NEW STUDENT GUIDE A guide to Lostock Hall Academy For Students, Parents and Carers September 2020 1 WHAT IS IN THIS GUIDE? TITLE PAGE Welcome message from the Principal 3 The LHA Vision 4 A message from the Year Lead 5 Who’s who? 6 The normal school day 7 Time table example 8 Behaviour 9 School holiday pattern 2020/21 10 Extra-curricular opportunities 11 Music lessons 12 Uniform 13 -14 Uniform price list 15 Equipment 16 Getting to school 17 School Synergy/Gateway 18 Lockers 19 Frequently asked questions 20 Additional important information 21 Uniform and equipment check list 22 Student code of conduct 23 - 26 Student privacy policy 27 Academy Site Map 28 2 WARM WELCOME Dear Parents/Carers It is with great pleasure that I welcome you and your child on the start of your journey with us at Lostock Hall Academy. I am delighted that you have entrusted us with their continued education and promise that we will do all that we possibly can to ensure that they have a successful and rewarding time as a student at the Academy. In a world full of uncertainty you can at least be certain that you have made the right choice and that you and your child are already part of the Lostock Hall Academy family. During this difficult time, we may not be able to bring you into the school, as we would normally do before the start in September. However, before long you will get to know Mr Gornall your Lead Year 7 Tutor, along with your new Form Tutor and other key staff who will help to ensure that you have everything you need to know before starting and they will I’m sure help to alleviate any concerns you may have. I am very proud of the staff here at the academy as they go above and beyond to help individual children settle in and will always listen to you and your child. I look forward to seeing you very soon and encourage you to read carefully the information provided and to take up all offers of further support before September. Kind regards, Mrs G. F. Gorman Principal 3 LOSTOCK HALL ACADEMY VISION LHA will be the local secondary provider of choice. We will equip all our learners with the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to achieve their full potential in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment. Educating the future, Academy students will be proud to achieve a successful career path through transition into work or training in all walks of adult life. ACADEMY KEY PRIORITIES • To ensure the highest standards of leadership and management through reflective governance and the provision of developmental opportunities for staff at all levels. • To provide a safe and secure learning environment, that supports the social and emotional wellbeing of all students and staff. • To raise aspirations, build resilience, ensure enjoyment and independence in learning for all students. • To continually develop, teach and review a high quality, engaging broad and balanced curriculum through a research based approach to teaching and learning in an inclusive and dynamic environment. • To work collaboratively as part of a professional learning community and in partnership with parents/carers to ensure all students achieve through personalised learning, pastoral and health programmes. • To maintain high levels of punctuality and attendance of students ensuring excellence for all. • To ensure a positive image based on the strengths of the Academy is shared across the community to increase student recruitment. • To provide a range of meaningful experiences linked to the labour market, along with encounters with further and higher education to support personalised career paths. 4 TRANSITION LEADER MESSAGE Dear new student, Year 6 is a challenging year for most students, but this year has been particularly difficult for you as we live in strange and challenging times. You may feel disappointed that you have been unable to take your SATS that you had been working so hard towards. Rest assured, we understand and will be talking to your current teachers to get as much information about you as possible so that we can support you through this transition. You will have the chance to make a fantastic impression when you join us, and your Form Tutor is excited to meet you and help you become an amazing secondary school student. I was born in Preston and I have spent most of my life living in Lostock Hall. I have worked at Lostock Hall Academy since 2015 and teach Mathematics and Science, something I never would have imagined doing at your age! I attended Lostock Hall Community Primary School and went to Lostock Hall Community High School as it was known then. My favourite subjects in school were Science, P.E. and I.C.T. and I used to struggle with Maths for most of my time in school. However, I had a teacher that helped me learn that if I put my mind to something, I can still be successful. In Year 10, Maths became one of my favourite subjects and I managed to exceed my target grades and went on to study it as an A-Level along with Physics, I.C.T. and Psychology at Runshaw College. I had planned to become a Criminal Psychologist (somebody who explores the behaviour of criminals!) and applied to study Criminology at University but on the final day of college, I changed my mind and wanted to teach Mathematics. I then went on to study Mathematics and Education at Edge Hill University. Starting secondary school can be both exciting and daunting for most students and if you feel anxious, you will not be alone. It is completely normal! Even the confident students will still feel a little nervous the day before they start. I want you to see this as a challenge, to push yourself to try new things, make new friends and nurture your skills in a wide range of subjects with specialist teachers who are passionate about their subjects. I have been a Year 7 tutor for the last 4 years so I have come across all sorts of questions and worries that you might have, and I am confident that there are lots of things we can do to make you feel better. I hope this booklet is useful to you and if it answers just a few of your questions it has done its job. I look forward to meeting you all in September. Mr Gornall – Year 7 Lead 5 WHO’S WHO? MR GORNALL – YEAR LEAD I will be responsible for making sure your transition to secondary school is as smooth as possible. I will be monitoring each student in Year 7 and paying close attention to behaviour for learning and progress. MR JOLLY – FORM TUTOR L I’m really looking forward to meeting and welcoming all the new year 7 students to LHA, especially those who will be in 7L with me. An important part of my role as a Year 7 tutor is to get to know you and support you in your transition to secondary school and throughout your time as a valued member of the LHA community. MR EYLES - FORM TUTOR H I am a Maths teacher at Lostock Hall Academy, and I am really looking forward to meeting you all and welcoming you to our school. Things are going to be a bit different for everyone when we’re back but for you it’s going to be even more strange, starting a whole new school. Don’t worry though that’s why we’re here, to help you and we will support you and guide you at every stage. I bet you can’t wait to get started on some secondary school Maths problems and I can’t wait to teach and help you with them! See you very soon. MISS TOWNLEY- FORM TUTOR T Welcome to the LHA community! I am very excited to meet you all and I look forward to welcoming 7T as my form group. Together, we will make your transition to high school as smooth as possible. I look forward to getting to know you all as you embark on the exciting journey ahead of you. MISS RENNOX - FORM TUTOR C I am a P.E. teacher who enjoys being involved in many different sports and physical activities, I currently play netball and regularly participate in fitness sessions at the gym. I support Wigan Warriors rugby! I am eager to get many students involved in sports regardless of ability. Our motto in school is ‘sport is for all’, therefore I hope to see you getting involved in some of the sports clubs when you join us. MRS ABRAM - FORM TUTOR K My name is Mrs Abram and I will be your form tutor during your first year at Lostock Hall Academy. As well as being your tutor I also teach Food Preparation and Nutrition. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to meet before September but I am really looking forward to seeing you all in the new academic year. I will do everything I can to make sure that you have a smooth and happy transition into our school and look forward to getting to know you all. MISS ASHTON - FORM TUTOR S Hello, my name is Miss Ashton and I am the form tutor of 7S and also a P.E. and Geography teacher. I am so happy you have chosen this school and I cannot wait to meet and welcome you all to LHA. I love working at LHA because I am privileged to be able to work with some amazing students and staff.