Letter to Parents - February 2008
February 2008
Dear Parents
Working together towards good results
Our Year 11, 12 and Year 13 students have important dates for the major exams in their diaries. We have set targets for course work completion and many Year 11 students have tried very hard to meet deadlines in English, Maths and IT. More targets and deadlines will be set after half term to maintain the momentum. Thank you for your help, especially if your son/daughter is a member of our special ACHIEVEMENT GROUP. There is more work to do and we will be organising special classes and extra sessions. Please make sure that your daughter/son attends these. Each teacher has details and will be writing about these in the planner and sending information home. There will be some extra revision sessions during the Easter holidays and immediately before the exams. Your son/daughter should have a timetable for the exams and we ask you to make sure that these dates and times are known by all the family.
Please, never plan any "in term" holidays ESPECIALLY if your daughter/son is taking GCSEs or A levels. Science Exams. Module Exams are on Wednesday March 5th and Monday March 10th On Tuesday 25th March (a staff training day) certain exam students will be invited to attend additional VERY IMPORTANT revision/intervention classes.
Working together to improve good reading and communicating with confidence
In each classroom and in every tutor lesson, teachers and support staff will be talking about reading and speaking. We want our students to learn to read well and we ask you to help. It makes a huge difference if you encourage your daughter/son to read and share with them what you are reading. We will be offering clear and straightforward advice to parents and carers about helping children to learn to read. Over half term, please start by sharing with your son/daughter what is your favourite book or magazine. You could also tell them the story of how you learned to read.
Working together to make progress at the Academy
The third set of reports will be published after half term. Please use these as a guide when you talk about the progress which your son/daughter is making. Also please ask questions about clubs, learning clinics and sports. We have a wide range on offer and we want every student to enjoy learning both inside and outside lessons. There will be a Year 8 Options Evening on Wednesday 27th February 2008, 6-8pm, when parents/pupils gather information for choosing courses in Years 9-11.
Working together to look smart, behave well and show respect to adults.
Uniform is important. Academy uniform is a way of showing that a student is proud of their appearance and is proud to be a member of the Academy. There can be no excuses. All students know what we expect - a blazer, white shirt with a top button, a tie which is done properly, shoes not trainers - no boots - no jewellery other than stud earrings - no make up. All students know that we expect students to respect adults, talk with them and learn from them. We do not tolerate bad language and there are no excuses for poor behaviour - we are an Academy and that means "No Excuses".
Advance notice about uniform.
Our blazers look good and are distinctive. Many people in the local community have commented that there has been an improvement in the appearance of our students. Our students are all special ambassadors for learning and we want them to continue to show how proud they are of the Academy as they move to and from the Academy. To continue this improvement, we will be insisting from September that all students have only black coats, black anoraks, and black scarves, in addition to the Academy uniform. Please make sure that you buy clothes which are suitable in advance. I know that we can count on your support as we encourage "smart" attitudes towards appearance, behaviour and learning.
Working together to improve attendance
Overall attendance has improved this half term and we have almost reached 91%. Our target for this year is 92%. Even though there has been winter weather, colds and coughs, more students than ever are coming each day to the Academy. Well done to them and their families. Thank you for helping your daughter/son come to the Academy, every school day, on time, ready for the day ahead. Being ready for the day ahead - means that every student comes with a pen and pencil and a planner. There can be no excuses. Please check that this happens, EVERY DAY.
Working together to keep in touch - messages and information
Our web site changes many times during the week. On it you will find details of our successes and information activities and plans. Please use it if you can or ask your son/daughter to use it at the Academy. We are using text messages to tell parents if there is a problem and we need to contact you. Please make sure that we have up to date phone numbers. We hold regular meetings for parents and this year we have had record attendance at those. Thank you for taking part in the education of your son /daughter. TOGETHER, working with you, we can make a difference.
How to Cope with Teenagers
This parenting course runs from 13th March – 3rd April – 6.30pm to 8pm. Topics will include, confidence, communication, negotiation, responsibility and boundaries. Further information contact Ms Head on 774442
Drama Production
The Drama department is currently preparing two productions for you to enjoy. We would like to invite you to a performance of Macbeth on the 13th and 14th of March at 7 p.m. The performance takes approximately one hour. Tickets are priced at £2 for adults and £1 for children and concessions. On both nights children accompanied by adults will get in free. On May 15th and 16th we are holding a performance of short plays by our year 7 and 8 students further details to come..
We hope that you have an enjoyable half term. Term begins on Monday 25th February. The Academy will be closed on Good Friday, 21st March 2008, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, 24th March 2008 and Tuesday 25th March 2008.
Work experience starts for Year 10 students on 25th March. Term ends on Friday 4th April 2008. The Summer Term begins on Monday 21st April 2008 Monday 2nd June is a staff training day. HOWEVER it is a day when there are GCSE exams in Maths and DT. All students sitting exams must attend.
With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Peter Hullah
Principal
