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
Challenge Partners Letter - shared 09/12/24
Instrumental Lessons - shared 09/12/24

Whole school notices

Challenge Partners Success

We are delighted to share with you the full report from our recent visit by Challenge Partners, which has provided us with invaluable insights into our academy's performance and achievements. We are pleased to announce that the academy received a judgement of LEADING in both the areas of Leadership and Quality of Provision. This marks a significant milestone in our journey, as it is the first time we have achieved such a commendable report, highlighting the remarkable strengths we possess as a community. The dedication and hard work of our teaching and administrative staff have clearly shone through, and I am incredibly proud of the effort that everyone has put in. Furthermore, our academy was accredited for an area of excellence in Behaviour and Attitudes, which solidifies the exceptional culture of learning we have fostered, emphasising respect and cooperation among all members of our academy community.

Please find the full report attached here, as well as some of our key highlights from the report. We would highly encourage you to take some time to read through it, as it reflects not only the operational effectiveness of our academy but also the positive experiences of our students.

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!

Winter Showcase

This year's Winter Showcase will be taking place on Thursday 19th December 2024 from 6pm. The students have been working so hard during this module in preparation for the showcase! The show is filled with so much talent, singers, dancers, actors, instrumentalists and it's going to be a night to remember!

Tickets are already available on Parent Pay and are selling out fast! We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Lit in Colour

We are pleased to share the work that we have put into diversifying the curriculum here at Strood Academy since we became a Lit in Colour pioneer school. Here are some of the texts we have read at KS3: The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf, Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, as well as a wide range of cultural and identity poetry. We have a broad range of Lit in Colour books available in our library. You can read more about Lit in Colour's mission here.

Christmas Reads

Literacy Spotlight! The festive season is fast approaching. Book Trust have compiled a list of recommended reads to get you and your children in the festive spirit. If you are a household who celebrates Christmas, here is a list of teenage Christmas books. If you are looking for cosy winter reads that don't focus on the Christmas holiday but still have a "cold, wintry, snowy setting" then Epic Reads have compiled a list of winter themed YA (young adult) books.

SAFEGUARDING

Safety over the Festive Season

The holiday season is a time for celebration, relaxation and spending well-earned time with loved ones. While this period will hopefully be calm, it’s important that parents and educators acknowledge there are still things we can do to make these weeks as safe as possible for the young people in our care.

Of course, it’s not immediately obvious what can or should be done to stay safe over the festive season. This free guide offers expert advice on the steps you can take to enjoy a less fraught winter break, safeguarding any youngsters who might be present for the celebrations.

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.

Medway Go

‘MedwayGo is a free, government funded, holiday activities and food programme for children aged five to 16 who are eligible for free school meals. Along with lots of fun sessions, children attending will receive a nutritious meal, made to school food standards, ensuring that children have a healthy balanced meal as they would during the school day.

MedwayGo Winter Programme will be running between Monday 23rd December to Friday 3rd January. MedwayGo Winter Programme for children receiving benefits-related free school meals is like for bookings now and can be booked here.

MedwayGo Fun Day – Saturday 21st December, Medway Park, Gillingham

On Saturday, 21 December the MedwayGo team will be hosting a free Family Fun Day at Medway Park from 10am to 1pm. The event will open with a SEND hour from 10am to 11am, and then from 11am – 1pm everyone is welcome.

As well as taking part in activities including arts and crafts and sport sessions, prizes will also be up for grabs! You will also be able to meet some of the MedwayGo activity providers, and the team will be on hand to help you book the fun winter activities on offer. There will also be a quiet area throughout the whole event for children who need a quiet, calm space.

A healthy hot lunch will also be provided for children at the MedwayGo Fun Day. There’s no need to book, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information visit the MedwayGo Facebook page.

Kooth and QWELL

Kooth is available in Medway for 10–25-year-olds
QWELL is available in Medway for 18+ year olds

Both Kooth and QWELL support CYP and young adults online in relation to their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

There is the capacity to support MORE children, young people and adults so let’s get the message out!

https://explore.qwell.io/medway/

https://www.kooth.com/

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!

Extra curricular clubs on offer

Year Group Updates

Year 7

With just one week left until the Christmas break, Year 7 are demonstrating remarkable progress and enthusiasm in their learning. Their engagement in lessons has remained strong, and they are showing increasing confidence in applying their skills across subjects. It's clear that they have settled well into secondary school life, building positive routines and forming supportive relationships with peers and staff. Their recent assessments and classroom contributions highlight their growing understanding and ability to take on new challenges. As the module draws to a close, their energy and excitement for the festive season are palpable, but they continue to approach their studies with focus and determination. Overall, their hard work and positive attitudes are a credit to them, setting a solid foundation for the year ahead.

Year 8

With just one week to go until the Christmas break, Year 8 students are finishing the module on a high note. They have shown significant growth in their maturity and independence, building on the foundations laid last year. Their participation in lessons remains consistent, with many stepping up to take on leadership roles in group activities and discussions. Across the board, their effort in assessments and project work reflects their growing ability to apply knowledge creatively and critically. While the festive spirit is in full swing, Year 8 are maintaining focus and demonstrating a strong sense of community and teamwork. Their progress this module is a testament to their resilience and enthusiasm, positioning them well for the challenges and opportunities of the new year.

Year 9

As the Christmas break approaches, Year 9 students are showcasing their growth and maturity during this pivotal stage in their education. With option choices looming, they are increasingly taking ownership of their learning and showing a deeper commitment to their studies. Their contributions in lessons reflect thoughtful engagement and a willingness to tackle more complex topics. Many are developing leadership qualities and excelling in collaborative activities. Despite the excitement of the festive season, Year 9 are maintaining their focus, using this time to refine their skills and prepare for the challenges ahead. Their progress this module demonstrates resilience, ambition, and a readiness to take the next steps in their academic journey.
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

With one week to go until the Christmas break, Year 10 students are showing commendable determination as they continue their journey through their GCSE studies. They have embraced the increased demands of their courses, demonstrating resilience and a growing ability to manage their workloads effectively. Their engagement in lessons and commitment to achieving their targets reflect a mature attitude toward their education. Many are excelling in both independent and collaborative work, using feedback to refine their skills and deepen their understanding. As the festive season approaches, Year 10 are striking a balance between maintaining focus and enjoying the holiday spirit. Their progress this module is a testament to their hard work and ambition, setting a solid foundation for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Year 10 Report Letter - shared 20/11/24
Year 9 Work Experience Letter - shared 22/11/24

Year 11

With just one week left until the Christmas break, Year 11 students are demonstrating impressive focus and resilience as they approach the midpoint of their final year. They have worked diligently through mock exams, using the experience to identify areas for improvement and refine their strategies ahead of the summer assessments. Their determination to succeed is evident in their increased engagement during lessons and proactive approach to seeking support where needed. Despite the pressure of their GCSE year, many are also contributing positively to the school community, setting a strong example for younger students. As the module draws to a close, Year 11 are maintaining their momentum, balancing their hard work with the excitement of the festive season. Their dedication and perseverance are setting them up for success in the months ahead.
Year 11 Mock Results Afternoon Letter - shared 13/11/24
Year 11 Citizenship Letter - shared 28/11/24

Sixth form

With the Christmas break just a week away, the sixth form students are demonstrating exceptional dedication and maturity in their studies. They have been working hard to balance the demands of their A-level or vocational courses, with many taking on additional responsibilities such as contributing to extracurricular activities. Their ability to manage their time effectively is evident in their strong performance in assessments and the quality of their independent work. As they prepare for mock exams or university applications, they are showing ambition and a clear focus on their future goals. While the festive season brings well-deserved excitement, the sixth form students are maintaining a professional and determined attitude, setting a high standard for themselves and others in the school community.
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
Football Academy Training Kit - shared 09/12/24