Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your continued support this week; it is always appreciated and plays a vital role in our community at Strood Academy.

This week has been particularly eventful. We were pleased to welcome Emma Elwin, our Academies Director from Leigh Academies Trust. Ms Elwin spent the morning visiting a variety of lessons across all subject areas, and it was heartening to see the students engaged and thriving in their learning environments. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with significant improvements noted since her last visit in September 2024. Once more her insights will assist us in continuing to bolster our educational strategies and ensure we provide the very best for our students.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all parents and carers that Friday, 14th February is an INSET day for academy staff. As such, the final day for Module 3 will be Thursday, 13th February. The academy will finish at the usual time of 3:20 pm on that day. 

It gives me great pleasure to announce that on Wednesday, 22nd January, Mr. Fatania and Miss Delgado had the honour of attending a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Canterbury at the Civic Residence. This significant event marked the official launch of the Buddy Programme, which aims to warmly welcome our Korean students to Strood Academy. It was a delightful occasion, celebrating cultural exchange and fostering new connections among students and staff. We believe that this programme will have a lasting impact not only on our students but also on the wider community through the enrichment of our cultural perspective.

Looking ahead, next week will kick off with Year 13 mock examinations, which are crucial for our students as they prepare for their final assessments. Should you have any questions or require further information regarding the examinations, please contact our Sixth Form team, who will be more than happy to assist you. Furthermore, we wish our Modern Foreign Languages team the very best of luck as they prepare to showcase their talents during the Curriculum Development Review taking place on Tuesday. We are confident that their hard work and dedication will shine through.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your cooperation with our recently revised parking system on the academy site. This initiative is designed to create a safer environment for our students and families. For those who wish to apply for a parking permit, please refer to the letter that was published, accessible via the following link: Parking on Site. Your understanding and support in this matter are invaluable.

As we approach the weekend, I encourage you to take the time to relax and enjoy family activities. We eagerly anticipate welcoming pupils back to the academy from 8:00 am on Monday morning, ready for another week of learning and growth.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Jon Richardson

Principal

STRUCTURE OF THE DAY 

ATTENDANCE

As we approach the midway point of the second year of Vision 2028, we take this opportunity to reflect on the significant strides we have made as a community. Together, we have worked tirelessly to create a nurturing and dynamic environment that supports our students in every aspect of their education and development.

One of our key achievements has been the successful introduction and embedding of essential routines that provide structure and consistency for our students. Morning line-ups, for instance, have helped instill a sense of discipline and readiness for the day ahead, while the implementation of an effective assembly protocol has fostered a collective sense of purpose and belonging. These routines are now integral to the fabric of our school culture, setting a strong foundation for learning and personal growth.

Equally, we have focused on enriching our students’ experiences beyond the classroom. By offering a wide array of lunchtime and after-school clubs and activities, we have encouraged students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and build confidence. From sports teams and creative arts workshops to academic enrichment sessions, these extracurricular opportunities have not only cultivated a love for learning but also strengthened our sense of community and teamwork.

In addition, we have taken significant steps to enhance communication and collaboration with parents and carers, recognizing their vital role in our students’ success. Events such as face-to-face Parents’ Evenings and Parent Voice Forums have created meaningful platforms for dialogue and partnership. These initiatives have allowed us to better understand the needs of our families, celebrate achievements together, and work collaboratively toward common goals.

We are incredibly proud of all we have accomplished so far, and while we acknowledge that we are still at the early stages of our Vision 2028 journey, the progress we have made fills us with optimism and determination. This vision represents our collective ambition to shape a brighter future for our school community, and we are committed to building on these foundations with unwavering focus and dedication.

We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the milestones we will achieve together. We look forward to celebrating every success, big or small, and to continuing to inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential. The journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.