PARENT / CARER
DIRECTORY 2016 / 2017
Welcome to your chosen place of learning – the innovative, creative and successful Brompton Academy. This directory has been written as an easy guide to help you understand how the Academy works and to find answers to any questions you might have. Please read it, and keep it for future reference. For more and updated information please log on to our website at: www.bromptonacademy.org.uk.
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Brompton Academy
Contents 2 How you can FIND us? 3 How can you CONTACT us? 4
What is an Academy?
4
Academy day
5 How is the Academy organised? 5 How are students organised for learning? 5
Quality Assurance
6
The Academy Curriculum
8 academy Uniform 9
Equipment for Learning
9 Family, Adult & Community Learning 10
Directory A–Z
19
Additional Needs
19
Reading at Home
20 HOME STUDY 20 How can you support your child? 21
Any issues?
21
Complaints Procedure
21 Useful Names and Addresses
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How can you find us? By car from M25
By car from Canterbury M2
M25 – go over Dartford Bridge, from Essex, through the tolls
Exit Junction 4 on M2
By train to Gillingham (Kent) station
At Junction 4, take the A278 exit to Gillingham
Turn right after leaving station by main entrance/exit. Taxi rank is located on road adjacent to the station
Follow signs and exit on to A2/M2 signposted for Canterbury Follow A2/M2 Exit onto A289 toward Gillingham Follow signs for Medway Tunnel and take the first and only slip road out of the Tunnel to roundabout ahead. Keep in left hand lane of slip road At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Maritime Way At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Dock Rd At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Wood St/A231 Continue to follow A231 towards Gillingham High Street When you reach the Olympic Park Sports Centre on your left turn right up Marlborough Rd The Academy is on the right hand side
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Brompton Academy
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Hoath Way/ A278 heading to Gillingham/A2 Go through two roundabouts At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sovereign Blvd/A2 Continue to follow A2 Go through one roundabout Turn right at Canterbury St/A231 Continue to follow Canterbury St Turn left at Frederick Rd Turn right at York Ave The Academy is on the left hand side
Or Walk through Gillingham High Street (the High Street is ‘split in two’ by Canterbury Street). At the end of the High Street, after passing the Hollywood Bowl restaurant on your right, turn left into Marlborough Road. Walk up the road. Brompton Academy is located on the right; ten minutes walk up Marlborough Road.
How can you contact us? By phone Our first priority is to ensure you can contact us and get a speedy response to any enquiries or issues you may have. The Academy’s phone number is: 01634 852341. By email If you have a general enquiry please email us at: office@bromptonacademy.org.uk and we will forward it on to the relevant member of staff. If your enquiry is in connection with your child’s learning needs; academic, social or emotional – please email: refernow@bromptonacademy.org.uk and we will speedily action your requests. In writing Please address your letter or note to the member of staff concerned. If you are writing to make a formal complaint please address your letter to the Head of the Mini School to which your child belongs or to the Principal (a copy of the Academy’s complaints procedure is available in reception upon request or to download from our website at: www.bromptonacademy.org.uk). Our address is Marlborough Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5HT.
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What is an Academy? Brompton Academy is an independent state school whose Lead sponsor is the University of Kent. Academy Day
Electives
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Phase One students are offered an enrichment programme called electives, which is bespoke to the Academy and starts in Term 2. Sessions include a range of activities to develop and extend students’ interests and experiences e.g. talented and elite master classes; enrichment activities, support activities and some of these are delivered offsite. The electives programme changes regularly throughout the year, allowing students to experience a range of activities to widen their horizons and enhance their cultural experiences.
8.20am – arrival on Academy site 8.30am – 9.30am Lesson 1 9.30am – 10.30am Lesson 2 10.30am – 10.45am Break 10.45am – 11.45am Lesson 3 11.45am – 1.15pm Lesson 4 and flexi lunch 1.15pm – 2.15pm Lesson 5 2.15pm – 3.15pm Lesson 6 3.15pm – 4.45pm Electives, clubs or end of the Academy day Friday only 8.20am – arrival on Academy site 8.30am – 9.30am Lesson 1 9.30am – 10.00am Lesson 2 10.00am – 10.15am Break 10.15am – 11.15am Lesson 3 11.15am – 12.45pm Lesson 4 and flexi lunch 12.45pm – 1.45pm Lesson 5 1.45pm – 3.00pm Electives, clubs or end of the Academy day
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Phase Two enjoy activities such as the Combined Cadets Force (CCF) and Duke of Edinburgh (DofE).
COMPULSORY EXTENDED DAY (3.15 – 4.45) FOR PHASE ONE AND PHASE TWO TARGETED STUDENTS Some targeted students on elite or support programmes will be asked to stay for these later sessions – please note these will be compulsory. Parents/carers will always be advised in advance if this applies to your child.
What do the phases mean? Phase One: Years 7 and 8 Phase Two: Years 9, 10 and 11 Phase Three: Years 12, 13 and 14
How is the Academy organised? The Academy is divided into five smaller Mini Schools and students belong to one of these. On entry to the Academy students enter one of the two Transition Mini Schools, Darwin or Turing where they remain for two years. Here focus is given on developing their independent learning skills so that they become adept learners, able to cope with the demand of examination work in Phase Two and Phase Three. Transition School students in Year 8 will ‘graduate’ formally in to Phase Two and enter one of the three Mini Schools; Woolf, Keynes or Rutherford as illustrated in the diagram on the next page.
How are students organised for Learning? Students are organised in a variety of ways across the Mini Schools and all students can access programmes in any Mini School regardless of which Mini School they belong to. Students are actively encouraged to study for a range of qualifications leading to various GCSE, BTECs and Advanced Level programmes including the English Baccalaureate. All students follow a core curriculum consisting of English, Maths and Science throughout their time at the Academy and these subjects are set by ability. Optional examination subjects are largely taught within similar ability band groups. These qualifications could be GCSEs, AS and A2 (A level) or BTECs.
Quality Assurance To ensure that your son/daughter receives the best teaching possible, the Academy has a range of senior and middle leadership staff who monitor lessons, develop the curriculum and support parents/carers and all staff to raise the students’ self-esteem and academic standards within the Academy. We are an Academy that is keen to be reflective and look at ourselves by conducting surveys to parents/carers/ staff/students and community members so that we can improve our service to you. We also commission external consultants to undertake regular inspections and reviews; they report directly to the Principal and the Governing Body – ensuring that we remain totally focused on our Academy improvement agenda for the benefit of our students.
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The Academy Curriculum PPD (Personal and Professional Development Programme) includes: Citizenship, Personal Social and Health Education, Religious Education, Emotional Intelligence, Learning to Learn, Finance and Enterprise, Mind, Body and Spirit – Healthy Lifestyles, Sex and Relationship Education, Politics and the Law, Volunteering and Community development. Key Curriculum These modules are cross curricular themed based topics, which Year 7 students study in the Transition Mini Schools, Darwin and Turing. They develop students’ learning capacities and independent learning skills necessary for preparing students for examination courses in Phases Two and Three. Where appropriate, targeted Year 7 students will also follow a ‘catch up’ curriculum to further accelerate their progress.
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Qualifications studied include • GCSEs • AS and A2 • BTEC • Finance Diploma
All levels of qualification are offered • Level 4 – some Higher Education modules • Level 3 – Advanced level • Level 2 – Grades A*, A, B, and C at GCSE • Level 1 – Grades D, E, F, G at GCSE
ACADEMY Mini SCHOOLS – OVERVIEW
YEAR 7/8 Performing Arts Carousel Drama, Dance, Music
PE Personal and Professional Development
Ethics
YEAR 7/8
Core Subjects English, Maths, Science
Electives
Key Curriculum Year 7
Options GCSEs/BTECs: Modern Languages, Social Sciences, Business, Sport, Performing Arts, Ethics, Art, Photography, Media, History, Geography plus others.
Core Subjects GCSEs: English, Maths, Sciences, PE
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Advanced level courses AS and A2 and Vocational (All Subjects)
Modern Foreign Languages Social Skills/Literacy Intervention (targeted students)
History and Geography Year 8
Personal and Professional Development (Includes Sport, PSHE, Citizenship, Finance, Economics, RE, General Studies)
DofE, CCF, FE/HE modules, Work Experience, Academy paid work, Leisure and Sport
English and / or Maths at GCSE A* – C grade If not achieved in Phase 2
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Academy Uniform The Academy takes a pride in its distinctive uniform. Every student is expected to wear the uniform. • Grey blazer with braiding and embroidered Academy logo. This item must be purchased from Uniformbase. • Black V neck jumper with embroidered logo to be worn over shirt at all times. This item must be purchased from Uniformbase. • Academy Mini School clip-on tie (a different colour tie for each Mini School). • White collared short or long sleeved shirt (no polo) – large neck to enable the top button to be fastened, and long enough to tuck into skirt/trousers. • Black plain trousers (not tight, shiny or denim style material, or skinny fit allowed for boys/girls). • Black Academy approved straight knee length skirt. This item must be purchased from Uniformbase and no other retailers. • Black/white knee length socks only (no ankle socks). • Plain black tights. • Plain black flat shoes with no accessories including; decorations, bows, studs, buttons, brooches etc. (enclosed toe and heel – important for Health and Safety when in labs, technology rooms). No trainers. • PE Kit – black tracksuit pants with embroidered Academy logo, black PE top with embroidered Academy logo, black shorts, black sweatshirt with embroidered Academy logo. These items must be purchased from Uniformbase. 8
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The PE Kit will also be worn for all Dance lessons in Phase One. Please note, trainers for PE must not be black soled, they must be non-marking trainers to avoid marking the sports floors. • Football boots required for all year groups. • GCSE/A level Dance Kit – Boys black plain jogging pants or shorts and plain blue t-shirt purchased from Uniformbase and girls blue leotard (purchased from Uniformbase) and plain thick black leggings. • BTEC Performing Arts Kit – Boys black plain jogging pants or shorts and plain blue t-shirt purchased from Uniformbase and girls blue leotard (purchased from Uniformbase) and plain thick black leggings or students can wear the BA PE kit but we request that there is no mixing or matching of the Dance Kit and the PE Kit. • AS/A2 Performing Arts Dance Kit – Boys black plain jogging pants or shorts and plain blue t-shirt purchased from Uniformbase and girls blue leotard (purchased from Uniformbase) and plain thick black leggings. *Please note students are only requested to purchase the Dance Kit when taking Dance as an option in Phase Two or Three. • Coats – no hoodies or zipped up jumpers or non uniform jumpers are allowed. • BA school bag for all Year 7 and 8 students. This item must be purchased from Uniformbase.
• School bag – large enough for A4 folder for Years 9/10/11/12/13/14. • No handbags. • No jewellery (except watch). • No piercings at all, including facial and tongue. • No makeup. • No pencilled in eyebrows. • No nail varnish or false nails. • No coloured hair accessories i.e. coloured bows, headbands, clips etc. Hair bands can be neutral, black or white. • No inappropriate haircuts or colours e.g. tram lines, shaved heads, mullets, dip dyed hair colours, contrasting extreme colours not suitable for work based environments e.g. pink, red, purple, green etc. Please be advised that all haircuts need to be a minimum of a grade two cut and no shorter. The top of the haircut should not be disproportionate to the length of the sides. Please note for students whose religion requires them to wear any alternative items, parents/carers should contact the Principal for agreement. Head coverings should be plain black. (Brompton Academy reserves the right to send students home for wearing incorrect uniform, including PE kit. This is non-negotiable).
Equipment for Learning Please name all your clothing! Students should ensure they come with the correct equipment for lessons. • Charged iPad mini • Pens • Pencils • Rulers • Rubbers • Pencil sharpener • Calculator Please note the BA Shop stocks a wide range of affordable stationary items to equip students for their lessons.
Family, Adult and Community Learning programmes We offer an excellent range of programmes that include tasters, introductions, accredited and Access courses to our parents/carers/students and the local community, in partnership with the University of Kent. Programmes are offered at various times throughout the day, evenings and weekends to encourage life long learning. The programmes are advertised through the Academy website: www.bromptonacademy.org.uk Please contact Mary Murison Community Manager on 01634 852341 for further details.
Although we advise students not to bring in MP3 players or mobile phones, students are allowed to bring them in at their own risk. Mobiles/MP3s should be kept in their lockers and turned off at all times. Should a mobile phone or MP3 player go missing, the Academy will not investigate the matter.
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Directory A – Z A Able and Talented: All students have particular talents or are more able in certain areas. Elite programmes are run as part of the Electives programme. Intelligence is not seen as fixed at the Academy, we believe all young people have the ability to be perceived as able and talented in some way if they are prepared to invest in their own learning. Absence: Brompton Academy uses a Management Information Service, which is a text, voicemail and email system. If your child is ill and cannot attend the Academy, please telephone the absence line number: 01634 852341 or email: attendance@bromptonacademy.org.uk by 8.00am and follow it up with a letter on your child’s return. You will be contacted if your child is absent without the Academy’s knowledge.
Addresses: In case of emergency and to ensure you receive all communications your correct home address, contact numbers and email address are very important. If you change it, please inform the Academy immediately in writing or via our website (see Website).
activities to support the welfare and development of the students at Brompton Academy. Events include fun activities for students and parents/carers to attend with the aim of raising funds to support students that might require assistance with uniform, trip or equipment costs (see Website).
AEN: Additional Educational Needs – this is the name given for students who require any additional support to help them achieve.
Asthma: If your child suffers from asthma, please ensure that the PE staff and Heads of Mini Schools are aware of it and the Academy is aware of any medication he/ she might take.
Appointments: Appointments with members of staff should be made by telephoning the member of staff concerned. Please do not just turn up at reception expecting to be seen as the person you want to see may be unavailable. Assemblies: These are held weekly and led by members of the Strategic Leadership Team, Pastoral Leaders and students.
Academy Meals: These are available daily in the refectory (see Refectory, Free Academy Meals and Cashless Catering).
Assessment: All students will be assessed four times a year in most subjects. Parents and carers will receive quarterly progress reports that detail the outcomes of these assessments.
Accidents: If your child has an accident at the Academy you will be contacted as soon as possible. Please ensure an emergency number is given to the Academy. You may be asked to complete an accident form.
Assistant Principals: There are a number of Assistant Principals (see Strategic Leadership Team list) with specific responsibilities. They are all there to ensure that the Academy works as an outstanding organisation for the benefit of our students.
Achievement Event: The Academy holds annual events to celebrate students’ achievements. Parents/carers are invited to attend.
Associates: The Associates of Brompton Academy are parents/carers who meet every term with the Director of Community and Innovation to organise fundraising
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Attendance: Full attendance is very important. There is a clear link between attendance and achievement including attainment in examination courses. It is the law that all young people stay in learning until the age of 18, which is the final Friday in June of the year in which they turn 18 (see Absence and Attendance Advisory Practitioner). Attendance Advisory Practitioner (AAP): The Academy employs its own Attendance team. They may visit a student at home should they be persistently absent from the Academy. In addition, they are there to assist families who may be having problems (see page 21 for telephone number). The Academy works with an Attendance Advisory Practitioner (AAP) from the local authority who completes any legal work and visits families. The Academy operates an automated text messaging service to alert parents/carers to a student’s absence. The Academy also imposes Penalty Notices for Persistent Absence and Unauthorised Holidays.
Advanced Level: These are Advanced level 3 qualifications that some Phase Two and Phase Three students choose to study. They can lead to University entrance, apprenticeships or employment.
B BA Shop: Students can purchase a wide range of affordable stationary items to support their learning. The shop is open before lessons, break times, lunch times and at the end of the Academy day. The BA Shop is located in the refectory. BA Uniform Shop: We have a small number of new uniform items for sale and a selection of recycled uniform items also for sale. Recycled items are warmly welcomed via donations from parents/carers and all garments received are washed and pressed before being re sold. The BA Uniform Shop is open at the same times as the BA Shop detailed above. The BA Uniform Shop is also located in the refectory. The BA Uniform Shop is open at the same times as the BA Shop detailed above and also located in the refectory. Bicycles: Students are allowed to bring roadworthy bicycles to the Academy, they must be secured with a strong padlock and left in the purpose built cycle area. Breaktimes: a 15-minute morning break and a flexi 30-minute lunch break (see Refectory).
C Careers: The Academy has a Careers Advisor based in the library and this is supported by additional careers information/ advice/guidance offered through the Medway Youth Trust (see Medway Youth Trust). Cashless Catering: The Academy offers a cashless catering system where students can purchase food without the burden of carrying cash. Parents/carers can credit student accounts via the internet or through cash loading machines based on site at the Academy. CCF: The CCF is the Combined Cadets Force and it is a young persons movement sponsored by Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. The CCF provides positive and challenging opportunities for our young people at Brompton Academy and encourages the development of leadership skills, self reliance, self esteem, personal responsibility, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community. Students can join the CCF in Phase Two and Phase Three and students are called Cadets. CCF is part of the electives programme and training is after school from 3.15pm – 4.45pm. CCTV (Closed Circuit Television): The Academy is secure, with internal and external CCTV cameras.
Code of Conduct: The Academy has a code of conduct, which all in our community are asked to abide by. These are sensible guidelines to ensure learning takes place. Communication Centre (Eliot): This is an on-site provision for students with Education Health and Care Plans who have Specific Learning Difficulties and/or Speech and Language Disorders or Vulnerable dispositions. The centre also provides expert advice and guidance for some mainstream students (see Eliot Centre). Complaints: If you have any problems, please telephone or email your child’s Personal Tutor (see Appointments) or follow the complaints procedure outlined in the Academy Complaints procedure available from reception or via the website. Consultation Evenings: The Academy holds consultation evenings for each year group, where parents/carers can speak to staff about their child’s progress. Counselling: The Academy makes referrals to counsellors and other therapists who can help students who are in need of additional support. Chewing Gum: Chewing gum is completely banned from the Academy and students will be in receipt of serious sanctions if they bring chewing gum onto the Academy site (this includes both inside and outside areas). Curriculum Assistants: Curriculum Assistants are employed to support targeted students with learning difficulties. PARENT / CARER DIRECTORY
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D Data Protection Act: All details of your child are registered on the Academy’s computerised information system. Under the Data Protection Act, you are entitled to see the entries on him/her at any time with written notice and within presented timelines. Dates: Term dates and holiday dates are available on the Academy website. Detention: The Academy can legally detain students on the same day without parental notification for a period of up to 30 minutes, even when parents/carers object. Detention is given for breaches of the Academy Code of Conduct. Students who are late, with no good reason, are kept the same day for 15 minutes after the Academy day. Failure to attend the detention will incur a further sanction. The onus is on the student to tell their parents/carers about the detention. Doctors and Dentists: Please ensure that any change of doctor/dentist by you is notified to the Academy in writing or via our website (see Website). Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE): The Academy offers students in Phase Two and Phase Three the chance to access the prestigious and internationally recognised DofE award. The award has been successful in developing enrichment and achievement across the Academy, securing personal and social development and
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encouraging good citizenship. The award is well regarded by employers, colleges and universities. Students are offered clear pathways through the Academy’s elective programme to complete their DofE portfolio. We offer volunteering, skills and physical activities to meet the DofE requirements through the Academy electives programme.
E EDUCATION HEALTH AND CARE PLAN (EHCP): Students who have an EHCP were previously known as Statements of Special Educational Needs. This means students who have severe difficulties with learning/ behaviour, and who are already on the A/SEN register, can be assessed by the Educational Psychologist. This may lead to extra support. The local authority awards EHCP for students who have the most complex needs. Contact the SENCO (see SENCO). Edmodo: Edmodo is the Academy’s virtual learning platform. Edmodo will provide students and their parents and carers easy access to online learning that can be looked at and used anywhere at anytime. Electives: Phase One students are offered an enrichment programme called electives, which is bespoke to the Academy and starts in Term 2. Sessions include a range of activities to develop and extend Phase One students’ interests and experiences e.g. talented and elite master classes and runs from 3.15pm – 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 1.45pm – 3pm on Friday.
The electives programme changes regularly throughout the year, allowing students to experience a range of activities to widen their horizons and enhance their cultural experiences. Phase Two electives programme offers students a variety of opportunities such as the Combined Cadets Force (CCF), Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) and interest and support activities. Eliot Centre: The Eliot Centre offers students with an EHCP related to communication difficulties bespoke educational provision alongside mainstream opportunities. Email: Our address is: office@bromptonacademy.org.uk. Please also ensure we have your correct email address as Brompton Academy will send all future communications by email. Emergencies: Please ensure the Academy has an emergency contact number for you, should we need to contact you (see Accidents). Environment: The students and staff all take a pride in and responsibility for caring for the new learning environment in which they work (see Litter). Equal Opportunities: All students (whatever their background, religion, sexuality, sexual orientation, class, culture, creed or colour) can expect to have the same educational opportunities offered to them following the policies of the 1988 Education Act 1993 act and 2006 acts. The Academy has a Single Equalities policy.
Equipment: All students should bring their charged iPad mini, pens, pencils, ruler, sharpener and PE kit to Academy in a proper Academy bag. They should be properly equipped for whatever lessons they have. Students are allocated a locker to assist them with the storage of their bags and equipment (see Lockers). Exclusion: Although this happens rarely (see Ofsted Report 2012) if a student, who has been continually disruptive, sworn at a member of staff, initiated a fight, bullied others or made offensive sexist, racist, or homophobic comments then they may be excluded for a number of days (FTE) or sent to the Exclusion Room (ER). Continued disruption or an unprovoked and vicious assault on another member of the Academy may lead to a permanent exclusion. Parents/carers will be informed. Please note students who misbehave on the way to and from the Academy will also be subject to the Academy’s disciplinary procedures and sanctions. Please refer to Brompton Academy’s Behaviour Policy. Exclusion Room (ER): To avoid students missing education, students requiring what would normally be a fixed term exclusion (out of Academy) will instead be placed in the ER where it is appropriate.
F Fair Banding: To achieve an all ability intake as far as possible in the selective system, admission to Brompton Academy is through a Fair Banding test, which is a nonverbal reasoning test. Results from this test are then used to place students in one of the Academy’s five ability bands. Forms: Please ensure that you return forms sent home by the Academy if a reply slip is attached. (It’s worth checking your child’s bag every now and then to find letters sent home!). Football Academy: The Football Academy is open to students in Phase Three who are required to have a good standard of playing football and a passion to improve and build essential skills within the game. Students can complete a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sport (equivalent to 2 A levels) and another subject of their choice (equivalent to 1 A level). Subjects offered will include refereeing, FA Emergency First Aid, FA Safeguarding etc. For more information please visit the Academy website (see Website). Franklin Sixth Form Centre: These are 16, 17, 18 and 19 year old students who are in Phase Three studying Advanced level qualifications in readiness for entering university, apprenticeships or employment (see Phase Three).
Free Academy Meals: Some students may be entitled to free Academy meals. Please contact Medway Education Department and not the Academy. They can be contacted on: 01634 306000, Medway Council’s main switchboard at Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR. Fund Raising: We promote community cohesion by encouraging students to support a variety of worthy causes such as Children in Need, Comic Relief, Help for Heroes, CLIC Sargent and local homeless projects. Students are involved via their Personal and Professional Development programme or through the Student Councils. Students are made aware of what initiatives we are supporting via assemblies, notice boards and the Academy website (see Website).
G Games: Games and physical education are compulsory for all students in order to maintain a healthy body and sound level of fitness (see Uniform). GCSE: The General Certificate of Secondary Education is the external examination that students take in Phase Two.
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Governors: The Academy has a number of Governors who are responsible for the overall strategic leadership of the Academy. The Chair of Governors is a member of the University of Kent, the Academy’s Lead sponsor. The list of Governors can be found on our website (see Website). Grammar Band: The Academy has a grammar band for our most able students. The students are set within this ability band for both their core and option subjects following academic GCSE courses from Year 9.
H Head of Mini School: There are five Mini School Heads. They are all Assistant Principals responsible for leading their Mini Schools and managing all the staff and students within it, including having oversight of the curriculum and learning programmes, training and development, SEN, and behaviour and discipline. HLTA: Higher Level Teaching Assistants support individual students in the Eliot Communications Centre. Holidays: The Academy term dates are available to all parents/carers via the website. Holidays should not be taken during term time.
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Home to Academy Agreement: You will be asked to sign an agreement on entry to the Academy which says what the Academy will provide for your children, what the Academy expects of you and what we both expect of your child. Hospital: In the event of a major accident, students will be taken to the Medway Maritime Hospital (see Accidents and Emergencies).
I iBAR: The iBar is available for students and staff to access support, advice and assistance for any concerns regarding their iPad minis or other ICT issues. The iBar is located in the Keynes Mini School and is available during break and lunch times for students and staff to visit. If you have any concerns or worries regarding your iPad mini please contact the iBar ASAP. All breakages must be referred to the iBar immediately. Illness: If a student is taken ill at the Academy during the day he or she must report to the Attendance Team or Learning Coach (see Accidents, Emergencies and Hospital).
Internet: The Academy is connected to the Internet and students can use the Internet providing you, as parents/carers, sign the Internet/email user agreement and parental permission form. The Internet is extremely useful for students to research topics. The Academy has its own website, www.bromptonacademy.org.uk. iPad mini: All students are allocated an iPad mini through the very affordable lease scheme that is offered to all parents/ carers. There is financial assistance offered to those families who are in need of financial support. Contact the Director of Business and Finance if you would like to discuss this further.
J Jewellery: Only a watch is allowed – no other jewellery. The Academy will send home any students who persistently challenge the Academy rules on uniform, jewellery, piercings and hairstyles. Please see page 8 for the uniform rules.
K Key Curriculum: These are modules of themed topics, which students study in the Transition Mini Schools. They develop students learning capacities and independent learning skills necessary for preparing for examination courses in Phase Two and Phase Three.
L Lateness: Students should arrive before 8.20am and be on time for all lessons. If they are late without a legitimate reason, then a detention will be given (see Detention). Lead Sponsor: The University of Kent is the Lead Sponsor of Brompton Academy. The University shapes the strategic vision for the Academy and is responsible for its development. Learning Coaches: These are support members of staff who support Pastoral Leaders within the Academy. Letters: Please send in a letter to explain your child’s absence after illness (see Absence). Please also ensure letters from the Academy are read and any replies made (see Forms). Lettings: Businesses, community groups and interest clubs can hire areas of the Academy premises and facilities. Please contact the Head of Community and Sport on 01634 852341 or email: office@bromptonacademy.org.uk for any queries regarding our Academy facilities. Litter: All litter should be placed in bins provided and not dropped anywhere (see Environment).
Library: The Academy has an excellent library facility that houses books, publications, magazines and a suite of iMacs. The library encourages active learning by offering reading groups, debate sessions and access to programmes such as Accelerated Reader. Students are encouraged to access the library to extend their study skills and further support learning through a variety of different ways. Lockers: All students are allocated lockers to store their personal belongings throughout the day. Students are required to pay £5 deposit for the use of their locker and the deposit will be returned when they leave the Academy if the locker is in the same condition as it was at the beginning of the hire period. Students are responsible for keeping their lockers clean and tidy and are not allowed to add any stickers or posters to the outside of the lockers. If students lose their keys, they are required to bring in £5 to pay for a replacement key that will be ordered by the Academy. Lost Property: Lost items should be reported to Learning Coaches who will direct students to the appropriate place to look for the item(s). Lost property items found by students should be taken to Learning Coaches or Reception. All items of uniform or equipment should be labelled.
M Marking: Staff should be marking students’ work regularly. If you have any concerns please contact the Head of your child’s Mini School. Matches/Lighters: These are not allowed on the Academy premises. Meetings: Staff may contact you to ask you to attend a meeting about your child from time to time (to be arranged at a mutually convenient time). Mentoring: Mentoring and coaching sessions between staff and students form the main part of the role of your child’s personal tutor. They will meet with them regularly for formal and informal sessions to check on their progress, their satisfaction and happiness and target set to aid your child’s improvement. We also provide university mentors to work with our students in targeted areas. Mediation Meetings: This is how the Academy deals with, and resolves conflicts between students and/or staff. This involves a meeting between all parties with a mediator to resolve issues amicably. The Pastoral Team usually co-ordinates these meetings.
Lunchtime: Students are not allowed to leave the premises at lunchtime (see Refectory).
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The Medway Youth Trust: The Medway Youth Trust provides some information advice and guidance for students regarding careers and future educational pathways (see Careers). Mini Schools: There are five Mini Schools within the Academy. Students are assigned to one of the five Mini Schools and wear the coloured tie of the Mini School. Mixed Ability: These are classes where students of all abilities are taught. Mobile Phones: Students are allowed to have them on their person. However, they must be switched off at all times. If a mobile phone goes missing, the Academy will not investigate or take any responsibility for that phone. In emergencies, students are allowed to use the office phone at break or lunchtime (at a discretionary charge of 25p to a landline or 50p to a mobile). MP3 Players: These are allowed in the Academy, but only to be used at lunch/ break times. The Academy does not accept responsibility for these items if they go missing. Multi-Cultural: The Academy is committed to multicultural policies, ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all students (see Equal Opportunities).
N Non-Uniform Day: A couple of times a year students are allowed to come to the Academy in their own choice of clothing for a small sum of money which will be collected for either the Academy Fund or a chosen charity, e.g., Children in Need, Demelza etc. Notes: (See Absence, Forms, Letters and Uniform). No Smoking: Brompton Academy is a non-smoking site. Anyone found smoking on site; staff, visitor or student will be liable for a fine under new legislation that came in on July 1st 2007. This applies to anywhere on the Academy site – indoors and outdoors.
P Parental Responsibility: The Academy needs to know the names and addresses of all those who have legal parental responsibility, including any details of contact orders for separated parents (such information will be treated in the strictest confidence). Legally the Academy is obliged to send educational information to anyone who has parental responsibility as defined in law.
Pastoral Rooms: There are several Pastoral rooms across the Academy. If a student exhibits poor behaviour in lessons they may be sent to a Pastoral room to ‘cool off’ and for guidance from the Pastoral Team before being reintegrated into lessons. Personal Tutor: All students are allocated a personal tutor who looks after their needs and meets regularly with them to support their learning and develop their self esteem and aspirations. Personal and Professional Development (PPD): This is a course undertaken by all Academy students within their year groups. More information about this course is available in the Curriculum section of this directory. Phase One: Younger students (11, 12 and some 13 year olds) are in Phase One, which is the Transition stage between Primary school and Phase Two. Phase Two: These are older students (13, 14, 15 and some 16 year olds) who will complete public examination courses at GCSE level or equivalent. Phase Three: These are 16, 17, 18 and 19 year old students who are in the Franklin Sixth Form Centre studying Advanced level qualifications in readiness for entering university, apprenticeships or employment (see Franklin Sixth Form Centre). Principal: The Principal is the head of the Academy. If you wish to see the Principal please phone the Academy to arrange an appointment.
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R Registers: All students are registered in every lesson, every day. It is a legal requirement that parents/carers ensure their children attend the Academy every day during the academic year. Failure to do so may result in court action, fines or imprisonment for parents/carers. Refectory: The Academy has a restaurant run by Chartwells offering a refectory service. A variety of hot and cold meals and snacks are offered at lunchtime and break time. All food purchased at the refectory must be eaten in the designated spaces (see Free Academy Meals). Refernow: Refernow is a one stop shop for students, parents/carers and staff to request support. Support may be required for a student in need of some kind of emotional support or it might be learning support that is required such as Language for Learning or subject specific support. Anyone can make a referral by accessing our website and sending an email: refernow@bromptonacademy.org.uk or by phoning the Academy on 01634 852341. Reports: Parents and carers will receive quarterly progress reports throughout the year. Rewards: The Academy believes in celebrating and promoting positive achievements for all students. Students are awarded points that equate to gift vouchers for success in the following areas;
academic attendance, progress and attainment, pastoral, community Academy service and positive representation through participating in key roles such as student leaders, members of the Mini School Student Voice. Points are allocated by staff and recorded through our management information system (SIMS) Heads of Mini Schools will also reward students every term with awards such as Ethos Stars, Subject Stars and Attendance Stars. Mini Schools engage in healthy competitions against each other encouraging students to achieve as many points as possible.
S SENCO: The role of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is to ensure that students with learning difficulties and additional needs are identified, tracked and well supported to ensure that they make good progress in lessons and over time. The SENCO also enhances the related skills of the teachers to maximise the quality of teaching of their students with special educational needs. If you wish to make an appointment to see the SENCO please contact the Academy via phone or email. Sex & Relationships Policy: All students receive information and advice regarding Health and Sex Education within the Personal and Professional Development programme (PPD).
Sickness: If your child is sick, please notify the Attendance team at the Academy by telephoning: 01634 852341, and by letter upon their return (see Absence). SIMS: This is the name of the Academy’s computerised management information system. Smoking: This is illegal on the Academy site. This applies to all staff, students, parents/carers and visitors to the Academy (see No Smoking). Snow: Closures due to snow will be notified via the Academy’s website at: www.bromptonacademy.org.uk. We will also endeavour to send you a text message or email so please ensure we have your up to date mobile number and email address. Also listen to Invicta Radio and Radio Kent for news of closures. Do not believe rumours that the Academy is shut – we will do all we can to keep open. Special Educational Needs: If you are worried about your child’s progress, please contact the SENCO or the Vice Principal for Inclusions and Wellbeing (see SENCO). Sports Day: An annual event held in Term 6. Student Voice: These are voluntary groups of students that represent their own individual Mini Schools. The Student Voice looks at how they can develop the Academy for the needs and interests of the students.
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Student Pass: If a student needs to leave the Academy during the day to attend the dentist or doctor (or any other reasons supported by a parent/carer note) they must obtain a Student Pass from the Attendance Team. They should carry this with them when attending appointments to show the Police or Educational Welfare Officer who may well be doing truancy sweeps in the area.
Truancy: Students found to be truanting from the Academy will be dealt with by the Attendance Advisory Practitioner and parents/carers will be contacted (see Attendance).
Syllabuses/Schemes of Work: These can be obtained from the Head of Mini School on request. They relate to information about individual subject content and how learning is taught at the Academy.
Uniform: If for medical reasons a student is unable to wear part of the uniform for a day, an explanatory note should be provided by the parent/carer for the Learning Coach of the relevant year group. In all other circumstances students will be sent home for a short time to change into the correct uniform and will be expected to return promptly to the Academy. Students who return later than the permitted time will result in an authorised absence. As a last resort students will be required to borrow suitable clothing from the Academy for the day.
T Timetable: Students follow a timetable and every student receives a copy of his/her timetable on their iPad mini which tells him/ her what he/she has on each day at what time and where. Please keep a copy/note of it at home. If a student requires a printed copy there will be a charge of 25p per copy. Trainers: These are not part of the Academy uniform and are only allowed for PE and not in lessons. Please note, trainers for PE must not be black soled, they must be non-marking trainers to avoid marking the sports floors. Trips: A number of trips are held each year. All students are welcome to go on them providing they apply to the member of staff organising them. Written consent will be required from you before your son/daughter is permitted to go.
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U
Uniformbase: The name of the retailer that sells the Academy uniform. The website address for Uniformbase is: www.uniformbase.co.uk. A direct link has been set up on our website (see Website). University of Kent Ambassadors: The University of Kent deploy some of their undergraduate and postgraduate students to support our Academy students. These people are called University Ambassadors.
V Vice Principal: The Vice Principals are responsible for the strategic development of the Academy overseeing the Mini Schools and supporting the Heads of Mini Schools. VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (VLE): The virtual learning environment is an area where teachers and students can place and share learning resources, tasks and completed and marked work. It can also be used to keep a record of each student’s learning experiences.
W Website: Brompton Academy has its own website: www.bromptonacademy.org.uk Woodlands Centre: Alternative to a fixed term exclusion (FTE) to provide support for students at risk of receiving a FTE. Work Experience: All students in Phase Three complete work experience placements in local and national firms/factories/offices etc, to help them gain an insight into the world of work. Work Permit: Students under 16 who wish to work part time should obtain a work permit from Medway Education Department. World of Work (WOW): The WOW programme offers Phase Three students the opportunity to be employed at the Academy as staff in various paid roles, for a few hours each week. This supports their development in work-based skills.
Additional Needs At some point in their learning journey at the Academy, students may experience learning difficulties of varying degrees and for various different reasons. For most, the needs are short lived and overcome through sensitive awareness and careful planning. However, for some, their educational needs are more profound where certain skills have not been fully developed and are, as a result, impeding progress. For example, perhaps reading ability is limited or perhaps writing skills are weak, and therefore they need additional help.
Students with learning difficulties and those with additional needs are placed on the Special and Additional Educational Needs Register and their progress is carefully supported and tracked. Additional support for these students may be provided by teachers and curriculum assistants at the Academy including literacy support which is delivered in small groups. The Local Authority awards students with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) previously known as a Statement of Special Educational Needs for students who have the most complex educational needs.
Brompton Academy prides itself on being an inclusive Academy, catering for all its students’ needs. Please contact the SENCO, the Head of the Communications Centre or the Vice Principal for Inclusions if you wish to discuss your child’s needs.
Reading at Home How you can help to extend your child’s vocabulary and reading skills – from those with fluent reading skills to those with learning difficulties. • Hear your child read aloud (it doesn’t matter how old they are) (Books/ magazines or use your iPad mini). • Begin with short sessions – no more than 10 minutes, two or three times per week. • Encourage him/her to guess words. Don’t stop him/her if he/she reads a word incorrectly but makes sense of the story. • Don’t worry if he/she doesn’t know a word, let him/her have a go and, if he/she doesn’t get it right, tell him/ her the word and carry on.
• Let him/her use a dictionary to look up the meaning of words and then get him/her to use the word in a sentence to you. • Have a break after about 5 minutes and talk about the story or article, e.g., what will happen next, what did you find out? • Perhaps you could read to him/her occasionally. • Encourage him/her to read on his/ her own.
What to Read? Any book – fiction or non-fiction, newspaper, magazine, books or online publications on the iPad mini etc. Why Read at Home? Regular reading practice helps your child with all his/her Academy work. It develops his/her knowledge, understanding, and general curiosity and interest about the world. Above all, it should also be fun and your iPad mini will help revolutionise reading with your child!
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HOME STUDY Your child will be required to complete home learning activities whilst at the Academy. This is often completed on their iPad mini via the Academy’s virtual learning platform Edmodo. Home study can come in a variety of different forms such as creating posters and mind maps, to completing independent research, pre-reading tasks and past paper exam questions. Edmodo will provide your child with easy access to online learning that can be looked at and used anywhere at anytime.
How can you support your child? There are various ways in which you can help your child with his/her work. Please talk to your son/daughter about his/her learning and check the following things: • Check he/she is enjoying their time at the Academy. • Check that he/she feels positive about the teaching and lessons. • Check his/her books are marked. • Help your son/daughter to read at home. • Check that he/she takes the correct equipment necessary for a good start to each lesson every day, i.e. charged iPad mini kept in its Academy approved case and looked after carefully, pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, sharpener, PE kit (if necessary), etc. • Check that he/she is wearing the correct uniform. • Keep a copy of his/her timetable on the wall at home or stored on a mobile device so you can access this easily.
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• Come to regular parent/carer consultation evenings to motivate and support your son/daughter. • Attend family and adult learning opportunities to help you support your child’s learning as we offer bespoke learning programmes that will have a direct impact on your child’s learning at the Academy such as Language for Learning workshops and Learning Together courses. In addition, it is important that you praise, encourage and teach self-discipline to your child and encourage him/her to always be polite and respectful of fellow students and staff alike.
Any issues? What can you do? If you are not satisfied with any aspect of the Academy or your child’s education, please contact his/her Personal Tutor in the first instance. If the matter concerns members of staff, please contact the Principal, one of the Vice Principals or one the Assistant Principals. Please feel confident to telephone, we are here to help. Likewise, if there are things which you feel we ought to know (e.g. problems at home) which might affect your son/daughter at the Academy, please let his/her Personal Tutor know or the Pastoral Team.
Complaints Procedure If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the Academy you have the right to redress through the Academy’s formal complaints procedure. Initially parents/carers should try to resolve issues within the informal level and only then if still dissatisfied, should parents/carers pursue a complaint through higher level channels. In essence if you are still not satisfied after you have spoken to your child’s Personal Tutor, or the Subject Leader or the Pastoral Team or Head of Mini School please put your complaint in writing to the Principal. If you still feel that the matter has not been dealt with properly, please write to the Chair of Governors, c/o Brompton Academy.
Useful names and addresses Brompton Academy Marlborough Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5HT Tel: 01634 852341 Email: office@bromptonacademy.org.uk www.bromptonacademy.org.uk Attendance Team c/o Brompton Academy (address as above) Tel: 01634 852341 Chairperson of Governors: Mr David Nightingale c/o Brompton Academy (address as above) Tel: 01634 852341 Academy’s Careers Advisor: Mrs Murphy (address as above) Tel: 01634 852341 PARENT / CARER DIRECTORY
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Marlborough Road Gillingham Kent ME7 5HT Tel: 01634 852341 Email: office@bromptonacademy.org.uk www.bromptonacademy.org.uk