July 2021
Dear Parent/Carer,
In over 20 years of teaching I think I can safely say that never has there been a year like this one; I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for your ongoing support as we strive to ensure all students have the best possible learning experiences. To support this, and in preparation for the new academic year in September, may I remind you of the following expectations and provide you with the details regarding the end of term arrangements:
End of Term:
The Academy will continue to operate as we have all year until the end of term on Tuesday 20th of July, this day will have a normal finishing time for students. High quality lessons will continue right up until the final lesson.
September Plans and Return:
On the 6th July the Minister for Education has announced the plans for education for the ending of Covid adjustments in the summer. I am pleased to be able to now confirm that from September the Academy will be able to return to a more normal method of operation with some minimal adjustments in place. We may be required to do some testing of students prior to school starting and once more when information is known we will contact you with further details.
From September the school day will start at 8:40am for all and students will be able to access the site from both front and back gates from 8:15am onwards. The school day will end at 3pm, please be aware dismissal from rooms will be when staff are satisfied that the room is tidy and work is completed appropriately.
Due to not being able to run any year 6 into 7 transition events this term we intend to stagger the return in September to support and welcome our new year 7 Students.
Year 7 and 11 will return to the Academy on Monday 6th September at 8:40am.
Years 8,9 and 10 will return at 8:40am on Tuesday 7th September.
Can I remind you that from September attendance to school is compulsory
Improvement Plan 2021:
The main focuses of improvement for next year will be:
Student literacy and use of academic language
Extended writing
Academic resilience
Employability skills
In September I intend to run a session on what these mean and how home can support students in these areas to ensure the best quality outcomes.
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:
Ties – Each student should have a school tie with their House colours. There are two different ties. One for Key Stage 3 (Year 7 & 8) and one for KS4 (Years 9, 10 & 11.) ties should always be worn around the school.
School Bag – Must be able to carry an A4 work book 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 and should have black laces only. Girls could have low heels. Training shoes, boots, canvas shoes, any Adidas, Nike, Vans, Converse or other similar labelled footwear are not allowed.
PE Kit – Erdington Academy branded PE top, bottoms and shorts are required for all PE lessons.
Haircuts must NOT be extreme and must be on the natural spectrum (this is at the Head of Academy’s discretion). Can I remind you that for the first day back lines or patterns are not to be shaved into student’s hair.
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. High standards of appearance and building a real sense of community are important.
No facial piercings, such as nose studs are permitted, one stud earring per ear is acceptable. Any jewellery that exceeds this will be removed from the students and only returned to a parent or carer.
Drinks in School
We encourage healthy lifestyles, so no isotonic drinks, energy drinks 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, and they can purchase water and juice on the premises. There are also water fountains available.
I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer and look forward to meeting many of you at some of the events we have planned in the coming year, and will write to you again in September with the dates and details of these.
I hope you have a restful summer break and students return ready for excellence.
Regards
S Mallett
Head of Academy
