Year 7 Induction Booklet 2018-19

Year 7 Induction Booklet 2018/19 A Guide for Parents, Carers & Students - Working together to support your child

DETERMINATION, INTEGRITY, CURIOSITY, EMPATHY

Welcome Welcome to Capital. We are very much looking forward to September and our new Year 7 students and we hope you are excited too. If you are a little nervous don’t worry – that is normal! We have put this guide together to ensure all our students are well supported in their transition to secondary school and therefore make excellent progress in both their learning and in their behaviour.

First Day Arrangements All students should be on site in full school uniform by 8.30am on Friday 7th September and will finish at 12.00pm. On the first day all students will enter and leave the Academy via the front entrance. Parents/Carers are not permitted to park in the Academy car park.

What information does the school need before my child starts?

You must provide contact information including a valid home phone number, mobile phone number and email address on the entry form sent home. Every parent must also sign the Parent Charter and all students must sign the Student Charter.

How can I ensure my child has money for lunch?

Lunch is paid for through the school’s online Parent Portal - ParentPay. There are a range of hot and cold snacks, hot meals, salads and vegetarian options. The menus can be seen on the website under Essential Information – School Catering Services.

What if my child has free school meals?

Your child should bring their letter from Brent (or the relevant Local Authority) with them on the first day of school. We cannot offer free schools meals to anyone unless Brent (or the relevant Local Authority) authorises us to do so. If your child is entitled to free school meals, their biometric record will be credited automatically. Application forms can be accessed at the Brent Council website - www.brent.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Year 7 Curriculum There are 31 lessons in a week. These are allocated as follows: English: Humanties: PE:

Science:

6 6 2 4

Languages:

Mathematics & Computing: Performing Arts & Catering carousel: Visual Art:

4 5 2 2

Homework

What homework will be set?

Homework will be purposefully and deliberately constructed to enable students to select, organise and deploy a wide range of knowledge effectively. It will foster independent study and prepare students for the new, more demanding GCSE, BTEC and A Level qualifications.

Homework may be set in conjunction with knowledge organisers, revision guides, examstyle questions or a list of key words. Arts subjects may set practical instead of written tasks where appropriate. Students could be asked to submit homework using Google Classroom. Students should record all homework in planners.

Years 7-8 Students will be set approx. 30 minutes of homework per subject per week. In Mathematics, home learning will be set using Hegarty Maths. Students will be expected to do a minimum of 1 hour per week.

Reading The benefits of reading for pleasure are well documented and can be viewed in our Reading section on the school website - http://www.capitalcityacademy.org/248/homework We aim to support our students in cultivating their reading habits through the expectation that they read for at least half an hour every day.

The Academy has a Recommended Fiction Reading List which can be found on our school website - http://www.capitalcityacademy.org/248/homework. We expect students to use this list as a starting point for exploring people, places, times, forms, and genres. From this students can get a better idea of what they enjoy reading and therefore become independent readers able to choose fiction they know they will read for pleasure. Students’ reading should also include non-fiction and Time Magazine’s All-TIME 100 Best NonFiction Books found here is a good place to start.

At Key Stage 3 (Y7 & Y8) we expect students to read their Accelerated Reader text and there is a weekly lesson to support this. All KS3 students must record their reading reflections is their Reading Log this is checked every day in Learning Advisor time.

How Will This Be Monitored?

Homework will be checked by teachers and the Academy Behaviour policy followed if not completed or not completed to an acceptable standard. Curriculum Area Leaders (CALs) will monitor homework through termly work scrutiny, DEFT walks, Learning walks and reviews of the schemes of learning. Year Team Leaders (YTLs) will monitor homework through Learning Advisers (LAs) and planner checks.

SHINE@Capital SHINE@Capital is a fully funded Summer school and Saturday programme designed to support Year 7 students in reaching their full potential.

SHINE@Capital focuses on: • Raising attainment in numeracy and literacy • Developing independence, curiosity and confidence in students as learners • Making the most of being in London with trips and visits • Learning through fun, cross curricular projects, as well as explicit numeracy and literacy sessions.

Most importantly; SHINE is not another day at school, it is an opportunity for students to develop key skills such as teamwork, resilience and creativity, as well as build confidence, develop independence and make friends in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Assessment and Reporting on Student Progress 1) How will teachers assess the work and progress of students?

Students’ work will be marked regularly. Parents should look at the comments in books and the reports sent home and discuss these with their child. After each formal assessment point a grade will be given to reflect your child’s progress towards an aspirational target. This will be based on the new GCSE grading scale (9-1), which will be used to judge your child’s progress at the end of Year 11.

2) How will my child be told about his/her progress?

Your child will see his/her Learning Adviser at the start of each day. The Learning Adviser will be sent information each day about rewards or sanctions given by subject teachers and will often reinforce the praise or reprimands given. Every student will be informed of their target grade and teachers will provide guidance on how students can achieve their grade.

3) What reports will I receive?

After each Assessment Point a report will be sent home, or handed out at Parents’ Evening/ Academic Review day. This will include information on your child’s attainment, attitude to learning, attendance, punctuality and behaviour.

4) When can I meet teachers to discuss my child’s progress?

Twice during the year you will be asked to come with your child to meet his/her Learning Adviser for an academic review day. You will be able to discuss the teacher assessment grades and to agree targets. Once each year, you will be invited to a parents’ evening where you will have the chance to discuss classwork, homework and progress with your child’s subject teachers.

5) How will I know what targets have been set for my child?

At the beginning of each school year, we will set a target for each student. This is a target from 9-1 based on the new GCSE grades. These will be discussed with you at the first academic review of the year and are displayed on the front of exercise books and on reports.

6) What should I do if I am concerned about my child’s progress?

If, at any time, you are concerned about your child’s progress, please contact his/her Learning Adviser. Email addresses can be found on the Academy website.

Attendance and Punctuality Attendance and punctuality are two of the most sought after qualities as far as an employer is concerned. It is a fact that children who attend school every day get better exam results!

Students who miss half a day of school a week will have missed a term and a half, by the time they reach the end of Year 11. Unless your child is really sick, or has a medical appointment that cannot be made for outside the school day (an appointment card must be produced), they must come to school. If your child is ill, you must phone the Attendance Officer before 8.30am on 020 8838 8723. At Capital City Academy we do not allow holidays during term time. Parents who take their children on holiday during term time, will receive a fine in the form of an EPN (Education Penalty Notice) from Brent’s Education Welfare Service.

Travel to and from school

Before the start of the academic year, it is a good idea to practise the journey from home to the academy with your child. You may also want to try alternative routes they could use if there are any delays. Remember that journeys on public transport and by car are much quicker in the summer as there is less school traffic. It is essential that all students have a valid Zip Oyster card as this entitles them to free travel on buses and cheaper travel on the tube.

What should my child wear?

Full school uniform is available from: ACE Clothing Company; 5a Courtenay Road, East Lane Business Park. East Lane, Wembley, HA9 7ND. Telephone: 020 8045 0296.

You can find our full uniform list and expectations on the school website www.capitalcityacademy.org/1398/uniform-equipment Write your child’s name in ALL articles of clothing, including shoes.

Sweatshirts/hoodies, caps, trainers, make up and jewellery including rings (with the exception of one pair of small gold or silver studs and a watch) are not permitted and must not be worn.

We do not allow any facial piercings or more than one piercing in an ear. Bags must be the Capital City Academy school bag.

What should my child bring?

Students will need their PE/ dance kit and a Capital City Academy bag with a pencil case containing at least two black pens, one green pen, pencils, coloured pencils, a rubber, ruler, maths set and a Casio scientific calculator. Scissors will be provided by teachers, if required, and so students should not bring scissors into the Academy.

We have an, “On Show Expect To Go” policy on all of the following items: • • • • • • • • •

Food and drink Coats Hoodies & sweatshirts Hats MP3 players and earphones Trainers Small bags Mobile phones Chewing gum

Mobile Phones We know that many young people have mobile phones, however they are easily lost or stolen which can cause upset. They can also cause a distraction. Therefore we will be enforcing the school rules which state that phones must be turned off at all times whilst on the school site and any mobile phone OR headphones seen at any time on site will be confiscated. These will be returned to students after school at the end of the S3 detention that will be issued if a mobile phone or set of headphones is seen and therefore confiscated.

Lost Property Each student is responsible for his/her property. The school is not responsible unless an item is accepted by a member of staff for safe keeping (for example, valuables handed to PE staff or items which are confiscated). Any uncollected items confiscated by a member of staff will be placed in lost property (enquire at the front reception) at the end of each half term and will no longer be the Academy’s responsibility.

Behaviour Student Charter - Ready to Learn I WILL RESPECT MYSELF

• I will make sure I get the most out of my opportunities at Capital City Academy • I will attend every day and be punctual • I will sit according to the seating plan with my planner, pencil case and books out at the start of the lesson • I will work hard for the whole of every lesson • I will ask for help when I need it • I will set the highest goals for myself and be determined to meet them • I will act with dignity and self-control at all times • I will record homework in my planner and complete it on time I WILL RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE

• • • • • •

I will respect other students and allow them to take the same opportunities I will respect all of the staff and follow their instructions I understand that everybody is different and will celebrate our rich community I will work well with others I will allow others to learn I will speak and act kindly

I WILL RESPECT MY SCHOOL

• I know that a lot of time, effort and money is put into making Capital City Academy a good place to learn and understand that all the equipment and facilities are here for everyone.

• I will help keep my school looking tidy and put litter in the bin • I will walk calmly between lessons and stand behind my chair at the start and end of each class • I will help to create a calm and purposeful environment in all parts of the school • I will try my best not to damage anything I WILL BE A GOOD AMBASSADOR FOR MY SCHOOL

• • • •

I understand that I am the best advertisement for my school.

I will wear the uniform correctly to and from school I will behave in a respectful and mature way when I am outside the school grounds If others are disrespectful to me, I will seek the help of an adult

First Aid and Illness at School 1) What will happen if my child has a minor accident at school?

If a student suffers a minor injury, the school will provide first aid. We have a fully staffed Medical Room and a number of members of staff are trained first aiders. We can provide simple first aid, such as ice-packs, plasters or bandages.

2) What will happen if my child becomes ill while at school?

If a student is unwell at school, we will normally ask him or her to work quietly in class. If he or she feels too ill to do this, they may be taken to the Medical Room, where they can be supervised by a trained first aider.

3) What will happen if my child is unable to return to class?

If a student does not feel well enough to return to class after attending the Medical Room, you may be asked to collect your child. Students will not be permitted to leave the site without a suitable adult.

4) What will happen if my child is badly hurt or very ill?

If a student has a serious injury or becomes very ill at school, we will give any first aid required and may call an ambulance to take him/her to the Accident and Emergency Department of the nearest hospital. A member of staff will go with the student and stay with him/her until a parent/carer is able to attend the hospital to take over. As soon as we have called the ambulance we will contact you or the other adults you have asked us to contact in an emergency.

Students with Medical Conditions 1) What should I do if my child has a medical condition?

Please tell us before your child joins the school so we can put him/her on the medical list.

We will then inform staff about any special care or treatment your child needs and agree with you and your child how we will manage the condition. For any medical queries you can contact the academy using the email - medical@capitalcityacademy.org

2) How can you help us manage your child’s medical needs?

Please make sure, each year, that you inform the Academy (medical@capitalcityacademy. org) of your child’s medical needs and that your child is fully trained and equipped to deal with his/her needs. For example, a child with asthma must carry his or her inhaler and know when and how to use it. Children with serious allergies must take responsibility for their condition and ensure they check food before eating it.

3) Will schools administer medicines?

No, the school cannot normally take responsibility for giving medicines unless this has been agreed in advance as part of our support for a child with a disability or long-term medical condition.

4) What if my child needs to take medicine during school hours?

You should give your child the medicine needed for the day. You should provide your child with a note giving your permission for your child to take the named medicine and the times this should be taken. If a student brings a medicine into school they should take it directly to the Medical room, along with the note, at the start of the school day. Children who need medicine regularly (such as asthma inhalers) should keep this with them and make sure their friends and teachers know what to do if they need help.

Student safety and security The safety of your child is very important to us and we place the highest priority on ensuring that our students are in a safe environment. During the school day students, apart from Sixth Form, are not permitted to leave the school grounds unless they are on an organised activity. All visitors must report to the front reception, visitors will be asked for identification and a visitors pass issued before being allowed into the building.

Arrival to school in the morning Students must arrive to school by 8.30am. The front gate of the school is closed to all students from 8.35am. If students arrive late, they will not be allowed through the front gate and must use the back entrance (by Willesden Sports Centre). No students should arrive at school after 9am. The back gate closes at this time. If a student needs to return to school from an appointment or other exceptional circumstance after 9am they should ring the buzzer at the front gate and report to reception.

When students arrive after 8.35am they will be issued with a detention. If they arrive late twice in one week or miss the late detention they will then receive an additional detention and/or placed on punctuality report. If you are dropping off or collecting your child, please park on Doyle Gardens (which has restricted parking) as there is no access for parents to the Academy car park.

How can Parents/Carers Engage with School?

Being involved in your child’s education has a positive impact on their learning. At Capital City Academy we believe that a close working relationship with parents has a vital part to play in the educational progress of our students. We build this by making sure parents are kept informed about what is going on and continue to feel involved. There are a number of ways parents/carers can enhance this relationship. These include -

Capital Times - Newsletter Every week an electronic copy of the CAPITAL Times newsletter is sent out to parents via email and is uploaded to the school website. It is also made available on the school APP ‘MyEd’.

Download the ‘MyEd’ school APP

A variety of useful information can be found on the school APP ‘MyEd’ which can be downloaded FREE to any smart mobile phone or tablet. It can also be used as a method of communicating a child’s absence to school. You can download it in your APP store by searching for ‘MyEd’.

SIMS Parent APP Parents will be invited to download the SIMS Parent App where all reports, attendance, etc will be available.

Subscribe to the school text and email alerts Important and urgent information bulletins also get sent to parents is via our online texting and email service. For instance to alert you if your child is absent or late and informing you of meeting and upcoming events. In order for this system to work efficiently it is essential that we have your correct mobile number and email address on this system. Please ensure you update this with us when necessary.

Student Planner The planner is a vital tool of communication between parents and school. Parents should sign their child’s planner every week to confirm it has been checked for homework and any other notes from teachers. This is also a place you can write notes of any concerns you may be having.

Follow Us on Twitter

Capital City Academy is on Twitter! This is a really effective way for us to communicate exciting news and bulletins to parents, students, staff and other interested parties. It is updated every day and can also be viewed via the school website. Follow us at: @capital__city.

Parents’ Forum - A Valuable Space for all Parents and Carers Parents Forum holds a regular meeting each half-term for parents and other carers to meet up, support each other, our children and school. A number of teachers kindly attend, so school can answer questions and respond to our discussions. Meetings are informal, friendly and all are very welcome. You can find the dates and times of our forthcoming meetings on the school website calendar.

If you would like more information or to join the Parents Forum, please contact parentgovernor@capitalcityacademy.org

Contacting Staff Parents and carers are able to contact staff in a number of ways. Each Key Stage has a dedicated Administrator who is the main point of contact for any general enquires regarding your child; they can also pass messages on to the Year Team Leaders and other staff when necessary. If your query is for a particular department, parents/carers can also call the main switchboard number where they will be put through to the relevant extension. Alternatively staff can be contacted via email. A list of all staff email addresses (by department) can be found under the ‘Our Team’ on the school website.

The School Day Every day (Monday to Friday) school starts at 8:40am. All students should be on site by 8.35am.

The times of lessons (Monday to Friday, excluding Thursday) are: 08.40 – Learning adviser 09.00 – Period 1 09.50 – Period 2 10.40 – Period 3 11.30 – Break 1 (hot lunch for yr7, 11 & C6) 30 mins 12.00 – Period 4 12.50 – Period 5 13.40 – Break 2 (hot lunch for yr8, 9 & 10) 30 mins 14.10 – Period 6 15.00 – Dismissed Every Thursday is an extended school day: 08.40 – Learning adviser 09.00 – Period 1 09.50 – Period 2 10.40 – Period 3 11.30 – Break 1 (hot lunch for yr7, 11 & C6) 30 mins 12.00 – Period 4 12.50 – Period 5 13.40 – Break 2 (hot lunch for yr8, 9 & 10) 30 mins 14.10 – Period 6 15.00 – Period 7 15.50 – Dismissed

We are confident that you will enjoy being part of Capital City Academy. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Capital City Academy

Doyle Gardens, London NW10 3ST Tel: 020 8838 8700 / Email: admin@capitalcityacademy.org Website: www.capitalcityacademy.org Follow us on Twitter @capital__city