A guide forParents and Carers

‘Be brilliant today’

2020/21

Welcome

Dear Parents/ Carers,

I am delighted to welcome you to our school family and look forward to working with you during the next five years as your child journeys through secondary education towards adulthood. This is an exciting time and one they will remember forever. I feel privileged to be the Principal of this oversubscribed Academy and the number one choice for so many parents in this area.

Education should inspire all and help realise talent. It should create opportunities for every child to flourish and gain in confidence so that they are able to achieve their dreams. You trust us with your most precious gift, your child. We will ensure that they feel safe and an invaluable individual part of our vibrant and happy community. We will ensure that lessons are suitably challenging and manageable so that they continue to develop their core essential skills alongside learning new subjects in our wide curriculum.

Yet learning is not just about subjects and academic qualifications. We are shaping and developing the whole child. Therefore, at Bexhill Academy we promote positive attitudes and healthy values equally alongside students’ academic development. We seek to make every child successful for life. So our curriculum includes the development of attitudes such as: valuing difference; kindness; respect, having good manners and high personal standards of work and behaviour. These qualities, amongst other skills are necessary to open doors and equip each child with skills that will support them to be productive and valued members of society. We aim to encourage every child to be brilliant every day and do the best they can because every day is a step further towards creating future dreams and aspirations.

Together we can create the experiences and build the qualities that will help your child to thrive for a lifetime. Together we can support them to flourish with the right skills, attitudes and behaviours that will enable them to navigate successfully through the unknown future. Most of all we want every student to be happy and enjoy coming to school to be their best self. We look forward to working with you over the coming years to make dreams and aspirations a reality.

Warmest wishes,

Catherine DaviesExecutive PrincipalMA; MBA; NPQSI

The Learning Journey at Bexhill AcademyLearning is our key priority at Bexhill Academy. We expect all students to come to school to ready to learn and be successful. To this end, we all work in partnership to establish key learning habits within a learning culture. The Academy encourages all students to be respectful, independent and resilient learners. These particular qualities enable all students to be on the pathway to success and achieving their best possible qualifications for the future.

Ready to learn :

Independence : In and Out of the Classroom. We expect all students to come to the lesson with their equipment and ready to learn, to complete all class work and home learning tasks set. Lessons are planned to include opportunities for independent learning, and we share with them the importance of being able to work in this way.

Deep Learning Time : This is time to reflect on knowledge gained in the lesson. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their best work, given the time to draft, edit, improve and produce a perfect piece within a lesson. Feedback from marking and peer assessment will inform this work, indicating what they are doing well but more importantly what their next step should be, so that they are aware of how to improve and refine work. We want students to celebrate and be proud of their work and must build the time into lessons for this to happen.

Students will be assessed regularly in lessons in a variety of formats. All forms of assessment will be marked, whether by self and peer assessment, verbal or written feedback. Layered key assessments will develop recall, whilst appropriately challenging tasks will enable students to build upon their learning and apply their knowledge.

Engagement : We expect all students to be engaged in their learning at all times and to complete work to the best of their ability. We strive to cultivate inquiring, inquisitive minds through our curriculum and lessons, encouraging students to ask questions and develop a desire for powerful knowledge. • Knowledge is fundamental element to success. A key part of every lesson, we describe it as powerful knowledge. The Knowledge Organiser will be a valuable tool to assist learning in and out of the classroom; it provides the most important knowledge from each subject each term. Students will have regular tests based on the Knowledge Organiser to assess their recall of this vital information.

• Challenge is part of every lesson. Each student, whatever their level, is challenged to improve. Learning is challenging, and learning new concepts and skills requires resilience. We encourage all our students to develop this important life skill, teaching them that making mistakes is part of the learning journey and providing them with a safe environment in which to push themselves to achieve their full potential.

• Literacy and numeracy are addressed throughout the curriculum, in every subject. Students develop their reading skills through Drop Everything And Read (DEAR). Please encourage your child to read as much as possible at home. We hope they enjoy the book they chose, which will be part of our reading programme. Speaking is often an overlooked part of literacy; we ask students to ‘say it in a sentence’ when responding in class, developing their subject vocabulary and fluency. Numeracy is addressed throughout the curriculum, both directly and indirectly. It is essential that you bring a reading book to school every day.

In developing young learners and achieving the best outcomes for your child the partnership between school and home is crucial, and in support of this we provide resources and information on SatchelOne, the Academy website and most importantly through students’ Knowledge Organisers

Supporting Learning through Bexhill Academy Knowledge Organisers

What are Knowledge Organisers?A Knowledge Organiser is a booklet of key information given out to every Year Seven student three times a year, at the start of Term One (September), at the start of Term Three (January) and at the start of Term Five (April).

Knowledge Organisers contain a summary of key information that subject teachers would like students to know, understand and learn in order to support students to be confident and successful learners.

Do students need to bring their Knowledge Organisers to lessons?

Yes. Students are expected to bring their Knowledge Organiser to school every day. They are expected to have their Knowledge Organiser in every lesson and in every Tutor Time.

Subject teachers will ask students to use their Knowledge Organiser to check key facts and ideas, to check the spelling of key words, to help with the recall of facts, dates and data and to help students read about the ideas, theories and issues being studied in lessons.

How can I support my child to use their Knowledge Organiser at home?

Knowledge Organisers support students to work independently and develop the skills needed to be successful and confident learners. They are most effective when they are used as part of learning in school and at home every day.

At home, you can support son/daughter by: • Checking that they have packed their Knowledge Organiser in their bag, ready for school. • Reading through the Knowledge Organiser and becoming familiar with the subject content yourself. • Selecting key words and phrases and setting your child a spelling or definitions test. • Support the understanding of key words and phrases by writing them out as part of new sentences. • Encourage your child to create mind maps and summary cards for each subject page. • Encourage students to draw images, based on subject knowledge, and label them. • Work together to carry out some further research on a topic or idea that has captured the interest of your child. • Remind your child, when homework is tricky or answers do not seem to be “instant”, that the Knowledge Organiser is a source of support and help.

Culture of Learning

At Bexhill Academy we will provide a highly focused and engaging learning experience for every student, regardless of their starting point. Our culture is to enable every student to be a brilliant learner. Therefore we expect the following;

Students at Bexhill Academy - Engagement for Learning • Wear the correct uniform (see information at the back of this booklet) • Bring the correct equipment • Are on time to lessons • Complete the work that is set for them • Follow instructions from staff

RoutinesHolistic learning is Bexhill Academy’s main priority. We expect students to demonstrate respect and ‘Be Brilliant Today’ and every day. To build these essential skills and qualities in our young people and to maximise the learning time for all students, the following routines are embedded into the school day. We will not tolerate any repeated disruption to learning and the high aspiration culture of our school.

• Walk at all times in the corridors and staircase • Walk on the left • Follow the one way system

Engagement in Learning - Lesson Time Start of the lesson: First 5 minutes • Enter classroom when welcomed in by your teacher • Stand behind chair in seating plan • Equipment on desk (pencil case,pen, pencil, ruler, rubber) • Knowledge Organiser and reading book on desk before sitting down • Start task immediately • Register • Have a positive attitude to every lesson • Maintain high standards of engagement throughout the lesson • Be polite and respectful to all staff and all students

During the lesson, learning is our priority and our key focus. All students should reach their full learning potential. In order to achieve this we expect the following: • Follow all staff instructions • Complete all of your work to the best of your ability. Be proud of your work. • Remember – the work set for you may be different than the work set for someone else because you need to aim for your personal best.

Last 5 minutes of the lesson • Pack up all equipment • Tidy classroom/rubbish in bin • Tuck chairs/stools in • Leave the room sensibly when instructed to do so

Break and Lunch Time RoutineDuring this recreational time students can buy refreshments, socialise with their friends or spend calm time preparing for learning. They can do this by sitting down in our Heartspace, going into the library or spending time in our outside area/Astroturf.

Online Safety and Safeguarding

This information has been provided for your son/daughter in their Pastoral booklet. If you would like further information and/or support on safeguarding please go to

the Academy website.

When you start at Bexhill Academy, many of you will be making your own way to and from school on your own, or with friends, for the first time. Parents and carers will often allow you to have a mobile phone so that they can contact you and be reassured of your safety during this journey. There are however some important rules regarding mobile phones at Bexhill Academy you must remember to ensure we respect our community:

• I must turn my phone off and put it in my bag or locker before entering the Bexhill Academy building. We do not allow mobile phones to be used in our school until the end of the day (after 2.50pm). If they are seen, they will be removed and kept until the end of the day. If the mobile phone is regularly confiscated it will be collected by a parent only at the end of the day.

• I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents/ carers’ work address/telephone number without my parents’ permission.

• I will tell my parents or a member of school staff right away if I come across something that makes me feel uncomfortable.

• I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without first checking with my parents/carers. If my parents/carers agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring a parent/carer along.

• I will talk with my parents/carers about posting pictures of myself or others online and not post any pictures that my parents/carers consider to be inappropriate.

• I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents/ carers or a member of school staff right away.

• I will not give out my passwords to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents/ carers.

• I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law. I will be respectful of others.

• I will NOT take pictures of anyone in our school, including adults, without the school’s permission.

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carrot rewards‘Be the best you!’ In order to achieve our goal, it is imperative that we reward students who actively support

the school values. It is very important that student’s achievements are recognised and

acknowledged by the Academy and the community as a whole.

We strongly believe that the Academy should recognise and praise those students who

are fully engaged with their learning. At every opportunity we aim to praise students

using simple verbal recognition, written feedback and more formal rewards through

our assemblies and tutor time. Students are appropriately rewarded in lessons using

our ‘Carrot’ reward stickers programme. There are Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum

stickers – each one having a unique code that is logged by the student on their account.

These points accumulate allowing the students to purchase a variety of gifts from the

Carrot Reward Shop.

The students are able to cash in their carrot rewards in our carrot shop. This is open once

a week during a lunch break. Students are able to purchase a variety of different prizes:

pens, pencils, hair bands, crazy golf tickets, table tennis bats etc. The student council

give suggestions on what should be in the shop. There are also promotional periods

for specific goods such as Easter eggs. Carrots are also a pivotal part of the House

Cup competition. Each week carrot points are counted as part of

the Inter House competition. Students are rewarded each week in

assemblies. Parents can also receive carrot parental engagement

stickers for their children when they attend parent events, such

as parents’ evenings.

Times Of The School DayStudents will follow the model below for their school day.

After School Clubs and/or Intervention2.55pm – 4.30pmA timetable for each term will be made available via the website.

Bexhill Academy’s effective home learning tool for students and parents!

Bexhill Academy uses an online tool for student home learning, which provides access to grade book allowing the viewing of submissions for home learning tasks. All home learning is set via the online tool. We provide all students and parents with login details to a personal account, ready-linked to a home learning calendar, to do list and grade book.

Simply visit https://bexhillacademy.satchelone.com to view the Academy’s live home learning calendar and log in to get personalised calendars. Students and parents/carers can always view the school calendar without logging in and use the filters to view home learning activities.

24/7 free access Personal account for students and parents/carers View quality and quantity of home learning View submissions and grade book Mobile and tablet friendly Free app available for mobiles and tablets

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The Academy Policy on Home LearningHome learning is an essential part of the learning experience. It contributes to raising a student’s achievement. It will also improve your child’s organisation, time-management, and help them to achieve their potential.

Year 7 and 8

• Students will be set home learning tasks regularly in the following subjects: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography and Languages

• Students will be set home learning tasks twice in a term in the following subjects: Philosophy & Ethics, Computing, Technology, Art, Performing Arts, Music

• Regular reading at home minimum 2 hours per week

• Weekly subject spellings

Year 9,10 and 11

• Students will be set home learning tasks regularly in the following subjects: English, Maths, Science, and in each of their option subjects

Rewarding and Monitoring and MarkingBexhill Academy focuses on rewarding students for completing home learning tasks that demonstrates engagement, commitment and meets or exceeds a student’s target. The Academy rewards using the Academy ‘carrot reward’ system and staff will also use other rewards with their students. Academy staff will acknowledge students home learning tasks through a variety of feedback mediums (class marking, self/peer marking, teacher marking, computer applications). Some home learning tasks will be marked more deeply showing student feedback WWW (What Went Well) and EBI (Even Better IF).

The Engagement grade reported on a student’s report takes home learning tasks into account. Academy staff will apply appropriate Academy sanctions with students who persistently do not submit home learning tasks. Non submission of home learning tasks will result in points being recorded against a student using our behaviour/engagement management system. Accumulating points results in detention.

The Library and After School Independent Learning Club is available for students Monday until Thursday 2.50pm - 4.30pm, computer access and printing are available for students.

Senior Leadership

Ms Catherine Davies Executive Principal

Mrs Victoria Norris-WrightAssociate Principal

Mrs Eleanore GordonVice Principal

Mr Philip GordonAssistant Principal

Ms Trudy Hillman Assistant Principal

VACANCY Assistant Principal

Ms Wendy MinnsAssistant Principal

Mr Lee Starkey Assistant Principal

Mr Farouk Tumi Assistant Principal

Mr Gavin ParksTutor Professional

Ms Rebecca JonesAssociate SLT

Mr Christopher Steward Associate SLT

Year 7 Team

Dr Amanda Jakes Year 7 Learning Leader

Mr Edward BrazierYear 7 Pastoral Manager

Mr Finn PatersonYear 7 Pastoral Manager for Transition

Mrs Adam-RickerbyYear 7 Tutor

Mr Philip BaxterYear 7 Tutor

Mrs Jolene DeeproseYear 7 Tutor

Mrs Hannah HamerYear 7 Tutor

Mrs Ellie AndersonYear 7 Tutor

Ms Rebecca JonesYear 7 Tutor

Mr Matthew LewisYear 7 Tutor

Mrs Diane MegitYear 7 Tutor

Mrs Colleen TorodeYear 7 Tutor

Mr Mike WaltonYear 7 Tutor

Miss Jemma WilkinsYear 7 Tutor

Pastoral Care

Pastoral ManagersYour first contact for any issues regarding your son or daughter’s welfare in or out of school is the relevant Year 7 Pastoral Manager. Pastoral Managers work with a large network of multi agencies to support students’ learning experience in school. Pastoral Managers monitor and strive to improve attendance and punctuality.

Year 7 Pastoral Manager Mr Edward Brazier Edward.Brazier@bexhillacademy.org

Year 8 Pastoral ManagerMrs Deborah HolterDeborah.Holter@bexhillacademy.org

Year 9 Pastoral ManagerMrs Cheryl Kemp Cheryl.Kemp@bexhillacademy.org

At Bexhill Academy we passionately believe in the right of every child to be able to lead a life where they can grow up to be healthy and thrive. This aim is what drives the work we do and is a part of every decision that is made about our students. We work hard to teach children how to keep themselves safe through our E-Safety education, PSHE programmes and work within the curriculum, and will strive to teach them the skills and knowledge to develop a sense of responsibility and care for each other.

At Bexhill Academy we work alongside our students, their families and other agencies to help them see that, no matter how difficult their situation may be, we can help them to get through and will support them and their family every step of the way.

SafeguardingWe have a robust Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in line with recent guidance and warmly invite parents to read the policy and contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead if they have any concerns or suggestions.

Mrs Trudy Hillman Assistant Principal Trudy.Hillman@bexhillacademy.org

Year 7 Pastoral Manager for TransitionMr Finn PatersonFinn.Paterson@bexhillacademy.org

Year 10 Pastoral ManagerMrs Andrea Gallastegui Andrea.Gallastegui@bexhillacademy.org

Year 11 Pastoral ManagerMrs Denise BradburyDenise.Bradbury@bexhillacademy.org

Learning LeadersEach Year group is assigned a Learning Leader who works in partnership with a Pastoral Manager and the Teaching Staff. The Learning Leader will track your son daughter’s progress across all subjects.

Their role is to ensure students’ individual progress matches their potential. If progress is not being achieved the Head of House will work with staff, parents and students to achieve this.

Year 7 Learning Leader Dr Amanda Jakes Amanda.Jakes@bexhillacademy.org

Year 8 Learning LeaderMr Alex HumphreyAlex.Humphrey@bexhillacademy.org

Year 9 Learning LeaderMr Keir AnsteyKeir.Anstey@bexhillacademy.org

Year Group SystemWe use a Year group tutor system and have a team of eleven Year 7 tutors. This will enable Year 7 students to form friendships with their year group from their primary school and students from different primary schools. It also allows us to provide specific support focussed only on the needs of Year 7 students.

Student LeadershipWithin our Student Leadership programme we have a School Council which is part of the School Board. Further to this, there are opportunities for leadership roles within each Year group to.

Engagement for LearningWe have a very clear behaviour policy. Learning is our main priority, students who disrupt learning will be involved in the behaviour system. A copy of this policy is on our website.

Student ScholarshipsWe are delighted to offer a limited number of scholarships places for students who excel at all Academic subjects. We also offer scholarship places for Art, Drama, Music and Sport.

To qualify for an academic scholarship place, your son/daughter must be in the top 5% across all academic subjects.

Year 10 Learning LeaderMr Martin WilkinsonMartin.Wilkinson@bexhillacademy.org

Year 11 Learning Leader Mr Ben EldridgeBen.Eldridge@bexhillacademy.org

To qualify for one of the other scholarship places, your son/daughter must excel at all the events and clubs they attend as well as excel in all the performances/games/competitions they compete in.

If you would like to apply for a scholarship please email Glenda.Canham@bexhillacademy.org to be sent a Scholarship Booklet. All applications for a Scholarship must be made by 11 September 2020. Forms received after this date will not be accepted.

HousesEach student is also assigned to a House. There are five Houses at Bexhill Academy and each Year 7 tutor group has students from all five houses. Belonging to a House enhances our sense of community and builds positive friendships with students in other Year groups.

Heads of HouseHeads of House work in partnership with Pastoral House Managers and students across all five Year groups (7-11).The House system provides opportunities for Inter-House competitions and a sense of community with a broad range of students at the Academy.

House Head of House Pastoral House Managers

Cambridge Dr Amanda Jakes Mr Edward Brazier

Harvard Mr Martin Wilkinson Mrs Andrea Gallastegui

Imperial Mr Alex Humphrey Mrs Deborah Holter

Oxford Mr Ben Eldridge Mrs Denise Bradbury

Yale Mr Keir Anstey Mrs Cheryl Kemp

Attendance/AbsenceWhy Attendance is ImportantAttendance levels can sometimes be regarded in the same way as examination results. In an examination 80% would be a very positive result. In attendance terms that would mean that you missed 40 days of education, just over 1 day per week. Therefore if your attendance remains at 80% for the whole of your secondary education you will miss more than a full year of education.

Attendance Rates • 95%+ = Excellent chance of eight 5-9 Grades • 92.5% to 94.9% = Fair chance of 5-9 Grades • 91.5% = Possible chance of five 5-9 Grades • 90% = Less than 50% chance of five 5-9 Grades • 88% = Less than 35% chance of five 5-9 Grades • Less than 88% = Less than 30% chance of five 5-9 GradesIn order for you to achieve the highest possible grades, STAY IN SCHOOL.

Remember – if a child takes one day off every week, at the end of the school year, it will give a total of nearly eight weeks off school. If your child is taken out of school on extended leave in term time you may be fined (£60 per parent per child).

Regular school attendance is important in order that you reach your full potential

Why is it important to be in school on time? • It’s important to be punctual as it teaches children how to be on time for work in the future. • Children will have time to quickly catch up with friends before first lesson. • It is important that children do not miss any work at the start of the lesson. • When they are late, it is harder for them to catch up and they do not feel they are part of the group. • Children should take an active part in all lesson activities from the start. • Arriving late will cause disruption to the teacher, other students and their friends. • Being late will lead to a detention at break time. Attendance and AttainmentOur school aims for each child to have a 100% attendance record.Children must come to school every day. Our school’s attendance target is 96% but we always aim for 100%.

Our aim is for children to learn so that they can achieve their goals.Children need to get the best results they can to secure their dream jobs.If a child is not in school, he or she is falling behind and it’s harder to catch up. Your child may feel discouraged, confused or left out.

If a child is genuinely ill, the school needs a medical note so that their absence is authorised.Try to book medical appointments outside of school hours.

Attendance Procedures A child may be placed on attendance report as a form of support to improve attendance

Red report if a child is below 90%Amber report if a child is below 95%Green report is a child is between 95-100% Parents may be invited to a meeting at school to discuss ways of helping improve their child’s attendance. Parents may receive a phone call or a home visit regarding their child’s attendance and/or punctuality.

The school target for attendance is 96% but students should aim for 100% attendance.The child may be rewarded for improved attendance with a certificate or voucher.A child’s good attendance will contribute to great attainment.Extended Leave Families should take holiday in school holidays.

All absences in term time due to going on holiday or any other reasons for extended leave will be unauthorised.

Extra time off school during term time will affect your child’s attendance and attainment.

Your child will miss: • Valuable lessons • Social time • Possible educational visits • Exams

Attendance Officer – Mrs N Ashdown – nikki.ashdown@bexhillacademy.orgThe job of a school Attendance and Welfare Officer is to help the academy improve attendance and meet the needs of children and young people by supporting and advising them and their families using a range of different tools. i.e. group mentoring, liaising with outside agencies, informing parents/carers of their rights and responsibilities in relation to regular school attendance and the process of legal proceedings in relation to non-school attendance. They also help the Academy develop appropriate strategies in partnership with other agencies to maintain and/or improve levels of attendance to help ensure the Academy’s performance indicators and targets are met. They meet with Pastoral Managers and the Senior Leadership Team on a weekly basis to ensure consistency and deliver training to staff regarding school attendance strategies as appropriate.

Student AbsenceIt is a legal requirement to inform the Academy if a student is going to be absent or will be arriving late for any reason. Without a phone message or email our staff have no way of knowing whether an absence is due to your child not being sent to school or being sent and not arriving.

If your child is unwell or going to be late into school for any reason, for their safety, please contact the school before 8.30am by either of our preferred methods:

Reporting A Child’s Absence Or Late Arrival

• Absence line – 01424 735516 • The Absence text number is 07537436325

Please leave your message/text by 8.30am with your child’s full name, year group and reason for the absence in all correspondence.

Reporting an absence by telephone message or email will be sufficient in explaining a day’s absence or continual absence up to 3 days in a calendar week. Please contact the Academy again on the fourth day if your child’s absence continues beyond 3 days. Please be aware any absence of 4 days or more requires medical evidence to be provided to the Academy. Parents can be fined by ESCC if medical evidence is not provided.

Medical AppointmentsWe would ask parents to give the Academy advanced notice of medical appointments where these cannot be arranged outside of school hours. If a medical appointment requires your child to leave during the school day a letter from you is still required and needs to be shown to your child’s Year Group Administrative Assistant for signature by 8.30am on the day of the appointment. This letter needs to be handed to Reception when signing out as confirmation that they have permission to leave. We understand it is not always possible to make medical appointments out of school, but appreciate your efforts in keeping the amount of missed time to a minimum. Please note that the Academy will only mark the student out for the duration of the appointment that we consider reasonable. If the medical appointment is going to take your child out of school for a longer period, we would ask parents to give the Academy advanced notice and the reason.

Absence RequestThe Department for Education (DfE) has amended the regulations and guidance in relation to absences in term-time. There is no automatic right to take your child out of school during term time. Government legislation no longer enables Principals to authorise requests for leave for children to be taken out of school unless there are considered to be exceptional circumstances. More information can be found in documents found on our Website:

• Absence request – information for parents • Withdrawal from Learning form

School Policy with regards to students becoming unwell or injured during the school day

• Students who feel unwell or are injured during the school day will be sent to the medical room for assessment. The Welfare Officer/First Aiders will make a decision as to the appropriate course of action and a phone call to parents/carers will only be made if necessary.

• In order to safeguard our students it is important that anyone feeling unwell or has been injured is assessed by our welfare team. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO RING HOME OF THEIR OWN ACCORD. We ask parents/carers to support the Academy with this process.

• Students who are picked up from school by parents/carers during the school day without going through the medical room procedures, will have their absence recorded as unauthorised

LatenessStudents should arrive to school punctually, dressed correctly and equipped for the school day. Students should arrive for 8.20am and learning commences at 8.30am. Consent And Return BookletThe Consent And Return Booklet is a document that details the responsibilities of the Academy and the parents/carers. It also contains information on what we expect of our students. Young people achieve more when schools and parents/carers work together.

School GatewayPaying money to the school on-line is simple and easy.In an attempt to remove all cash and cheques from school we are asking all parents to use our preferred method of payment: School Gateway. This is an online system used to pay for dinner money, locker keys, trips and all other school activities. Paying for school items online is quicker and easier for you, safer for children and more efficient for the school. It gives you the freedom to make payments whenever and wherever you like, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and an electronic record is held of your payments to view at a later date.School Gateway is available for you to use now.

1. Please ensure you have registered your current email address and mobile phone number with the school. If you have not yet registered this information please update the admin office.

2. Go to www.schoolgateway.com

3. When you visit the School Gateway website for the first time, please select ‘New User’ and enter your email address and mobile telephone number you have registered with the school. Please remember to update the school with any future changes in email address or mobile phone numbers.

4. Once activated the system will send a PIN code to your phone; please enter this PIN code and your account will be activated for you.

As soon as you’ve got the system set-up, you’ll be able to pay money to the school online rather than send cash or cheques. (Please note that a minimum payment of £15.00 is set when paying into the students’ dinner accounts via School Gateway).

Your support in using School Gateway will help the school enormously, thank you.

LockersIn light of the current circumstances and guidelines surrounding Covid19, lockers will not be available for Year 7 students in September 2020. As soon as the situation changes we will be in contact with you.

RestaurantThe restaurant is available for breakfast from 7.45am - 8.30am The coffee shop is open from 10.00am – 3.30pmLunch is served between 12.20pm to 12.50pm and snacks are available at other times during the day. At lunchtime students will be able to choose from a wide variety of hot and cold food. Please see the website for further details.Menus are available via the Academy website.

Cashless CateringThe students will pay for their meals/snacks by using the secure biometric system. Students will be registered to use the biometric system in Term 1. To top up their account, please use the online system: School Gateway. Payment by cheque to top up accounts can be made to the catering staff. Please make cheques payable to Chartwells. Students entitled to free school meals will have their allowance placed on their account.

Any questions or suggestions, please contact Annette by email at: annettes@bexhillacademy.org

Biometric SystemThe biometric system is designed to create benefits to staff and students.

• Reduction in queuing

• Reduction in administration

• Reduction in bullying (stealing of money)

• Not having to remember a card

Bexhill Academy will comply at all times with the Data Protection Act and with the guidance given by Becta and by the Information Commissioner’s office regarding the use of biometric data. Fingerprint images will not be stored by the system (instead, a set of coordinates will be translated into a string of numbers and encrypted). The data held could not be used to recreate a fingerprint image, nor could it be used in a forensic investigation.

Bus Travel

BikesIf your child would like to ride his or her bike to school they need to complete the registration form available from the Academy website. This needs to be completed, including a signature from the child and parent/carer, and returned to us. You will be agreeing to the following: • Students must cycle to and from the Academy in an appropriate manner, respectful of all other road and pavement users • The bike must have working lights front and rear • A cycle helmet must be worn • A lock must be used to store the bike in the bike shed • Bikes must not be left overnight in the bike shed • On darker evenings an item of fluorescent clothing must be worn • Students must walk their bikes off school premises at the end of the day

The Academy Doors Are Open From 7.30am

Transport

In light of the current circumstances and

Covid 19, please check local bus

information and guidelines.

Dropping Off/Collection of Students Between 8:10 am - 8:30 am and 2:30 pm – 3:00 pmWe request that students are dropped off and picked up on Gunters Lane and that the Academy car park is accessible to Bexhill Academy permit holders, buses and taxis only.

Whilst on site we ask that you drive in a safe and considerate manner, only park in designated areas and do not block or park in areas marked for emergency access.

If you need to apply for a parking permit please contact Glenda Canham via email Glenda.Canham@bexhillacademy.org and if you need access to parking to attend a meeting during the day at the Academy please speak to Reception Reception@bexhillacademy.org.

VISITOR

VIS

ITO

RV

ISIT

OR

EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS

KEEP CLEAR

NO

ENTRY

KEEP CLEAREMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS

NO

ENTRY

MINIBUS

SCHOOL BUS ONLY

MINIBUS

NOENTRY

NO

ENTR

Y

Bexhill AcademyMain Entrance

A Few Reminders

AbsenceThe dedicated number for reporting all student absence is 01424 735516. Please notify us by 8.30am each day if your child will be absent. Please ensure they bring a note stating the reason for the absence when they return to school.

Parent/carer CommunicationIn addition to the organised arrangements for consultation, we encourage you to contact the Academy at any time with any question or concern you have regarding your child’s education.

If you wish to raise a concern, an issue or speak to a member of the teaching staff concerning your child, please ring the Main Reception and they will be able to put you through to the relevant person. Reception will be open from Monday – Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm (term time only)

Telephone number: 01424 730722

Using email to contact staff – Staff first name and staff surname followed by school email address. e.g.: Eleanore.Gordon@bexhillacademy.org

Information about school activities and the academic calendar are sent via students in the form of the newsletter. This information is also available on our website. We aim to use paperless communication wherever possible.

The VLE also provides a medium for sharing information with parents/carers and students.Bexhill Academy’s website:www.bexhillacademy.org

Communication will be directed to the appropriate member of staff:- • Pastoral Manager • Learning Leader • Tutor • Teaching Staff • Leadership Team

School Medical ServicesThe County Medical Officer arranges regular medical tests, details of which may be obtained from Reception.

Medication/injuriesStudents may need medication during the school day and parents/carers are requested to bring medication to the school and hand them to a Welfare Officer.Students who have suffered injuries which have required a hospital visit and plastering of body parts or use of crutches, slings or splints must have a risk assessment carried out in order to be insured in school. A letter confirming fitness for school must be obtained from the hospital at the first visit.Please direct any queries to Miss J Innalls, Welfare Officer.

Boys • Compulsory navy blue blazer with burgundy trim and academy badge

• V-Neck Jumper with burgundy trim to v-neck (optional)

• Formal shirt (no logo) light blue for years 7 & 8 and white for years 9,10,11

• Compulsory navy tie with house colour stripe

• Navy blue trousers

• Black polished shoes (*)

• Bexhill Academy school bag

Girls • Compulsory navy blue blazer with burgundy trim and academy badge

• V-Neck Jumper with burgundy trim to v-neck (optional)

• Formal shirt or blouse (no logo) light blue for years 7 & 8 and white for years 9,10,11

• Compulsory navy tie with house colour stripe

• Navy blue trousers/ Navy drop waist pleated skirt with academy badge

• Black polished shoes (*)

• Bexhill Academy school bag

Boys & Girls PE Kit • Maroon Technical polo shirt with logo

• Maroon 1/4 zip Technical Mid-Layer with logo

• Navy Technical tracksuit bottoms with logo

• Navy football style sports sock • Navy football style shorts with logo

Expectations Of Equipment

• Pencil case with equipment (pens, pencils, ruler, rubber,coloured pencils etc)

• Water bottle

• Knowledge Organiser and reading book

Uniform / Not AcceptableTrousers NO jeans NO chinos NO jean style trousers (including external pockets) NO visible labels on trousers NO leggings/jeggings NO decorative studs, zips, sequins, buttons or piping NO decorative or coloured belts

Skirts ONLY school logo skirt is acceptable Maximum 5cm above the knee all year

*Black shoes School shoes MUST be a polishable leather SHOE and NOT a LEATHER TRAINER NO heels above 3cm NO coloured shoe laces NO trainers NO canvas or suede shoes NO boots

Personal Appearance NO unnatural hair colours NO extreme hair styles JEWELLERY - One small set of studs in low ear lobe NO flesh holes NO tattoos NO hoodies NO hats or caps NO brightly coloured socks or tights NO patterned tights

Expectations Of Appearance • ONLY one set of small studs in low ear lobe • A watch • NO make-up • No false nails • Hair – natural colour

Uniform is available from Super Stitch 866-7 Castleham Rd, St Leonards-on-sea. TN38 9NR Tel: 01424 852225

(Navy trousers are available for boys and girls from other suppliers for example; Next, Marks & Spencer.

School Uniform

Due to the current pandemic Superstitch are unable to apply a discount for free school meals and scholarship uniform at the point of sale. Please supply a copy of your receipt along with the voucher you receive and bank details to finance@bexhillacademy.org in order for us to arrange a refund.

Dates For Your Diary

Term is due to start for students on Monday 7th September 2020. However we are awaiting information from the government regarding school procedures

for September.

Please check the school website in September for updates.

There are three staff Inset days 2nd, 3rd and 4th September

Year 7 students will be invited for a

Transition Dayon

Friday 4th September

Please check the school website for updates

Documents to complete and return to us

Consent and Return Agreement BookletJune 2020 Home Academy Agreement

Optional Bike Registration Form

CONTACT DETAILS

Bexhill Academy, Gunters Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 4BY

Telephone: +44 (01424) 730722 Fax: +44 (01424) 212613

Email: office@bexhillacademy.org