the rodillian academy · welcome from the head teacher dear parent/ arer, i am delighted to confirm...

The Rodillian Academy

Year 6 Transition Booklet

2014-15

Leadership

Resilience

Team work

Independence

Talent

Compassion

Adventure

Introduction ……………………………………..2

Welcome from the Headteacher ……..3

The Transition Timeline …………………..4

June

Optional events in June …………………..6

Guide to Year 6 Information Evening...7

July

The Year 6 induction days ………………9

Optional Events in July …………………..10

Rothwell Cluster ……………………………..11

Getting ready for September

Useful contact information …………….13

Buying school uniform ……………………14

Expectations of school uniform ..…...15

Uniform and equipment ………………..16

Basic school equipment ………………...17

Additional equipment …………………….17

P.E. Kit ………………………………………….. 18

Uniform and equipment check list ...19

Thinking about transport ………………. 20

The school bus service …………….. 21-22

Helpful tips for catching buses ……… 23

Our curriculum and ethos

Positive Discipline—Rewards ………...25

Specialist Performing Arts College ...26

Rise-and-Read ……………………………... 27

Resilience Curriculum ……….. …….... 28

Learning to be Resilient ………………… 29

Our Expectations

Positive Discipline—Behaviour Policy...31

Positive Discipline—Consequences …...32

ICT policy …………………………………………...33

Rules about mobile phones ………………..33

Other expectations ………………………..…..34

Documents to complete at Year 6

Information Evening

Home-school agreement …………………...36

Policy Agreement and consent form ….37

Documents to complete and return

Your contact details …………………………..39

Instrument Lessons ………………………..40

Friends of Rodillian …………………………...41

Contents

1

Introduction

The Year 6 transition booklet

This booklet has been carefully put together in order to provide families of

children moving into Year 7 with as much information and advice as

possible so that the transition from primary to secondary education is as

smooth and stress-free as it can be.

Chronological layout

The booklet has been put together in a very specific way so that you can

move through the pages in a chronological manner; the information at the

front of the booklet is information you will need now, moving through the

pages towards information you will need for September.

Important documents

At the back of the booklet are a number of very important documents

that we would like you to complete and hand-in to us at the Year 6

Information Evening on Thursday 12th June 2014.

2

Welcome from the Head teacher Dear Parent/Carer, I am delighted to confirm that your child has secured a place at Rodillian for September 2014. We are very much looking forward to working closely with all our new students and their families in order to ensure that the move from primary to secondary education is as effective as possible. In September your child will join us in a newly designed building, equipped with state of the art technology to enhance and extend their learning experience. Our GCSE results continue to improve year on year; at the end of the 2013 academic year, the number of students achieving 5 A*- C qualifications, including English and Maths rose again to 73%, which is significantly above the targets set for the academy by other agencies. Over this term we will be meeting Year 6 pupils in their Primary school and then again during our Year 6 Induction Days from Monday 14th July to Tuesday 22nd July 2014 inclusive. The Induction Days and activities which are to follow are explained in detail in this booklet. This booklet also con-tains a variety of useful information to assist you in supporting your child’s transition to secondary education. May I finish by saying how much I am looking forward to meeting you and your child and working with you and them in the future. Yours sincerely Mr Andrew Goulty Headteacher

3

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4

We fully understand the size and nature of the changes that lie ahead for your child, so it is vitally important to us that your child is fully supported throughout the transition process. This support can be helped through the development of strong relationships, which is why our support activities start way back in June as your child completes Year 6. From June, there are a range of optional activities for children to attend that will help them begin familiarising themselves with Rodillian, its young people and its teachers.

Transition Clubs – 11th, 18th & 25th June and 2nd July 3:30 to 4:30 pm Four exciting and different afterschool clubs for students to come along and take part in. A chance to meet and make new friends, get to know staff and students whilst experiencing some of the fantastic things on offer here at Rodillian. Don’t miss out on the chance to get involved! Wednesday 11th June - Ready, steady, cook! Are you the next Jamie Oliver or Nigella? Come along and get creative in the kitchen. All ingredients supplied. (Max 20 spaces) Wednesday 18th June - Science workshop. You don’t have to be Einstein to try out the fantastic labs and dabble with science - but try not to blow anything up! (Max 30 spaces) Wednesday 25th June – Sports megamix. Lots of great team games like tug of war. Not just for the sporty amongst us as all can take part in some traditional fun games. Trainers and suitable clothing required. (Max 45 spaces) Wednesday 2nd July – Creative Media. Be as creative and imaginative as you want whilst working on our state of the art Apple Mac computers and latest software. (Max 25 spaces)

Rodillian Tea Party – 26th June, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm In addition to our Information Evening, The Tea Party has proved to be a very successful and very useful event in recent years. It is intended for children and their parents and carers to attend and is an opportunity to meet staff from Rodillian and to discuss any thoughts, concerns or questions within a relaxed setting. Families who have attended this event in the past, have often left feeling reassured about some of the finer details of the transition process that they were previously unsure about. If you are interested in attending any of the above, please visit our website at www.rodillianacademy.co.uk and go to the New Student tab, Transition Clubs and complete the form. Please note that some of the activities are number restricted and these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you cannot access the website, please contact Mrs T Smith on 01924 872252 ext 238.

Optional events in June

6

A guide to Year 6 Information Evening

Please note: It is expected that all parents, carers and children joining Rodillian in September, attend this important evening. The purpose of this evening is to give you and your child an opportunity to meet with key members of staff at the Rodillian Academy, ask any questions you may have, to discuss the academy’s key expectations and to purchase uniform and equipment. In addition to meeting your child’s form tutor, you will also meet: Mrs Smith – Transition Manager Miss Davis – Head of Year 7 There will also be presentations made by the Headteacher, Mr. Goulty and an opportunity to meet your son or daughter’s form tutor. The open evening begins at 4.30 pm and runs until 7.30 pm. By the end of the evening you will have: Listened to a talk by Mr. Goulty, outlining the Rodillian vision and our expecta-

tions. Visited the Market Place to order school uniform and purchase other

equipment required for September (see shopping list on page 19) Met your son or daughter’s form tutor. Please try to attend the sessions at the times indicated above. By following this timetable, you will help us to distribute the number of people in each area and reduce any waiting time.

The market place for purchasing uniform, equipment and kit etc. will be open for the full duration of the evening. Please use any time not allocated with the headteacher or form tutor to access this very useful resource.

Thursday 12th June

Child’s Surname Start time in the main hall. Start time with form tutor

A – F 5.45pm 5.15pm

G – M 6.30pm 5.45pm

N – Z 5.15pm 6.15pm

7

The Year 6 induction days

Please note: It is expected that all children who will be joining Rodillian in September, attend as many of these days as possible.

This year, for the very first time, induction has been stretched to cover the last sev-en days of the school year. This is something that we are very excited about and we trust that you will be too! We’ve got an exciting and busy program of events planned, ranging from enrichment projects, sports day and resilience activities. A significant feature of the induction programme will be the ‘Resilience Challenge’; pupils will spend 3 full days engaged in a range of activities designed to test, develop and strengthen their resilience in preparation for the Year 7 Resilience Camp in September. During this time pupils can begin to get to know their new class mates and to get to know their form tutor properly. This time spent familiarizing themselves, will ensure that when the big day in September arrives, children are far less apprehensive about what they will face. Pupils should make their way to Rodillian by 8.20 am each morning and pupils are encouraged to catch the school buses if this is how they intend to travel to school in September. (See transport details, later in this booklet, for more information).

Monday 14th to Tuesday 22nd July

9

Mon 14th July

Tues 15th July

Weds 16th July

Thurs 17th July

Fri 18th July

Mon 21st July

Tues 22nd July

Uniform and equipment needed

Primary uniform & pencil case



Sports/PE kit & bottle of water Pencil case (The PTA will be providing a tuck shop AM)

Sturdy boots/trainers & clothing that can get dirty/wet. Pencil case



Lunchtime arrangements

Packed lunch or money for canteen



Packed lunch

£1 contri-bution towards lunch provided

£1 contri-bution towards lunch provided

£1 contri-bution to-wards lunch provided

Our non-compulsory, familiarisation and welcome events, continue right up until the beginning of the summer break.

Year 6 and Year 7 School Disco – 17th July, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm The disco is another popular event with children; an opportunity to come to school in none-uniform and meet-up with pupils from other primary schools in a relaxed, social setting. In addition, pupils will also see some familiar faces on the dance floor as pupils in the current Year 7, join the celebration, making the event a truly welcoming one and giving children the opportunity to find answers to the questions that really matter to them rather than the ones that we think they want to know! This event is run by Friends of Rodillian with staff supervision. Tickets are £1 and can be purchased at the Information Evening on 12th June or paid on the door.

Optional events in July

10

INTRODUCTION TO THE CLUSTER The Rothwell cluster team works with partners to provide a range of services including access to local facilities, out of school hours and holiday activities and specialist support. Working alongside the 12 schools in the cluster, the team offers services to families who either have children at a cluster school or live in the cluster area. We value your opinion and welcome your suggestions and feedback. HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: Please look out for holiday activities booklets filled with lots of local activities for your children. Booklets are distributed by your child’s school and published on the school website, a couple of weeks before each holiday period. If you do not receive a booklet, please ask at the school’s reception or email [email protected] FAMILY SUPPORT INCLUDING FREE PARENT/CARERS COURSES: The Family Support Team tailors their approach to each individual family’s needs. Family Support services range from self-development/parenting groups, interest sessions and family focussed activities during term time as well as holidays. The team work 1-to-1 with families, offering support where needed or sign-posting to relevant agencies. Referrals for support should be made through school. Courses being planned for parent/carers include SpeakEasy (talking about growing up and relationships), STEPS (Steps to Excellence for Personal Success), Let’s Talk Money and Managing your Child’s Behaviour. Information relating to these course and the activities during term and holiday periods will be available through the academy’s website www.rodillianacademy.co.uk. This information will be updated regularly. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: The cluster team includes a specialist team for emotional health, consisting of an Emotional Health and Well-being Officer and counsellors for children and young people and parents and carers. If you wish to access these services please refer to the Head of Year who will provide more information.

Rothwell Cluster

11

Getting ready for

September

Useful contact information

Key Staff at Rodillian

Contact details The Rodillian Academy Tel: 01924 872252 Longthorpe Lane Lofthouse Wakefield www.rodillianacademy.co.uk WF3 3PS Other useful contacts

Mrs T Smith Transition Manager [email protected]

Mrs S Davis Head of Year 7 [email protected]

Mrs J Forrow Special Educational Needs [email protected]

Admissions Team Pupil admissions and transfers 0113 247 5729

Customer Relations Customer service issues and com-plaints

0113 247 5688

Helpline for Parents Exclusions, behaviour, attendance and bullying issues

0113 395 1100

Parent Partnership Support

Impartial advice for parents and carers

0113 395 1200

School Transport Bus passes/ special needs transport 0113 224 3583

Benefits Helpline Free school meals, clothing grants 0113 247 7247


13

Buying school uniform

White school shirt OR White school blouse + School Tie + Black school jumper

Black school trousers OR Black skirt, Plain black leather belt** knee length

a minimum*

*Girls may wear trousers, but they must be school trousers, not ‘fashion’ or fitted/legging-type trousers **No motifs, branding, coloured stitching or other embellishments are allowed on belts and they must be black

There will be an opportunity to purchase and/or order items of school uniform at the Year 6 Information Evening on 12th June. Alternatively, Rodillian Academy uniform can be purchased from The Uniform Centre, which has outlets at Queen Street, Morley and Kirkgate, Wakefield.


14

Expectations of school uniform

All students must wear plain black shoes* that have no logos or white/coloured decora-tive elements. Boots and trainers are NOT allowed. Backless, suede or cloth footwear is totally inappropriate and can be a health and safety hazard when using the many staircases in school or when working in some classroom environments.

*For your assistance, Windsor Shoes will be attending the Information Evening on the 12th June and have a selection of pre-approved school shoes for you to view.

School shirts and blouses must fit properly and must have a top button and full collar.

Linen trousers, black denim or fitted, legging-type trousers are not acceptable.

Jewellery is not allowed in school for any pupil at any time. A single watch may be worn. Any jewellery confiscated will be placed in an envelope and stored securely. It will only be returned to pupils on the following Friday at 2:30 pm. A detention will be issued.

Without exception, all make-up is banned in KS3 (years 7 and 8).

Coats and other outdoor clothing must not be worn inside the school building.

Pupils are only allowed to have natural hair colouring. Greens, blues, reds, silver-shades etc. are not allowed. Inappropriate fashion hairstyles are also not allowed. These include, very short ’crew-cut’ hairstyles, extreme styles, decorative shaved elements and motifs.

A thin black headband may be worn.

Please be aware:

1. Pupils who arrive at school with incorrect uniform will be removed to isolation imme-diately. The Rodillian Academy does not accept notes from parents or carers explaining issues relating to uniform.— If your child arrives at school without the correct uniform or hairstyle, for whatever reason, they will be removed to isolation until the uniform or hairstyle has been corrected. An exception would be considered in light of a serious medical reason but only, when a member of the pastoral team has seen a letter from a doctor, physiotherapist or other medical specialist to confirm that reason.

2. Confiscated items will be returned to pupils at 2:30 pm on the Friday that follows the confiscation. Items can be collected from the Headteacher’s office. Where an item has been confiscated because it is deemed to be dangerous or that it poses a risk to pupil safety (sharp objects, laser pens etc.), the item will only be returned to a parent or carer and only in person.

15

Uniform and equipment

Black shoes (Boys) Black shoes (Girls)

(These images are only representative examples of appropriate school shoes)

When buying school shoes and bags, please be aware of the following:

Black trainers or pumps of any kind are not permitted as uniform shoes. School shoes must be plain black with no motifs, coloured stitching or coloured/reflective areas. Boots are not permitted as uniform shoes for boys or girls. The red line on the images above indicates how the top edge of the shoe should fit under the ankle bone.

School Bag A4 Ring-binder

(These images are representative examples of appropriate school bags)

A pupil’s main school bag must be large enough to properly carry an A4 ring binder. Smaller bags are not appropriate as a main school bag. ‘Handbag’ or ‘purse’ type bags for girls are not appropriate as a main school bag. Pupils arriving at school with incorrect footwear or bag will be removed to isolation. General Note: Outdoor clothing (coats, scarves, gloves etc.) may be worn outside the building but must not be worn inside the building. Items of outdoor clothing worn inside, will be confis-cated in line with the school’s PD system.

16

Basic school equipment pupils must have

Students must have the following equipment (shown above): A pencil case; 2 black or blue ball-point pens; 2 HB pencils; an eraser; a pencil sharpener; a compass; a protractor and a 30 cm ruler.

Additional equipment we expect pupils to have In addition to the basic equipment, pupils are also required to have the following equipment to assist them. Please note that this additional equipment is not optional as it will assist them in following our curriculum properly.

A purple biro (1) or other writing pen (not a felt-tip). The Rodillian Academy has a policy that requires pupils to record verbal feedback in their books using purple ink. Pupils must have a purple pen in every lesson.

Literacy is a foundational feature of the curriculum and accounts for a significant number of lessons. Pupils must have an English dictionary. (‘Pocket-size’ versions are recommended).

Numeracy is a foundation of the curriculum and accounts for a significant number of lessons. Pupils must have a scientific calculator.

Our ICT curriculum requires students to listen to certain types of digital media. Pupils must have ear phones for ICT lessons.

17

P.E. Kit Specific to girls: Specific to boys:

Boys and girls both need:

Expectations of the P.E. department

Pupils must always bring their P.E. kit. If you are excused from taking part physically, you will still get changed and be engaged in the learning of the lesson.

Sanctions are in place for when students forget items of kit.

If pupils forget their P.E. Kit, they are expected to wear a spare kit provided by school.

The correct P.E. kit must always be brought to every lesson.

Any pupils with long hair are expected to bring a hair bobble to every lesson to tie their hair back.

There will be an opportunity to purchase and/or order items of school uniform at the Year 6 Open Evening on 12th June. Alternatively, Rodillian Academy P.E. kits can be purchased from The Uniform Centre.


Rodillian Academy girls’ fitted polo

shirt

Rodillian Academy Black hooded

sweatshirt

Rodillian Academy boys’ buttoned

polo shirt

Rodillian Academy Emerald green & black rugby shirt

Trainers (Trainers do not need

to be black, but pumps or Plimsolls are not

permitted)

Emerald green socks (plain)

(Optional) plain black tracksuit bottoms—

(no stripes)

Plain black shorts (no

stripes)

Football/rugby boots

18

Uniform and equipment check list

Item Tick when purchased

Item Tick when purchased

A school jump-er

P.E. trainers

White shirt or blouse

Pencil case

School tie 2 black or blue ball-point pens

Black school trousers or skirt

2 HB pencils

Plain black belt Eraser

Black school shoes

Pencil sharp-ener

School bag Compass

P.E. polo shirt (boys or girls)

Protractor

Plain black shorts (Optional track-suit bottoms)

30 cm ruler

Plain green sports socks

Purple ball-point pens (not felt tipped pen)

Rugby shirt (b) or hooded sweatshirt (g)

Pocket English dictionary

Football/rugby boots

Scientific calculator

19

Thinking about transport to and from school

The Rodillian Academy has a wide catchment area with pupils attending from around Wakefield and South Leeds and there are many different ways to travel to school to make sure that you arrive safely and on time. The table below is designed to help you with some of the different transport methods available and the follow-ing page provides details about the school buses.


On foot

Many of our pupils live within a mile of Rodillian and use this to their advantage by taking the healthy option and walking to school. Being aware of the dangers associated with busy road networks like Leeds/Wakefield Road and practicing good road safety is the key to enjoy-ing this practical transport method.

Cycle

A growing number of children cycle to school, taking advantage of the secure and well-covered bicycle sheds at the front of school. Pupils in years 7 and 8 will also be audience to a presentation by Leeds City Council’s road safety team, who will educate pupils in safer road use as pedestrians and cyclists.

By car

Parents and carers may drop their children off at school by parking in the road-side layby along Longthorpe Lane. Alternatively, parents may use the drop-off area at the top-end of the car park. Parents are advised not to park in the marked bays in the main car park for the purpose of dropping children at school as this can delay or prevent teachers and other staff from parking.

By bus

The 110 is a public service bus provided by Aviva. It journeys be-tween the city centres of Wakefield and Leeds, passing by the bottom end of Longthorpe Lane as it travels along Wakefield/Leeds Road. Buses are timed at intervals of 15 minutes.

For your information

If the service buses listed on the following pages do not serve your area, a normal public bus may be the best option. For information on non-school services please visit www.wymetro.com or ring MetroLine on 0113 245 7676 between 7am and 10pm.

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The school bus service

The school service buses are provided by Geldards and M Travel. The services listed below comprehensively cover the major routes along which our children live.

Two morning timetables are in operation throughout the week— On Monday, Thursday and Fri-day mornings, Timetable A will be used, which is indicated below. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, bus services will follow Timetable B in order to accommodate the ‘Rise-and-read’ programme (see page 29). Details of Timetable B will be published and distributed before the summer break.

Service Route

Further details

AM PM

Timetable A DEP Mon to Fri DEP

Hunslet district centre – Rodillian From Church St, Balm Rd, Belle Isle Rd, East Grange Dr, Middleton Rd, Ring Road Middleton, Broom Place, Raylands Way, Cranmore Rd, Throstle Rd, Sharp Lane, Wakefield Rd, Leeds Rd, Longthorpe Ln, Rodillian Academy

Hunslet district centre The Omnibus Arrive at Rodillian

07:30

07:40

07:50

Rodillian The Omnibus Hunslet district centre

14:50 14:55 15:05

Hunslet Carr – Rodillian From Balm Rd, Belle Isle Rd, Belle Isle Circus, Belle Isle Rd, Ring Road Mid-dleton, Middleton Park Rd, Middleton Park Circus, Middleton Park Ave, Thorpe Ln, Middleton Ln, Lingwell Gate Ln, Longthorpe Ln, Rodillian Academy

Hunslet Carr Belle Isle Circus Arrive at Rodillian

07:44

07:48

08:10

Rodillian The Omnibus Hunslet district centre

14:40 14:48 14:55

Middleton Park Circus – Rodillian From Middleton Park Circus, Middle-ton Park Ave, Thorpe Ln, Middleton Ln, Lingwell Gate Ln, Longthorpe Ln, Rodillian Academy

Middleton Park Circus Arrive at Rodillian

07:44

08:00

Rodillian Middleton Arms Parkwood Cresent

14:50 15:00 15:05

Please Note

Routes shown above are for the school-bound, AM journeys. – Routes away from Rodillian at the end of the school day are identical but travelled in reverse order.

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The school bus service If you believe that you may be eligible for free travel you must contact 0113 348 1121 and speak to a member of the team at Metro. Eligibility is dependent upon a number of factors.

Service Route AM PM

Timetable A DEP Mon to Fri DEP

East Ardsley main street – Rodillian Please contact Education Transport for further information regarding services on this route. [email protected]

East Ardsley Main Street Gascoigne Road Arrive at Rodillian

07:40 07:55 08:00

Rodillian East Ardsley Main Street

14:50 15:05

Hunslet Carr – Rodillian From Balm Rd, Belle Isle Rd, Belle Isle Circus, Belle Isle Rd, Ring Road Middleton, Middleton Park Rd, Mid-dleton Park Circus, Middleton Park Ave, Thorpe Ln, Middleton Ln, Lingwell Gate Ln, Longthorpe Ln, Ro-dillian Academy

Hunslet Carr Belle Isle Circus Middleton Shopping Centre Arrive at Rodillian

07:45

07:47 07:50

08:00

Rodillian Middleton Shopping Centre Belle Isle Circus Hunslet Dis-trict Centre

14:50 14:57 15:00 15:05

Oulton Church – Rodillian From Oulton Church, Stybank Ln, Ingram Parade, Butcher Ln, Carlton Ln, Rodillian Academy

Oulton Church Stybank Lane Ingram Parade

07:30

07:35 07:37

(The 574 service follows the same homeward route as the 575)

Wood Lane estate – Manor road – Rodillian From Wood Ln, Rodillian Academy

Wood Lane Rodillian

08:00

08:18

Rodillian

14:50

For your information

Geldards – 0113 2639491 M Travel – 07787 575956

The L74, L75, L76, L78 and L79 services are operated by Geldards. For any additional information, please contact Education Transport on 0113 3481122 or visit [email protected]

The 574 and 575 services are operated by M Travel. For any additional information, please contact Education Transport on 0113 3481122 or visit www.generationm.co.uk

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Service to be

confirmed

Helpful tips for catching school-service or public-service buses

Getting on the bus... If you are new to public transport, it’s a good idea to find the stop you will be using so you are confident you know where to go on your first day.

Make sure you have the correct pass and or money. Remember to signal to the bus by putting your arm out as soon as you see the correct bus.—If

you don’t signal to the driver they will not stop. Please note, when using a school bus you will have to adhere to the following code of conduct: CONDUCT ON THE BUS Remember to show your pass to the driver (where applicable).

Find a seat and stay seated for the journey. If there are no seats, hold onto the rail (where standing is permitted).

If the bus has seatbelts, they must be worn.

Do not distract the driver unless in an emergency. Do not damage the bus or interfere with the cctv or any other safety equipment.

Photos should not be taken without the prior consent of the person(s) concerned Always behave sensibly throughout your journey.

Pupils causing concerns on the school buses will be placed on a Transport Contract or may be banned from using the buses altogether.

CONDUCT WHEN GETTING OFF THE BUS When your stop is next, ring the bell once. If it has already been rung, you do not need to

ring it again. If you have to cross the road after you get off the bus, wait until the bus has moved off and

you can see the road clearly in both directions, or go to the nearest available crossing. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL You are respectfully reminded that when registering to use the service you undertake to accept the terms and conditions of travel. This includes sanctions, which would be applied if the re-quired standards of behaviour are not met. Parents need to be aware that if their child causes any damage or does not meet the required standard of behaviour on the bus they could:

Have their pass withdrawn.

Be banned from the bus.

Be prosecuted by the police. Be required to pay for any damage they have caused.

Our Young Person’s website www.generationm.co.uk is the one stop shop for the most up to date services and news. However, if you do have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the education transport team 0113 348 1122.

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Our curriculum and ethos

Rewards Rewards are designed to encourage positive behaviour and attitudes towards learning. Positive Discipline is exactly that; positive.—The aim of Rodillian’s pupils is to achieve and succeed. Effort, achievement, resilience and success are recognised in a number of different ways. All teaching and many non-teaching staff are provided with stamps and these will be awarded in a lesson or around school for good, very good or excellent effort or achievement, answering questions or just being helpful. Stamps add-up and turn into certificates. Pupils have a choice of how to ’cash-in’ their stamps or credits; they can trade in their stamps throughout the year for certain ‘short-term’ rewards (see below).

Alternatively, pupils may wish to save their stamps and if they have not spent a day in isolation during the year, they will be eligible to go on one of the annual school trips in September.

Positive pupil performance will also be rewarded through:

Subject and form tutor post-cards

Trips and Tickets Positive phone calls Annual Awards Ceremonies

Further details of the academy’s rewards, including the Rewards Pyramid, are listed in greater detail in the student planner.

Positive Discipline

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The Rodillian Academy – A Specialist Performing Arts College

As a Specialist Performing Arts College we aim to provide key skills, which are vital to making your child as employable as possible. The Key Stage 3 curriculum delivers experiences in drama and music through the Resilience Curriculum and discreet subjects which develop these skills. This works alongside the benefits of additional outside specialist inputs via performances and workshops. These can then be continued and developed further in Key Stage 4 and 5 with various courses to suit the individual. On top of this there is also the chance to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities including Theatre trips (including London), school productions (both front and backstage), carol concerts and performing to the wider community. If they have any time left they can also learn to play an instrument during school (e.g. piano, guitar – electric, bass & acoustic, flute, clarinet to name a few!) All our courses provide the essential life skills that employers look for including:

Risk taking

Perseverance

Confidence in performing/delivering (presentations)

Team work

Problem solving

Creative thinking

Self-belief

Be motivated. Be exceptional. Be a creative learner!

Performing well

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Rise-and-Read

We have invested very heavily, both in terms of energy and finance, in the development of a Year 7 curriculum that will enable every pupil to become first secure in their literacy and numeracy abilities and then to excel in these core skills. One crucial skill that pupils must secure before moving forward in their academic careers, is comprehension—their ability to understand information that they are presented with. Reading books is a very successful way of improving a child’s com-prehension ability. For the past 3 years we have been using a very successful programme, called ‘Accelerated Reader’, which, supported by the wider curriculum, has seen an increase in the amount of reading that all pupils are doing, together with measured improvements in reading ability, comprehension and self-confidence. In September 2013 The Rodillian Academy introduced the ‘Rise and Read’ programme for all Year 7 pupils, which continues to strengthen students’ literacy skills. Year 7 pupils arrive to school at 7:40 am, two mornings every week to access the ‘Rise and Read’ programme. ‘Rise and Read’ is a creative reading programme that enables pupils to not only read exciting and challenging new materials, but where they may also be read-to, by teachers and other staff and where they will be able to discuss and question the materials that they are reading in a friendly and engaging setting. We are passionate about reading and about helping children develop a passion of their own, built upon confidence. Please be aware that this programme is a compulsory element of the Year 7 Curriculum and absences will be monitored closely.

An innovative curriculum

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The Resilience Curriculum at Rodillian

The approach taken by the Resilience curriculum is to convey a body of knowledge about learning; to develop personal learning attributes (known as the 6 Rs – Resilient, Resourceful, Responsible, Reasoning, Reflective and Respect) and provide opportunities to practice new skills. The Resilience curriculum is delivered primarily through the performing arts subject areas, working together with elements of other subject areas within the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Underpinning the whole course is the aim to develop the 6Rs in a creative way, with a particular emphasis on pupils’ Resilience; their ability to learn from mistakes and develop independent learning skills that they take with them through their school careers. The Resilience curriculum is project based and is taught for 5 hours every week. Extra opportunities will include: Team working, Communication skills, Family history, Film making, Dancing, Visits from/to local businesses, ICT skills development, Museum visits, Drama workshops.

The 6 Rs Explained The 6 Rs are the key learning attributes that all learners need in order to be effective, to make progress and to fulfil their potential. These 6 Rs are delivered through the Year 7 Resilience curriculum. The 6 learning attributes are: Resourceful means being able to make best use of the teacher and other learners, making best use of the learning materials and using a range of learning styles. Reasoning means being able to think their learning through by using the best learn-ing method or tools for the activity. Responsible means taking responsibility for their own learning, working well with others and helping others to learn and consider their actions and their consequenc-es. Resilient means giving things a go, sticking at their learning even when it is hard and displaying a positive attitude to learning. Reflective means being able to discuss their successes, learn from their mistakes by listening to and acting on feedback from the teacher and other learners. Respect means showing respect for one another, staff and their environment.

An innovative curriculum

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Learning to be Resilient at Rodillian

The 6 Rs have been enormously important in influencing the way that we develop our curriculum at Rodillian and they have under-pinned all aspects of curricular and extra curricular activity.—This work reaches far wider than the Resilience curriculum students follow in Year 7. Every one of the 6 Rs are important in developing well-educated, well informed and socially aware young people, but it is our belief that there is one ‘R’ that is first among equals; Resilience is the foundation upon which the other R attributes and all other qualities for that matter, are built. With resilience, pupils will see challenges where others see obstacles , they will seek knowledge instead of seeking ‘help‘ and they will see failure as a part of the learning journey rather than the end of one. Resilience is going to be a key aspect of pupils’ development in Key Stage 3 and Beyond.

Resilience Activities

This year, there are going to be two very significant, compulsory activities that have been designed to develop resilience in the young people joining us in Year 7. 1. The Resilience Challenge— 18th, 21st and 22nd July 2014. The Year 6 cohort that joins us for our transition event in July, will spend 3 of their days with us engaged in a resilience challenge, that will stretch them and challenge them to keep on trying. 2. The Rodillian Resilience Camp—September 23rd to 25th, inclusive A 3-day (2 night) camp, involving all of our new year 7 pupils. Resilience will be the only focus of the camp and activities and events will look to develop pupils’ physical, intellectual, emotional and social resilience as they work together with new friends. The Resilience Camp is a compulsory event that is free of charge to all pupils.

(Further details of these events will be available at the Open Evening in June)

The first among equals

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Our expectations

Behaviour Policy The Rodillian Academy has built its recognised success upon the foundations of firm and effective management of behaviour. Our most recent Ofsted report (2012), graded discipline and behaviour as ‘Outstanding’.—We do not and will not tolerate behaviour that disrupts learning. Please read the following information very carefully.

Around School Rules Be polite and respect the feelings of others. Do as you are told by staff – first time, every time.

Wear your school uniform correctly at all times. Eat and drink in the right place at the right time.

Look after property and put litter in bins.

Walk around the building quietly and sensibly.

Classroom Rules

Arrive on time, fully equipped and ready to work.

Have your equipment and planner open on the desk, ready for a silent register. Listen carefully when a member of staff or another student is talking.

Do your work well without disturbing others. Put your hand up and wait for permission to speak.

Mobile phones to be switched off and in bags at all times during the school day.

Further details of the academy’s expectations of behaviour are listed in greater detail in the student planner. By following these rules pupils will be equipped and prepared to learn and allow others to learn and teachers to teach. These rules also govern the way we should all behave in school between lessons and at breaks and lunchtime. We believe that pupils who maintain these rules will be able to work together for success and can be rewarded accordingly. When pupils misbehave they can expect escalating consequences from a verbal warning to a detention. Repeated misbehaviour which disrupts the learning of others will lead to removal from lessons and time in isolation. Certain behaviour will never be acceptable and will result in a fixed-term-expulsion. These include: Verbal abuse, violent behaviour, intentional damage/vandalism to property or buildings, repeated defiance. There are some rare but very serious incidents where the Headteacher will always consider permanent expulsion. These are: Aggravated violence, deliberately setting-off the fire alarm, possession of illegal substances, actions which endanger the health and safety of the school com-munity, assaults against staff. (A detailed list is available in school)

Positive Discipline

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Consequences

Most young people need clear guidelines in terms of what is considered to be acceptable behaviour. We have written a clear set of classroom and around school rules. These rules can be found in the student planner. At times we have to accept that people will not behave or work in an acceptable manner. Please take time to read and consider: When misbehaviour is minor, a ‘verbal warning’ will be given. Around school, pupils

will be given 10 seconds to co-operate.

If misbehaviour is more serious or continues after a verbal warning has been issued,

a written comment will be put into the student planner.

3 negative written comments in a subject per half term will result in a school

detention.

Failure to attend a detention will lead to a Headteacher’s detention. Further missed

detentions will result in isolation.

8 negative comments within a single week will result in a pupil being removed to

isolation.

Any student who is particularly disruptive and/or refuses to follow the

classroom or around school rules will be removed to internal isolation for a

period of time.

In the event of continued disruption of the learning of others a fixed term of

expulsion from school will be considered.

Pupils failing to complete the required work set during their expulsion, will spend a

period of time in internal isolation. In isolation there will be a bank of work

covering all areas of the curriculum and the quality of work produced by each

student will be monitored closely.

Pupils who are rude to a member of staff, or are defiant (refuse to do what they

have been asked), will be expelled from school.

We expect that these sanctions will apply to very few pupils and the great majority will be working hard at school and enjoying receiving the rewards and benefits that go with such an approach.

Positive Discipline

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ICT Policy

To have access to the Internet pupils must follow the following rules; Pupils must not share their password with anyone else.

Pupils must not download anything that is sexist, racist, indecent or abusive.

Pupils must not download any screen saver, program or game without permission

from an authorised person.

Pupils must not do anything that may damage or harm the school ICT system.

Pupils should only use sites and materials that are appropriate to their schoolwork.

Pupils are responsible for any e-mail they send and for contacts made which may

result in e-mails being received.

Pupils must not send anonymous messages or forward chain letters.

Pupils must respect rules regarding the copyright of materials.

Pupils must not purchase anything over the Internet

Pupils must not use the Internet to make money, for a political reason or for

advertising.

All Internet use is monitored and reported to the Headteacher.

Failure to comply with the rules could result in removal of all Network rights, and

you will be charged for any malicious or deliberate damages to equipment.

Rules about mobile phones

We recognise that mobile phones may be necessary before and after school for some of our pupils, but pupils must have phones turned off and in their bags from 8am until 2.30pm. All contact with and by pupils during the school day, should be made through the school switchboard – 01924 872252.

If a mobile phone is seen or heard at any time between 8am and 2.30pm it will be confiscated (with SIM card) and returned at the end of the school week i.e. Friday at 2.30pm. A detention will be issued.

Other Expectations

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Attendance to school The Rodillian Academy has seen a consistent increase in attendance and punctuality to school.

The academy’s target for Year 7 attendance is 97%.

Things you should know about our attendance expectations:

Without exception, no holidays will be authorised for pupils in Year 7.

Pupils intending to come to Rodillian, whose attendance is a concern at primary school, will

have their attendance monitored during the summer term (June and July). These families may

be visited by our Attendance Team prior to September.

Pupils whose attendance continues to be a concern during the summer term, may be placed

on a ‘Fast-Track’ monitoring scheme at the beginning of September.

The attendance ‘Fast-Track’ is an intensive monitoring period which can lead to a fixed penalty

fine being issued if targets have not been met at that time.

Pupils receive 50% of a day’s attendance mark if they arrive at school and register before 9:15

am. Pupils must still be in school at 12 pm in order to receive the second 50% mark for the

day.

Attendance at parents’ evenings Parents’ evenings are the most important communication opportunities that we have and as such, attendance at them is very important. Parents’ evenings at Rodillian have been ar-ranged in a way that makes them as accessible as possible, running from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. As such, attendance at parents’ evenings for Year 7 parents, is compulsory. If you fail to attend a parents’ evening, you will be contacted by a member of the academy’s leadership team to discuss their progress. Any meetings that are arranged as a result of none-attendance, will be arranged at the convenience of the academy.

Commitment to extra-curricular activities and groups

An opportunity to represent the Rodillian Academy in any activity or event, is something to be extremely proud of. Team success is built upon commitment. If your child is selected and agrees to participate in any team/s, bands, or other commitment-based activity, we expect that they will attend all additional training/practice sessions, rehearsals, fixtures and performances. (Occasionally, some fixtures may occur at the weekend). Pupils whose behaviour in school is not acceptable, will not be available for selection for these teams or groups.

Other Expectations

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Documents to complete and return to us (1)

(These documents should not be completed until the Year 6

Information Evening, when you will be asked to complete them

with your child’s form tutor)

Home-School Agreement

Student’s Name:………………………………………………………………… The School The school will try to:

Provide educational opportunities to meet the needs of all pupils in a safe and secure environment. Educate each pupil to enable them to achieve to the best of their abilities. Continue to seek ways of improving the education offered by the school. Encourage high standards of behaviour, attendance and punctuality. Set challenging work and provide pupils with information on how to improve. Celebrate the achievements of all pupils. Encourage and support pupils’ involvement in the wider community. Offer pupils a range of experiences outside the classroom and the school. Provide accurate information to parents about pupils’ work, achievements, attendance and behaviour. Ensure parents have regular opportunities to meet staff. Deal quickly and equitably with parents’ concerns and complaints. Provide extra out of hours support for students taking examinations to help them realise

their potential. Signature ..................................................................................................(Headteacher) The Parent/ Carers I/We will:

Support the school by encouraging an aspirational attitude to learning and achievement. Ensure my child attends regularly and punctually with correct uniform and equipment. Support the school’s Positive Discipline Policy including after school detentions. Give my child support and encouragement with homework and weekly checks of the

pupil planner. Attend Parents’ Evenings to discuss my child’s progress. Inform school of illness or other issues, which may affect my child’s performance. Let school know about any concerns I have about my child’s education. Not take holidays during term time. Support out of hours learning sessions.

Signature(s).............................................................................(Parent/ Carer)

Documents to complete at Year 6 Information Evening

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Policy agreement and consent form

Student’s Name……………………………………………………………

I confirm that I have read and understood the information regarding the academy’s Behaviour Policy and I understand the consequences of poor behaviour (pages 31 and 32). I agree to support the academy in maintaining its high standards of behaviour. Signature ……………………………………………………………(Parent/ Carer) I have read and understood the academy’s dress code/uniform (including P.E. kit) and equipment list (pages 14-18). I agree to provide the correct uniform and equipment for the child in my care. I understand and will support the academy’s sanctions relating to uniform, kit and equipment. Signature ……………………………………………………………(Parent/ Carer)

From time-to-time it is necessary for your child to have their photograph taken whilst in school. These may be used for our future prospectuses, in-school displays, our website or local press releases. Please sign below to indicate whether or not you consent to this: I agree / do not agree that for the child in my care can be photographed for in-school displays, future prospectuses, the school website or local press releases (please delete as necessary) Signature ……………………………………………………………(Parent/ Carer) The Rodillian Academy operates a cashless catering system. The majority of pupils take advantage of this system by using their thumb print to access their personal account in a secure manner. Alternatively, pupils can be issued with a PIN number, although this is a slower process. Please sign below to indicate whether or not you consent to this: I agree / do not agree that for the child in my care’s thumb print may be used for purposes of secure access to their personal catering account. (please delete as necessary) Signature ……………………………………………………………(Parent/ Carer) I have read the ICT and mobile phone policies (page 33) and agree that the child in my care will abide by these rules. I understand that failure to comply with the rules could result in removal of Network rights, and that any malicious or deliberate damages to equipment will be charged for. Signature ……………………………………………………………(Parent/ Carer)

I confirm all of the above; I confirm all of the above; Signature of parent …………………………………… Signature of student …………………………………...

Documents to complete at Year 6 Information Evening

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Documents to complete and return to us (2)

(These documents should be completed before the Year 6

Information Evening, when form tutors will collect them)

Your contact details

Student’s full name: ……………………………………………………………

Contact 1* Your name: ……...……………………………………………………………………...

Relationship to child: ...…………………………………………………………...

Home phone number: ...………………………………………………………

Mobile phone number: .…………………………………………………………...

Work/daytime phone number: ..……………………………………………...

Email address: …………………………… @ ……………………………………..

*Contact 1 should be the primary contact in case of any emergency—it is vitally important that the information we have is accurate in the unlikely event that we have to contact you during the school day. Changes to these numbers should be reported to Student Services im-mediately.

Contact 2 Your name: ……...……………………………………………………………………...

Relationship to child: ...…………………………………………………………...

Home phone number: ...………………………………………………………

Mobile phone number: .…………………………………………………………...

Work/daytime phone number: ..……………………………………………...

Email address: …………………………… @ ……………………………………..

Documents to return to us

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Instrument Lessons

At The Rodillian Academy we encourage all our pupils to have instrumental lessons because we un-derstand the benefits that learning an instrument or singing brings to a child’s education and person-al development. To reflect this, we do not charge for instrumental lessons, but we do ask for a £50 voluntary contribution for the year to enable us to expand our provision. Pupils are also expected to contribute to the musical life of the school by attending an extra-curricular club. It is one of the music department’s priorities to allow primary school pupils who currently benefit from instrumental lessons to continue with these when they start at The Rodillian Academy. If your child wishes to begin instrumental lessons when they start in September, we will try and ac-commodate them in the timetable, or they will put on a waiting list until a space is available. Please see the list of instruments below to find out what we offer. More instruments may be offered if de-mand is high.

Instruments may be borrowed from the Academy free of charge if they are available, or hired from the Local Authority for a small fee. We can arrange this for you. Please fill in and return the reply slip below to the Performing Arts stall during the information even-ing on 12th June (or directly to The Academy) in order to secure instrumental lessons or be put on the waiting list. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Reply Slip – Pupil name ……………………………………………………………………….. Primary School …………………………………… My child is currently learning……………………………………………………………. and wishes to continue with

these lessons/my child wishes to learn………………………………………………………… (please delete and fill)

My child has use of their own instrument/my child wishes to hire an instrument (delete as applicable) Parent/Carer Signature ……………………………………………………………… Tel.no. ……………………………………… Email ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. If your child currently plays an instrument, please give details below about their experience e.g. any exams taken, how long they’ve played, any groups they play with.


Voice

Piano

Guitar

Bass Guitar

Trumpet

Euphonium

Tenor Horn

Trombone

Clarinet

Saxophone

Viola

Drums

Violin

Flute

Cornet

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WELCOME - YOU ARE NOW A MEMBER OF FRIENDS OF RODILLIAN! WHO ARE WE: We are parents and teachers who volunteer their time – very much like your primary school PTA. We are always happy to see new faces and accept an extra pair of hands at any of the meetings or events, the level of involvement is up to you, please get in touch. WHAT DO WE DO: We organise events for pupils and the wider community to get involved in, some of which raise money, others simply for fun. So far we have raised over £5000 and donated over £3000. WHY: To add the Xtrafactor. Extra equipment, extra events and extra support, wrapped up in a friendly, relaxed group. WHEN: Meetings dates are posted on our Facebook page and School Website. Up-coming Events… 24th June - Car Boot Sale in the school grounds 28th June—Car Boot Sale in the school grounds (TBC) 17th July—Hawaiian Disco (yrs 6 & 7 ) Tickets available on 12th June or from Mrs Smith at school. 17th July Sports Day – Refreshment Stall October Halloween Disco (yrs 7, 8 & 9) November—Christmas Craft Fayre If you would like to get involved or be kept informed of upcoming events, please complete the details below and hand in to the Friends of Rodillian stall on 12th June or pass to Mrs T Smith in school. Name………………………................................................. Contact tel No. ..................................................... Address.................................................................................................................................................. ……………………………………………………………..................................................................................................... e-mail..........................................................................................

Thank you

The Rodillian Academy

Longthorpe Lane

Lofthouse

Wakefield WF3 3PS

www.facebook.com/FriendsofRodillian

email: [email protected]

Chairperson: Paula Rix

Treasurer: Sheila Head

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