Parental Letter – 4th October 2024

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope this letter finds you well. A few weeks ago, we wrote to you about the Erdington Way which is a set of standards, expectations and behaviours that govern how all members of the academy community behave. This week the Erdington Way focuses on the importance of kindness and manners. I want to take a moment to highlight the importance of instilling kindness and good manners in our children, as these qualities play a crucial role in shaping their character and future interactions.

Kindness is a universal value that not only fosters empathy and understanding but also helps children build meaningful relationships. When children practice kindness, they learn to appreciate the feelings of others and become compassionate individuals. A simple act of kindness—whether it’s sharing, offering a kind word, or helping someone in need—can make a significant difference in the lives of those around them. Equally important are good manners. We want our students to be respectful, polite, and considerate which prepares them for social interactions and helps them navigate the world with confidence and grace. Saying “please” and “thank you,” being respectful of others’ opinions, and practicing good manners are all essential skills that will benefit them throughout life.

Assessment week and Homework

As we approach the first assessment week for this academic year, which starts on November 6th I would also like to emphasise the importance of homework and regular revision. Homework is a vital tool for reinforcing what students learn in the classroom and allows them to practice essential study skills independently. All students have access to Satchel One Satchel One | Learning platform and Sparx Maths Sparx Maths – Home and in years 10 and 11 they should be using GCSE Pod GCSE Learning and Revision | GCSEPod to improve their understanding of what has been done in previous lessons. Year 11 students should also have revision guides and workbooks so they can practice and perfect their exam techniques. Consistent revision, especially leading up to the assessment week, strengthens understanding and helps students retain key concepts, preparing them to perform their best during the exams. Information about assessment week and students who are invited to intervention will be available via MCAS MyChildAtSchool – Login. Please ensure that you are signed up and using it regularly. If you have any issues using the App or the web-based version, please contact the Academy and we can provide you with a user guide.

After School Intervention

For our Year 11 students, we are also introducing intervention sessions after school to offer additional support as they prepare for their upcoming exams and complete their NEAs. These intervention sessions are designed to offer targeted help in areas where students might need extra guidance, ensuring they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Subject leaders will be writing to you if your child is invited to attend these sessions. We strongly encourage invited students to make the most of these sessions, as they will play a significant role in their academic success. The timetable for these sessions is below.

Encouraging your children to complete their homework on time, set aside time for revision, and participate in Year 11interventions will give them the confidence they need to succeed in their assessments. It also fosters good study habits that will benefit them throughout their academy journey and beyond.

Thank you for your continued support in nurturing these important values and helping your child prepare for their assessment week and beyond.

Warm Regards

S Muschette

Assistant principal