Parent/Carer Handbook

Parent/Carer Handbook 2022-23

Our partnership with parents and carers is crucial in ensuring students are happy and successful at the academy.

We are committed to ensuring that you can be fully involved in your child’s education. Clear, regular communication with parents is incredibly important to us.

We have very high expectations of our students and we provide very high levels of support to ensure they can reach these. This booklet is therefore an essential document in helping you understand how our academy works, so we can ensure that your child gets the most out of the opportunities we provide.

Anna Sarchet Principal

Contents

1 2 Behaviour Mentors 4 Support with Mental Health & Wellbeing Bullying 5 Safety & Safeguarding 18 6 Working with Parents & Carers PAM Parent Parent Consultation ParentPay 9 Parent Staff Association 10 Personal Advisors Progress Reports SLT Surgery Complaints Procedure 22 What Students Learn Accelerated Reader 13 Additional Studies Homework Music Lessons PHSCE Special Educational Needs & Disability 16 Sports Clubs 25 Student Opportunities

Home - Academy Agreement Values & Success Our Values Celebrating Success Opportunities Expectations & Rules Expectations Rules Sanctions Who’s Who What Students Need Equipment Student Planner Uniform P.E. Kit Lost Property Buying Uniform The School Day Daily Schedule Term Dates Attendance Lunch Pastoral Care Tutors Heads of Year

Where the term ‘parent’ is used in this document the academy recognises that this includes any adult who has legal responsibility for the child.

First point of contact To reach any member of staff contact our reception team admin@thecityacademy.org | 020 8525 5440 | Open 8 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

Academic issues will be forwarded to: Pastoral issues will be forwarded to:

Class Teacher

The Subject Leader

Tutor

Head of Year

2

Home - Academy Agreement This agreement is at the heart of how we will work together to ensure students achieve their full potential here at The City Academy, Hackney. Every Student and Parent/Carer should be familiar with it.

The academy will ensure that: •

We provide a safe and supportive environment for students to enjoy learning and achieve their full potential

•

Students have the best possible education by providing a suitable curriculum and individual support

•

We set challenging targets for students to aspire to and review them regularly

•

We provide regular reports of students’ progress for parents

•

We contact home to praise and reward students’ success

•

We contact home if there are concerns about a student’s behaviour, effort or attendance

•

We contact home immediately if students are to be detained for more than 30 minutes after the end of the academy day

•

We provide opportunities for parents to discuss their child’s progress with teachers and other professionals

Parents will ensure that: •

Their child attends every day, on time, unless they are ill

•

Their child wears the correct uniform to, at, and on the way home from the academy

•

Their child has the correct learning equipment needed for the day including a clearly labelled P.E. kit

•

They support the academy’s policies on behaviour and uniform including both up to 30 minutes detention without notice, and same day severe incident after-school detentions until 5.30 p.m. once informed

•

They provide a suitable environment for their child to work at home

•

Their child completes their homework on time and to the highest standard

•

They attend consultation appointments and Parent Days to discuss their child’s progress and any other meetings arranged with their consent

•

They encourage their child to try a broad range of additional activities from those on offer

•

They read and sign their child’s Student Planner every week

•

Their contact details are up-to-date and they let reception know if their details change

Students will ensure that they: •

Work hard and expect to learn in every lesson and all additional activities

•

Attend regularly, arrive on time, wearing the correct uniform and with the correct equipment

•

Follow the academy’s rules at all times

•

Complete all homework to the highest standard and hand it in on time

•

Treat all adults and students with respect and stand up in class if the Principal or an unknown adult or visitor enters the room

•

Be polite at all times and open the door to let an adult through first

•

Respect the academy building and equipment and leave rooms tidy after using them

•

Take letters and messages home and deliver them to their parents or carers

•

Keep their Student Planner up-to-date with homework and targets and show it to academy staff if requested

3

Values and Success 4

The City Academy, Hackney offers all students an outstanding opportunity to learn and achieve in a purpose-built environment with access to the highest standards of teaching, support and challenge.

Our Values Lead by example Work together Respect individuals

Dedication to learning and achievement Commitment to communities Honesty, openness and fairness

Students at The City Academy, Hackney are valued and rewarded for hard work, politeness, self-discipline, ambition, resilience, fairness and compassion. We foster in students a desire to learn throughout life. We develop teamwork, leadership, problem solving skills and teach the value of difference in ability, gender, culture, race and sexual orientation.

Celebrating Success Celebrating students’ efforts and success is central at The City Academy, Hackney.

We are always looking to find reasons to praise students in school as targeted praise motivates and enables students to progress in all aspects of their school life.

Merits Students will earn merits for excellent behaviour, effort, attainment, attendance and reading. Top merit winners are celebrated in assemblies and tutor times.

Rewards We have regular rewards for: top merit winners, 100% attendance and punctuality, no detentions, reaching Accelerated Reader targets and outstanding work, including: • • • • •

Postcards and positive phone calls home Coverage in school newsletters and the school paper The City Times Termly prizes such as vouchers Trips or treats in school including theatre visits and pizza orders A yearly Outward Bound trip for the top merit winners

Opportunities 5 Students at The City Academy, Hackney are taught in an environment that promotes academic, creative, sporting, linguistic, and personal achievement: this is the ‘City Experience’.

Academic - we will not compromise on students achieving exceptional levels of academic progress. We are rigorous in our teaching whilst ensuring that we engage students’ interest and inspire them to achieve the highest academic standards. Behaviour is exceptional, classrooms are focussed and students are required to complete their class work, and the regular homework we set them, to the best of their ability.

Creative - creative learning experiences are promoted across all subjects and the creative subjects themselves are highly regarded in our school. Every student has access to a wide range of creative opportunities through the formal curriculum, Additional Studies, trips, concerts and productions. In addition, every student in year 7 is given access to free musical instrument tuition.

Sporting - our commitment to healthy lifestyles means that we encourage wide participation in sports and fitness. We have regular fixtures for all sports teams ranging from football to netball, table tennis to trampolining. Students take pride in representing the academy and the academy takes pride in nurturing their individual talents and collective success.

Linguistic - speaking another language is an invaluable life skill in the 21st century. For that reason every child is expected to study at least one foreign language and they are all given the opportunity to travel to Spain or France as part of their studies; these trips are subsidised by our joint sponsor, The City of London Corporation, widening access to an enriching education.

Personal - we believe that academic success and the wider personal development of students go hand in hand. Any school should play a vital role in allowing students to develop a range of wider personal attributes which will help them to succeed in later life.

The academy places a great deal of importance on politeness, kindness, responsibility and respect. We promote these values through our high expectations.

Expectations and Rules 6

We have very high expectations for all our students. Our expectations and rules are clear as are the consequences of both good and poor behaviour.

With this in mind, we have a simple and consistently enforced system of rewards and sanctions to support high standards of behaviour. This encourages hard work, rewards good behaviour, and promotes success.

It is our teachers’ responsibility to ensure that the academy delivers a secure environment with outstanding teaching. It is our students’ responsibility to be well presented, polite and courteous at all times, and we expect parents to uphold our rules so that every child can succeed.

If students do not meet the academy’s expectations and rules there is clear guidance regarding sanctions.

Managing Behehviour, Key staff - A full staff list can be found on our website Year

Head of Year

Deputy Head of Year

Year 7

Mr Ahmed Mangera

Ms Pebbles Brown

Year 8

Ms Rachel Halpin

Mr Myron Tandoh

Year 9

Mr Ben Scanlan

Mr Jack Day

Year 10

Ms Kate McClennon (Mr Olu Ladega on Fridays)

Year 11

Ms Nina Kuh

Mr Mekel Homer

Sixth Form

Mr Fergus Kirby

Ms Helen Sacala

What items are not allowed at the academy?

• • • • • •

Electronic equipment such as mobile phones, head phones, PSPs etc.

Money Food and drink including chewing gum and sweets Cosmetics and hair care products such as combs Non-uniform clothing and jewellery Any illegal or banned items such as weapons, drugs or fireworks

These items will be confiscated until the end of term or disposed of appropriately

10 Golden Rules 1. We are here to learn and to work hard.

2. We are in the right place at the right time.

3. We quickly follow instructions at the first time of asking.

4. We are smartly dressed and equipped to learn.

5. We complete homework and revision.

6. We communicate by talking (not shouting).

7. We are polite, respectful and kind.

8. We take pride in our work.

9. We take care of our school environment and equipment.

10. We conduct ourselves safely.

10 Classroom Routines 1.

We arrive on time and line-up outside the classroom, or in the playground in a single file line. The first person in the line will hold the door open for everyone else.

2. We walk to lessons and enter classrooms silently and we put our essential equipment on the desk. We stand behind our chairs until we are asked to sit down.

3. We always sit where the teacher asks us to and we put completed homework on the desk. Our coats and bags are hung on the back of chairs.

4. We listen carefully, in silence, when the teacher is talking.

5. If we need to ask or answer a question, we put our hand up and we wait to be asked to speak.

6. We complete all of the work we are asked to do to the best of our ability.

7. We write homework in our planners and we make notes so we know what to do and when it is due.

8. When our teachers tells us, we pack up and stand quietly behind the desk, pushing our chairs neatly underneath.

9. One person will hold the door open and the rest of the class will leave insilence, in a single file line.

10. If we ever have to wait for a teacher we read our reading books in silence.

7

Sanctions 8

Yellow Detention 20 minutes

Amber Detention 40 minutes

1 time in a half-term when arriving before 9am

2 time in a half-term or arriving after 9am

Red Detention 1 hour

Arriving late to school st

nd

3rd and subsequent times in a half-term

Missing, unsatisfactory or incomplete homework 1st time in a half-term

2nd time in a half-term

3rd and subsequent times in a half-term

Poor behaviour out of school

e.g. going into shops in uniform, being in the local area within 20 minutes of the end of the day 1st time in a half-term

2nd time in a half-term

3rd and subsequent times in a half-term

Disruption

Persistent disruption

Failing Shadow

Arriving late to lesson

Missing or failing a ‘Yellow’ detention

Missing or failing an ‘Amber’ detention

Graffiti / poor presentation in class book or planner

Rudeness

Extreme Rudeness

Insufficient work or effort

Unsafe Behaviour

Physical contact causing harm

Missing equipment

Possession of minor prohibited items

Vandalism or damaging school property

Talking in line, failing or missing line-up

Unkindness

Truancy from lesson

Planner not signed by parent/carer

Dishonesty

Defiance

From Monday period 1 planner check by tutor

e.g. plagiarism, cheating or communicating in an assessment, lying

Incorrect uniform

Inappropriate ICT use

Bullying or extreme unkindness

Reminder > Warning > Detention

Reminder > Warning > Detention > Removal

e.g. rolling of eyes, not using professional language, questioning or poor response to a sanction Pushing, running, poor behaviour in a fire drill

From period 1 equipment check

e.g. money, food, chewing gum, phone, make-up

e.g. wearing make-up or nonuniform items

e.g. name calling

e.g. misusing the internet or email

Failing report

R > W > D > Removal > R > W > Fail

e.g. swearing under breath at another student, persistently questioning a sanction

Deliberate failure to follow a clearly given and reasonable instruction

See report card for details of sanctions

Serious Misbehaviour 9

Missed or failed red detention Refusal to complete a community based sanction Failure to complete an internal exclusion Constant disruption or persistent rule breaking Includes extremely challenging or confrontational behaviour or defiance, disobedience, persistent violation of school rules Severe bullying Includes verbal, physical, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, racist or sexist bullying and is irrespective of whether this takes place within the academy, outside the academy or online Physical violence or assault Includes fighting, violent behaviour, wounding, obstruction & jostling Verbal abuse or threatening or intimidating behaviour Includes threatened violence, aggressive behaviour, swearing, homophobic abuse and harassment, intimidation, carrying an offensive weapon Prejudiced and Related Behaviour Includes racist taunting and harassment, derogatory racist comments, swearing that can be attributed to racist characteristics, racist bullying, racist graffiti Sexual Misconduct Includes sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, lewd behaviour, sexual bullying, sexual graffiti, possession or distribution of pornography Drug or Alcohol Includes possession of illegal drugs, drug dealing, inappropriate use of prescribed drugs, smoking, alcohol or substance abuse, possession of smoking paraphernalia including lighters Damage Includes, vandalism, arson, graffiti or any act which causes damage whether the damage was intended or not but which could have been prevented by sensible behaviour Theft Includes stealing school property, stealing personal property (from a student or adult), stealing from local shops, selling and dealing in stolen property Possession of a dangerous item Includes fireworks, weapons

All incidents listed as severe behavioural events can result in either a referral to the reflection room or external exclusion.

This list is not exhaustive and severe sanctions can be considered for other types of behaviour at an equivalent level of concern.

Sanctions will be determined after an investigation to ensure the relevant information is considered.

The decision to issue an external exclusion can only be taken by the Principal (or the Vice Principal acting as the senior staff member in their absence).

The decision to issue an internal exclusion can be recommended by a Head of Year and will be agreed with the Associate Assistant Principal for Behaviour, a Vice Principal or the Principal.

Parents will be informed of sanctions in all cases, and will be invited in to meet with staff to discuss this behaviour.

The range of sanctions includes: •

Referral to the reflection room

•

Suspension from the academy (from 1 up to 16 days)

•

Expulsion from the academy or a managed/move or alternative provision placement put in place (if appropriate)

Repeatedly arriving late or truancy Making a malicious allegation made against another student or staff member Refusing to undergo a search or screening process Bringing the academy into disrepute For Sixth Form Students: Failing to meet targets specified in a support plan

What Students Need 10

Equipment There are some things a student needs everyday and some they need for specific lessons.

If a student is missing a piece of essential equipment they will receive a detention.

Essential Equipment for Every Lesson

Essential Equipment for Specific Lessons

Good to Have

• Student Planner*

• Scientific calculator (maths & science)

• Pencil sharpener and rubber

• Reading Book

• Protractor (maths)

• Colouring pencils

• 2 x black / blue pens

• Tupperware box with sealing lid (Food Tech)

• A clear pencil case

• 1 x HB Pencil

• P.E. Kit (P.E.)

• Glue stick

• 1 x green pen

• That day’s exercise books • Cloth Mask

• 1 x ruler

• That day’s text books

• Hand sanitiser***

• TCAH Water bottle** *Student planners are issued in school to every student in September. **Water bottles are issued to every new student. They are the only kind of bottle allowed on site and must only be used for water.

Replacement planners and water bottles must be purchased from a student’s head of year. *** Hand sanitiser will be available in school but students are welcome to bring their own.

Student Planner Planners are an essential piece of equipment which students must have with them at all times in school. Homework, detentions, targets and reading logs are all recorded in student’s planners. Every student is issued a school planner in September.

If a student doesn’t have their planner they will receive a red detention.

Planners are also a vital means of communication between parents and teachers. There is space for messages in the weekly comments box. Parents must sign their child’s planner each week. All planners are checked during tutor period on Mondays.

Uniform Students must wear correct uniform at all times. This includes on their way to, at, and on the way home from the academy.

It is a symbol by which students are recognised within the community and it fosters a sense of pride for, and respect of, the learning environment.

Essential Uniform

Additional items

Academy blazer

Academy coat (only coat allowed)

Academy jumper

Academy hat (only hat allowed)

Academy blouse / Academy shirt & tie (Year 7 - 9 = white / Year 10 - 11 = blue)

Plain black scarf (no branding)

Academy skirt / trousers

Plain black gloves (no branding)

Plain black ankle socks or tights

Plain black folding umbrella

Academy Backpack Flat, plain black school shoes* *Shoes must be polishable (not canvas or suede). They should be plain black with no visible branding or coloured stitching. Kickers are not allowed. Many students wear wallabee style shoes available at ShoeZone and Clarks.

Jewellery, Hair and Make-Up • • • •

No jewellery except plain watches and a maximum of one plain silver or gold metal stud in each ear (must be removed for P.E.) Hair should be neat, professional, no dyed hair or patterns cut in Long hair, shoulder length or below, must be tied back with a plain black hairband No make-up or nail varnish

Judgements on acceptability will only be made by staff at the academy.

Students with inappropriate uniform, hair or make-up will be placed in the Reflection Room or sent home to change. Jewellery will be confiscated.

11

P.E. Kit 12

Essential P. E. Kit Must be bought to every P.E. lesson Academy rugby / polo shirt

Academy shorts

Academy socks or plain above ankle white socks (no branding)

Sports-appropriate footwear/ trainers (no fashion shoes)

Academy P.E. Bag (string bag or hold all) Sports Specific Essential P. E. Kit - For the following sports require special kit Rugby - a gumshield Football - shinpads

Lessons off site - studded boots in winter months

Additional P. E. Kit Students may wish to where the following items Academy red sweatshirt

Plain red baselayer (no branding)

Academy hat

Plain black gloves (no branding)

Academy tracksuit bottoms*

Plain black scarf (no branding)

*Tracksuit bottoms can be worn in lessons for religious reasons only Students who fail to bring their P.E. kit once in a half term will be issued a yellow detention. If they forget it again that half term students will receive an amber detention. You must provide medical evidence if a child is unable to participate in P.E. lessons or change into kit.

Buying Uniform & P.E. Kit Uniform and P.E. Kit can be purchased from: • Trutex, 31 Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH or online www.trutexhackney.com • The PSA Second Hand Uniform Giveaway - dates can be found on our website

Lost property All lost property goes to reception. Labelled uniform is returned to students; any unlabelled items are kept for one full term .

Uniform and P.E. kit must be labelled with students names using Academy labels.

The School Day 13

Daily Schedule Library Opens

7.30 a.m.

Breakfast Club

7.45 a.m.

Gate Opens

8.20 a.m.

Line-Up

8.38 a.m.

Period 1

8.40 - 9.35 a.m.

Period 2

9.35 - 10.30 a.m.

Break

10.30 - 10.50 a.m.

Period 3

10.50 - 11.50 a.m.

Period 4 Y9, 10 & 11

11.50 a.m. - 12.50 p.m.

Lunch Y7, 8 & 6th Form

11.50 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Period 4 Y7, 8 & 6th Form

12.30 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch Y9, 10 & 11

12.50 - 1.40 p.m.

Recess Y7 & 8

1.30 - 1.40 p.m.

Period 5

1.40 - 2.35 p.m.

Period 6

2.35 - 3.30 p.m.

End of day*

3.30 p.m.

*Additional Studies Once a week, details page 23

3.30 - 4.30 p.m.

*Sports Clubs

3.30 - 5.30 p.m.

Students must have parental permission to attend

*Yellow Detention

3.30 - 3.50 p.m.

*Amber Detention

3.30 - 4.10 p.m.

You will be notified if your child has an amber detention

*Red Detention

3.30 - 4.30 p.m.

You will be notified if your child has a red detention

Library Closes

6.30 p.m.

If your child has additional studies detentions will be 1 hour later You can check which lessons your child has each day in their planner or via PAM Parent: city-hackney.mosspam.org/parent

Attendance 14

Good attendance is essential for students to achieve their full potential. We expect a minimum of 97% attendance from all students (or 184 of the 190 school days). We work with closely with parents to ensure good attendance. Parents play the most significant role in ensuring that attendance and punctuality are good.

Parents should: Contact us by 8.00 a.m. for each day their child is absent attendance@thecityacademy.org | 020 8525 5440 - Option 1 * If your child is absent for more than 5 consecutive days medical evidence should be provided.

Not organise family holidays during term time - the Principal reserves the right to refuse permission for student absence during term time Write a note in your child’s planner explaining the reason for their absence Arrange medical and other appointments outside school hours where possible * If your child MUST attend an appointment during school hours, please provide an appointment card or medical note.

Breakfast and Lunch A free breakfast of porridge is offered to all students 7.45 - 8.15 a.m.

A hot, healthy lunch is served everyday. Students are seated formally at tables as part of our Family Dining service. There are vegetables, salads and fresh bread accompanying the meal, followed by a dessert or fresh fruit.

Students are not allowed to bring in their own packed lunches. Any food or drink will be confiscated and students will receive a detention. Our catering team will ensure that all allergies and special diets are catered for.

Lunch costs £2.40 per day, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals. All food must be paid for via standing order through ParentPay. Snacks, including pizza, biscuits and cakes, can be purchased at break time. We use a biometric system of payment (student’s thumb prints), this is linked to your Parent Pay account.

Free School Meals - To apply, please contact The Hackney Learning Trust or download an application form from their website.

For support with Parent Pay and Free School Meals applications email: Finance@thecityacademy.org

Term Dates 2022-23 Term

First Day

Last Day

Parent Days & Planned school closures

Autumn 1

Mon 5 Sep

Thu, 20 Oct

Autumn 2

Mon, 31 Oct

Thu, 15 Dec

Spring 1

Thu, 5 Jan*

Fri, 10 Feb

*4 Jan - Y11, 12 & 13 Parent Day

Spring 2

Tue, 21 Feb*

Fri, 31 Mar

*20 Feb - Y7 & 10 Parent Day

Summer 1

Wed, 19 Apr*

Fri, 26 May

*18 Apr - Y8 & Y9 Parent Day 1 May - school closed

Summer 2

Mon, 5 Jun

Wed, 19 Jul

6 Jul - school closed

15

Pastoral Care 16

If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing or want to discuss issues that may be affecting their attendance, punctuality, or behaviour please do let us know.

Our reception team will ensure your message gets to the right member of staff.

When emailing or leaving a message please include your child’s full name, year group and the name of the person you want to contact if known. admin@thecityacademy.org | 020 8525 5440 | Open 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Mon - Fri

Tutors & Personal Advisors Your child’s tutor is your first point of contact if you have any questions or concerns.

Students have tutor time every Monday. Tutors check on their student’s progress, monitor their planners, give notices and lead discussions on the theme of the week. They also teach weekly PHSCE lessons. Some students will also have an additional personal advisor who will help support them through weekly sessions.

Heads of Years Heads of yeae are responsible for pastoral care and can help with any concerns.

Behaviour Mentors Our team of behaviour mentors work with students one to one to help them find ways of managing their behaviour. They also offer peer mediation to help resolve problems corroboratively.

Support with Mental Health & Wellbeing We have trained counsellors who offer one to one support to students. We also have a professional child and adolescence mental health worker on site regularly to offer support groups and one to one sessions.

Bullying The academy encourages all students to challenge bullying. Students should report incidents, inside and outside the academy, to a member of staff, who will tackle it promptly and sensitively. Bullying is defined as repeated, deliberate and hurtful behaviour that can take many different forms including: • • • • • • •

Emotional - unfriendly, excluding, tormenting or taking property Physical - pushing, hitting or any form of violence Racial - racial taunting, offensive images or gesturing Sexual - unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments Homophobic, biphobic or transphobic - focusing on, or as a result of, sexuality Verbal - name-calling, sarcasm, rumour-spreading, teasing Cyber - activity online, videos, photos, SMS, phone or social media

If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s tutor or Head of Year in the first instance. admin@thecityacademy.org | 020 8525 5440 | Open 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Mon - Fri Students can report bullying online at: www.thecityacademyhackney.org/antibullying-report-form/633.html

Safety and Safeguarding

The City Academy, Hackney has an on-site security presence at all times, CCTV and an electronic system for registering visitors. Gates are supervised during morning entrance and afternoon exit. All visitors access the building through reception and must wear lanyards all times.

Sixth formers are identified by their blue lanyards. Students are supervised by qualified staff at all times on the academy site and when visiting places off-site.

James Evans - Safeguarding Lead | James.Evans@thecityacademy.org

17

18

Working with Parents and Carers You play a vital role in ensuring students achieve at the highest level. As well as hearing about your child’s progress we will also keep you up to date with news from across the school through regular updates and the half termly school newspaper, The City Times. The school website has up to date information, dates and key events.

It is essential we have up to date contact details for all students. Please contact us if there are any changes to your address, email address or telephone numbers.

The first point of contact for any enquiry is our reception team: admin@thecityacademy.org | 020 8525 5440 | Open 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Mon - Fri

PAM Parent PAM Parent is an essential tool for all Parents and Carers. The vast majority of school communications come via PAM Parent. The PAM Parent App is the best way for you to ensure you receive important communications from school, including detention notifications, reports, details of events and important updates.

The PAM Parent website allows you to find out more about the merits your child receives, view their timetable and view the reasons for any detentions they receive.

All parents and carers receive their log in details when their child joins the academy.

For support contact communication@thecityacademy.org For access to our step-by-step guide for using PAM Parent visit: https://www.thecityacademyhackney.org/-parent-app/48.html

Parent Consultation

In addition to regular correspondence and updates there are two key events we expect parents to attend with their child.

Consultation Week will be beginning of November 2022.

For Y7, 11, 12 & 13 only. After school meeting with your child and their personal advisor or tutor. You will discuss your child’s wellbeing, progress and targets.

Parent Day Wednesday 4th Jan

Y11, Y12 & Y13 Parent Day

Monday 20th February

Y7 & Y10 Parent Day

Tuesday 18th April

Y8 & Y9 Parent Day

An opportunity to meet with individual teachers to talk about your child’s progress in specific subjects. You should attend one Parent Day per year with your child.

Appointments are available in the afternoon and the evening and you will be able to book your appointment online via the events section of the website.

There are no lessons on Parent Days and the academy is closed to other students.

ParentPay ParentPay is used to pay for lunch, snacks, music lessons, trips, tickets, and books.

An essential part of our cashless system, ParentPay removes the possibility of loss or theft of money from students. Parents credit money to their child’s account by: 1. Setting up a monthly standing order - Recommended 2. Online via the website with a credit/debit card Please note - students who wish to attend paid-for recreational trips, e.g. the ski trip, may not be allocated a place if they have an outstanding debt on their Parent Pay account. Standing order payments help prevent accounts going into debt.

For support contact Finance@thecityacademy.org

Parent Staff Association (PSA) The Parent Staff Association (PSA) helps build strong links between home and school, and enables parents to be part of our school community. They host a range of events including social events, second hand uniform shops and parent seminars.

The PSA relies on parent volunteers to coordinate events. If you would like to get involved contact: communication@thecityacademy.org

19

Progress 20

We expect all students to progress five grades between primary school and GCSEs. This will result in every student succeeding in their GCSEs at grades 9 - 5 (including English and maths), and the majority achieving the English Baccalaureate (9 - 5 grades in English, maths, science, a language and history/geography).

Parent support in ensuring students complete homework and keep focused is essential in helping them make this progress.

We have internal assessments three times a year which help us understand which students are making the progress expected and which need more support.

Reports We regularly provide information and data to ensure parents are informed of their child’s progress. Parents are given feedback about their child’s effort and attainment in every subject.

Reports are compiled four times a year and accessed through your PAM Parent Account. All previous reports are stored in PAM so you can check your child’s progress over the year.

For support contact communication@thecityacademy.org For access to our step-by-step guide for reading reports visit: https://www.thecityacademyhackney.org/reports/839.html

SLT Parent Surgery Twice a week members of the Senior Leadership Team are available to discuss any issues that your child’s Personal Adviser is unable to help you with.

Thursday & Friday | 8.45 a.m. - 9.40 a.m. | Book online at www.thecityacademyhackney.org/events/37.html

Complaints Procedure 21

It is the academy’s intention that you and your child experience the highest quality of service, educational provision and communication. If you have any concerns we want to hear them. All correspondence, statements and records of complaints are considered confidential.

To raise a concern please contact reception, who will put you in touch with, or provide contact details for, the relevant member of staff: admin@thecityacademy.org | 020 8525 5440 | Open 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Mon - Fri Agreed Complaints Procedure Informal Complaint Opportunity to express and discuss your concerns with relevant staff Staff will make clear what action, if any, will be taken Concluded promptly and in writing

Formal Complaint, Stage 1 Complaint heard by Principal Acknowledgment, in writing, of receipt of complaint Full investigation with documentation Written response with an explanation of the decision and the reasons for it

Issue not resolved Formal Complaint, Stage 2 Acknowledgment of complaint by Chair of the Governing Body Complaints Appeal Panel (CAP) formed CAP meeting arranged with the aim of resolving the complaint and achieving reconciliation between the school and the complainant Written statement outlining the decision of the CAP with reasons for it

Issue resolved

Our full complaints procedure can be found at www.thecityacademyhackney.org * If your complaint relates to a child at risk of abuse contact Hackney Children’s Social Care (or the Children’s Social Care team where the child lives) immediately: fast@hackney.gov.uk | 020 8356 5500

Complaint about head teacher

Issue not resolved

What Students Learn 22

Accelerated Reader

All year 7, 8 and 9s take part in Accelerated Reader (AR) to improve their literacy and encourage them to read for pleasure. Each term students are set a points target they work towards by reading books. For every book they finish students must complete a short quiz to earn points. Every term there are deadlines for reaching their targets. The dates of deadlines are written in their planners.

Students must also keep a reading log of what they are reading and how often they read. The log is the green section in their planner, it is checked regularly during English lessons. Students should read for at least 20 minutes a day, five days a week.

Reading books for Accelerated Reader is as important as any other kind of homework.

Students are rewarded with merits for excellent reading and for exceeding their target, they may be issued detentions for not reading, How to Help • Set a good example - let your child know that you value books and make sure that they see you reading • Don’t stop reading with your child - some children love being read to, even when they have become fluent readers themselves • Make time to read - set aside time for reading at home • Talk about reading - share your views about books you have enjoyed • Don’t just read books - encourage your child to read in different formats, magazines, newspapers, comics, online, etc.

• Encourage them to use the local library - there are lots of free resources available which can support your child’s out-of-school reading The academy has two well stocked, fully-staffed libraries: The Lee Library for Key Stage 3 and The Turing Library and ICT suite for Key Stage 4. Books can be borrowed for a month at a time.

Lee library is open 7.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. and Turin library is open 3.30 - 6.30 p.m. for students to read and do homework.

Helen Towers - Learning Resources Manager | LibraryTeam@thecityacademy.org

Additional Studies Once a week students have an extended school day to attend enrichment classes known as additional studies. It is compulsory and finishes 4.30 p.m.

Additional studies activities are a key part of The City Experience, and range from robotics to creative writing. All additional studies sessions run from 3.40 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. with a 10 minute recess at 3.30 p.m.

Big band, choir and orchestra count as additional studies so if your child is in one of these groups their additional studies may be a different day to the rest of their year group.

In Y11 additional studies focuses on extra support as students approach their GCSEs. Students will be invited to attend targeted sessions in small groups. This will depend on a student’s particular need, some Y11 students may have no sessions, others may have more than one a week.

Students may be required to stay for detentions after additional studies.

Day

Year Group

Monday

Y11

Tuesday

Y9, 10 & 11

Choir

Wednesday

Y8 & 11

Orchestra

Thursday

Y7 & 11

Big Band

Homework

Music Additional Studies

Year Groups

Weekly Homework

Every other week

Years 7, 8 & 9

English, maths, science, languages

History, D&T, PHSCE, Music, RE Or Geography, Art, Computing, Drama

Years 10 & 11

All Subjects

PHSCE

Students must record all of their homework in their planner, and in most cases homework is completed in the back of their exercise books.

23

Instrument Lessons 24

All students in Year 7 receive free musical instrument tuition and each year scholarships are awarded for free tuition beyond Year 7. Paid for tuition is also available in a wide range of instruments.

We have a big band, choir and orchestra which take part in regular performances both within and outside of school.

PHSCE PHSCE is Physical, Health, Social and Citizenship Education (PHSCE). It includes Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Parents and carers can request to withdraw their child from sex education lessons, other than those which are part of the science curriculum, but are not able to withdraw their child from any aspect of relationships or health education. Full details can be found in the RSE Policy on the website.

Special Educational Needs and Disability The academy practices a rigorous ‘Plan, Assess, Do, Review’ approach to identify students who require academic, social or emotional support.

We review the progress of all students with SEND five times a year, in collaboration with parents/carers and external agencies. We are committed to working with all families and the community to support our students.

Natalie Northfield - SEN Administrator | Natalie.Northfield@thecityacademy.org

Sports Clubs We have before and after school sports clubs for Years 7 - 11 in many sports. Students from these clubs regularly represent the school in competitions and matches.

We contact parents/carers for permission for students to attend sports clubs.

Student Opportunities Anti Bullying Ambassadors This team of students help reduce bullying and build inter year relationships.

House System There are four houses, Aldgate, Ludgate, Moorgate and Newgate. Every Y7 to Y11 student belongs to a house. The house system motivates students to achieve, through a range of activities and competitions. They also coordinate charity fundraising efforts in school.

Music Ambassadors Aimed at passionate and enthusiastic musicians that have some experience of playing an instrument/singing and/or composition. Our Ambassadors perform regularly in and out of school and attend concerts and workshops.

Student Council The Student Council has members from Y7 -11 who represent the voice of our students. They act as role models & ambassadors for school and contribute to reviewing and improving school policies. Each Year Group also has a Council enabling over 20% of our students to represent their fellow students each year.

Student Leadership Year 10 students have the opportunity to apply to be prefects. They act as ambassadors for the school, mentor younger students and have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Every year two students from Y10 are chosen to be head students.

25

7

The City Academy, Hackney, Homerton Row, London, E9 6EA 020 8525 5440 admin@thecityacademy.org www.thecityacademy.org Principal: Anna Sarchet

Member of City of London Academies Trust The City Academy, Hackney is a registered charitable company.

Registered office: The City Academy, Hackney, Homerton Row, London, E9 6EA.