Year 6 Transition 2021

In response to parental feedback regarding accessibility and cost of school uniform, we are pleased to introduce Uniform Direct as our new uniform supplier.  We have chosen Uniform Direct as they offer considerably discounted uniform which is manufactured by them, ensuring quality and consistency.

Uniform can be purchased via the link:  https://www.uniform-direct.com/acatalog/Sutton-Community-Academy.html.  Postage is free for orders over £25 and all returns are free via returns label.

Uniform Direct are committed to providing sizing help for all shapes and sizes via their online customer support team or by telephoning 01522-568865.

A parent’s guide to buying uniform, price list and cut out tape measure are available on our website:  https://www.suttonacademy.attrust.org.uk/parents/uniform-equipment/.

Our previous supplier, Clement Taylor still have stock of academy uniform which they are currently selling at a discounted price from their store on Brook Street, Sutton in Ashfield, however they have chosen not to stock the new SCA logo uniform moving forward.

If you have any further queries regarding uniform, please contact the academy reception.

Uniform is very important. By adhering to a strong uniform policy, we prevent parents wasting money on expensive items of clothing, which can themselves become vehicles for bullying and exclusion from groups.

All of our details about uniform, haircuts and jewellery can be found on our website here and are strictly enforced.

We make no apologies for having high standards for our students.

We believe a strong relationship with our parents / carers is a vital component of ensuring that every child can achieve their potential. Regular communication is an important part of this process.

In school we use ‘ClassCharts’ to monitor and record behaviour and achievement points. As a parent/carer you are able to download the ‘ClassCharts Parents’ app from any app store. If you do not have a smartphone, the system can also be accessed via the ClassCharts website.  In September, you will be issued with an Access Code to set up your device with your child’s account.  The app contains information on behaviour, achievements and attendance.

Post Covid-19, we would like to return to the Student Planner being the first point of contact. Please write any messages into the planner and encourage your child to share the message with their form tutor. Your child’s tutor will ensure the planner is seen and signed at least once a week.

Students are also able to download the ‘ClassCharts student app’ to track their own progress.

For general communications we make use of the following channels:

• The Student Planner (which we request is signed each week by a parent/carer).
• Regular updates in the ‘Latest News’ area of our website.
• Regular updates and news via our social media channels – Twitter: @suttonacademy / Facebook
• Formal Parents’ / Carers evenings.
• Phone calls/Text messages/email – Please ensure we have up to date contact details at all times.
• Face to face meetings at the Academy, when appropriate.

We will be providing all Year 7 students with a free dinner on their first day.

Students are safe at SCA. The safeguarding of our young people is our priority. Staff undertake regular training to ensure the latest statutory guidance is implemented to ensure student safety and there are a number of systems and protocols in place, all supported by a highly effective safeguarding team.

Through the morning tutor time sessions and timetabled PSHCE lessons, all students receive a comprehensive curriculum including but not limited to:

• Internet Safety
• RSE / CSE
• Sex Education
• Grooming and Radicalisation

We have an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities. These have been impacted by the pandemic but routinely we can offer our students:

• YEAR 7 CAMP TO KINGSWOOD ADVENTURE CENTRE!
• A range of sports clubs and the opportunity to represent the Academy in competitive sport.
• A full range of Performing arts opportunities – Productions, choir, talent shows, instrument lessons.
• Sports Day at world class venue – The English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
• PRIDE group.
• A range of trips – ski trip, foreign visits.
• Careers trips to university and other providers, mock interviews, work experience, community placements – experiences to develop employability skills.
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
• Book Club.

SCA follows national curriculum expectations in terms of the subjects offered. This means that English, Maths, Science, Languages, Humanities, PE, Art, DT and Performing Arts are all included in the student curriculum.

We are fortunate to have some great facilities and talented teachers, so this means that we are further able to offer subjects such as Photography, Forensic Science and Construction at GCSE and Sixth Form.

Bullying is an unfortunate feature of wider society. Within our school community we share the importance of not tolerating any behaviours which make us feel uncomfortable. Because messages are so well understood by our students, we are able to act swiftly to resolve issues, though few arise. Mobile phone use is not allowed.

Students will be given a 4 digit pin number and shown how to use it and how to access the canteen.

Students in receipt of the Free School Meals entitlement will automatically then be able to receive their food. For other students who wish to use the canteen, credit will need to be uploaded via the ‘Parent Pay’ system.

We offer a range of hot and cold foods from substantial pasta dishes to sandwiches and snacks.

Following the government announcement a couple of weeks ago, it has been necessary to make some changes to our transition plans. The following events have now been put on to support students.

Meet Your Tutor Evening – Tuesday 8^th July 3.30pm – 6.30pm

We are hosting a virtual Meet Your Tutor Evening via School Cloud, where parents and students will have the opportunity to meet their tutor for the first time and ask any questions.  You can book these appointments by clicking this direct link:  https://suttonacademy.schoolcloud.co.uk

Transition Days – Monday 12^th to Wednesday 14^th July

Our transition team, along with student ambassadors, will be visiting primary schools during these dates to meet students, deliver a presentation and answer any questions your child may have.

First Day Transition Event

Year 7 students will join the academy on Wednesday 1^st September where students will spend the day getting to know their tutor group by partaking in fun activities.

Year 7 Camp – 11^th -13^th October 2021

This year’s Year 7 Camp will take place at Kingswood, Dearne Valley Yorkshire.  Further information will follow shortly.

A video tour of the school is currently being completed and will be live on our website shortly.

Our Meet Your Tutor Evening will now take place virtually  on Tuesday 8^th July 3.30pm – 6.30pm via School Cloud, where parents and students will have the opportunity to meet their tutor for the first time and ask any questions.  You can book these appointments by clicking this direct link:  https://suttonacademy.schoolcloud.co.uk

You should have now received a letter from us detailing your childs form tutor.

For help and support on how to use the system please find instructions and a video tutorial here.

We are on an exciting journey and we are dedicated to giving our students a 1^st class educational experience. In our most recent monitoring visit Ofsted stated:

• New senior leaders have quickly identified the critical issues that need addressing and are making plans to resolve them.
• Parents and carers are positive about leaders’ initial actions to bring about the changes necessary.
• Staff are optimistic. Typically, they told us that new senior leaders have provided a ‘real impetus for improvement’.
• The school’s safeguarding culture has improved significantly since the previous monitoring inspection. Leaders are knowledgeable about safeguarding practices and procedures.

 

In addressing the disruption to education from COVID-19 Ofsted stated:

• Leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action to provide education in the current circumstances.
• Leaders acted swiftly to ensure that pupils continue to be educated at this time. They adapted the school’s approach to remote education in response to parents’ feedback. Leaders provide useful guidance so that pupils and their families are confident using this technology.