Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about your child in relation to special educational needs and support then you can contact us via email and we will respond as quickly as we can

SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) - Hayley Rudd: h.rudd@bishopsgarth.outwood.com

INCLUSION CO-ORDINATOR - Lauren McGuire: l.mcguire@rbishopsgarth.outwood.com

TRANSITION CO-ORDINATOR - Hayley Rudd/Faye Lindsey: f.lindsey@bishopsgarth.outwood.com

You can contact our SENCO, Hayley Rudd at h.rudd@bisopsgarth.outwood.com

She can offer advice and support for your child or answer any question, specific to them you may have. If you would like to give us some pertinent information ahead of transition, it is a good idea to make contact and do so. We will be updated by your child's primary school with all relevant information.

We understand that all children are different and whilst some are excited to begin secondary school, meet new friends and experience new lessons and enrichments there are those who may find this experience daunting. Our aim has always been to make the experience fun and welcoming. July was set to welcome your child with some fun and engaging activities supported by staff. This was to allow students to experience our academy life and let them see how great and undaunting life here is. We are not able to say whether or not this will still go ahead but can offer remote support. We would encourage you to keep in touch and allow any questions from your child to be put forward so that we can address them.

We will provide a full uniform to Year 7 students when they start the school.

As students grow out of their uniform, parents are expected to buy official replacements, and there are more details about how to do this here: http://www.bishopsgarth.outwood.com/uniform

Due to the school closures, we are adapting to the situation and as such will change our usual uniform ordering process so that it works as well as possible. The process for this will be:

• Parents will be provided with a log in to and online form where you can enter the sizing information and the uniform bundle that you require

• Trutex will then run a checking process to make sure that the unform sizes seem correct based on their extensive experience

• The uniform bundles will be delivered to Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth for collection on 14 July 2020

• Exchanges can then be made the day after on 15 July 2020

We anticipate that social distancing measures will still be in place at that point in time so we will take precautions to keep everyone safe

You will be able to get information on the Outwood expectations for your child’s uniform on this page. There we have set out clear expectations, what we provide and what you can do to purchase additional extras.

We understand that things are difficult currently and that shops are currently closed. We do suggest online ordering if you are able to. If you really struggle we can offer support by loaning some uniforms to students but we do have limited supply.

We are also working closely with our suplier, Trutex, to ensure that our ordering and collection service for Year 7 uniform will take place in July

We hope that schools will be able to open soon but either way on your child’s first day here at Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth we will issue them with their timetables, answer questions and introduce them to their VMG (Vertical Mentoring Group) tutor and classmates. Your child will be supported and guided through this process. We will update when we are able to offer further information on the situation.

During Transition we aim to ensure Year 6 become familiar with the school day, so the aim is that times will be the same as for other students. Normally Transition would take place in July but at the moment we are adapting how this process will work due to the current situation with COVID-19

School starts for all students at 8.20 am prompt.

Period 1 8.25 – 9.25 am

Period 2 9.25 – 10.25 am

VMG Tutor Time/Assembly/Break 10.25 – 11.00 am

Period 3 11.00 – 12.00 noon

Period 4/Lunch 12.00 – 1.30 pm

Period 5 1.30 – 2.30 pm

For more detailed information on our school day visit http://www.bishopsgarth.outwood.com/school-day

Year 7 students have their lunch as a year group, between 12.30 – 1.00pm. This ensures there is minimal queuing time and that they can eat together in their first year at the academy. The catering is provided by Stockton Borough Council who operate a ‘ipay’ system. Parents can load student accounts from home. http://www.bishopsgarth.outwood.com

All of the information for the subjects studied can be found on our website, but a typical week in year 7 has the following lessons:

• 4 lessons of English

• 4 lessons of Maths

• 3 lessons of Science

• 2 lessons of History

• 1 Lesson of Geography

• 2 lessons of German

• 2 lessons of Technology

• 1 lesson of Computer Science

• 2 lessons of PE

• 1 lesson of Art

• 1 lesson of Drama

• 1 lessons of Life Skills

All students will be provided with a Planner. They are expected to have a school bag that is large enough to contain an A4 folder. The basic equipment that is required from September is:

• A black pen.

• A red pen.

• A pencil and pencil sharpener.

• An eraser.

• A scientific calculator

• A school geometry set which should include a compass, a protractor a 6 inch ruler and a set square.

Yes. we have lots of paperwork which is really important and we would like you to sign this before JUNE 24th.

We have made these documents electronically friendly and under the current circumstances have permitted e-signing. We urge you to get this information to us as soon as possible and before the deadline so that the are no delays in your child’s transition.

Forms will be made availabe shortly

Please put these in an envelope and post to

New Year 7 data
Outwood academy Bishopsgarth
Harrowgate Lane
Stockton-on-Tees
TS19 8TF

If you need paper copies of the documentation, please send an email to enquiries@bishopsgarth.outwood.com