Principal's Update
I have had the pleasure of being in a lot of science lessons this week and have been so pleased with the level of knowledge and the responses our students have given in class. It has been so rewarding to see that the students are living up to CRA high standards and conducting themselves in a polite and respectful manner. We are very proud of them. The atmosphere across the academy has been very calm and purposeful and it is clear the students know why they are here.
Year 11 students should have written a revision timetable by now and have started preparing for their mocks which are shortly after February half-term holiday. In a series of assemblies Mr Lovatt will be discussing revision techniques and ways to remain calm and focused in an exam.
It is a very important time for our year 11 students with only three months left until coursework is submitted and exams begin. Please discuss the importance of the next three months with your son or daughter; the importance of being in school every day, (COVID permitting), the importance of revising regularly and the importance of committing 100% in lessons to maximise the learning and the support the teachers can give.
I hope you have a good weekend,
Mrs Jones - Principal
Canteen Update
Canteen Charges
In recent weeks we have seen an increase in students attempting to obtain food without having the required amount of money on their Parent Pay account or cash to cover the cost.
This has lead to some students running up deficits.
With effect from Monday 17th January, if a student doesn't have the required amount of money on their account they will need to reduce their purchase.
Those students in receipt of Free School Meals should use their allowance for their main meal at lunch. If they use the allowance for snacks at break then they will have to pay for any food taken at lunch.
Menus
A copy of our current menus can be found on the CRA Website or by clicking the link below.
Our updated spring menu will be available after February half term. Details will be shared in the coming weeks
The Caterlink Team
Teacher Training Opportunities
At Charles Read Academy, we are pleased to be the lead school of the East Midlands Hub of National Mathematics and Physics SCITT and the East Midlands and South Yorkshire Hub for National Modern Languages SCITT. (School-centre Initial Teacher Training)
We want to share this with our school community, so that you and your wider networks can be aware of the opportunities to train to teach as Mathematics, Physics or Modern Languages Teachers with our hub.
Please click on the link below for further details on how to register your interest.
Home Lateral Flow Testing
Vaccinations
Please click the link below to review the latest information we have received from the NHS regarding student vaccinations.
Routine weekly testing
When you complete lateral flow tests at home on a Sunday and Wednesday evening, please report the results via these links to both the NHS and also CRA.
If you require further kits, students can collect these from reception.
Did you know that parents and support bubbles of school children, as well as anyone who has to leave home to go to work, can now get rapid Covid-19 tests twice a week. Order yours now here.
Further guidance from the Government and Department of Education in respect of home testing can be found below:
A copy of the risk assessment and privacy policy relating to Lateral Flow Testing can be found on the CRA website.
Mr Linforth - Academy Operations Manager
Immunisations
Your Year 9 child/ren’s Men ACWY and Teenage Booster vaccinations are now due.
MenACWY vaccination helps to protect your child against four types of meningococcal bac-teria (groups A, C, W and Y) that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These diseases are very serious and can kill, especially if not diagnosed early.
The teenage booster, also known as the 3-in-1 or the Td/IPV vaccine, is given as a single injection into the upper arm to boost your child's protection against three separate diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.
Please follow this link to complete the online consent form for your child.
Homework
Please find the instructional video below which demonstrates how to complete the Prep Homework and the expected standards in order to support your child at home.
Please click to review the Homework Policy as a reminder of the responsibilities from all parties.
Frequency of homework
Yr7-10 students should hand in their first Prep homework on Tuesday 11th January during Roll Call. Yr11 students are now revising for their Touchstone assessments and their first prep homework is expected on Monday 17th January during Roll Call.
The online homework table will be is now available and can be found below.
Responding to some feedback from parents/carers and students we will also be issuing all students with a printed version of the homework table alongside their packs.
Thank you for your continued support with the homework policy.
Mrs Cooper - Whole School Teaching & Learning Lead
SEN Department
Students taking part in Year 7 and 8 interventions have been very focused and resilient this week, with baseline testing for new maths groups taking place. One-to-one readers have responded very positively to their introductory sessions, and we've enjoyed learning what they like to read - manga and graphic novels are very popular and a great way to introduce more complex texts.
As always, the SEN Department welcomes and really appreciates the support our students receive from home, and if you have any questions, please do contact us.
Mrs Thurlby - LSA
Detentions
Students have now had 2 terms to get used to the detention systems.
We are now not operating a second chance detention. Students will be expected to attend their detention on the day of their detention.
Failure to attend will result in a day in IE (the usual sanction if a student fails to attend their second chance detention.)
CRA Senior Leadership Team
Year 11 Maths
From this week year 11 will only have one Hegarty task to complete for Prep work however they will also have a Half exam paper to complete each week. These need to be handed in every Wednesday in their maths lessons.
Also from the recent Mock papers, year 11 pupils have been sent home with a QLA (an example is below). This links to Hegarty Maths clip numbers, so if a pupil wants to do extra independent work they should look at the topics which are amber or red and then watch the Hegarty Video, then complete the task.
Mr Branch-Evans - Head of Maths Faculty
CRA Values
RESPECT and AMBITION were the focus of our whole school assembly this week, where we reviewed our homework system and supported all students in understanding how to complete their homework to a standard that meets our high expectations.
The assembly ran into period 1 as we invested time in ensuring that all students understood our high expectations and how they could achieve them.
We did this through clear explanations as well as live modelling completing a piece of homework, with all students completing the homework along with Mrs Cooper, who was modelling. The reason why we link this assembly to RESPECT and AMBITION is because we want to instil in our students the self-respect to complete their homework to the best of their ability and be ambitious in their independent work.
Completed correctly, the work that students complete at home will increase their core knowledge in their subjects and support their understanding in class more meaning they achieve more and make more progress, something which we are all invested in.
Uniform
Change to PE Kit Supplier
We have been advised by the Trusts procurement team that the manufacturer of the PE kits for our school is no longer able to fulfil their commitment to supplying us. We know some people experienced long delays in receiving orders this academic year, but had hoped the situation may improve.
Therefore we have ceased the contract with them and the Trust are searching for a new supplier that will be able to fulfil orders ready for the start of the next academic year.
We have been advised that anyone still awaiting a delivery will be refunded and should have already been contacted at the start of this month - please let me know if that is not the case (we will require your order number and item details).
In the meantime should your child need replacement kit we would ask you to observe the following uniform guidelines:
- Plain black, navy or white t shirts - NO LOGOS
- Plain black, navy or white shorts and socks - NO LOGOS
Failure to do so could so will be considered a breach of the uniform policy.
We appreciate your support on this matter and apologies for any inconvenience caused
Uniform Expectations
It is vital that we ensure everyone is adhering to the Academy Uniform Policy - details of which can be found here.
Students without a medical note will go into IE for incorrect uniform.
Outdoor coats
Outdoor coats can be worn during breaks and before and after school, but should not be worn when walking inside the academy. May we also remind you that hoodies are not appropriate, and shouldn’t be worn as a replacement for an outdoor coat.
Face Masks
Masks are to be worn to be worn on all school transport, during transitions between lessons and in communal indoor spaces as well as lessons. Please ensure you have a spare mask just in case it requires changing throughout the day. We appreciate that communication whilst wearing a mask can be tricky, so please see the poster below for tips on effective communication whilst wearing a mask.
Masks should be blue or black and plain and worn at all times whilst inside the school buildings.
Parent Governor Vacancies
Charles Read Academy are now looking for two parent governors.
The role of parent governor is an important one. School governors play an important role in supporting the school. They can influence the strategic vision and direction and hold the senior leadership team to account.
Why become a school governor?
Benefits include:
- Developing your professional skills and experience such as strategic planning, and team working, both of which are valued by employers and can assist your own career development
- Building relationships and networks in your locality
- Supporting children and young people in your community.
There is one meeting every half term. The meetings usually last approximately an hour and a half and can be accessed via Teams if coming into school is too difficult due to transport or child care issues.
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in this role by completing your declaration of interest in the Governor election procedure below:
Thinking Ahead – My Future, My Choice
Attention Year 8 & Year 9!
- What are your future plans & career possibilities?
- What plans to do you have after you have completed your GCSEs?
- Do you plan to go on to further/higher education? If so what courses might you study?
- What career ideas do you have for the future at the moment?
In year 7, 8 and 9 you will be learning new skills and knowledge that will give you the confidence to help you plan your next steps. This process starts with your careers education in school which will encourage you to think about your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. You will also start to make some important decisions that could influence your future career path as you will be choosing your subjects to study for GCSE. This process will begin for all Year 9 students early next year.
Each week we will show you examples of the various careers linked to the subject you are studying. This week’s career idea is ‘Jobs related to Health & Social Care"
Mr Rees - Career's Support
STEM Careers
Andrew Forrest, Innovative Design Lead at Rolls Royce, joined Year 11 this week (via Teams) to explain how he has come to work for one of the most innovative and recognisable UK based engineering companies. Andrew now works on designing and producing technological solutions to decarbonising the economy and working towards a net zero carbon future.
Andrew demonstrated that he has a career he enjoys but he had to work really hard to get there, often struggling with Maths skills. He demonstrated resilience by completing a Foundation year at university, to bring his mathematical skills up to the level required for his chosen degree course, and stated that now he might have opted for a more hands-on apprenticeship route. For those interested in engineering as a career there are multiple routes to success.
Andrew’s career has taken him all over Europe and given him opportunities to work with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. He stated that in STEM careers, teamwork and communication are the two primary keys to his success.
As part of the presentation Andrew was able to give two top tips for applying for jobs. Firstly, research the company you want to work for and what they do. Secondly, make sure you present a professional-looking error-free CV – at Rolls Royce they have a piece of software that checks CV for typos, weeding out those candidates!
Miss Burrell - Science Teacher
Attendance
This week we have been celebrating some excellent attendance our tutor groups. 6 tutor groups have achieved 100% attendance this week. Terra have topped the attendance percentage this week overall with a fantastic 93.4%, well done Terra!
Please see the link below for up to date NHS guidance for COVID related illness and subsequent isolation procedures.
It has just been announced on the news that the self-isolation period for people with Covid has been reduced to a minimum of 5 full days from Monday. This means that a negative LFT test would now be required on day 5 and day 6, with a return to school on day 6 instead of days 6 and 7.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 01476 550333 ext 502 or kcoleman@charlesreadacademy.co.uk to discuss ways to support your child's attendance.
CRA - Lets work together to make every day count!
Mrs Coleman - Attendance Manager
House News
Aqua take the lead in New Year Cup
Aqua have nipped in front of Caeli and now lead the New Year Cup following an influx of submissions from students and staff in Aqua this week. There is still 17 days to go, to submit your daily entries, therefor plenty of time for the leader board to change again.
Each entry submitted is added to the school total, which is up against all 33 academies across the trust and your individual house totals with 250 house points up for grabs. To enter, all you need to do is record and screenshot the distance of a walk, jog or cycle and email housechampionship@charlesreadacademy.co.uk - Every little helps and we are even encouraging students to record their morning walk to the bus stop – if everyone did that every morning we would easily reach our target!
You can track our progress with our Virtual tour of the famous Route 66 in the USA (attached) where we will be releasing videos and fun facts of destinations along the way. This week we reach out first destination, St Louis – take a look at the video
We are well on our way to Oklahoma City (Destination 2) on our journey but we need your support – please send in any distances (Km) over the weekend and you can make a difference to our overall total! It’s not too late to get involved.
Speed Stacking – Wednesday 19th January
Next week, students and staff will be battling for 125 house points in the house speed stacking competition. Be sure to make your way to the hall at lunch time to show your support.
Terra still sit top of the House Championship leader board with Aqua and Caeli hot on their heels. There is another 1,650 house points on offer this term with a number of exciting competitions lined up in addition to speed stacking, including; Table Tennis, Master Chef and The Cube.
Term 3 Competitions
House Championship Totaliser
Please keep an eye on our social media platforms (Twitter and Instagram) - for updates @CRA_HouseChamp
Mr Webb - Games Master
Table Talk
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.”
George R.R. Martin (American novelist and short-story writer, screenwriter, and television producer. He is the author of the series of epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire, which was adapted into the Emmy Award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones)
Next week at the academy we are focusing on reading aloud. We would love you to discuss over the dinner table a memory of being read aloud to; what book it was, who read it and why it impacted so much on you.
Word of the Week
Phys: Nature, body, natural science(Greek word root)
- Physiology the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
- Metaphysics the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, identity, time, and space.
- Geophysics the physics of the earth.
(Greek word root)
Miss Brealey - Head of English Faculty
Year 11 Focus
Parents Evening
Parents evening for Year 11 is taking place on Wednesday February 2nd, this will be an online event via Microsoft Teams as it was last year.
At this critical phase in your child's journey towards their GCSE exams it is important that all parents and students attend the event with all their class teachers. During this session information about progress will be shared along with specific areas of knowledge and skills which need to be developed prior to the sitting of the exams.
Further information on this will be shared through MCAS early next week. Please make sure this event is in you diary and you are free to attend. If there are any issues with attending then please contact reception so alternative arrangements can be made.
Career's Meetings
All year 11 are benefitting from face to face meetings with a qualified career's advisor, Niki Tolhurst, continuing next week.
All students have been sent a letter detailing the time and date of their meeting, as well as a link to this Google Form for them to consent or decline to the feedback Niki produces being shared with the academy careers team.
This is an invaluable chance for students to discuss their career hopes and aspirations with someone who has over 30 years experience in Career's advice and support.
Even if a student has made up their mind on their next steps, please encourage your child to fully embrace the opportunity as we have had fantastic feedback from last years students in how it made them consider, and subsequently apply and be successful, in alternatives careers and courses.
Mr Lovatt - Assistant Principal
Year 10 Work Experience Day
Time for all year 10 students to be finding and confirming a placement for their Work Experience Day coming up soon on the 25th March! A reminder that all reply slips need to be returned before half term (11th February) – less than a month away!
This is a great opportunity to taste the world of work, as well as give you an insight into a job/career you may be interested in following. When thinking about who to approach for work experience not only should you focus on your interests but aim to be practical, for instance what personal/family connections you can utilize to help find a suitable placement.
Work experience is also a time to impress potential employers with your enthusiasm, abilities and your responsible approach to work. Who knows where it may lead? Some students have previously found their work experience has translated into part-time work while at school, and even a future career.
Please do come and talk to the careers team for further information, or for instance you are finding difficulty in finding a placement.
Mr Otchere - Career's Lead
Teen Support
Are you a parent or carer who is concerned about the mental health of your child or teenager?
Do you just want some hints and tips on parenting?
MindEd for Families has advice and information from trusted experts and will help you to understand what problems occur, what you can do to best support your family, and how to take care of yourself.
MindEd for Families is written by a team of specialists and parents, working together.
You do not need to register to use these resources.
Times Tables
At the end of all lessons students stand behind their chairs in silence to prepare for themselves for the next lesson. From September, on a weekly rota, Years 7 and 8 will be reciting their timetables to help embed them in their long term memory.
Week commencing 17th January - 9 times table
Accelerated Reader
Week commencing 17th January during period 1
The Sporting Post
Our club timetable has changed. On Monday and Tuesday our students will be taking part in rugby, hockey and dance. On Wednesday and Thursday we have made some changes to the sports clubs we are offering.
On Wednesdays it is table tennis and rowing club. On Thursday it is football and netball. If students attend afterschool football or netball it will increase their chances of being selected to attend the DRET Winter Cup. If they wish to stay on a Wednesday or Thursday students must report to the PE department at 3.15pm and get changed into their kit. They must then be collected by parents/carers at 4.15pm.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in sport at lunchtimes.
Mr Addlesee - Sports Enrichment Officer
Updated Transport Policy
Transport provision for the academic year ahead is finalised in July.
Should a student move house that impacts on the transportation requirements (either to a DRET service from another DRET or LCC service) after the arrangements have been agreed between DRET and the transport providers; then places on a revised service will be subject to availability.
Should places not be available on the preferred service then either parents would make their own arrangements, or an alternative will be offered in the same town where possible, even though this may not offer the most convenient stops for the student.
At present we have a waiting list on one of the AC Williams Grantham services and are having to place students on the other Blands Grantham service
We appreciate this may cause some additional logistical issues for parents, but we cannot accommodate services that are not required at the time of the procurement of transport for the year ahead.
Mr Linforth - Academy Operations Manager
Credits:
Created with images by congerdesign - "board slate blackboard" • Hans - "spaghetti meal canteen" • Wokandapix - "teach education school" • KlausHausmann - "hand disinfection disinfection mouth guard" • qimono - "puzzle dna research" • ejlindstrom - "coffee school homework" • Wokandapix - "teach education school" • geralt - "emoji smiley bad mood" • PublicDomainPictures - "albert einstein physics relativity" • Peggy_Marco - "refugees economic refugees financial equalization" • ringsfoto - "stationery clip cooperation" • geralt - "bulletin board stickies post-it" • RAEng_Publications - "engineer engineering chemical" • anncapictures - "pocket watch time sand" • sakulich - "light lamp warm" • TotalShape - "mental health mental wellness mind" • Wild0ne - "typewriter vintage write" • josephredfield - "people friends together" • bodobe - "painting pencils paint" • geralt - "skills can startup" • geralt - "integration volunteer hands" • geralt - "to learn a notice information sign" • guisdesouza - "rugby ball water" • oli2020 - "school safety signage" • tigerlily713 - "calendar date time"