Some frequently asked questions……

What is a yellow card?

A yellow card is our internal system for monitoring pupil response to our Academy Kit expectations. It helps us to know who is not complying with our Kit regulations and enables us to follow this through quickly to make sure our pupils always look smart and take a pride in their appearance. Pupils are always given the opportunity to put their Kit right before the Yellow Card is issued.

Why does the Academy have a staggered day?

The Academy Trust has a vision for the Academy that includes

• fewer, longer sessions across the Academy core day and sessions for more flexible learning enrichment activities for all related to, for example, music, arts, games, sports, CCF and voluntary activities; the completion of class work and homework assignments on Academy premises at the end of taught sessions; mentoring sessions; sports fixtures and extension learning.
• Staggered breaks and lunch times to increase young people’s access to the required facilities by reducing the number of those needing access at any one time.
• The start and end times of the working day being different for different groups.
  
  Sponsors’ Vision and Ethos document - March 2010

This is because

• Older children’s learning is scientifically proven to be better later on in the day, particularly when they are physiologically becoming young adults.
• Younger and more vulnerable pupils benefit from having a start to their day with a smaller amount of pupils in school, particularly as they will be among those in their peer age group.
• It encourages a sense of progression and instils a sense of higher responsibility and maturity in older pupils.
• It allows for a longer Academy opening time without the need for all staff to be working (nor all pupils to be studying for) longer hours.
• It encourages uptake of early morning and after school clubs and activities.

Significant numbers of pupils are choosing to access our provision outside of their core hours and some of the very positive responses we have had from both pupils and staff are below:

“That was fun, I could do it all day”     Year 11 Boy, Judo

“It’s a really nice way to start the week”   Year 9 Girl, Hair and Beauty

“I would just get bored at home”     Year 7 Boy

“Miss! Today in enrichment I learned . . . . . .”   Year 9 Boy

“I just need somewhere to do my home learning”   Year 9 Girl, E Learning 

“My son likes the fact that he has the opportunity to interact socially in afterschool clubs. The bus to school in the morning, which could have been intimidating for a new year 7, is quieter which has helped his transition to the Academy”     Parent, Year 7 Boy 

“It’s worth getting up early for!”   Year 11 Girl, Fashion Design

Will my child be able to access the Academy site before 10am if they are in Years 9-13?

The Academy site is open to pupils from 8am from which time breakfast is served in the Dining Hall.

Our Enrichment programme starts at 8.30 when there are structured activities for all pupils in Years 9-13 in a wide and varied programme. Click here to link to programme. There are also opportunities for pupils to access the Library and computer rooms for private and independent study from 8.30am.

What if all activities are full – what can my child do?

There is sufficient provision that there is always a choice of activities for pupils to participate in. Some activities are more popular than others and these are always re-run the next term to ensure all pupils have the opportunity to take part.

What if my child doesn’t like any of the activities?

The Academy Enrichment programme is extremely varied Click here to link to programme and our provision is extended and developed regularly. We also welcome suggestions from the pupils themselves as to what activities they would like to see offered - a number of these ‘pupil voice’ activities have already been implemented. We also look to parents to encourage and support their children to try new opportunities – many have surprised themselves at what they have enjoyed and are becoming good at!