Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this message finds you well.

As we move through this incredibly busy module, I wish to take a moment to reflect on the past week and share some important updates regarding our academy's activities. 

It has certainly been a whirlwind of events, particularly with Year 11 students participating in their mock examinations. Their hard work and dedication to their studies have not gone unnoticed, and we commend them for their efforts during this pivotal time in their educational journey. In tandem with the examinations, we have celebrated various significant events, including the highly informative Sixth Form NHS Day, where students gained invaluable insights into the healthcare sector. Additionally, our rugby teams have demonstrated their sportsmanship and resilience during matches on both Monday and Friday, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork, including winning the Year 9 boys competition and finishing third in the Year 10 competition. To cap off the week, we proudly participated in World Book Day, an occasion designed to instil a love of reading in our students, celebrating literature's power to inspire and educate. 

Looking ahead to next week, we are excited to announce an array of engaging events that promise to inspire our pupils and broaden their horizons. We will be kicking off our Spanish Exchange programme, which will run throughout the week. This initiative allows our students to immerse themselves in another culture, enhancing their language skills and cultural awareness as well as supporting them in a buddy capacity. Additionally, we will be celebrating British Science Week, during which we aim to ignite and nurture a passion for science through a variety of hands-on activities and workshops designed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Highlights for the week ahead include a visit to the theatre, where students will have the opportunity to view a performance of "Romeo and Juliet," followed by a STEM excursion to the University of Greenwich, where they can witness and explore real-world applications of their classroom learning. Moreover, we have organised 

We will also be facilitating a Geography field trip, which aims to provide students with practical experiences while exploring the subject in a real-world context. Additionally, our Careers Fair is scheduled for Friday, offering an excellent opportunity for our pupils to explore various career pathways and engage with professionals from diverse fields.

Finally, I am delighted to announce that we will be welcoming MP Lauren Edwards to our academy on Friday for a tour. This visit represents a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the remarkable achievements of our students and staff, and we look forward to highlighting our unwavering commitment to educational excellence. We are eager to share the exciting initiatives and programmes that are benefiting our students each day.

Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Warm regards,

Mr Jon Richardson

Principal

STRUCTURE OF THE DAY 

ATTENDANCE

At Strood Academy, we take pride in reflecting on our progress over the past two years. As we continue our journey towards Vision 2028, we celebrate key achievements that have strengthened our academy’s culture and learning environment.

• Embedding Key Routines: We have established and reinforced routines such as morning line-ups, assembly protocols, and structured transitions between lessons. These ensure students move with purpose, feel safe, and are ready to engage in learning.

• Addressing 'Culture Killers': We have tackled challenges such as poor uniform standards, litter, inappropriate language, and disengaged behavior in lessons. By setting high expectations, we foster a culture where students take pride in their presentation, remain focused in class, and contribute positively to our academy community.

• Standardising Homework Expectations: A consistent approach to homework has been introduced, ensuring all students understand expectations and the value of completing independent study. This supports their academic progress and develops self-discipline.

• Encouraging Extracurricular Engagement: We continue to promote student participation in clubs and activities, both during lunch and after school. By offering a wide range of opportunities, we nurture students' interests, talents, and social development beyond the classroom.

• Strengthening Parent & Community Relations: Effective communication with parents, carers, and the local community has been a priority. Through social media updates, Weekly Parent Bulletins, and events such as Parents’ Evenings, Year 7 Meet the Form Tutor, Parent Voice Forums, and Parental Drop-Ins, we ensure families are engaged in their child’s education. We have also introduced accessible tools like the 'Request Call Back' button and college-specific email addresses to improve communication.

We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to further enhancing our academy experience. While there is always more to achieve, we are excited to build on our successes and continue striving for excellence in the years ahead.