Dear Parent/Carer
It is a pleasure to write to you as we draw and end to the school year. The GCSE examinations have been completed with Year 11 working diligently to ensure they receive the best results possible, and we have said farewell to our Year 11’s with our Leaver’s Assembly, and Prom. These are both really special events and it is great to look back and see how our students have grown and developed in the five years with us. This month we also welcomed the Year 6 students, who will join us in September, on an Induction Day. We also had our Celebration evening, a chance for effort and excellence to be rewarded and students to showcase some of the talents they have developed over the past year; this is always a great evening.
This has been a challenging year of continuing to bridge the gaps that have been caused due to the disruption of the Covid years for all and I am pleased with the progress and changes we have made throughout the year to meet these emerging challenges. We have also strengthened our Pastoral team ready for September to ensure students are Ready, Respectful, Safe.
Summer Development Work:
In our ongoing plan to improve the facilities at the Academy, over the summer a significant development programme will be happening. This will involve an update of ICT facilities, outside groundwork and other upgrades to the Academy including installation of solar panels to reduce our carbon footprint.
Year 11 Results Day:
Results day will be Thursday 22nd August, results will be distributed from the main hall and access to the site will be by the front gate only from 9.00 am until 11.00am.
Safeguarding over the Summer:
The summer break is a time for students and families to spend quality time together and recharge ready for the new term. Sometimes children and families might experience difficulties during the break. Below are some agencies that can offer support over the holiday period.
To support children experiencing anxiety and mental health concerns
Support for parents to help children create a self-care plan for their emotional wellbeing
Access to adult mental health services
Erdington Food Banks
I would like to thank you for your ongoing support as we are always striving to raise standards together so that all students have the learning experiences at Erdington Academy that they deserve. In preparation for September can I remind you of the following expectations:
Academy Uniform Expectations:
Thank you to all the parents and carers for ensuring we got off to a smart start for this academic year. The uniform standards really do reflect the Academy’s ambition and standards. We are proud of our Academy uniform and expect students to represent our high standards at all times both to and from the Academy. A full list of uniform expectations is on the Academy website; however, I have summarised some key points below:
Black blazer – with the Erdington Academy pocket badge
Ties – each student should have a school tie with their house colours on. There are two different ties. One for Key Stage 3 (Year 7 & 8) and one for Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 & 11.)
School Bag – must be able to carry an A4 folder and made of a robust or weather resistant fabric. Pouches are not permitted in school.
Foot wear – black shoes. Shoes should be of polishable material; should have black laces only. Girls could have low heels. Training shoes, boots, canvas shoes, Nike Air Force & Max, Vans, Converse or other similar labelled footwear are not allowed.
PE Kit – Erdington Academy branded PE top and black shorts are required for all PE lessons. Further details are available on the academy website.
A uniform isolation room is operated for any students who do not meet the Academy standards. Please contact your child’s Head of Year if you have any questions.
Visitors always comment on how smart and professional our students look.
Equipment:
To ensure pupils are ready to learn every day, they should have the following equipment every day:
1.Ethos Card
2.Blue/black pen
3.Green pen
4.Ruler
5.Scientific calculator
6.Pencil
7.ERIC book (KS3 ONLY)
Punctuality:
We do expect students to be punctual to school, as we prepare them for the world of work. Any student who arrives late to the Academy will sit a 25 minute correction detention at the end of the day.
Drinks to School:
As we want to encourage healthy lifestyles, no isotonic or fizzy drinks can be brought into the Academy; this includes Red Bull and Lucozade. Students can bring in a bottle of water if they wish, they can purchase water and juice on the premises and there are water fountains available. All drinks containers should be a reusable sports/ flask type bottle. Single use plastics and inappropriate drinks will be removed from students.
I look forward to meeting many of you at some of the events we have planned next year and will write to you again in September with the dates and details of these.
School Communications:
Please remember that all the communication from the Academy is through the My Child at School app. If calling the Academy, please follow the automated instructions. If you require an appointment to see members of staff please ensure you book to ensure staff are available to meet.
The Academy will close for students from Friday 19th July 2024 at 3:10pm and reopen on Wednesday 4th September 2024 for the new Year 7 and Thursday 5th September 2024 for all year groups. Further information about the start and end time for each year group will be sent in due course. As a reminder on a normal school day the gates open at 8:30am with students on site for 8:40am, the Academy day will finish at 3:10pm.
I hope you have an enjoyable and restful summer break.
Yours sincerely
Mr S Mallett
Principal
