Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we conclude another productive week at Strood Academy, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and engagement in your child's education as we embark on Module 2. It has been delightful to observe our pupils return to the academy with renewed enthusiasm and energy, demonstrating a commendable work ethic and positive attitude across all subjects. This week has indeed set a promising tone for the weeks ahead.

Our Year 11 and Year 13 pupils have officially begun their mock examinations, and I am incredibly proud to see them approach this important milestone with such resilience and determination. These mock examinations play a crucial role in preparing our students for their forthcoming assessments, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to experience the examination environment in a supportive setting. We are committed to helping them succeed, and the mock examinations will continue for the next two weeks. Should you have any questions or require further support, please do not hesitate to contact your child's college; we are here to help.

On Thursday evening, we had the pleasure of hosting a successful Sixth Form open evening, where we welcomed many parents and pupils from both Strood Academy and other schools within Medway. This event was meticulously planned to provide families with the necessary information and guidance to make well-informed decisions about their next steps at the conclusion of Year 11. I am pleased to report that we experienced an excellent turnout, reflecting the strong interest and engagement in the Sixth Form offerings at Strood Academy. It was wonderful to see so many families actively participating and seeking to better understand our academic programmes and support structures.

During the half term, we organised a range of intervention sessions specifically designed for our Year 11 and Year 13 students. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated staff members who participated in these sessions, ensuring our pupils were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for their mock examinations. It is through such collaborative efforts between staff, pupils, and families that we can foster a supportive learning environment that prioritises educational success.

Our Site Team has been exceptionally active over the October break, working diligently on various improvement projects to enhance our facilities. I am thrilled to announce that the Sixth Form area has undergone a significant remodelling to accommodate our largest cohort of Post-16 students to date. We are pleased to offer our students an enhanced and spacious environment for silent study, enabling them to focus on their academic pursuits. Furthermore, the Trafalgar Toilets on both Level 1 and Level 2 have undergone a comprehensive refurbishment. 

In our ongoing commitment to maintaining a conducive and modern learning environment, we have also updated several classrooms with new tables and chairs. As the academy is now 14 years old, it is vital that we continually invest in our facilities to provide a vibrant and engaging educational experience. Moreover, our Restaurant area has seen the introduction of new tables and benches that will be available for pupils and staff during break and lunchtime, promoting a welcoming atmosphere for socialising and relaxation.

Looking ahead, I would like to remind everyone that on Monday, we will be observing a two-minute silence in honour of Remembrance Day. This occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom, and we look forward to welcoming a number of external visitors to join us in this solemn event, reinforcing the sense of community and respect that we cherish at our academy.

Once again, I am grateful for your unwavering support and partnership in your child's education. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our pupils back to the academy on Monday morning from 8am, where we will continue to encourage their academic and personal growth.

Sending best wishes,

Mr Jon Richardson
Principal

STRUCTURE OF THE DAY 

ATTENDANCE

As we enter the new academic year, we have come together as a community to reflect on all we have achieved so far. This includes:

• Introducing and embedding routines for students such as morning line ups and the assembly protocol

• Promoting students' extra curricular interests and hobbies through a range of lunchtime and after school clubs and activities

• Further improving communication with parents and carers through events such as face-to-face Parents Evenings and Parent Voice Forums

We are immensely proud of the progress we have made so far, and while acknowledging that we are still at the very beginning of our Vision 2028 journey, we are looking forward to the successes we will continue to achieve along the way. We look forward to our second year of Vision 2028 and cannot wait to celebrate all we will achieve.