Key Information

Please ensure you are contacting the Academy via email or text message to alert The Attendance Team if your child is going to be late or will not be attending the Academy that day. Also, please ensure you are advising the attendance team of any appointments your child may have so we can ensure students are in reception at the correct time, ready to be collected. Contact details are listed below:
- - - - Text - 07860054458
        Email and attached medical evidence where possible - attendance@stroodacademy.org
        Phone/ voicemail - 01634 716621
A reminder of uniform expectations shared with all students.
A reminder of Student Code of Conduct.

letters shared - whole school

End of Module Newsletter - Module 1 - shared 18/10/24
Important Uniform Reminder - shared 6/11/24
Chromebook Scheme Letter - shared 12/11/24
Academy Change of Name - shared 12/11/24

Early Finish Friday 20th December - shared 22/11/24
The Dog Mentor - shared 25/11/24
Football Academy Training Kits & Tracksuits - shared 26/11/24

Whole school notices

Advent Attendance

This week, our students were introduced to our attendance incentive for this module.

There will be a KS3 and a KS4 draw and students have the chance to win a-

- £70 voucher for Chatham Bowl- family of 4

- £50 voucher for Scrapyard Golf- family of 4

- £30 Boots voucher

- £30 Bluewater voucher

- £20 Just Eat voucher

Best of luck to you all!

Graphic Novels

Literacy Spotlight! Reading should be fun, right? Children should read for pleasure, and in order to do that they must have autonomy on what books they choose. If a child came home and said "I hate reading, but I want to read this comic book" we would consider this to be a massive win. Because comic books (AKA graphic novels) are still books. The Children's Literacy Foundation points out that graphic novels "are a legitimate and respected format in children’s literature" and that they "help teach grammar, narrative, and other story elements". If your child is in KS4 you can also get graphic novels of all the key English texts for the GCSE. We also have graphic novels available to borrow from our library. We have attached a link to Book Trust's recommendations of brilliant places to start if your child is showing an interest in reading graphic novels.

SAFEGUARDING

Mental Health and Wellbeing Apps

The rise in awareness of mental health issues has given way to several easily accessible services to help with such problems – for example, wellbeing apps promising to serve as an assistive tool for anyone in need of support. While these can be useful to some, there are a few risks which are important to consider – especially if a child or young person is using the app.

Of course, it can be tricky to know exactly where the safety concerns lie with a service intended to help and support its users – and it can be harder still to safeguard younger users. This guide breaks down the online safety risks of mental health and wellbeing apps, before letting you know how best to keep children and young people safe if they ever wish to use these services.

As always the Strood Academy Safeguarding team are here to help. Please get in touch with us by using the below contact details:

Designated Safeguard Lead = Ms Lindsay

Deputy Safeguard Lead = Ms Barlow

College Safeguarding Officers and Contacts:

Victory = Ms Trussell victory@stroodacademy.org

Hercules = Mrs Brice hercules@stroodacademy.org

Trafalgar = Ms Hurley-Sherwood trafalgar@stroodacademy.org

Please note, Strood Academy has a Safeguarding email which is operating both during and outside of school hours- safeguarding@stroodacademy.org. Please reach out to us if there is anything we can do to support.

Transition to strood academy

Year 4, 5 and 6 Transition Events

At Strood Academy, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition for Primary students who are currently in Years 4, 5 and 6 and we believe it is vital to maintain early relationships with both parents and students.

To achieve this, we are running a series of weekly sessions from our subject areas. These will run every Wednesday between 4pm and 5pm. For further information, including the timetable, please see the attached letter.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

T-Levels Week

T Levels Week is an annual event that celebrates and promotes T Levels, a vocational qualification designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in various industries. T Levels are rigorous, technical qualifications equivalent to A Levels and are developed in collaboration with employers to ensure they meet industry needs. The week, we took this opportunity to highlight the importance of T Levels in offering students a practical, career-focused alternative to traditional academic routes, featuring activities, success stories, and opportunities to learn more about these qualifications and the pathways these open for young people. We are incredibly lucky to be able to offer T-Levels at Strood Academy and hope you find this information useful.

One of the themes shared this week was progression, highlighting the wide range of options that students can take after they have completed their T-Level.

T Levels are two-year courses that young people can take following GCSEs. Broadly equivalent in size to 3 A levels and accruing UCAS points. T Levels were developed in collaboration with employers to ensure that students will be equipped with the skills they need. They offer a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on the job’ experience with at least 45 days spent on an industry placement with an employer. With a T Level, students can progress straight on to skilled work, higher study or apprenticeships.

We also took the time to focus on industry placement. The T-Level qualification is designed with employers to make sure that students who complete this qualification have experience in their chose industry to support their journey after their time on the course has finished.

Students will complete and log a minimum of 315 hours of Industry placement during their T-Level Journey. This is equivalent to 45 days or 9 weeks. They will have specific training as part of their normal lessons to provide them with the skills they need to be employer ready before they begin their work placement. While they are on industry placement, students will learn and observe the skills they need to be successful in their Occupational Specialism assessments.

We also took this opportunity to share some facts about T-Levels. Did you know...

T Levels accrue UCAS points with a Distinction* being the same as 3 A*
Over 160 Higher Education Institutions including Russell Group now offer places on their degree courses to T Level students
In 2024, 83% of T Level applicants (for all age groups) were placed into higher education courses
Many T Level students have moved onto higher or degree apprenticeships with their original industry placement employers
Degree apprenticeships give students the opportunity to gain a paid-for degree while getting industry experience and earning a salary
Among T Level completers from the first T Level cohort who are now doing an apprenticeship, almost three quarters had progressed to a Higher or Degree apprenticeship

On Friday during form time, our entire community came together to look at T-Levels as our final celebration of T-Level's week!

Students were tasked with exploring the occupational maps published by iFATE, linked here, to consider different careers. All students benefited from thinking about their goals and next steps, whether they were considering a T-Level or another path!

For further information on T-Levels and the courses offered here at Strood Academy, please head over to our website - https://stroodacademy.org.uk/sixth-form/our-pathways/t-levels/

Extra curricular clubs on offer

Year Group Updates

Year 7

Year 7 students have been progressing well this term, demonstrating strong engagement and enthusiasm in their learning. As we approach the Christmas holidays, a reminder that school will break up on Friday, 20th December, at 1:30 pm. After the holidays, we will have an inset day on Monday, 6th January, and students will return to school on Tuesday, 7th January. Looking ahead, it is important for Year 7 students to begin preparing for their upcoming end of module assessments. These assessments will be a key opportunity to showcase their learning and understanding, so regular revision will be essential for success. Let's continue to support each other as we finish the module strong!

Year 8

Year 8 students have been doing exceptionally well this term, showing great progress and commitment to their studies. As we approach the Christmas break, please remember that school will finish on Friday, 20th December, at 1:30 pm. After the holidays, we will have an inset day on Monday, 6th January, and students will return to school on Tuesday, 7th January. Looking ahead, Year 8 will soon face their end of module assessments, and it’s crucial that they start revising to ensure they are well-prepared. Regular revision will help reinforce key concepts and support their success in these assessments. Keep up the hard work, and let’s finish the module on a high note!

Year 9

Year 9 students have been performing admirably this term, showing dedication and focus in their studies. As we near the Christmas holidays, a quick reminder that we will break up on Friday, 20th December, at 1:30 pm. After the holidays, we have an inset day on Monday, 6th January, and students will return to school on Tuesday, 7th January. Looking ahead, the end of module assessments are approaching, and it is essential that students begin revising to ensure they are fully prepared. Consistent revision will help reinforce their learning and build confidence for these important assessments. Keep up the great work, and let's finish the module strong!
We encourage students to begin having conversations, both with teachers and parents and carers at home, regarding GCSE Option Choices and the route they would like to take, which best aligns with their future plans. We will soon be sharing more information regarding Year 9 Parents and Options Evening, where students are able to continue these conversations with their subject teachers.
Duke of Edinburgh Letter - shared 12/11/24

Year 1o

Year 10 students have been making great strides this term, showing strong commitment and progress in their studies. As the Christmas break approaches, a reminder that school will finish on Friday, 20th December, at 1:30 pm. After the holidays, we have an inset day on Monday, 6th January, and students will return to school on Tuesday, 7th January. With end of module assessments ahead, it’s important that students begin revising to ensure they are fully prepared. Regular revision will help strengthen their knowledge and increase their confidence for these important assessments. Keep up the hard work, and let’s finish the module on a positive note!
Year 10 Report Letter - shared 20/11/24
Year 9 Work Experience Letter - shared 22/11/24

Year 11

Year 11 students have been making excellent progress this term, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to their studies. A reminder that Year 11 Mock Results Afternoon will take place on Wednesday, 11th December, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, which will be a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress and set future goals. As we approach the Christmas holidays, please note that school will break up on Friday, 20th December, at 1:30 pm. After the break, we will have an inset day on Monday, 6th January, and students will return to school on Tuesday, 7th January. It’s important that students continue to stay focused as we move towards the end of this module, and GCSE exams draw closer. Keep up the great work!
Year 11 Mock Results Afternoon Letter - shared 13/11/24
Year 11 Citizenship Letter - shared 28/11/24

Sixth form

Sixth form students have been excelling this term, showing remarkable dedication and focus in their studies. A special congratulations to all Drama students who delivered an outstanding performance on Thursday evening as part of their course assessment. The commitment and passion shown by these young performers could be clearly seen by all who were present. It was also genuinely uplifting to see so many parents showing their support and applauding our talented students. As we approach the Christmas holidays, please remember that we will break up on Friday, 20th December, at 1:30 pm. After the holidays, there will be an inset day on Monday, 6th January, and students will return to school on Tuesday, 7th January. Keep up the excellent work as we continue to finish the module strong!
Attached is the KS5 dress code for your information, as well as Expectations which have been shared with year 12 and 13 students
Year 12 Work Experience Letter - shared 13/11/24
Year 12 and 13 Parents Evening Letter - shared 13/11/24
Year 12 Report Letter - shared 20/11/24