Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you today to share some of the exciting happenings at Strood Academy this week. It has been a busy and productive week, full of activities that have positively engaged our students and fostered a sense of community.

We were delighted to host the Leigh Academies Trust Rugby 7’s Girls Tournament at our school. This event was a resounding success, with a remarkable turnout of schools participating and a large number of girls taking part. Rugby is rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports for girls, and it was wonderful to see our female pupils compete with enthusiasm and skill. Their sportsmanship and teamwork were commendable, and it served as an inspiring reminder of the strength and determination our students possess.

In addition to the tournament, our students had the opportunity to attend an enriching STEM trip at the University of Greenwich this week. This excursion provided our pupils with a valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The university's interactive workshops and engaging presentations sparked a great deal of interest among the pupils, encouraging them to explore potential future academic pursuits in these important fields. We believe such experiences play a critical role in nurturing our students' curiosity and ambition.

On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6 pupils to the academy for a Performing Arts session. This event is always one of the highlights of our week, as it allows young learners to express their creativity and develop their confidence through the arts. It was heartening to see so many happy faces engaged in drama and music activities, showcasing their talents and enhancing their appreciation for the performing arts. Our academy is committed to fostering a love for the arts, as we recognise the importance of creativity in a well-rounded education.

As we approach the concluding stages of examinations for our Year 11 and Year 13 pupils, I would like to commend all pupils for their remarkable resilience and dedication throughout their studies. Year 11 pupils are set to sit their final exams on Monday and Tuesday, and Year 13's last examination will take place on Friday. The effort and hard work demonstrated by our pupils have been commendable, as they have faced these challenges with determination and a positive mindset. We are incredibly proud of their achievements thus far, and we encourage them to maintain their focus during these critical final days of revision and examination.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team of staff. Their unwavering support for our pupils, particularly during this exam period, has been invaluable. They continuously go above and beyond to ensure that each student receives the guidance they need. Your appreciation can significantly motivate our educators, so I invite you to recognise their efforts by nominating them for an award via the following link: Staff Nomination

Moreover, we are celebrating 'Thank a Teacher Day' at Strood Academy. This day provides a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude towards our outstanding staff, who play such a crucial role in our pupils’ education and well-being. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact that our teachers have had on your child's learning journey and share your thoughts of appreciation. More information on this initiative can be found here: National Thank a Teacher Day

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education. Together, we can ensure that our students thrive both academically and personally.

Sending my best wishes,

Mr Jon Richardson
Principal
Strood Academy

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.