Welcome to North Birmingham Academy
Parent/Carer Handbook 2018 – 2019
NORTH BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY 395 College Road, Erdington Birmingham B44 0HF T: 0121 373 1647 F: 0121 382 2707 E: [email protected] W: www.northbirminghamacademy.e-act.org.uk
E-ACT ‘A charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales’ Registration number 652 6376 Registered office address: 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BEE WELCOME
Dear Parent/Carer,
Welcome to North Birmingham Academy. This handbook provides a lot of information about different aspects of Academy life. Please read through the information and I hope it will answer the questions that you may have. If you have any queries that are not answered in this pack please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact details provided. I look forward to meeting with you again soon.
Philip Lloyd Headteacher North Birmingham Academy
NORTH BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY 395 College Road, Erdington Birmingham B44 0HF T: 0121 373 1647 F: 0121 382 2707 E: [email protected] W: www.nbacademy.org.uk
E-ACT ‘A charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales’ Registration number 652 6376 Registered office address: 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BEE OUR STAFF
Philip Lloyd Headteacher
Mr J Davies Mr J Hickman Assistant Headteacher - KS3 SENCO KS3
Mrs M Jones Miss C Dunn Year 7 Head of Year Year 7 Assistant Head of Year
Mrs M Jones Year 7 Head of Year Email: [email protected]
Miss C Dunn Assistant Head of Year Email: [email protected]
Miss C Smith Group 7X1 - 7CHS Email: [email protected]
Mr C Mascord Group 7X2 - 7CM Email: [email protected]
Miss C Crosdale Group 7X3 - 7CC Email: [email protected]
Miss A Iqbal Group 7X4 - 7IA Email: [email protected]
Miss C Davies Group 7Y1 - 7CHD Email: [email protected]
Miss E Smith Group 7Y2 - 7ESM Email: [email protected]
Miss A Dharni Group 7Y2- 7AD Email: [email protected] ACADEMY DAY
All students are expected to be on site by 8.40am at the latest ,so that there is a prompt start to Tutorial at 8.45am. A Breakfast Club takes place for students before school from 07:45 in the Atrium where tea and toast is available free of charge.
Year 7,9,11 Year 8,10,12/13 8:30 - 9:15 Period 0 - Year 11 only
8.45 - 9.15 Tutorial/Assembly 8.45 - 9.15 Tutorial/Assembly 9.15 - 10.15 Period 1 9.15 - 10.15 Period 1 Then 10.15 - 10.30 Break 1 10.15 - 11.15 Period 2 10.30 - 11.30 Period 2 11.15 - 11.30 Break 2
Then 11.30 - 12.30 Period 3 11.30 - 12.30 Period 3 Then 12.30 - 14.00 Year 11 Period 4 & Lunch
12.30 - 12.55 Lunch 1 12.30- 13.35 Period 4 12.55 - 14.00 Period 4 13.35 - 14.00 Lunch 2 Then 14.00 - 15.00 Period 5 14.00 - 15.00 Period 5
15.00 - 16.00 Period 6 - Year 11 only
ABSENCE
If your child is absent for any reason, please use the number below to contact the Academy before 9.30am with the following information:
Who is calling A contact number The student's name The student's year group or form group Reason for absence
Student Absence number: 0121 450 9799
ACADEMY EXPECTATIONS
As a student I want you to Think Big & always do the right thing
I want you to focus your time on exploring, learning, getting involved, reaching out to people and asking questions. I want you to learn something new every day and challenge yourself to do things that you didn’t think you could. I want you to build, create and design - to find your passions and get better at them. I want you to work hard every day and be determined to do well in everything you do - I want to see this shine through in how you behave in class, with your friends, at home, in the work that you do and in the results in your tests.
In return you will get an education which you are proud of and that empowers you to be the best you possibly can be. You will be ready for continuing your learning journey, wherever that may take you.
ACADEMY REWARDS
The Student Leadership Team (which consists of a head boy and head girl from each year group) decide year on year what they feel rewards should be for the coming year. Currently students achieve ‘positives’ in lessons and once a student has reached 120 positives they are able to attend `rewards` week. This takes place during the last week of the autumn term and also the last week of the summer term.
The following trips are running this year: Alton Towers, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Waterworld, Manchester United stadium tour & Harry Potter world.
Each year group has attendance and punctuality rewards and the best performing forms across the term are awarded group rewards such as a pizza party on a half termly basis. ACADEMY SUPPORT Working together to support success The Access to Learning team supports students to reach their full potential. Working alongside teachers and support staff, the A2L team provide support, advice and mentoring to young people and their families. We have strong links with outside agencies that also work with and support students. Working with Students At North Birmingham Academy we believe that all our students should fulfil their potential. We encourage and support them to remove barriers to learning, believe in themselves and pursue their aspirations. The A2L zone is a student friendly environment where we encourage our young people to access support and advice when needed. Our SENCO Jonathan Hickman and a team of staff work in partnership with outside agencies and we are able to offer the following services:
Counselling Psychologist Mentoring Behaviour management workshops Pupil in school support services Learning support service Self-esteem workshops Positive choices Health Drop in - NHS Anti-Bullying advice – use of the SHARP system Numeracy support Literacy support Agencies: CAMHs, Communication Autism Team, City Of Birmingham Schools Working with Parents The academy is committed to developing a strong partnership with families and carers; therefore we have a dedicated family support worker within the A2L zone. We strongly encourage all parents and carers to take an active part in academy life and their child’s education. We offer: Family and parenting support Advise, information and guidance Sign posting for additional support Coffee mornings Parent/carers engagement Involvement in F.O.N.B.A and its associates Participation in the Parents Forum
NBA Parents Forum is a group of parents/carers who meet regularly each term to discuss Academy related issues. The forum provides valuable ideas and discusses any concerns. It enables parents to participate in consultations and assist in making positive changes within the Academy. ACADEMY UNIFORM North Birmingham Academy has a policy that all students wear full Academy uniform. If it is adhered to by all, the students have a sense of belonging. A uniform encourages pride and creates a good image inside and outside the building. Students dressed incorrectly may be withdrawn from lessons or sent home until their appearance is acceptable. If there are problems, we request you contact the Group Tutor for help and advice.
All items are compulsory unless marked otherwise. Variations are not allowed Boys: North Birmingham Academy black blazer with trim • White shirt (regulation short/long sleeves) • Academy tie • NBA V-neck black sweater with logo • Plain black (no logos) coat Black tailored trousers Plain black socks Sensible black shoes - No trainers - No Logos Girls: • Black blazer with trim, Academy badge White shirt/ blouse and Academy tie - KS3 Girls • White opened neck NBA shirt - Year 10 & 11 Girls only • NBA V-neck black sweater with logo • Plain black (no logos) coat Black ‘A’ line or straight skirt that falls no shorter than 3 inches above the mid line of the knee OR tailored black trousers – not lycra or jean material/ no exposed zips. • Sensible low heeled black shoes - No trainers - No Logos • Plain black socks or black tights PLEASE NOTE: Make up is not allowed (including nail varnish) Only thin, purple, black or brown hair bands are Allowed. No Bandanas Trainers are not allowed, except for P.E. lessons • Studs and sleepers are not allowed in any other part of the body, except 1 in the ears. Extremes of hairstyle, especially those likely to cause offence to other members of the community, are not allowed. Students will be sent home until they conform No unnatural hair colours • No patterned or shaved eyebrows or tramlines in hair • Religious headwear MUST be black • No hats, caps, scarves, gloves and hoodies worn inside the Academy building No visible tattoos No long nails or false nails - No nail polish
Jewellery: • 1 plain ring with no setting • 1 pair simple gold or silver ear studs. Stretchers are not allowed due to Health and Safety. • 1 watch • No bracelets or chokers All uniform and kit MUST be clearly marked with the student’s name ACADEMY PE KIT
Boys: Girls:
• NBA polo shirt with logo • NBA polo shirt with logo • NBA sports shirt • NBA sports shirt • NBA shorts with purple trim • NBA shorts with purple trim • Black football socks • Plain black tracksuit bottoms/ leggings • Plain black tracksuit bottoms • Black football socks • Trainers • Trainers • Football boots (moulded studs) Football boots • Shin pads Shin Pads • Towel Towel • Shin pads EXAMPLES OF Footwear Needed for NBA 4G Pitch Allowed and Recommended - Football Boot with moulded stud These can then be used for other sports on grass pitches and will provide balance even when wet.
Available at Sports Direct for less than £10
Allowed - Astroturf Trainer with dimple sole These can also be used for other sports in the sports hall and also playing courts Available at Sports Direct for less than £10
Not Allowed - Trainers are not allowed on the 4G Pitch
Football boots with metal studs and blades are not allowed on the 4 G Pitch.
PLEASE RETAIN ANY RECIEPTS FOR FOOTWEAR PURCHASED FOR NBA PITCH
All uniform and kit MUST be clearly marked with the student’s name EXAMPLES OF ACCEPTABLE FOOTWEAR
Sensible Black Shoes
HAIR STYLES
Extremes of hairstyle, especially those likely to cause offence to other members of the community, tram lines in hair, patterned or shaved eyebrows, unnatural hair colours and are not allowed. Hair should be evenly cut and not shaved at the sides.
Any issues will be dealt with at discrepancy of Mr J Davies or Mr A Bhugvandeen.
ACADEMY EQUIPMENT
Students will need to have the following equipment with them every day:
Blue or black pens Purple pen Pencils – including 1 x 2B pencil Eraser Ruler Protractor Glue Stick Highlighter Scientific calculator
We highly recommend the CASIO fx-85 GT plus, CASIO fx-85 GT, CASIO fx-83 GT Or CASIO 83 GTPlus.
You can see the model number here.
We recommend this calculator as it displays the calculations as they would look written down. The major- ity of the other calculators you can get DO NOT do this. We have found that students find these CASIO ones much easier to use and will enable them to gain more marks in calculator exams.
STUDENT PLANNERS AND HOMEWORK
Students will be issued with an Academy Planner which must be kept with them at all times as part of their equipment. The Planner is laid out in diary form in order to enable students to plan their homework. The Planner also contains a map of the Academy, term dates, an attendance log, their homework timetable, Academy timetable, a calendar and absence notes for parents to fill in should the student be unable to attend. Please check and sign the Planner each week. The Planner has been designed to be part of daily Academy life and there are many parts of the Planner that will be expected to be used on a regular basis.
Homework which is relevant, purposeful and contributes to learning will be set on a regular basis. Staff will set homework on assigned days (in order to allow students opportunities to complete the homework) which will give students time to plan and organise themselves in advance.
MOBILE PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The Academy rule is that students are not allowed to bring any type of mobile telephone or electronic device, onto the Academy Site. The Academy will not accept responsibility for their loss, damage or theft.
There is no need, in terms of communicating with home, for any student to have his or her own personal telephone. Students are all aware, that if the need arises to contact home, then we are more than happy to make that contact.
More recently, it has become apparent that a number of students have come into Academy with telephones capable of taking substantial video clips and still images. These telephones contravene human rights if they are used inappropriately. Their use will not be tolerated.
The bringing of mobile phones/electronic devices into examinations is also prohibited. Any student found in possession of a phone has to be reported to the examination board, they have the authority to disqualify the student not only for that exam but prohibit any further examinations being taken.
If we see students with mobile telephones/electronic devices we will confiscate them and they will usually be returned at the end of the day. If a second incident arises then mobile phones/electronic devices can only be collected by parents or carers, during term time. An appointment must be made through the Academy Office on 0121 373 1647 prior to collection. The Academy office is open between 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Unclaimed items will be returned to students at the end of the last day of term.
We are concerned that mobile telephones/electronic devices are being used inappropriately, and we feel that you will support us in removing the threat they pose. Certainly, any student found using them for any illegal purpose would be subject to the Academy’s Code of Conduct. This is likely to result in exclusion and, in serious cases, referred to the police.
Under the Education Act 2011, the Act allows staff to examine or erase any data or files on an electronic device if the person has reasonable grounds to suspect that the device has been, or is likely to be used for purposes which are unlawful or contrary to the Academy’s rules before returning to the owner.
CASHLESS PAYMENT SYSTEM At North Birmingham Academy we have a cashless payment system, called ParentPay.
ParentPay is an on-line service using a very secure website, www.paretntpay.com. You can also pay cash at local stores where you see the PayPoint logo.
Your username and password (you will have the option to change your password) will be issued by the Academy in a separate letter.
Payments for catering, trips, music lessons etc. are all made through this system. We do not accept cash or cheques.
This has many benefits including:
A faster lunch and break time service
The money that is on your child’s account can only be spent on meals Only your child can access their money If your child is eligible for free school meals no one is aware of this as the money is automatically credited onto their account each day
Paying for Trips, music lessons etc.
You do not have to send your child to school with large amounts cash.
The cashless system will use biometrics based on finger scan recognition technology
This is not a fingerprint
How does finger scan technology work?
A numerical value is derived from points on the child’s finger when it is placed on a reading device. This is a set of numbers (usually 16) that is stored. Every time your child has his/her finger re-read, a numerical value is generated again unique to your child.
Please Note:
• Schools do not keep an image of the fingerprint • The biometric data is securely stored and will not be shared with any other agency • The biometric data will be destroyed when your child leaves the Academy
Cashless catering systems are very common in schools and workplaces and are extremely popular. If you have any further queries about the system or object to your child being part of this process please contact [email protected] TERM DATES 2018– 2019
Please keep checking our website for any changes: www.northbirminghamacademy.e-act.org.uk
Starts: Monday 3 September 2018 - all students Autumn Term 2018 Ends: Friday 21 December 2018
Staff Training Day Monday 3 September 2018 - Closed to students
Staff Training Day Tuesday 4 September 2018 - Closed to students
Academy open to all students Wednesday 5 September 2018
Half Term Break Starts: Monday 29 October 2018 Ends: Friday 2 November 2018
Staff Training Day Monday 5 November 2018 - Closed to students
Christmas Break Starts: Monday 24 December 2018 Ends: Friday 4 January 2019
Spring Term 2019 Starts: Monday 7 January 2019 Ends: Friday 12 April 2019
Staff Training Day Monday 7 January 2019 - Closed to students
Staff Training Day Tuesday 8 January 2019 - Closed to students
Academy open to all students Wednesday 9 January 2019
Half Term Break Starts: Monday 18 February 2019 Ends: Friday 22 February 2019
Staff Training Day Friday 12 April 2019 - Closed to Students
Easter Break Starts: Monday 15 April 2019 Ends: Friday 26 April 2019
Summer Term 2019 Starts: Monday 29 April 2019 Ends: Monday 22 July 2019
Public Bank Holiday Monday 6 May 2019 - Closed to All
Half Term Break Starts: Monday 27 May 2019 Ends: Friday 31 May 2019 Staff Training Day Monday 8 July 2019 - Closed to students Summer Term ends - all students Friday July 2019
Staff Training Day Monday 22 July 2019 - Closed to students
North Birmingham Academy
Ethos and Values
At North Birmingham Academy we are committed to the highest standards in everything we do. All our students should leave the Academy as articulate, aspirational individuals equipped for the modern world and able to make a positive contribution to their community.
We are committed to supporting British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, respect and tolerance.
We are proud of our diverse community of students, staff and we are committed to creating an environment where individuals flourish and are treated with dignity and respect.
Our community represents over 60 minority ethnic groups with over 50 different home languages. A high proportion of our students (60%) come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are committed to equality and diversity and aim to ensure that: - Fairness and inclusion are fundamental to everything we do - Diversity is valued and celebrated - Good relationships between diverse groups are promoted - Respect is at the heart of Academy life - All young people benefit from exceptional education opportunities - All students and staff have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential - Benefits to the local community we serve are maximised
NORTH BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY 395 College Road, Erdington Birmingham B44 0HF T: 0121 373 1647 F: 0121 382 2707 E: [email protected] W: northbirminghamacademy.e-act.org.uk
E-ACT ‘A charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales’ Registration number 652 6376 Registered office address: 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BEE