Year 6 Transition Booklet 2020
Welcome FROM THE HEADTEACHER
Firstly, thank you for choosing South Nottinghamshire Academy for your child's secondary education. As a parent, I know the importance of making the right decision on behalf of our children and I can assure you that we will never take this for granted.
We believe that all students have a right to attend a school that is ambitious for them and will strive to ensure they achieve the very best that they can. Our ethos is built around ‘Pushing our boundaries to achieve more’ which is underpinned with the highest expectations of what each student is capable of achieving.
We passionately believe that in order for students to reach their academic potential, they must experience the highest levels of individual care, guidance and support. Within a welcoming and supportive environment, we continue to provide a stimulating and engaging education where all students can flourish and succeed.
In 2019, SNA students once again secured some spectacular outcomes and the Academy secured very strong GCSE results. Our Progress 8 score was +0.32 which means that all of our students do nearly a third of a grade better in all of their subjects than similar students at other schools. 83% of students achieved the Basics 4+ (English and Maths at grade 4) and 60% achieved Basic 5+ (English and Maths at grade 5). Equally as successful, at A Level, 82% of students gained A* -C grades and 64% gained A*-B grades.
As a consequence, South Nottinghamshire Academy was found to be among the best performing non - selective secondary schools in the country, receiving two awards for being in the top 10% nationally for attainment and for being in DfE Band 2 for student progress at key stage 4 (the awards are based on 2019 data provided by the Department for Education and Ofsted, and for the school’s commitment to collaboration, analysed by SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers Network).
In September 2016, we moved into our brand new £10 million school and in October 2018, our £1.2 million sportshall project was completed. These have provided the school community with a long lasting, modern day facility that has enhanced students' educational experience. In 2016, we also joined Redhill Academy Trust and we have already seen the positive impact that this partnership has made. And whilst in February 2017, we received an Ofsted visit that confirmed the school continues to be at least 'Good' in all areas of inspection, we have made significant progress since this point and are confident of further success.
I hope that you find our transition booklet useful and informative but if you require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We believe that for everyone involved with SNA, a very exciting future lies ahead.
Yours sincerely
Mr D Philpotts Headteacher
Getting ready for September
Sample Timetable
14.50
-
Food
French
English
Period 5
Spanish
Physical Physical
Education
13.50
13.50
-
Maths
Design Design
French
English
Period 4
Physical Physical
Education
12.50
Technology
-
12.50
Lunch
12.05
12.05
-
Maths
French
English
Period 3
Science
11.05
Geography
-
11.05
Break
10.50
.
10.50
-
Tutor Tutor Tutor Tutor
Tutor Time
Assembly
10.25
10.25
-
Art
Maths
History
Period 2
Science Science
9.25
9.25
-
Music
Maths
English
History Period 1
Science
8.25
Friday
Tuesday
Monday
Thursday Wednesday TIMES OF THE DAY 2020 – 2021
Period 1 8.25 – 9.25
Period 2 9.25 – 10.25
Tutor time 10.25 – 10.50
Break 10.50 – 11.05
Period 3 11.05 – 12.05
Lunch 12.05 – 12.50
Period 4 12.50 – 1.50
Period 5 1.50 – 2.50
Uniform
South Nottinghamshire Academy
Uniform Expectations
At South Nottinghamshire Academy, we have high expectations around standards of our school uniform. As parents, you will understand the sense of pride and satisfaction at seeing your children and their friends smartly dressed in their Academy uniform. There's nothing quite like it!
The uniform presents and promotes a readily identifiable image of South Nottinghamshire Academy and we want students to wear it with pride. It is also an important statement about our school to the outside world.
Of course, uniform is only one element in the overall Academy image. Students are allowed to wear only minimal make-up to school, pupils wearing too much will be required to remove it. Caps and hats must not be worn inside school. On health and safety grounds, the only permitted jewellery which can be worn by pupils is one pair of stud earrings (one stud in each ear lobe). No other piercings are permitted. Nail extensions, false nails or coloured nail varnish is not permitted. Hair styles are not to be exaggerated in appearance and all hair colours should be of natural shades. No hair extensions may be worn by pupils.
Uniform applies to all students from Years 7 – 11
Buying school Uniform KIT OUT PRICE LIST
South Nottinghamshire Academy 1ST FEB 2019. EMAIL: [email protected] Phone: 07725656857 Blazers “28” “30” “32” “34” “36” “38” “40” “42” “46” TOTAL Boys and Girls “31” “33” Price £30.00 £30.00 £30.00 £32.00 £32.00 £32.00 £32.00 Quantity
Socks Junior Adult £5.00 3/6 7/11 Aprons Navy White £7.00 £6.50 House Ties £6.00 P.E. Tops (Blue) 9/10yrs XXS XS Small Medium Large X Large TOTAL Price £10.00 £10.00 £10.00 £12.00 £12.00 £12.00 £12.00 Quantity
P.E Sweat (optional) 9/10yrs 11/12 XS Small Medium Large X Large TOTAL £13.00 £13.00 £13.00 £13.00 £15.00 £15.00 £15.00 Quantity
P.E Shorts Navy “26/”28” “30/32 “34/36 “38/40” TOTAL Unisex ” Price £5.00 £5.00 £5.50 £5.50 Quantity
ORDER TOTAL
To Order Phone 07725656857 Email [email protected]
Show Room 3 Regina Close Radcliffe-On-Trent Nottingham NG12 2EL
Available Weekdays, evenings and weekends Buying school uniform
SCHOOLWEAR SOLUTIONS MORLEYS 116-118 BRAMCOTE AVENUE, CHILWELL, Nottingham, NG9 4DR Tel: 0115 9258046 SOUTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ACADEMY
PRICE LIST 2020 Normal Opening Hours
Uniform items From Monday – 9.30 am to 5.00 pm Blazer (Black with Logo) £27.00 Tuesday – 9.30 am to 5.00 pm Tie (Black with House Colour) £6.99 Wednesday – 9.30 am to 5.00pm Friday – 9.30 am to 5.00pm Pullover (Black with House Colour) £17.49 Saturday – 9.30 am to 5.00 pm (£10 special offer while stocks last) Thursday & Sunday -Closed Shirts and Blouses – (White – Pack of 2) £13.99 Trousers – (Boys Black) with belt £15.99
Trousers — (Girls Black) £17.99 Skirt — (Black) £16.75
Apron (Navy) £7.49
Apron Unbleached £6.25 Sportswear items Polo shirt (Royal with Logo) £11.00 Sweatshirt (Navy with Logo) £14.50 Shorts (Navy) £4.99 Football Socks (Navy) £4.99 Other items available track bottoms, shin pads and gum shields
For free click and collect to the store go to www.schoolwearsolutions.com …Proud to be your official supplier Expectations of school uniform
Boys (Year 7-11)
• Academy blazer – Academy regulation black blazer, with badge • Academy tie – Academy regulation tie (with House colour) • Trousers – plain black, formal, long trousers. A plain black belt can be worn • Shirt – formal white shirt with stiff collar. This must be tucked in • Jumper (optional item) – Academy black V-neck jumper with House colour trim. This can be worn in addition to the blazer, but is not to replace it • Shoes - plain black formal shoes (no trainers, boots, sandals or logos). See below for further information • Socks – black • Coat (optional item) – A plain coat may be worn outdoors in addition to the blazer. We do not consider sports tops, 'hoodies', or other fashion items to be coats
Girls (Year 7-11)
• Academy blazer – Academy regulation black blazer, with badge • Academy tie – Academy regulation tie (with House colour) • Skirt or trousers – plain black knee-length skirt without splits or decoration OR plain black, formal, long trousers. A plain black belt can be worn • Shirt – formal white shirt with stiff collar. This must be tucked in • Jumper (optional item) - Academy black V-neck jumper with House colour trim. This can be worn in addition to the blazer, but is not to replace it • Shoes - plain black formal shoes (no trainers, boots, sling backs, sandals or logos). See below for further information • Socks / tights – black • Coat (optional item) – A plain coat may be worn outdoors in addition to the blazer. We do not consider sports tops, 'hoodies', or other fashion items to be coats
Further information
• Any religious headwear should be black • At times of extreme heat, students may request removal of their blazers – this is at the discre- tion of the class teacher • Students should not wear coloured or lettered undergarments which may be visible through their shirt • The wearing of baseball caps and 'hoodies' is not acceptable. These will be confiscated • Black 'trainer type shoes' manufactured by sports companies will not be accepted as school shoes. In addition, shoes which tie up need to have black laces • Outdoor coats cannot be worn in the classroom • Make up should be minimal. Coloured nail varnish is not permitted. The Academy will be the final arbiter on what is deemed to be acceptable as school uniform
P.E. Kit
Kit List
• SNA Polo Shirt • Navy Blue plain shorts • Navy Blue Football Socks • Navy Blue Tracksuit bottoms (optional) • SNA Sweatshirt (optional but ad- vised) • Trainers (not pumps)
Guidance:
• At SNA uniform and PE kit can be purchased from Schoolwear Solutions or Kit Out • Shorts should be football style shorts not cycling shorts • Plain black sports leggings are permitted in cold weather • Any clothing with large logos displayed are not acceptable e.g. Jack Wills • Tracksuit bottoms should be sportswear, not casual jogging bottoms/ sweatpants • Please name PE kit with name tapes/iron on labels so that we can return kit when it gets lost • Converse/Vans footwear are not acceptable as they do not provide enough support • Jewellery is not permitted for PE; any student wishing to have their ears pierced should do so at the start of the 6 week holidays. Any new piercings will have to be taped up and students should provide their own plasters • Trainer socks are permitted in the summer term if pupils prefer
Please note:
As part of the PE curriculum, pupils will participate in Cross Country. This will be delivered periodically through the school year. Students will be taken through the village of Radcliffe on Trent for this activity. Risk assessments have been completed and are held in school. If you have any concerns or require further information please do not hesitate to contact Miss Briggs Head of PE. Basic Academy Equipment
You should have with you for every lesson:
2 black biros Pencil Sharpener Ruler Rubber (all of the above should be in a pencil case) Planner & book bag (provided by school)
The following are desirable but not essential:
2 green biros Highlighters Coloured pencil crayons For PE and Technology:
PE Kit Ingredients Apron
For Maths and Science:
Calculator Pair of Compasses Protractor
We do not expect to see any of the following in school:
Valuables:
Do not bring expensive items or large sums of money into school
Mobile phones and electrical equipment (MP3 players/tablets etc.):
We do not advise our students to bring electrical equipment including Mobile Phones into school. If it is used in lessons or during break times, these items will be confiscated.
• Emergency calls can be made from the reception if needed.
• Phones must never be used to take pictures or films of other pupils and will be confiscated and returned only after parent/carers have contacted the school.
• If your mobile phone has a Bluetooth feature this must be turned off at all times. SNA Way
Home-School Agreement
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The Academy will The Academy
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• • • • • • Academy Term Dates
HOLIDAYS AND ACADEMY CLOSURE DAYS:
AUTUMN TERM 2020: Re-opens Wednesday 2nd Sept 2020
Academy closes Friday 16th October 2020 Half Term Re-opens Monday 2nd November 2020
Christmas Holiday Term ends Friday 18th December 2020
SPRING TERM 2021: Re-opens Monday 4th January 2021
Academy closes Friday 12th February 2021 Half Term Re-opens Tuesday 23rd February 2021
Easter Holiday Academy closes Thursday 1st April 2021
SUMMER TERM 2021 Re-opens Monday 19th April 2021
May Day holiday Monday 3rd May 2021
Academy closes Friday 28th May 2021 Half Term Re-opens Monday 7th June 2021
End of school year Academy closes Tuesday 27th July 2021
Tuesday 1st September 2020 Thursday 24th September 2020 INSET DAYS: Monday 22nd February 2021
Friday, 25th June 2021 Wednesday 28th July 2021
Parents should not take students out of school during term time as schools are under increasing pressure not to authorise family holidays. Poor attendance often leads to poor grades. Menu changes seasonal Sample Menu and Prices
Pasta Bake
Pasta, garlic bread & Salad
Assorted Apple Crumble & Custard Eves Pudding (apple) and custard
All Day Breakfast or Sausage & Mash Southern Fried Chicken Veggie Breakfast (v) Or Quorn Sausage (v) Diced, potato, vegetables Butchers sausage, egg, toast Or Southern Fried Quorn
Mashed potato, beans, mixed veg & gravy
Meat from local Butchers “Great Central Meats”
TOAST 2 SLICES 50P £1.50 50p TOAST 2 SLICES 50p £1.80
rolls £1.80 £1.80
60p 60p
50 50p 50p 60p 60p 60p AQUAJUICE 60p AQUAJUICE 60p WATER 50p WATER 60p 60p 60p AQUAJUICE 60p 60p WATER 60p
60p
88.008.00am 10.50am - 11.05am 12.05 - 12.50pm
Library Resource Centre
The Library Resource Centre aims to: • Support by helping pupils to develop the skills to access information efficiently and effectively. • Promote by encouraging reading for pleasure by providing a broad range of high quality fiction and non-fiction. • Respond by providing a proactive and responsive service tailored to the needs of pupils, staff and curriculum areas.
Access The library is open throughout the school day, including before and after school as well as during break and lunchtimes. This is to ensure that students are well- supported and have extensive access to the library in order to complete work, homework or simply to read.
The library is very well used during lesson time and is regularly booked for Accelerated Reader lessons. All Year 7 and 8 students take part in the Accelerated Reader programme during their English lessons, which is designed to track and monitor students’ reading and raise literacy levels (please see Page 24 for more information).
Accommodation and Resources The library is a welcoming and proactive place to learn. It is also a flexible space which can accommodate whole classes of students as well as smaller groups and sole learners. There is a suite of 12 computer workstations, a printer/photocopier and soft seating areas to encourage reading for pleasure.
The library aims to provide easy access to up-to-date and high quality resources. This is essential for supporting students in their learning across the Academy. The library currently houses a collection of ap- proximately 16,000 books. A broad range of reading materials are available in order to cater for a variety of different student ages, abilities and interests. It is worth mentioning that a large collection of dyslexic- friendly books are also available. All resources give a positive, balanced coverage of cultural, religious and political issues (without undue extremism).
Several high quality journals are also available for staff and students to use as well as a range of magazines, which are curriculum relevant. First News, a newspaper for young adults, is also available weekly.
A comprehensive careers library is held in the library, which contains information and guidance about ca- reers as well as college/university prospectuses. Mrs Caunt, our Business Engagement, Work Related Learning & Careers Officer, is available to speak directly to students throughout the week.
Events As our recent Ofsted report highlighted, there is “a clear culture of reading at the Academy.” This is some- thing we are committed to maintaining through broadening students’ reading and literacy skills throughout their time here. We organise regular half-termly displays and competitions in the library, which are aimed to promote reading and encourage our students to get involved in something fun.
Every year, we also organise a whole-school reading festival, SNARF (South Notts Academy Reading Festival), in order to raise the profile of reading. This usually includes an author visit, a Scholastic Book Fair, as well as various competitions and activities happening across the Academy.
Management: The library is managed by Ms C. Warren, who works in the mornings and has a wealth of knowledge, experience and qualifications that can support students and staff effectively. In the afternoons, we also have a Learning Resources Assistant, Mrs D. Hall, who has taught for many years and has a passion for learning, books and reading, as well as a team of Junior Librarians who help out at lunchtimes.
If you would like any general advice on reading and literacy or maybe would like some book recommendations, please do not hesitate to email [email protected] and we will be happy to help. Wisepay / Cashless Catering
WHO ARE WISEPAY? WisePay is a secure online payment service that allows Parents and Guardians (and extended family members), to make payments to their school using their debit or credit cards. Payments can include school meals, trips, tickets or instrumental lesson payments, lettings as and when each option becomes available.
The WisePay service operates in hundreds of Schools, Local Authorities, Academies and Colleges across the UK and has been in business for over 20 years.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING WISEPAY? Using your debit or credit card, payments to school can be made conveniently from home, office, or anywhere that has an internet connection.
Payments can be made 24/7. You do not have to wait until school is open and you do not have to write cheques or find cash. Furthermore, at any time you can see your payment history in your “Wise Account”. Additionally, you can track every transaction that you make ‐ again 24/7.
Your Wise Account also allows you to see your balances at any time. This is particularly useful for school meal balances or maybe a school trip that you are paying instalments for. You no longer have to call your school to ask about your balance or wait for a payment card to be returned ‐ you can see this information anytime at your convenience.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY MONEY? All money that you pay goes directly and immediately to the school’s bank account. WisePay does not take or hold any of your money at all.
IS WISEPAY EASY TO USE? WisePay is extremely easy to use. It’s visual and simple instructions are very quick and easy to follow, even for anyone who has never made an online payment or purchase before.
HOW LONG DO THE PAYMENTS TAKE TO REACH SCHOOL? All online payments are made in real time, so the payment will be credited to your account instantly.
WHAT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS CAN I USE? Payments can be made with all well‐known credit or debit cards. All cards that you would use in any high street stores can be used.
IS MY PAYMENT AND THE PAYMENT SITE SECURE? Yes. All pages viewed on WisePay are encrypted using a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) session.
WHO CAN SEE MY CARD DETAILS? Neither WisePay nor the school can see or has access to any of your card details. Your card details are never stored by WisePay.
HOW DOES SCHOOL KNOW I HAVE PAID? The finance team are notified that you have made a payment. They know which student the payment is for, how much has been paid and the item(s) that you have paid for.
WILL I GET A RECEIPT FOR MY PAYMENT? Yes, you will automatically receive a receipt directly to your email address for every payment that you make.
HOW DO I VIEW MY TRANSACTIONS? Once logged in to your account, you can access your “Wise Account”. Just click on the “Wise Account” tab on the top right of the screen. From here you can see all your transaction history & view dinner money balances (if relevant). You can also change your password from here.
CASHLESS CATERING The school canteen introduced cashless catering in September 2016 WisePay automatically links to the tills. Therefore, if you make an online payment using WisePay for meals, the payment details will be carried with the student and be available to spend at the tills when they wish to make a purchase. The data held at the tills is refreshed approximately every 10 mins. WisePay can display purchases made at the tills, together with the cost of the purchases and the remaining credit available on the student’s school meal balance. WisePay usually receives this data from the tills at the end of each day.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? A How to Guide will be available in the parents section of the website. If you still require assistance please contact the finance team for online payments or for general log on difficulties. If we are unable to help we will contact WisePay on your behalf. WisePay
Dear Parent,
South Nottinghamshire Academy operates a cashless catering system.
We require the consent of at least one parent in order that the biometric information of your child can be processed. Please be assured that this information remains within the school and that the biometric information taken is an algorithm and not the actual finger print. Detailed information concerning this system is available on the school website.
If you choose not to have your child registered the school will provide alternative methods of identification such as a 4 digit pin code. The preference of the Academy is to use biometrics as this is more secure and faster than any other method of identification.
No cash is accepted at the till points in the canteen.
Money can be paid into a pupil’s account via WISEPAY (link on the school website) and any money spent on food and drink will be deducted on a daily basis. A daily spend limit of £5 will be programmed into the system but this can be increased or decreased for an individual student by making a written request to Jan French (email: [email protected]). Information regard- ing how to top up in WISEPAY and your login and password will be sent to you during July in preparation for the new school year. As part of the system you will be able to see exactly what your child has eaten!
Thumb prints will be taken for students at the start of term. In order to take prints we need your new pupil information forms returned with the fingerprint consent section signed.
We appreciate your co-operation with regard to this matter and should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Academy.
Yours sincerely,
Mr D Philpotts Headteacher Accelerated Reading
From this September, all of Year 7 will take part in our Accelerated Reader reading scheme. AR is an internationally recognised programme run by Renaissance Learning that is proven to improve children’s literacy levels.
Each student will be required to select an Accelerated Reader book from a wide selec- tion in the school library. They are required to read for a minimum of 15 minutes every day and on completion of the book, take an Accelerated Reader Quiz within 24 hours. These online quizzes will be taken in school and are designed to test the student’s un- derstanding of the book; they’re fun and take minutes to complete. As all Year 7 stu- dents can borrow two books from the library, the keenest readers will still be able to read books outside of the Accelerated Reader programme, as long as they still have one book that is.
Every week your child will get the opportunity to spend a few minutes discussing their book with a member of the library team, or their teacher, during which time they will re- ceive guidance and recommendations for further reading. Over a period of time, individ- ual targets will be set making sure that all students are achieving their full potential. Re- sults have shown that this one-to-one intervention, combined with daily reading practice can vastly increase literacy skills.
Higher levels of literacy greatly enhance your child’s ability to access the whole curriculum. Accelerated Reader is a proven method by which we can measure improvement for all students as well as foster a lifelong love of reading.
We would welcome your support with this programme by making sure that your child reads daily for the minimum of 15 minutes for three times a week and that this is record- ed in their reading record.
Accelerated Reader works alongside other initiatives already taking place, reinforcing our continued commitment to literacy in school.
If you have any questions about Accelerated Reader, please call or email Ms Warren, (Librarian) or Mrs Seaton, (Head of English).
[email protected] [email protected]
DEAR (Drop Everything and Read)
DEAR is a reading initiative used across all the Trust schools, in which students from Years 7, 8 and 9 read silently (from a book specifically matched to their ability) for 15 minutes every day. This is on a rolling programme and takes place at the start of a lesson. The aim is to ensure that all students complete more ‘reading miles’ and therefore make significant gains in fluency and confidence. The latter are key elements to increasing a child’s comprehension skills and reading speed. Students are very positive about the experience and relish the opportunity to read daily in lessons other than English.
Encouraging Reading
The websites below are really useful for supporting reading. www.lovereading4kids.co.uk - opens up the world of children’s literature showing you what is available and who they would be suitable for. www.thereadingtub.com - a very family orientated site which is both accessible and supportive. www.roalddahl.com - popular with many younger readers. www.meettheauthor.com - interesting for youngsters who are regular readers. readingsight.org.uk - for sight impaired readers and very easy to access. www.readingresource.net/websitesforkids.html - a site for dyslexic readers which is very interactive and informative.
• Make time for reading. Although 15 minutes will help, the more time students spend reading, the more progress they will make. • Ensure your child has their book every day. Making sure they have it will help them get into enjoy the book and complete quizzes. • Be involved - either checking reading records, reading together and talking about reading. Male reading role models are really helpful!
If you would like more support in encouraging reading, do not hesitate to contact your child’s English teacher or the school librarian.
Vertical Tutoring
Dear Parent
As you may be aware all Year 7-13 students are placed into Vertical Tutor groups with students of similar and mixed age groups within their house, normally of 4-6 students from each of Years 7 – 11.
What does this look like? • Each tutor group will belong to one of our 3 existing Houses (Maine, Aquitaine and Rollo) and we have currently around 8-9 tutor groups in each House. • Each of our three existing Houses is led by a Head of House. • The new Year 7 students will also join these groups in September 2020 and will have an opportunity to meet their tutors, some tutees and their new Head of House during the July transition day and evening event. Our Leader for Transi- tion will be working with Year 6 teachers to ensure our new pupils are with at least one person they know and to take advice on groupings that will work best together.
Why do we have Vertical Tutor Groups?
The benefits of vertical tutoring fall into four main areas:
1. Students will receive more support and recognition During key times, such as making option choices or exams, each tutor will only have 4-6 pupils to support so your child will get much more attention than in their current tutor group, where everyone has similar needs at the same time. Tutors will arrange for younger students to get advice from older students in their tutor group who ‘have been through it recently’. Tutors will be progress mentors to support students with their learning and set and re- view SMART targets.
2. Students will get more chance to assume leadership responsibilities For older students, each House will elect students to senior positions of responsibility such as House Captains. Every tutor group and year group will need pupils to take on responsibilities such as stu- dent voice/team captains/charity organisers/buddies/mentors. The tutor will use students in the tutor group to help/support others.
3. More events recognising more talent and creating healthy competition The Houses will become a much bigger feature of school life. Inter-house competitions and charity events will be part of a busy House calendar. The use of House points will also play a larger part in rewarding students.
4. Better relationships Under the new system, students will get to know people from other year groups in a safe environment while still working with their year group peers in lessons. Positive relationships across the school can be fostered. The House will become a very im- portant group for students. The houses will have more of a ‘family’ ethos and pre- pare students for the world of work.
Vertical Tutor system is highly successful across the Redhill Trust schools as well as many around the country. We are one of three Trust schools who have implemented this since September 2017. We are extremely pleased in how the students have mixed with each other and supported their fellow tutees and House members and it has created a cohe- sive and supportive atmosphere. This Vertical Tutoring is only at tutor time and does not affect lesson time. However, we firmly believe that Vertical Tutoring will also have a positive impact on Teaching and Learning as well as supporting the progress of all stu- dents.
As staff, we are strongly committed to becoming an outstanding school and believe that the change to Vertical Tutor groups will further strengthen our progress towards achieving this. The benefits that this will bring to our school will ensure that we continue to value and support each student, enabling them to make the most of every opportunity to be successful and to feel a part of the school community.
For further information concerning vertical tutoring, please visit the Academy website. If you have any additional questions regarding the changes please do not hesitate to contact Tutors, Heads of House or myself.
Yours sincerely
Mrs C Lucas
Mrs C Lucas Assistant Head SNA Homework How will Homework be set?
Homework will be set verbally in class by class teachers. All homework will then be added to the ’Show My Homework’ site for South Nottinghamshire Academy. This website allows parents and students to see what homework has been set for their child, accompanying instructions and advice, links to supporting documents (e.g. video clips) and when the homework is due in. Some teachers may allow students to submit their homework electronically through the ‘Show My Homework’ site and may also choose to share feedback through the web site.
Show My Homework (Web site)
Students and parents can access the website by using the link on the school web site, via their Office 365 login. They can also access the link in the VLE or by typing in the web address www.showmyhomework.co.uk. SNA will provide information to parents and students about how to access SMH.
There is also a free app for Show My Homework that can be downloaded via I-Tunes and Google Play stores. The app allows users to access their homework on a variety of mobile devices.
Students who do not have internet access at home will be able to access the website through the school ICT systems and will be able to attend the study support and homework sessions. These homework sessions take place before and after school or students can use the school library computers to complete homework during break time or lunchtime.
Key Stage 3 Homework Expectations
Each piece of homework will take between 5 - 60 minutes to complete
• English – Minimum of 2 pieces of homework per week • Maths – Minimum of 2 pieces of homework per week • Science – Minimum of 2 pieces of homework per week • Modern Foreign Language – 1 or 2 pieces of homework per week, per language • Geography – 1 homework per week • History – 1 homework per week • Music – 1 homework every 2 weeks • Art – 1 homework every 2 weeks
• Homework for any subject on a rotation will be set when deemed appropriate
Homework Club - Located in the Library
Time: Monday-Thursday, 2:50-3.50pm
Homework club is open after school for all pupils to access in order to partake in quiet study or access equipment for school/homework purposes only. Members of staff are on duty to supervise and are available to offer support to pupils with homework.
Pupils must sign in upon arrival to homework club and write down what work they have bought to complete. This will be checked by a member of staff. If a pupil arrives without any class/homework to complete they will be asked to help with tasks in the Library/Learning Centre. If there are no tasks they will be sent home. This prevents disruptions to other pupils who have come to work and preserves the ethos of the Homework Club.
Homework club is a very positive and friendly environment and we are delighted to be offering this to our pupils. Documents to be completed and returned to SNA in the envelopes provided no later than Friday, 22nd May
1.Pupil Information Form 2.Music lessons Form 3.SNAPS Form