue to celebrate diversity across our community, which is an important part of our curriculum. We are also looking forward to our first full Festival of Sport in almost two years towards the end of Term 6, in addition to our Academy Awards evening. The stage is set for another busy term and we hope students work hard and enjoy their time at the Academy.
Thank you again for your continued support, feedback and challenge which has helped develop and improve the Academy across the year so far. During Term 6 we continue to work hard to give people the best chance of success and ensure a strong end to the academic year.
The purpose of this letter is to update / remind you of:
- Academy expectations relating to Manners, Uniform (link to updated guidance below), Mobile phones, Electric scooters, Equipment, Attendance/punctuality.
- Term 6 Events / Key dates
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 parents/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. If a student arrives at the Academy in the incorrect uniform, we will support students in the following ways to meet our expectations:
- offer them 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
A reminder about our uniform expectations can be found here.
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 wellbeing 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. 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 program, 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.
Term 6: Key Dates / Events
Key dates and events for Term 6 can be found here.
A reminder that the Academy has an INSET day on Friday 8th July.
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 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.
Kind Regards
Mr O’Callaghan | Academy Principal
