SEPTEMBER 2025 YEAR7 PARENTHANDBOOK
WELCOMEFROM THEPRINCIPAL
Hello and a huge welcome to BOA Digital TechnologiesAcademy.
MynameisDrMorris,andI’mthePrincipalhere atBOADigital.I’msoexcitedthatyou’rejoining us - and I hope you are too. You’re about to begin an amazing new chapter, and we can’t waittobepartofyourjourney.
BOADigitalisnoordinaryschool Webelievein the power of innovation - of using your creativity, curiosity, and ideas to shape what comes next. As the computer scientist Alan Kay, once said, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” That’s exactly what we’ll help you do here. Whether it’s designing a game, coding an app, producing digital media, or solving real-world problems with technology, you won’t just learn about the future-you’llbeempoweredtocreateit.
You’ll learn using the very latest technologies, guided by expert staff who understand the digitallandscapeinsideandout Fromcreative software to specialist tools, you’ll gain handson experience that brings your learning to life. You’ll take on exciting projects - from designing apps and building games to creating digital media and solving real-world challenges.Alongtheway,you’llbuildcreative confidence, develop critical thinking, and master the skills you need to thrive in a fastchangingworldwhereinnovationneverstands still
At BOA Digital, we also believe that success isn’t just about talent - it’s about effort, resilience, and attitude We have high expectations of every student, because we knowwhatyou'recapableof.
We’ll encourage you to work hard, stay curious, and most importantly, to persevere when things get tough. Whether you ' re solving a tricky coding challenge or presentingyourideastoothers,we’llsupport you every step of the way - but we’ll also challengeyoutoaimhighandnevergiveup. That’showrealgrowthhappens
More than anything, BOA Digital is about people. You’ll find a supportive, inclusive community where everyone belongs, and everyvoiceisvalued.We’llhelpyougrownot justasalearner,butasaperson-confident, creative,andreadyforwhatevercomesnext
So,getreadytobechallenged,inspired,and celebrated WelcometoBOADigital-whereyourfuture begins.
We believe in the power of innovation
MEETYOURSTAFFTEAM
DrMorris Principal
MrHardwick VicePrincipal
MissHart
AssistantPrincipal Pastoral&SENDCO
MrO’Brien AssistantPrincipal Culture,Behaviour,RewardsandDSL
MissBarnett PastoralManager
MissRusson
MissDyson
The Curriculum
LEARNING JOURNEY
Key Stage 3 Maths Learning Journey
Shapes
Key Stage 3 Science Learning Journey
Particle Model
Key Stage 3
Tech Projects Learning Journey
YourDigitalEntitlement
AtBOADigitalTechnologiesAcademy,wearededicatedtohelpingyoubuildthe digitalskills,creativity,andconfidenceneededtosucceedinanever-evolving technologicalworld.Asastudenthere,youwillbenefitfromawide-rangingdigital entitlementthatgivesyouthetools,access,andexperiencestogrowbothinand beyondtheclassroom.
WhatYou’reEntitledTo:
1.PersonalAccesstoTechnology
Dailyuseofhigh-performancecomputersequippedwithindustrysoftwaresuchas AdobeCreativeSuite,Unity,andMicrosoft365.
On-siteaccesstoadvanceddigitalhardwareincluding3Dprinters,virtualand augmentedrealitytools,digitalaudioworkstations,andprofessionalediting equipment.
Useofcloud-basedplatformslikeMicrosoftTeamsandOneDriveforlearning, collaboration,andaccessingyourworkfromanywhere.
2.Real-WorldDigitalProjects
Thechancetoworkonexcitingdigitalprojects,includinglivebriefssetbyindustry professionals.
Aproject-basedapproachtolearningthathelpsyoubuildastrongdigitalportfolio andgainhands-onexperience.
3.ASafeandSecureDigitalEnvironment
Strongonlinesafetysystemstokeepyousafeandpromotepositive,respectful digitalbehaviour.
Regulare-safetysessionstohelpyouusetechnologyresponsibly,safely,and confidently.
4.SkillsfortheFuture
Weeklysessionsfocusedonkeydigitalskills,includingcoding,digitalmedia, cybersecurity,AI,andemergingtechnologies.
OpportunitiestoearnrecogniseddigitalqualificationssuchasAdobeCertified Professional,MicrosoftOfficeSpecialist,orUnityCertifiedUser.
SupporttohelpyoubuildaprofessionaldigitalportfolioandanoptionalLinkedIn profiletoshowcaseyourskillsandprepareforfutureopportunities.
5.SupportandEquipmentWhenYouNeedIt
Useofpersonaldevicesandphonesinastructured,teacher-ledwaytoenhance learningandpromoteresponsibledigitaluse.
Asupportprogrammeofferingmentoring,technicalhelp,andworkshopstobuild yourindependenceandconfidenceusingdigitaltools
CODEOFCONDUCT
AtBOADigitalTechnologies,wehavehighexpectationsforbehaviourboth insideandoutsidetheacademy ThisCodeofConducthelpsusallwork togetherinarespectful,safe,andsupportiveenvironment.
BeReadytoLearn
Arriveontime,fullyequipped,anddressedinthecorrectuniform
Onlyonesetofstudearringsisallowed(earlobesonly)
Outdoorclothingisnottobewornduringlessons
Becalm,sensible,andmovecarefullyaroundthebuilding keepleftincorridorsandon stairs
RespectforOthersandOurEnvironment
Treateveryonekindlyandwithrespect listentoothersandvaluetheiropinions
Speakinapolite,non-offensivemanner,avoidshouting
Respectthepropertyandfeelingsofothers,includingwhentravellingtoandfromthe academy
Keepourenvironmentclean—putrubbishinbins,returnborroweditems,andcarefor displaysandequipment
Nochewinggum,smoking,vaping,oreatingoutsideofdesignatedareas
TakingResponsibility
Takeownershipofyouractionsandalwaystellthetruth
Resolvedisagreementscalmly—neverwithaggressionorabusivelanguage
Helpothersmakegoodchoices;speaktostaffifyouareconcernedaboutsomeone’s behaviour
TakingResponsibility
Takeownershipofyouractionsandalwaystellthetruth
Resolvedisagreementscalmly neverwithaggressionorabusivelanguage
Helpothersmakegoodchoices;speaktostaffifyouareconcernedaboutsomeone’s behaviour
RIGHTS
Ihavetherighttobetreatedkindlyandwithrespect
Thismeansnooneshouldlaughatme,ignoreme,orhurtmyfeelings.
Ihavetherighttobemyself
Everyoneshouldbetreatedfairly,nomatterwhattheylooklike,wherethey'refrom,whatthey believe,howtheyspeak,orwhattheycando
Ihavetherighttofeelsafeintheclassroom
Nooneshouldhit,push,throwthings,tease,orhurtmeinanyway.
Ihavetherighttolearnaboutmyself
Icansharemythoughtsandfeelingsinakindandsensibleway.IcanaskquestionsifIdon’t understandsomething,andnooneshouldlaughatmeorinterruptme.
Ihavetherighttofeelimportantandrespected
Everyoneintheclassmattersandshouldbetreatedkindly
Teachershavetherighttostopunkindordisruptivebehaviour
Thishelpseveryonelearnandmakessuretheclassroomisasafeandhappyplace.
REWARDSANDCONSEQUENCES
Rewards
Wecelebratepositiveattitudesandgreateffortsinavarietyofways StudentsreceivePraise Pointsforexcellentworkandbehaviour,andthosewith100%attendanceeachtermare awardedAttendanceCertificates.Achievementsarealsorecognisedthroughpostcardsand certificatessenthome,aswellaspositivephonecallsfromstaff.Additionally,studentswho consistentlymeetexpectationsarerewardedwithspecialtripsandtreats.
Sanctions
Tomaintainacalmandfocusedlearningenvironment,minorissuesmayresultinbreakor lunchtimedetentions,whichdonotrequireparentalcontact.Moreseriousorrepeated behaviourcanleadtoaone-hourafter-schooldetentionfrom3:15to4:15pm,withparents informedinadvance Ifconcernspersist,furtheractionsmayinvolvemeetingswithparents andtheintroductionoftailoredsupportplanstohelpthestudentimprove.TheSenior LeadershipTeam(SLT)isresponsibleforaddressingseriousorpersistentbehaviouralissues andwillapplystrongersanctionswhennecessarytoupholdtheacademy’sstandards.
SAFEGUARDINGATBOADIGITAL
Thesafetyandwellbeingofallourstudentsisourtoppriority.Wearecommittedtocreatinga safe,supportiveenvironmentwhereeverychildfeelsvaluedandprotected
Ifyou,asaparentorcarer,oryourchildhasanyconcerns-nomatterhowbigorsmall-please knowthatweareheretohelp.Ourstaffaretrainedtolisten,takeconcernsseriously,andtake appropriateactiontokeepchildrensafe.
YoucanfindourSafeguardingpolicyonthepoliciespageofthishandbook.
Belowarethepeopleyoucanspeaktoifyouhaveanyworriesorneedsupport:
We’recommittedtoprovidingasafe,clean,andsupportiveenvironmentforallstudents.Tohelp usdothis,weaskthatthefollowingitemsarenotbroughtontotheacademysite.
Nuts–duetotheriskofsevereallergicreactions
Chewinggum–tohelpkeeptheacademyclean
Cigarettes,e-cigarettes,tobaccoproducts,matches,andlighters
Alcoholanddrugs–including"legalhighs"oranypsychoactivesubstances
Weapons–includingknives,catapults,oranyitemthatcouldcauseharm Fireworks
Aerosolsprays–suchasdeodorantsandbodysprays
Largesumsofmoney–toavoidlossortheft
Medication–mustbelabelledandhandedtoreceptionifneededduringtheday
Solvent-basedgluesandcorrectingfluids–suchasTipp-Ex Laserpensordevices
ThankyouforhelpinguskeepBOADigitalasafeandrespectfulplaceforeveryone.
MrO’Brien
MissHart
DrMorris Principal
UNIFORM
Studentsarerequiredtowearfullschooluniform,whichincludesaminimumofthreebranded itemsthatmustbepurchased.Parentsandcarersareaskedtosupporttheacademy’suniform policybyensuringtheirchildisappropriatelydressedeachday,helpingtomaintainthehigh standardsandambitionsweexpect.
EssentialBrandedItems
BOADigitalblazer orplainblackblazerwith sewn-onschoolbadge
OptionalBrandedItems
Non-BrandedUniform
Plainwhiteschoolshirtwithatopbuttonandcollar (longorshortsleeved).Itmustbelongenoughtobe tuckedin
Blackformaltrousers,fulllengthtotheshoe
Blackpleatedschoolskirtatkneelength
Plainblacksocksorplainblacktights
PEKit
BrandedPEpoloshirt
Shorts/skorts(brandedorplainblack)
BOAHoodie(optional)
Sportstrainers(ofanystyleandcolour)
Clip-ontie
PEpoloshirt
V-neckjumper
PEhoodie
PEskorts/shorts
Footwear
Plainblackschoolshoes,withlowheels.Mustbeleather,orsimilarofstyle.
Hair
MUSTNOTbesportstrainers,canvasshoes/pumps,orsueduggboots TheyMUSTNOThave colouredsoles,colouredlaces,logosorcharms
Whilstitisdifficulttoclearlydefinehairstylesandcolours,itisimportanttomaintainsmart appearanceandhighstandards.
Brighthaircolours(e.g.brightpink,blue,greenetc.)andextremehairstyles(e.g.:shaved patternsincludingtramlines,mohicans)arenotpermitted Studentsshouldnothaveseveral haircolours
Studentswillbeexpectedtorectifyanyinappropriatehairstyles/colour.Ifindoubt,students shouldspeaktotheirtutorbeforehavingtheirhaircut/coloured.
FurtherGuidance
Inadditiontotheaboveuniformstudentsmaywear:
Anappropriateoutdoorcoattotraveltoandfromschool
Awatch,oneplainring,onenecklaceandsmallearstuds
Discreetmake-up(studentswillbeexpectedtoremoveanyexcessiveorinappropriate make-up)
Bagsshouldbeappropriateforschool,largeenoughforbooks,stationeryandwaterbottles
Wedonotallow
Fittedtrousers,hipsters,jeans,skinnytrousers,jegging/leggings
Fittedortubeskirts
Hoodiesorsportsjackets
Pouchesorminibackpacks
Hats/caps
Visiblebodyorfacialpiercingsotherthantheearlobe
Falsenails,nailextensionsornon-discreetnailpolish
Falseeyelashes
Braceletsandbangles.
Multi-colouredpatternedsocks
BOADigitallogoeduniformitemscanbe purchasedfromCliveMarkSchoolWear.
Itemswhichdonotrequiretheschool badgecanbepurchasedfromanyschool uniformstoreorsupermarket.
https://clivemarkcouk/ Ouruniformisstockedattheir King’sHeathstore 38-40PoplarRoad,B147AD
ATTENDANCE
Whyattendancematters
AtBOADigital,wewanteverystudenttoaimhighandfeelsupported.Good attendancehelpsuscreateafun,respectfulplacewherestudentsfeelheardand valued.Tomakethiswork,it’simportantthatschoolandhomeworktogether openlyandsupportively
Whatdoesexcellentattendancelooklike?
Excellentattendanceisbetween98%and100%.AtBOADigital,weexpectall studentstohaveatleast95%attendance Missingschoolregularlymeans missingimportantpartsoflearning,whichcanaffectprogress.Thetablebelow showshowdifferentattendancelevelsadduptolessonsmissedovertheyear.
Whatarethecategoriesofabsence?
omeabsencesareallowedwhenwe’reinformedandthereasonisvalid These include:
Illness(whenwe’vebeennotified)
Medicalordentalappointments(withproof)
Schoolexclusions
Agreedtimeoffforexceptionalcircumstances
Absencesthataren’texplainedorapprovedarenotallowed.Theseinclude: Noexplanationgiven
Arrivingaftertheregistercloses
Unauthorisedtimeoffduringtermtime
Rewardingstudents
Weplaceastrongfocusonrecognisingstudentswhoshowagreatattitudeto learning Teacherscanawardpraisepointstoanyonewhoworkshardinclass, produceshigh-qualitywork,orgetsinvolvedinacademylife liketakingpartin clubsoractivities.
Studentswith100%attendanceeachtermwillalsoreceiveaspecialcertificateto celebratetheircommitment
TERMDATES
AUTUMNTERM Monday1 September-Friday19 December st th
Monday 1 September I Staffinsetday st
Tuesday 2 September I Staffinsetday nd
Wednesday 3 September I Year7'sstartschool rd
Thursday 25 September I Year7Settlinginevening th
Monday 27 - Friday 31 October I Halfterm th st
Monday 17 NovemberIStaffinsetday th Friday 19 December I Termends th
January-Friday27
Monday 5 January I Termstarts th Monday 16 - Friday 20 February I Halfterm th th Friday 27 March I Termend th
April-Friday20 July th th Monday 13 April I Termstarts th Monday 4 May I BankHoliday th Thursday 14 May I Year7Parentsevening th
Monday 25 - Friday 29 May I HalfTerm th th Monday 1st June IStaffinsetday Monday 20 July I Staffinsetday/Termend th Pleasenote:Datesaresubjecttochangeandmaybeamended.
BarrackStreet | 1minutewalk
ChemsleyWoodtoCityCentre(PrioryQ’Way)
viaTileCross|KittsGreen|Stechford|AlumRock|Saltley|Duddeston
CityCentre(PrioryQ’Way)toChelmsleyWood
viaDuddeston|Saltley|AlumRock|Stechford|KittsGreen|TileCross
WindsorStreetSouth | 6minutewalk
ChelmsleyWoodtoCityCentre(PrioryQ’Way)
viaSmithsWood|CastleBromwich|WardEnd|WahswoodHeath|Saltley
CityCentre(PrioryQ’Way)toChelmsleyWood
viaSaltley|WashwoodHeath|WardEnd|CastleBromwich|SmithsWood
WindsorStreetSouth | 6minutewalk
ChelmsleyWoodtoCityCentre(PrioryQ’Way)
viaKingshurst|ShardEnd|HodgeHill|WardEnd|WashwoodHeath|Saltley
CityCentre(PrioryQ’Way)toChelmsleyWood
viaSaltley|WashwoodHeath|WardEnd|HodgeHill|ShardEnd|Kingshurst
Duddeston (05miles)
MoorStreet (0.8miles)
SnowHill (10miles)
NewStreet (11miles)
FOODATSCHOOL
Ouronsitecanteenoffersavarietyofmealseveryday,includingbreakfast,breaktimesnacks, andachanginglunchtimemenu.
Pricesvary,withoptionstosuitalltastes,diets,andbudgets Eachstudenthasadaily spendinglimitof£6.Forthebestvalue,werecommendthedailymealdeal just£2.90fora mainmeal,drink,andcookie.
CashlessPayment
Thisyear,BOADigitalhastakendeliveryofanewtillsystemtoenablecashlesspayments Parentsandcarersareaskedtotopupthefundsavailabletotheirchildonlineviaouronline ParentPaysystem.
Whenachildmakesapurchasefromthecanteen,theycaneitherusetheirfingerprintortheir PINcodetoconfirmthepurchaseandtheamounttheyspendwillbedeductedfromtheir availablebalance.
Studentsinreceiptoffreeschool mealscanbuytheirlunchinthe usualwayandhaveachoiceof usingtheirfingerprintorPIN code.
Theyhaveadailyallowanceof £2.90whichwillbeaddedtotheir account.Parentsandcarersare remindedthatthebestvalue optionisthe£2.90dailymeal dealwhichincludesamain meal,drinkandacookie.
Doodle
DDigital rawing
1
Getintoagoodbedtimeroutine
Begingoingtobedandwakingupat“schooltime”atleastaweekbeforeschoolstarts,so thefirstmorningisn’tashock
Practicetheschooljourneyifgoingbypublictransport
Whetheryou'rewalking,driving,ortakingpublictransport,doafewtrialrunssoyourchildknowswhatto expect
Organisethenightbefore
Makesureclothes,shoes,coats,lunchboxes,andbagsareclearlylabelledwithyourchild’sname Things oftengetlostormixedup. 2 3 4 5
Layouttheschooluniform,packtheschoolbag,andgetthelunch/snacksreadythenightbeforetoavoid arushedmorning
Labelclothesandequipment
Getfamiliarwithyoursubjects
Lookatyoursubjectsinadvance youcouldwatchvideosorreadabitaboutwhatyou’llstudyinYear7
Learntomanagetime
Startgettingintothehabitofplanningyourday usealarmsorplannerstohelpyoustayontopof homeworkandactivities
Readafewbookstokeepyourbrainactive.Trypuzzles,funeducationalgames,orwatchvideosrelated toyourupcomingsubjects(likeBBCBitesizeforYear7) 6 7 8 9 10
Learnbasicdigitalskills
Practiseusingemail,MicrosoftTeams,MicrosoftWordandMicrosoftPowepoint
Buildconfidenceandmanagenerves
Talkopenlyaboutanyworries It’stotallynormaltofeelanxious Practisebreathingexercises,journaling,or mindfulnesstostaycalm
Trysomethingnew
Joinasummercluborlearnanewskill ithelpsboostconfidenceandmakesiteasiertojoinnewthings atschool
DoSomeLightLearning
BOA DIGITAL FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
WhatshouldIdoifmychildisabsentfromschool?
Youshouldcontacttheschoolofficeasearlyaspossibleonthefirstday,usuallybefore9:00 AM,andprovideareason
Howdoestheschoolmanagebehaviouranddiscipline?
Wefollowaclearbehaviourpolicythatoutlinesexpectations,rewardsforpositivebehaviour, andconsequencesforpoorconduct.Pleasefindourbehaviourpolicyonthepoliespage.
Howishomeworksetandhowoften?
Currently, our school does not set regular homework for students. We believe in supporting learningprimarilywithintheschoolday Ifanychangesaremade,wewillcommunicatethem clearlywithstudentsandparents.
Howisstudentprogressassessedandreported?
Student progress is monitored through classwork, homework, tests, and formal assessments throughout the year Parents usually receive regular progress reports and can attend parent eveningstodiscussacademicperformance.
WhodoIcontactifmychildisstrugglingsociallyoremotionally?
IIfyourchildisstrugglingsocially,emotionally,orwiththeirwellbeing,pleasespeakdirectlyto amemberofthepastoralorsafeguardingteam Theyaretrainedtooffersupport,guidance, and can involve other services if needed. You can contact them via the school office or throughthecontactdetailsprovidedonourwebsite.
Whatsupportisavailableforbullyingconcerns?
Bullyingistakenseriously Ifyourchildexperiencesbullying,reportittotheformtutor,headof year, or safeguarding team immediately. The school will investigate and take appropriate action.
Arethereschooltripsorresidentials?
Yes, we offer a variety of educational and enrichment trips, such as local museum visits, outdooractivitycentres,andtechnologytrips.Someareoptional,whileothersarepartofthe curriculum.
Ismychildallowedtobringaphonetoschool?
Yes, students are allowed to bring phones to school, as we are a tech-focused school and mayoccasionallyaskstudentstousetheirdevicesaspartoftheirlearning.However,phones should not be used for social purposes during the school day. Outside of lesson time, they mustnotbeused
OurAcademy Building
Playground
Canteen
