Headteacher’s Welcome
On behalf of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), the Governors, staff, and students, I am delighted to welcome our new Year 7s and their parents to Havant Academy.
Our values of ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’ provide a productive climate for learning, with a culture that engenders a sense of belonging, within which every student is known and supported to succeed.
Our key aims are for our students to have high aspirations and expectations for themselves and their school, and that these are recognised.
We believe passionately that our students deserve, and can achieve, the very best outcomes. We are dedicated to ensuring that our students experience the best support and care, within an environment where they can safely engage in their learning.
We believe that every child has matters; every child has unique potential, and it is our duty to nurture and develop it. With the support of our dedicated team of teachers, staff, and governors, we strive to provide an excellent education that prepares our students for the challenges of the future.
We are a school at the heart of our local community, and we aspire to be the school of choice for all who live here.
Miss Vicki Dillon-Thiselton Headteacher
Who’s Who at Havant Academy
Ms V. Dillon-Thiselton Headteacher
Mr S. Sivier Business Manager
Miss A. Newland HR Lead
Mr C Hudson Assistant Headteacher
Mrs S. Evans Assistant Headteacher
Mr A. Ander Assistant Headteacher
Ms K. Blandford Assistant Headteacher
Miss N. Choudry Associate Assistant Headteacher
Mrs T. Miller Associate Assistant Headteacher
Mrs S. Pratt Head of Year 7
Mrs A. Lawrence Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Our School Day
The times of the day for Havant Academy are shown in the table below:
Line ups are a formal part of the Academy day. Each year group has a position outside where they have to line up in alphabetical order in tutor groups each morning. This is an opportunity for the Head of Year to deliver key messages . Students will also have weekly assemblies delivered by their Head of Year and School Leaders.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays there are a range of opportunities for students to participate in after school clubs/activities. A timetable of these will be shared with students in September
Year 7 Curriculum
The school has a two-week timetable – Week A and Week B. Every day has five, onehour lessons.
In Year 7 students have the following lessons on their timetables:
· English and Reading
· Mathematics
· Science
· History
· Geography
· Ethics and Morals (RE)
· Modern Foreign Language – Spanish
· Modern Foreign Language – German (Stellar group)
· Physical Education & Dance
· Music
· Art
· Information Technology
· Design Technology and Outdoor Learning
· Performing Arts
· Life Skills
· PSHE – Personal, Social & Health Education, including Citizenship
Every Havant student has access to a broad Personal Development Curriculum which is delivered through the main curriculum, life skills and PSHE lessons, careers sessions, assemblies, Game Changer Days, trips and after school enrichment.
All students also have access to:
· Relationships and Sex Education
· Social, Moral, Spiritual & Cultural Education
· Careers Education (delivered in partnership with the Solent EBP).
Developing Individuals
What is Personal Development (PD)?
The development of a pupil's individual skills, attitudes, and understanding. This includes the development of self-awareness, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence, as well as the development of skills related to communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. The goal of personal development is to help pupils develop into confident and capable individuals who are able to navigate the challenges of modern life.
PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education )
PSHE lessons are taught once a fortnight in tutor groups by the student’s tutor. This is a programme of learning through which students at Havant Academy acquire the knowledge, understanding and core skills they need to manage their lives.
The Curriculum follows three main strands:
· Sex and Relationship Education
· Living in the Wider World
· Health and Wellbeing
Game Changer Days
Every term, the school has one day given over to Personal Development themes. The school follows a bespoke timetable of activities linked to PSHE, RSE, British Values, leadership skills and Team building. It gives students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills through experiential and discovery based learning.
Careers
Through a variety of activities and external visitors, students develop skills in the three key aspects of careers education & guidance:
· Self Development
· Career Exploration
· Career Management
Student Leadership
Students are able to enhance their leadership skills through the Junior leadership team, House Captaincy, Volunteer and Charity work, Class based leadership and a variety of opportunities that arise during the year.
Our House System
The House System at Havant Academy has been designed to reflect the values and ethos of the school and be an integral part of our community. Throughout your time at the Academy, you will be given the opportunity to take part in a range of House competitions and challenges and have the opportunity to be a Captain or House representative.
The academy provides every pupil in each house with the following:
· A sense of belonging within the school community
· Opportunities to develop social, intellectual, physical and practical skills
· A sense of achievement both inside and outside of the classroom
· Fun and excitement through competition
· Opportunities for leadership
· An awareness of individual and collective responsibility
Competitions and Points
Subject teachers come up with a range of competitions every term for all of you to enter. Points are awarded for first, second and third. During lessons, you have the opportunity to win even more points through engagement, presentation, respect, determination and Achievement.
Charities
Every year, each House get to choose the charity they wish to support. They will then get the opportunity to run fundraising events throughout the year to raise money for their chosen charity. The House that raises the most funds for their charity get to win the Charity cup as well as the chance to win extra House points to add to their final tally.
Stellar Group
What
is the Stellar Group?
At Havant Academy, we believe in nurturing the full potential of every student, ensuring that each individual is challenged, supported, and inspired to excel. Our Stellar Group is specifically designed for students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for learning.
This group provides a stimulating and enriched curriculum tailored to meet the needs of students who are working above their age-related expectations. It offers a more rigorous and indepth study of subjects, allowing students to engage in higher-level thinking, creative problem-solving, and independent learning.
What is different about the Stellar Group curriculum?
We believe that the ability to communicate across multiple languages is a key skill in the 21st century. This is why a central feature of the Stellar Group curriculum is the study of two languages starting in Year 7: German alongside Spanish.
Stellar Group students will be supported in reading a variety of texts in a range of subjects that will widen the depth and breadth of their knowledge and understanding.
Stellar Group students will attend additional workshops on a range of topics which may include: etymology, philosophy, astronomy and complete multiple projects that require independent research and group collaboration.
Why do we have the Stellar Group?
We believe that education is not just about mastering content but also about developing skills for life, resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love of learning.
We want to ensure that students who are academically gifted or talented have the challenge and support they need to reach their potential.
The aim of the Stellar Group is to support students to achieve grades 7-9 at GCSE and to be well prepared for attending Russell Group Universities.
Uniform
At Havant Academy, we pride ourselves in looking smart and being part of the school community, and this is shown through our uniform. Uniform can be purchased from the SkoolKit website, or the shop found in the Meridian Centre.
TROUSERS or SCHOOL SKIRT
WHITE POLO SHIRT OR SHIRT and JUMPER
· All students must wear a plain white shirt or polo shirt; this could be short or long sleeved. This should be tucked in.
· Students can wear an optional black jumper with the Havant Academy logo in colder weather; this is not a substitute for the blazer.
· Black formal style trousers. Please note leggings, tight fitting trousers or jeans are not to be worn, even if they have been purchased in a ‘school uniform section of a shop or supermarket
· Havant Academy plain black school skirt.
· Black or grey socks with black trousers. Neutral or black tights with skirts.
BLACK SMART SCHOOL SHOES
· All students must wear plain black footwear, with a flat sole and heels no more than 2 cm in height.
· Open toed footwear is not permitted or steel toe capped shoes.
Please see the following address which will take you directly to the SkoolKit website: https://skoolkit.co.uk/school-uniform/1114
Examples of practical school coats and bags.
For Physical Education, all students must wear the Havant Academy PE Kit.
New PE and Dance KIT
· Havant Academy Purple Sports Polo Top
· Plain Black Shorts/Skirt/Leggings (thick material, must not be transparent)
· Sports Socks
· Black, non-marking trainers
· Waterproof Jacket - Optional
Please note that all piercings and retainers must be removed for practical lessons. Taping of piercings will no longer be acceptable. This is to ensure the health and safety of all students. Parents are aware of this to help support in ensuring the safety of their children.
Equipment
At Havant Academy we expect all students to bring 7 key pieces of equipment each day: a clear pencil case, a pen, pencil, ruler, green pen, highlighter and whiteboard pen. Being prepared for learning means lesson time is not wasted. If just two minutes are spent handing out equipment each lesson, this totals 32.5 hours an academic year, over one week (25 hours) of lost learning time.
We recommend all students bring a refillable water bottle to school. Water bottles may be refilled from the filtered dispensers before school, and during breaks.
Please note energy/sports drinks are not permitted.
Mobile phones - NEVER SEEN, NEVER HEARD
Due to strict safeguarding protocols every school has to follow to ensure children are kept safe, mobile phones are not permitted to be used on the school site. If a Phone is ‘seen or heard’ they will be confiscated till 3:15pm.
We appreciate that students may bring phones to school so they can contact their parents on the way home, but phones should not be used in the Academy. The only exception to this is for occasional learning activities, where the classroom teacher will explicitly tell the students they may use their phone.
We thank you for your support in ensuring our Academy remains a safe place for all our students.
Accessories and Hairstyles
Make Up
Jewellery
Tattoos and Piercings
· Discreet makeup is permitted in Year 10 & 11 ONLY
· False eyelashes are not permitted.
· False/acrylic nails, and painted nails, are not permitted.
· Students may wear one pair of small gold or silver stud earrings in the lobes of their ears.
· Facial jewellery is not permitted.
· Any additional jewellery is not permitted in school, and will need to be removed. If it is lost at school, this is the responsibility of the student.
· Visible tattoos are not permitted in school.
· Additional facial piercings are not permitted in school. This includes but is not limited to nose, tongue and eyebrow piercings.
Hairstyles
Coats and Bags
· Hair cuts/styles should not be excessive and have a natural colour/tone.
· Students with long hair must have it tied back with a dark coloured hair bobble whilst participating in all practical lessons for safety reasons.
· Please note hoodies are not permitted, and are not considered a substitute for a coat. Students will be asked to remove these if worn.
· We would recommend that all students attend school with a sensible bag which can fit an A4 folder.
Day to Day Information
Moving Around School Site
· At Havant Academy we move around the school site in a safe and respectful way, always keeping to the left.
· Late bells sound three minutes after lesson changeover. Students should ensure they arrive at lesson before the second bell.
· Only students with a yellow lanyard from their teacher are permitted out of lessons.
Toilets
· The main toilets for the students to use are in the Atrium. They can use these toilets before school, and during break times. There are members of staff who check regularly on these toilets.
· Students are generally not permitted to use the toilet during lessons unless they have a valid medical exemption. If they need to use the toilet during lessons, they should go to Student Services.
· There are gender neutral toilets available in E Block.
Break and Lunch
· In good weather, there is lots of outside space to enjoy.
· We also have a very large, open space called the Atrium, which is just next to the canteen with plenty of seating for our students and their friends.
· Wherever our students choose to spend their free time, there will always be adults on duty. They are easy to spot as they wear hi-visibility jackets.
Day to Day Information
The Canteen and Free School Meals
· We ;provide a Breakfast Club every morning in the Atrium. Breakfast Club is FREE for all students to attend and enjoy breakfast with their peers and staff
· Students can buy food and drinks during break times from our canteen. There is a wide range of hot and cold food, from snacks to hot lunches available.
· Students are welcome to bring their own food and drink from home, as long as there are no fizzy or energy/sports drinks. We want all of our students to be healthy! We would also request that products containing nuts are not provided as part of packed lunches.
· If a student is in receipt of Free School Meals, they receive up to £2.99 to spend each day. £1.00 of this total per day must be spent on hot food.
Biometric System
· We are cashless, so use a biometric system which means all students pay for their food from the canteen using their fingerprint.
· The fingerprint is linked to a system called Parent Pay. Details of how to access Parent Pay are contained later in this booklet.
Extra-Curricular
· Havant Academy offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities. This is because we aim to develop the whole child by providing a programme of extended opportunities.
· We encourage all students to take an active part in one of our extra-curricular clubs which run during second break or after school. Students should see the teacher running the club to secure their place.
· Our PE team offer a wide range of sporting opportunities for students to develop healthy and active lifestyles. Students are able to represent the Academy in individual and team sports.
· We also have a carefully planned programme of trips, visits and speakers to the Academy to support our curriculum.
Tutor Time Reading
Tutor time at Havant Academy runs from 8.30 to 8.55. Each morning will start with a line up followed by a student check in with their tutor, before tutor activities commence. The tutor is the adult students see most often so should be the first person contacted for any concerns or queries.
At Havant Academy, we believe every student should leave us with the fundamental skill of reading, allowing greater opportunities in further education and employment. Therefore, tutor periods are used to support reading.
· In every morning tutor period, 15 minutes will be spent reading a class reading book with their tutor. These books link to some of the personal development content students cover throughout the year.
· We have a great library that is full of interesting books, and our Librarian, Miss Fletcher is always available to help students choose something of interest.
· Additionally, all students at Havant Academy will have access to Sparx Reader which is an online reading tool with thousands of books available. Students will complete quizzes on what they read and get points.
Homework
We believe it's important for students to learn how to study independently and for them to complete activities that will help them ensure the knowledge they learn in school is stored in their longer term memory - regular practice and repetition is key to this. That’s why we introduce regular homework as soon as students join us.
Year 7 will receive 1 hour each week for English, Maths and Science, and 1 hour fortnightly for History, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages.
We use one online platform for the three core subjects - Sparx Reader, Sparx Maths and Sparx Science - to help students build strong skills in reading, maths and science.
· Sparx Reader helps students become stronger readers. After a short initial on-screen test to find their reading level, they are given fun and interesting books that match their ability. The platform includes helpful tools like smart word definitions and reading support. Students complete their reading online and they must get 100% correct for the work to count as complete. Teachers check each student's progress and offer support, while parents can keep track using the Parent Portal and get email reminders before homework is due.
· Sparx Maths gives students weekly maths homework based on what they’ve been learning in class. Teachers choose the topics and Sparx Maths creates personalised questions for each student. Homework is completed online and students must answer all questions correctly - 100% is expected - before it’s marked as complete. This encourages careful thinking and regular practice. Teachers monitor progress and provide help and parents can follow along through the Parent Portal.
· Sparx Science provides weekly science homework that fits what students are currently learning, as well as earlier topics to help with revision. Each task is tailored to each student’s level and includes questions that are both challenging and doable. Like the other Sparx platforms, students must achieve 100% accuracy to complete their homework. Support is available in the platform for tricky questions and students are encouraged to ask their teacher or attend homework club if they’re stuck.
· All three Sparx programmes are designed to build knowledge, confidence and independent learning habits. By achieving 100% in every piece of homework, students give themselves the best chance to succeed in school and beyond. Homework for History and Geography are set on an online platform called Seneca, and Modern Foreign Languages on LanguageNut. More information about how to access the platforms will be sent out in September.
Homework Club
Students are able to access computers to complete their Homework in Homework Club before and after school, and at break times every day.
Rewards
Reward 1 ‘(R1)’
Reward 2 ‘(R2)’
Reward 3 ‘(R3)’
Lesson Legend
Friday FIVE +5 positive points
Class teachers to add all rewards to Arbor; and can hand out a ‘Lesson Legend’ postcard for 1 student (per lesson) to take home.
Weekly HOY Award +5 Positive points and breakfast with the Head and Leadership Team.
All staff to use this on a FridayStaff members have the opportunity to award as many ‘Lesson Legends’ in the lesson as required. These students will be rewarded +5 reward points but only 1 student will be offered the postcard to take home.
Heads of Year nominate one student each week.
Headteacher will notify the student’s parents, and students will receive an invitation to attend
Tackling Unacceptable Behaviour
At Havant Academy we believe that all behavior is communication. Therefore, we seek to employ Restorative practice are our first response to unacceptable behaviour. Restorative practice is an approach focused on building positive relationships, repairing harm, and fostering a sense of community through open conversations and mutual respect.
In managing behaviour, we use a graduated support system that provides tailored interventions based on individual needs and circumstances. This system ensures that responses to behaviour are proportional and supportive, starting with low-level strategies such as reminders and encouragement, and progressing to more structured support like restorative conversations or mediation when necessary. By using this graduated approach, we aim to address the root causes of behaviour, promote accountability, and help individuals develop better social and emotional skills within a supportive environment.
The full behaviour policy can be found on the school website.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in a child’s academic achievement, sense of belonging and overall happiness.
Research shows that students with consistent attendance remain engaged in their learning, build stronger peer relationships and develop essential life skills.
Parents/carers must report an absence through the Arbor App
Any supporting documents, such as photographs, medical letters or proof of appointments must be emailed to: attendance@havant-tkat.org
As a parent/carer, you have a legal duty to ensure your child's regular school attendance. For a comprehensive overview of your responsibilities and the school's attendance policies, please visit our website.
What if you feel unwell or are injured at school?
If a student feels ill or is injured during the school day, they must speak to a member of staff, not someone at home.
During lessons: They should inform their teacher, who will assess the situation, and if necessary contact a First Aider to come to the classroom.
Outside of lessons: They should speak to a teacher on duty or go to the Pastoral Office.
We have a Student Health Lead (Miss White), and a number of qualified First Aiders on site to help. Please ensure we are aware of any medical needs.
Medication in School
We can only administer prescription medication from a doctor or dentist. Parents/Carers must complete a Parental Agreement for School to Administer Medicine form and returned to the Student Health Lead.
Medication must be in the original contained in which it was dispensed by the pharmacy.
For long-term medication, consider getting two prescriptions, one for home and one for school.
Where possible, ask for medication that can be taken outside of school hours. If your child suffers an injury that impacts mobility, please contact the First Aid/medical room before they return to school.
Please ensure the school is kept informed if your child’s medical status changes so that we can ensure that we can provide the best support.
What is an ACE Tutor?
ACE Programme
What
is TKAT ACE? - A Champion for Every Child
At Havant Academy, we are very pleased to be a part of a new project called ‘ACE - A Champion for Every Child’.
An ACE Tutor’s role is to support our students. For example, they may be able to connect them with other agencies and also offer extra opportunities in school, such as joining a club or supporting wider ambitions. ACE Tutors will try and help our students overcome any barriers that might get in the way of them fulfilling their potential.
ACE Tutors will not be teaching students, but they will be listening to them, supporting them, and seeking additional help for them if needed. Our ACE Tutors will also contact parents / carers regularly to talk about how students are doing, offer support, guidance or just be a person to chat to.
How does it work?
If a student participates in the ACE Tutoring Programme, they will meet their ACE Tutor once per week or fortnight for around 20 minutes.
What do the pupils think?
· “Getting information about college and job apprenticeships have been helpful” - Year 10 student.
· “I have really enjoyed the ACE programme” - Year 10 student.
· “I am able to talk with someone which makes me relaxed” - Year 9 student.
Wellbeing Support
At Havant Academy we have staff trained in ELSA, and as Mental Health First Aiders and – who students can be referred to for guidance and support. Referrals can be made through our website by students, parents and staff. Please just select the correct form and fill in the details.
We would always recommend that if parents are concerned about the mental wellbeing of their child, that they also contact their GP.
A Champion for Every Child
Communicating Concerns
We always strive to support our students and community as effectively as possible, working to our ethos of Working Hard and Being Kind. However we do recognise that occasionally we don’t get everything right. When this happens, we would ask parents to please contact us. The diagram below should help you to direct your concern.
All queries should start from stage 1, with the exception of those relating to safeguarding, or SEN.
These should be directed via email to: Safeguarding - help@havant-tkat.org SEN - sen@havant-tkat.org
Please remember that we are supporting students between 08:00 and 15:30 pm, so you may not receive an immediate response, but we will always try to respond within 24 working hours (please note some issues may need a longer time period for a full response).
ParentPay
ParentPay is our online payment system, enabling parents to make secure online payments for school meals, trips, events and much more.
ParentPay removes the need for pupils to bring cash into school and payments can be made online 24/7 or with cash at any PayPoint shop.
Parents are able monitor their child’s spending by viewing each meal transaction and seeing what items were purchased and on what day.
Students who are in receipt of Free School Meals will receive a credit on their account at the end of the day for what they have spent, up to the value of the current Free School Meal rate. Parents can top up the account if they wish for their child to spend over this allowance.
Parents will receive an email and/or activation letter which will contain a code unique to the child. If you already have a ParentPay account with a sibling at the school - you can add the student to your existing account.
For more information, please visit www.parentpay.com or scan the below QR code.
Arbor is the system we use at Havant Academy to manage all information relating to your child/children.
We use Arbor to send out communications by email and/or in-app notifications so it is vital that you register to be able to receive these and stay in the loop.
As a parent, you are also able to;
· View your child’s school timetable (and exam timetable as and when the time comes)
· View your child’s attendance and behaviour statistics
· Notify our attendance team of any absences
· Update contact and medical details
· Provide consent for school trips, photographs and medical treatments such as paracetamol use.
Logins will be sent to the email address/es provided on registration forms.
Please create an account as soon as you receive this activation email to be able to check the details we hold are correct.*
If you already have a child at Havant, you can add another student to your existing account.
To visit Havant Arbor site, please go to https://www.havant-academy.uk.arbor.sc/ or scan the QR code to the left.
More information on Arbor is on the next page.
*Please note, you will need to create an account with our Arbor site even if your previous school used Arbor as each school’s Arbor accounts are unique and logins do not carry over.
Student Lockers - NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2025
We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Locker Space, a leading provider of school lockers, to enhance our students' experience at school for September 2025.
Our current student lockers were installed at Havant Academy in 2011 and their software system is now obsolete. The cost to replace the software is £92,000 and unfortunately due to rising costs we are unable to allocate school funding to this. Therefore, rather than students having no access to a locker we have sought an alternative solution.
We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Locker Space, a leading provider of school lockers and are known for their high-quality, secure, and userfriendly lockers. We are confident that this new addition will enhance our students' school experience by providing them with a safe and convenient storage solution. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our school community. There will initially be 250 lockers available on site, which we will add to should there be sufficient uptake.
Please access a Locker Space leaflet via the QR code below which explains how to rent a locker for next year and instructions for your child to gain access to their new locker and set their own personal code.
Home School Agreement
The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) recognises that the successful development of its students depends on an effective partnership of school, students and parents. All three parties share responsibility for the development and achievement of each student. Together, we commit ourselves to the following:
The School will:
Provide a learning environment that is stimulating, safe and caring to promote outstanding attendance
Ensure that every student is challenged in class, and at home, through a broad and wide curriculum relevant to the world of work
To set meaningful homework to develop a student’s skills and knowledge
Ensure that every student has the opportunities, support and guidance to achieve their full potential
Report effectively on each student’s progress
Expect high standards, set clear rules, promote mutual respect and develop a sense of responsibility
Keep parents informed about school matters, be welcoming to enquiries and responsive to concerns
Treat others as I would wish to be treated
Consistently implement rewards and sanctions outlined in the School’s Behaviour Policy
Act as an ambassador for the School in the community
Signed School:
As parent/carer, I/we will:
Make sure my/our child attends School regularly, arrives on time and in correct uniform, properly equipped for School
Encourage my/our child to work hard and support them to complete class and homework
To support the school Homework Policy to develop my/our child’s skills and knowledge
Encourage my/our child to participate in opportunities, support and guidance to achieve their full potential
Attend parents evenings and discussions about my/our child’s progress
Adhere to the School’s high standards, and rules to support a culture of mutual respect and responsibility
Keep the School informed about issues at home that impact on learning, be welcoming to enquiries and responsive to concerns
Treat others as I would wish to be treated
Support in the implementation of the School’s Behaviour Policy
Act as an ambassador for the School in the community
As a student, I will:
Attend School regularly and on time and in correct uniform, properly equipped for lessons
Work hard in class and at home to reach my full potential
To complete all homework by the deadline
Take an active part in School life and extracurricular activities offered by the school, to achieve my full potential
Keep a track of my progress and work with others to ensure I achieve my full potential
Adhere to the School’s high standards, and rules to support a culture of mutual respect and responsibility
Report or discuss issues at home that impact on learning
Treat others as I would wish to be treated
Adhere to the School’s Behaviour Policy
Act as an ambassador for the School in the community
Signed Parent/Carer:
Signed Student: