Strood Academy Information Booklet
2018 - 19
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CONTENTS
PAGE 3 Principal’s Letter
4 Senior Staff List
5 Home and Academy: Communication
6 Curriculum
7- 8 Timetable
9 Homework
10 Academy calendar 2018 -19
11 Academy Restaurant
12- 14 Frequently Asked Questions
15 Code of Conduct
16-17 Academy Rules
18 Uniform
19 How can I help my child?
20-22 Additional Information including School transport, Music lessons, Assemblies and Charging and Remissions Policy
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Strood Academy
Carnation Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent, ME2 2SX
Telephone: 01634 717121 Fax: 01634 735755
Principal: Kim Gunn BA (Hons) MBA NPQH
Dear Parents and Carers
A very warm welcome to Strood Academy. All successful schools have very strong partnerships between parents, students and teachers. Our aim is to start that process by ensuring a smooth transition to secondary school and hope that this booklet proves both helpful and informative.
The Academy is divided into three colleges for years 7-11. Each of these is led by a Vice Principal. The fourth college is for the Sixth Form. Teaching is undertaken through seven faculties and Student Services, covering the national curriculum in a way that personalises both learning and the way we monitor and support each child. Expectations for good attitudes for learning are high and every student will be expected to complete homework assignments.
With a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, students follow a two year Key Stage 3 programme allowing for a three year period leading to GCSE and vocational qualifications. A Sixth Form that will grow to 300 students allows for progression and a broad offer of courses.
Care, support and guidance are high priorities. Parents receive progress reports regularly to ensure that every student receives the level of support and challenge that they need to be successful.
The Academy will promote participation in sport and the arts and ensure that a full range of clubs, activities and teams are available in the ‘extended day.’ We hope that you will encourage your child to get fully involved in the life of the Academy.
We look forward to a happy and fruitful association between yourselves and Strood Academy.
Yours sincerely
Kim Gunn Principal
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Senior Staff
Principal Mrs K Gunn
Associate Principal Mrs D Piralic
Vice Principal - Hercules College Mrs T Copeland
Vice Principal - Trafalgar College Mr S Daly
Vice Principal - Victory College Mr G Cook
Assistant Principal & Head of Sixth form Miss S Nasim
Assistant Principal - Deputy Head of Hercules College Miss J Lindsay
Assistant Principal - Deputy Head of Trafalgar College Mr A Kelly
Assistant Principal - Deputy Head of Victory College Mrs C Napier
Assistant Principal - Inclusions Mr G Matthews
College Staff
Director of Studies – Hercules College Mr R Harvey
Director of Studies – Trafalgar College Mrs K Chidlow
Director of Studies – Victory College Mr J Kirk
Assistant Director of Studies – Hercules College Ms L Robicheau
Assistant Director of Studies – Trafalgar College Mr S Palmer
Assistant Director of Studies – Victory College Mrs J Pattison
Pastoral Manager – Hercules College Mrs K Lennox
Pastoral Manager – Trafalgar College Mrs K Thornton
Pastoral Manager – Victory College Mrs L Brown
Pastoral Manager – Apollo College Miss M Bartlett
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Home and Academy: Communication
Communication between home and the Academy is the most effective means of securing partnership, and the best outcomes for your child.
Progress Reports Parent/Teacher Consultation Evenings Progress reports are issued regularly over the year so Each year you will be invited to the Academy to that an indication can be given of your child’s discuss your child’s progress. Please make every progress and achievement in key areas of each effort to attend these meetings – an exchange of subject. views on a personal basis is invaluable. In all years, we encourage students to attend with Concerns their parents. This practice has proved most Apart from this regular consultation, there may be helpful in promoting effective discussion. occasions when the Form Tutor or the Director of Studies feels it would be helpful to talk to parents. Rewards Scheme S/he will arrange a mutually convenient time with Form Tutors monitor the points awarded on a you. Equally, there may be matters of concern that weekly basis which enables them to congratulate you will wish to discuss with us. Usually the best students doing well. person to contact will be your child’s Form Tutor, who ParentMail is able to co-ordinate support within the Academy. The most direct way of receiving all school The Director of Studies may obtain the help of communication is via Parentmail. Please ensure agencies outside the Academy whenever this is that the Academy always has your current email considered appropriate. Such agencies include: address so that letters are sent directly to your The School Health Team Inbox. Parentmail have also designed a free App which makes using Parentmail via your mobile The Attendance Advisory Practitioner phone much more user friendly.
The Educational Psychologist
The Social Services Department
Behaviour Support Service
Medway Youth Trust
Police It is always better to contact the Academy to express concern or to seek advice than to worry and allow a situation to deteriorate. However, staff may not be able to respond immediately due to teaching commitments but they will try to respond within 24 hours. Please be aware, that If you wish to see a member of staff you must make an appointment. This can be done by leaving a request when calling in, or emailing [email protected] You can also email colleges direct via the email addresses listed on the last page entitled useful contact details.
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Curriculum
The Academy operates a ten-day timetable throughout the year. In each two-week period there are 38 teaching units of 75 minutes. Students in Year 7 follow a common curriculum comprising:
Curriculum
Students will have access to a broad and balanced curriculum which will be delivered through the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP). This programme covers the expected national curriculum areas, but also seeks to develop key character traits such as being “knowledgeable”, “principled” and “open- Organisation minded”. The majority of students will be taught in mixed ability groups. However, in Mathematics, English, Science and Modern Foreign Language, students are taught according to ability. Students who have special learning difficulties will receive specific help either through additional support in the classroom from teaching assistants and the class teacher or on a one to one basis.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) Through PSHEE we aim to educate students to understand themselves and to play a responsible role within families and as members of local, national and international communities. Many aspects of Citizenship are taught within PSHEE which takes place during form time.
Timetable
The pattern of the Academy day is as follows for:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Wednesday 7.30 - 8.45am Access to Academy 7.30 - 8.45am Access to Academy 8.45 - 9.15am Form time and assemblies 8.45 - 9.15am Form time and assemblies 9.15 - 10.50am Period 1 (including a 20 9.15 - 10.50am Period 1 (including 20 minute minute break) break) 10.50 - 12.05pm Period 2 10.50 - 12.05pm Period 2 12.05 - 1.50pm Period 3 (including a 30 12.05 - 1.50pm Period 3 (including a 30 minute lunch break) minute lunch break) 1.50 - 3.05pm Period 4 and end of school 1.50 - 2.00pm Registration and end of school 3.15 - 4.15pm Clubs and Activities 2.15 - 4.15pm Staff Professional
Development. No after school clubs
The Academy operates a 10 day timetable. This means that some of your child’s lessons in Week A may be slightly different from those in Week B. Please see an example on the next page. Each block shows the class code, teacher name and room number. This is not your child’s timetable this will be issued to them in September.
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Timetable Week 1 (Date) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday V1 V1 V1 V1 V1 AM Form Tutor AM Form Tutor AM Form Tutor AM Form Tutor AM Form Tutor 210 210 210 210 210
7v/Pc2 7v/Sc1 7v/En1 7v/Ma1 7v/Sc1 1 Mrs PE 1 Mrs Science 1 Ms English 1 Mrs Maths 1 Mrs Science DEFAULT 217 148 300 321
7v/Hu2 7v/Hu2 7v/Hu2 7v/Sc1 7v/En1 2 Mr Humanities 2 Mr Humanities 2 Mr Humanities 2 Mrs Science 2 Mr English 230 230 231 145 148
7v/Dt2 7v/En1 7v/Ma1 7v/Ma1 7v/Ma1 Mr Design Mr English Mrs Maths Mrs Maths Mrs Maths 3 3 3 3 Technology 3 148 313 313 313 144
V1 V1 V1 Form Tutor V1 V1 PM Form Tutor PM Form Tutor PM Registration and PM Form Tutor PM Form Tutor 210 210 dismissal 210 210
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7v/Ml1 7v/En1 7v/En1 7v/Pc2 Ms Modern Mr English Mr English Mrs PE 4 Foreign Language 4 4 4 4 148 148 DEFAULT 229
Timetable Week 2 (Date) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday V1 V1 V1 V1 V1 AM Form Tutor AM Form Tutor AM Form Tutor AM Form Tutor AM Form Tutor 210 210 210 210 210
7v/Pa2 7v/Sc1 7v/Sc1 7v/Pc2 7v/Sc1 Ms Performing Mrs Science Mrs Science Mrs PE Mrs Science 1 1 1 Arts 1 1 321 316 DEFAULT 316 220
7v/Ml1 7v/Hu2 7v/Ma1 7v/Sc1 7v/En1 Mrs Modern Mr Humanities Mrs Maths Mrs Science Mr English 2 2 2 2 Foreign Language 2 231 313 316 148 229
7v/Dt2 7v/Dt2 7v/Ma1 7v/En1 7v/Ma1 Mr Design Mr Design Mrs Maths Mr English Mrs Maths 3 3 3 3 Technology 3 Technology 305 148 305 216 225
V1 V1 V1 Form Tutor V1 V1 PM Form Tutor PM Form Tutor PM Registration and PM Form Tutor PM Form Tutor 210 210 dismissal 210 210
7v/Ml1 7v/En1 7v/En1 7v/Ma1 Ms Modern Mr English Mr English Mrs Maths 4 4 Foreign Language 4 4 4 148 148 313
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Homework
All students are expected to follow a programme of regularly set homework, varying from 20 to 40 minutes per subject per week in the lower years, to 2 hours per subject in year 11. Each homework task will be set online through the Academy’s Portal and homework platforms. The allocated times should be carefully monitored. Your child should not need to spend an unreasonable length of time on homework. Parents are requested to read and monitor their child’s homework through the portal. If there are any problems concerning homework, please contact the teacher who set the homework without delay. Homework can be any of the following:
answering questions making a model carrying out an investigation making up a play composing a tune practising “tables” copying up notes doing an experiment reading a book drawing diagrams or pictures revising for a test watching a TV programme following a design brief working on a project Examinations writing a story learning e.g. spellings or vocabulary Throughout the Academy year, all students writing up an experiment. are formally and informally assessed in practical, oral and written skills relevant to specific subject areas. Homework will be set by the teacher for completion within a specified period of time. Students are expected to check the portal daily for homework tasks and resources.
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Academy Calendar 2018-19
Term dates 2018/19
Term 1 Friday 31 August – staff training Start: Monday 3 September 2018 – Year 7 only Start: Tuesday 4 September 2018 – All Years Finish: Thursday 18 October 2018 Term 2 Start: Monday 5 November 2018 Finish: Friday 21 December 2018 Term 3 Start: Monday 7 January 2019 Finish: Thursday 14 February 2019 Term 4 Start: Monday 25 February 2019 Finish: Friday 5 April 2019 Term 5 Start: Tuesday 23 April 2019 Finish: Friday 24 May 2019 Term 6 Start: Monday 3 June 2019 Finish: Wednesday 24 July 2019 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Term dates are published two years in advance on the Strood Academy Website. Please always check them there for accuracy, do not do a Google search as this frequently brings up out of date, incorrect information. Term date information can be found under the Parents tab on the front page of the website and then the Term Dates option.
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Academy Restaurant
Breakfast Service, A breakfast service is available from 7.30am – 8.30am daily where a wide range of items are on offer. Including free porridge for all students. Food is also available during morning break times. Lunch Service, A wide choice of hot and cold dishes, drinks and snacks are available daily. Your child will pay for food using their ID badge, you can load money onto your Parentpay account via the internet, or at any shop that offers the PayPoint service. If you wish to use the PayPoint service you will need a PayPoint card which is available by request from the Main Office at a cost of £1.80 (please note this card can take approximately 2-3 weeks to arrive). Parent login details will be sent in the post to you during the school holidays. Parents of students that are entitled to a free school meal should ensure that they have completed an application for free meals either via the link on the Strood Academy website or by completing a form which is available from the Academy reception. Entitlement will not automatically transfer from your child’s previous school. Lunchtime Arrangements In dry weather all students are encouraged to spend some time outside at break and lunchtime. Students must eat their packed lunch or school dinner in the school canteen before they access the outside areas. Students in Years 7 - 11 are not allowed to leave the Academy site during lunchtime.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Academy deal with If your child is placed on daily report, you will normally discipline? be informed by letter and asked to discuss your child’s behaviour and progress with their Form Tutor or
Director of Studies. The Academy’s behaviour policy is based on three Any situations requiring other sanctions, e.g. simple rules: withdrawal from lessons or exclusion, will usually be 1. Always try your best discussed with you at the time. 2. Follow a direct instruction At Strood Academy, the co-operation of students and
3. Be polite and respectful their parents with the Academy ensures a stable and peaceful working environment.
All students at Strood Academy are expected to show a high standard of behaviour. We encourage them to achieve this by developing self-discipline. However, if How does the Academy deal with bullying? The Academy has an Anti-Bullying Policy. the comfort, safety or well-being of others is put at risk by thoughtless actions, sanctions will be applied to Selected points: maintain a safe and acceptable level of behaviour. We aim to involve parents in helping their child to meet All students will be told that it is never wrong to the Academy’s expectations, and we would wish to tell a senior student or a member of staff that discuss with you any concerns. bullying is going on.
The Academy operates a detention system. Parents Normally a Form Tutor will deal with the initial accept a place at Strood Academy in the full situation. knowledge that misbehaviour by any student may result in this sanction. When the bully agrees to put an end to any Detentions are imposed for: threats, and that is what actually happens, no further action will be taken. Misbehaviour Unsatisfactory work/late homework If the bully persists in their actions, they will be Persistent lateness dealt with in accordance with the Academy’s Truancy Discipline and Pupil Behaviour Policy. This allows
teachers to use punishment or other actions as No notice detentions may be issued but if so, we will appropriate, e.g. informing parents; withdrawal endeavour to contact parents. For other detentions, from lessons; exclusion. at least one day’s notice is given of a detention so that parents can make arrangements to ensure safe An email hotline is available for reporting issues transport home for their child. Where the given date relating to bullying – of a detention is particularly inconvenient, an [email protected] alternative evening may be possible by special
agreement between parents and the teacher concerned. The detention will last up to a maximum of 60 minutes. Should a student fail to attend their detention then further sanctions are likely.
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What if my child is absent through illness? EMERGENCIES
If your child is away ill, please let us know immediately by telephone (01634 716621) letter or E-mail to It is essential that you inform the Academy of any [email protected] allergies, asthma or ongoing medical conditions that could be a cause for concern. For serious issues a The Attendance team follows up unexpected and care plan will need to be completed with Student unexplained absences on a daily basis. “Unauthorised Services. Absence” is recorded for truancy and when there has been no satisfactory explanation for the absence. Our It is also vital that we are given up to date addresses Attendance Advisory Practitioner pursues and telephone numbers so that we can contact you unauthorised and long term absences. If your child is in the event of an emergency involving your child. absent for longer than two days then a medical Please remember to let us know if you change your certificate will have to be provided on the third day, telephone/mobile number. otherwise it will be recorded as an unauthorised
absence.
We ask for your co-operation in ensuring that your What if there is an accident in Academy? child attends the Academy at all times unless they All students must report accidents immediately to are genuinely ill. the nearest teacher. What if my child is ill at the Academy? If your child is taken ill, they should report to a teacher What if my child cannot do P.E.? who will send them with a note to Student Services. If a minor ailment prevents your child from We are not allowed to provide students with tablets, participating in PE you must provide a letter to be e.g. aspirin or paracetamol, other than those brought passed to their teacher at the start of the lesson. to the Academy by special arrangement. Your child MUST still wear full PE kit, as they will be required to perform a coaching, officiating or When should I make doctor/dental analysis of performance role within the lesson. A appointments? medical certificate will be required for longer term medical issues. Any student that fails to come to Whenever possible, please make doctor/dental their PE lesson equipped with their PE kit, will be appointments outside Academy hours. If this cannot required to borrow from the Department’s store of be done, please inform the Attendance team in clean kit. writing of the appointment. When leaving for or returning from an appointment, students must report to the Attendance Desk. Your child will also need to obtain a Student Pass from Attendance. Your child may still be able to have their attendance mark if they show us their appointment card. Can my child take medicine to the Academy? Tablets or medicine must not be brought into the Academy unless a Medication Form (available from reception) has been completed. The tablets/medicine must be clearly labelled with the student’s name and handed in at Student Services on arrival at the Academy.
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What if my child has to bring money to What if my child loses their locker key? Academy? Your child needs to check with Student Services to The Academy cannot accept responsibility for the see if it has been handed in. If after two days the loss of any money. Students should not bring large key is still missing they need to pay £5.00 for a amounts of money into the Academy. If a large replacement key and/or £10.00 for replacement sum simply has to be brought in, your child should lock. ask a member of the teaching staff to look after it What if my child loses something at the for them. We recommend that small sums are kept in a purse or a wallet. Academy?
We operate a cashless catering system at the All students should ensure that their belongings are Academy. The student’s ID card must be charged firmly and clearly marked with their name. They with money in order to pay for meals. Parents will should always be left in the proper place and stored be provided with a username and password to carefully. Lost property can be claimed from Student access online services for adding funds to their Services. child’s account. Lost ID cards will be replaced for Lost property will be kept at Student Services for one a £3.00 charge. term. After that time, it will be disposed of.
Trips are paid for using Parentpay. Alternatively, a The Academy cannot accept responsibility for loss PayPoint card can be purchased so that funds can or theft of personal possessions. be added to the student’s account using the PayPoint stations in selected retail outlets. If you What if we need to take our holiday choose to use this method of payment for trips, during term time? the trip form should be returned to Student I have no doubt that you appreciate the importance Services who will issue you with a bar code to of good attendance and are aware of the disruption make the required payment at a Paypoint station. caused to your child’s education through unavoidable absences but also because of holiday being taken during term time. Can my child use their mobile phone in the Academy? Holidays during term time will not be authorised. If you take your child on holiday during term time you The Academy cannot accept responsibility for the could receive from the Attendance Advisory Service loss of mobile phones. Mobile phones may be at Medway Council, a Penalty Notice of £60 which brought into the Academy but must be switched will rise to £120 if you fail to pay within 28 days. If off and out of sight whilst on site and students the fine is then not paid within 42 days, you could are encouraged to bring inexpensive phones only be prosecuted which could result in a further fine to school. Failure to follow this rule will result in and a criminal conviction. the phone being confiscated until you arrange to collect it from main reception. If this is not possible your son/daughter may collect the phone at the end of the term. The same rules apply to MP3/MP4 Players, iPods and similar music players and headphones.
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Code of Conduct
Golden Rules 1. Always try your best 2. Follow a direct instruction 3. Be polite and respectful
Within our Academy community, everyone is expected to act with respect, courtesy and with consideration to others. Therefore, we should:
work with students and adults in a polite and sensible way so that everyone can learn and fulfil their potential
maintain self-discipline and respect for all members of our community, irrespective of our different ages, gender, ethnicity or disability
maintain high standards of behaviour to ensure we stay healthy and safe at the Academy, on visits and whilst travelling to and from home
attend every day, on time, wearing the Academy uniform and with the correct equipment and kit for lessons
respect our buildings and grounds to ensure we have a pleasant and safe environment
have high expectations for ourselves and others in following the Academy rules
Students using social media are forbidden to make reference to the Academy without the written permission of the Principal
Each Academy student benefits from the image and reputation of the Academy. Students will respect the local community and show care for the environment. They will behave sensibly on their way to and from the Academy and during all Academy related activities.
Academy students say NO to bullying, fighting and harmful or illegal substances.
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Academy Rules
To create a culture of respect
Students must be polite and considerate at all times. Students must behave in an orderly manner at all times. Students must follow the reasonable instructions of the Academy staff. Harassment, bullying and fighting are forbidden.
To create a safe and well-ordered community
MP3, MP4 players, iPods, games consoles and other valuable items are not allowed. No jewellery may be worn in the Academy except a wristwatch and one pair of small plain studs, worn one in each lobe if the ears are pierced. Mobile phones must be out of sight and turned off throughout the day, unless needed for work at the discretion of the teacher. The Academy takes no responsibility whatsoever for their care or loss. Taking of still or video images of other students or members of staff using a camera or mobile phone is strictly forbidden. Students using social media are forbidden to make reference to the Academy without the written permission of the Principal. No make-up should be worn in Key Stage 3 because of the possible harm to a young skin. In Key Stage 4 and Post 16 it should be discreet and appropriate. Visible body piercing and tattoos are forbidden.
To maintain health and safety
Sandals with open toes and open heels may not be worn to the Academy. Shoes with high heels, boots or platform shoes may not be worn for safety reasons. Prescribed medicines/tablets must be handed in to Student Services on arrival clearly marked with the name of the student and a medication form completed by the parent/carer. It is forbidden to use alcohol or illegal drugs on the premises and it is also forbidden to bring either item to the Academy. Smoking is forbidden on the site or when travelling to and from the Academy It is forbidden to carry knives, lighters or any type of gun or items that could be considered to be an offensive weapon. It is equally forbidden to carry or use any such item in the vicinity of the Academy. Glass bottles are not to be brought onto the premises because of the risk of breakage. All students must remain on the Academy campus at lunch and break times. It is forbidden to tamper with fire equipment, or to throw anything from a balcony. Either of these actions are likely to result in a permanent exclusion.
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To promote a pride in our Academy
Students must always conform to the Academy uniform and PE kit requirements Extreme haircuts or style are not allowed, examples are patterns and unnatural colours. In cases of dispute the Academy will decide Discreet make up only is permitted. In cases of dispute, the Academy will decide false eyelashes and fake nails are not permitted. Chewing gum is forbidden ‘Hoodies’, denim, leather or expensive coats may not be brought to school. No coats will be worn in the building Under no circumstances must students eat in the buildings, apart from designated areas. Special arrangements may apply during wet break and lunchtimes Students using social media are forbidden to make reference to the Academy without the written permission of the Principal or to upload anything that brings the Academy into disrepute
To encourage and promote progress and achievement
All students will be expected to fulfill the homework requirements. Catch-up sessions will be a sanction used from time to time where coursework or homework is unsatisfactorily completed. Twenty-four hours notice will always be given to parents.
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Uniform
Academy uniform will be worn by students in Years 7 – 11
Girls Boys Academy blazer with college embroidered Academy blazer with college badge embroidered badge Black stitched down pleated skirt with Black trousers Academy Logo White shirt OR Academy tie in college colours Black tailored trousers with Academy Logo Black shoes and laces (no trainers, trainer Academy pinstriped blouse shoes or boots) Black or skin-toned plain tights or black Optional socks Academy black V-neck jumper with logo Black shoes (no sandals, boots, trainers or open heels) PE Kit Optional Strood Academy crew neck top * Academy black V-neck jumper with logo Strood Academy shorts * PE Kit Navy football socks Strood Academy crew neck top * Academy outdoor sports shirt Strood Academy leggings * Trainers with non-marking soles Navy sweatshirt with Academy logo * Football boots White sports socks
Trainers with non-marking soles Optional Optional Black jog bottoms Black jog bottoms Navy sweatshirt with Academy logo * OR ¾ length jog bottoms
UNIFORM CAN BE PURCHASED FROM SCHOOLTIME AND UNIFORMBASE, RAILWAY STREET CHATHAM
* compulsory for Year 7 & 8 students, optional for other years 19
How can I help my Homework Your child will receive homework every day. You can support them by asking what they have to do and child? encouraging them to complete it early and in a quiet space. You can check the homework that has been Attendance set on the Academy portal.
Regular attendance is essential if your child is to be an Study Zone effective learner. Please encourage them to attend the At the Academy we have Study Zone on Monday, Academy at all times unless they are ill. An absence of Tuesday and Thursday from 3.15pm to 4.15pm. Your one day per week in Years 7-11 is equivalent to one lost child can complete their homework there. A member year of schooling. of staff will be on hand to offer advice. Reading Clubs What do we do if our child is a reluctant reader? There are a wide variety of clubs available for Depending on where your child is we advise paired students to take part in. Please encourage your child reading for the less fluent reader. Paired reading is a to join in to widen their interests, develop their skills good way for families and friends to help with their and make new friends. A list of clubs are available on child’s reading. It works really well with most children the website. and their reading gets better. Further information is available from the Communications faculty. Social Media
For the more fluent reader we have lists of suitable We live in a connected world and social media plays books which can encourage wider reading for an important role in all of our lives, whether we wish enjoyment. More details can be obtained from the it to or not. librarian and the SENCO. For all the good Social Media can do, there is a lot of bad too. Not everyone who uses Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and all the others are nice people. Some of them go out of their way to make life more difficult for people.
Strood Academy does not allow mobile phones and devices to be used in school and there are age restrictions for Social Media outside of school. For instance, Facebook is not supposed to be used by children younger than 13, Whatsapp are raising the age to 16. If young people use social media then it is with the consent and knowledge of their parents, just the phone contract is under the parents’ name and they are ultimately responsible for it and how it is used.
There are some good websites which offer advice for young people and their parents about staying safe online:
Kidscape: https://bit.ly/2JJ5o6o
ThinkUKnow: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
School Buses
The School Transport department at Medway Council oversee school buses. For information regarding this, please either view the section on the Strood Academy website, this is found under the Parents tab, entitled School Transport, or use this link to access the correct area on the Medway Council website directly www.medway.gov.uk/info/200161/travel/516/bus_timetables/4
Music – Clubs and Extra-Curricular Lessons
We have some very exciting music opportunities which can be taken up as After Academy clubs or as extra- curricular lessons. Don’t forget joining a club is an excellent way for your child to start meeting new friends!
The After Academy clubs we offer include Ukulele and Guitar club, Choir and Wind Band. There is also a Musical Theatre club where we help put on a whole school Musical. Through these clubs your child will have the opportunity to be in Academy productions, shows and concerts.
In addition to our After Academy clubs your child can learn a musical instrument at Strood Academy through tuition from specialist instrumental teachers. The instrument lessons we offer are: Piano (you do not need to have a piano at home but it is an advantage), Keyboard, Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello, Oboe, Saxophone, Bassoon, French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Euphonium, Harp, Double Bass, Drum, Guitar, Vocals and Ukulele.
There is a small charge for these lessons although there is usually funding from the Council which allows the Academy to heavily support students with these lessons.
Arrangements can be made for hiring an instrument if necessary.
Important Information
All students who sign up for lessons will receive five instrumental lessons a term and are expected to pay in advance. In the first lesson each term students are expected to pay for all lessons in that term. If a student misses a lesson through no fault of their own (e.g. illness) they will be reimbursed for that lesson. If a student forgets to attend a lesson, they are at fault and will not be reimbursed for the lesson. If the teacher misses a lesson due to illness the student will be reimbursed for the lesson.
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Additional equipment required
As well as being in the correct uniform and having the correct PE kit for all sports lessons, it is vital that all students come equipped with what is termed within the Academy as the FAB FIVE, these should be kept within a pencil case. 1. Pens (ink or ball point) – black 2. Pencils 3. Ruler 4. A pencil sharpener 5. An eraser
For Mathematics the following is required
A protractor.
Your Mathematics teacher will talk to you about calculators
To ensure that students are always fully equipped and prepared for lessons, we would suggest that they pack their school bag each night, with everything they will need for the lessons on their timetable for the next day. Their school bag needs to be a strong one, large enough to contain all their equipment, but not too big to fit into their locker.
Rewards and Sanctions
Celebration of good work and behaviour is very much part of the Academy’s ethos. This is recognized in a variety of ways throughout the Academic year. These include but are not limited to merit linked rewards, postcards sent home to parents, certificates, weekly prize for the form with the best attendance, termly prizes for the students with the most merits, phone calls home to parents reporting success.
Unfortunately, a small minority of students do on occasion, not behave as we would require. When this happens sanctions are put in place, to help ensure that other students’ learning is not impeded by incidents of poor behaviour.
Sanctions again are various and can include being exited from a lesson, detentions, having to have a report card completed at each lesson, which is then reviewed by the College pastoral team, exclusions both internal and external. The appropriate sanction is always considered carefully.
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Computers
Students will use computers and laptops in some of their lessons. During the first week they will be given a username and a password. This information should be kept safe and not shared. Treat all the equipment carefully. Copies of any programs or music should not be made as it is illegal
Assembly, Collective Worship and Religious Education
The assembly plays a vital part in the life of the Academy. It is the only time when the college comes together as a community. Common interests and experiences are shared and individual worth is valued. It is also a time when the life of the Academy can be related to the wider aspects and needs of the local community and society in general.
Leigh Academy Trust and Strood Academy Policies
The Policies of the Trust and the Academy can be found at www.stroodacademy.org.uk under the about us tab on the home page.
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Useful contact details
ACADEMY EMAIL ADDRESS
ACADEMY MAIN PHONE NUMBER
01634 717121
Options available on this line are
1 Absence and all matters relating to attendance
2 Student Services
3 To speak about your child then choose your child’s college 1 Hercules 2 Trafalgar 3 Victory 4 Apollo
4 Finance
5 If you know the extension that you require
6 Reception
ATTENDANCE EMAIL ADDRESS
ATTENDANCE PHONE NUMBER
01634 716621
COLLEGE EMAIL ADDRESSES