The transition to secondary school is a significant milestone, and we've been so impressed with how well Year 7 have settled in. They've approached new subjects, teachers and routines with confidence and enthusiasm, and we're already seeing them build new friendships and embrace the wider opportunities available to them.

A positive start

Their hard work and positive attitudes are already having a huge impact. As a year group, they have collectively earned over 2,000 achievement points on Arbor in their first week. This is a testament to their dedication to their studies and their commitment to their high school journey. We also want to celebrate their excellent attendance, which is currently at an impressive 97.2%. High attendance is crucial for a successful academic journey, as it ensures students don't miss out on vital learning. We're committed to working in partnership with you to maintain this strong start. The attendance target for all students is 98%+ which ensures that each child has the best possible opportunity to succeed.

Key messages

To help your child continue their successful start, please ensure they come to school prepared every day. All students have been provided with a pencil case containing a pen, pencil, and ruler. They must also bring their folder of Knowledge Expert Sheets with them to every lesson.

The academy homework policy, 10:10:10, is designed to support and strengthen your child's learning. Each night, we ask that students dedicate:

• 10 minutes to revision using their Knowledge Expert Sheets (staff will be using these to test students at the start of every lesson)
• 10 minutes to close reading using Sparx Reader
• And 10 minutes to maths practice using Sparx Maths. 

This routine helps to embed key knowledge and build essential skills. Students will be given details about how to access Sparx Reader and Sparx Maths in tutor time. 

Extracurricular offer

To support our students, we have a number of facilities available outside of lessons:

• Diner 1 is open from 7:30am every morning, serving free breakfast for all students. 
• After school, the Library is open until 4pm, offering a quiet place for students to read or study. The Library is also open from 8am in the morning, and during every break and lunchtime.
• We will soon be launching our extracurricular offer, including lunchtime and after-school clubs. We will discuss these with students during tutor time and publish the calendar of activities on our website. 

Meet the Form Tutor

This will take place on 16 October and is an opportunity for you to meet with your child's form tutor to discuss their progress. Further details will be sent out before the event.

CAT4 assessments

Year 7 students have been sitting CAT4 assessments in class. If your child was absent or missed it for any reason, we will ensure they catch up in the next week or two. Please reassure your child that these tests are nothing to be anxious about, and they cannot revise for them. Staff will use the results (along with their KS2 scores and their reading age from the previous ART assessment) to help us understand each student's abilities and provide effective support in lessons. We will write to you with your child's score and reading age once all assessments are complete.

We look forward to a successful year ahead and will continue to keep you updated on your child's progress.

Yours sincerely,

Year 7 Team