You can access this week’s newsletter directly by clicking this link, or view previous newsletters by clicking on this link.

You can access this week’s newsletter directly by clicking this link, or view previous newsletters by clicking on this link.

You can access this week’s newsletter directly by clicking this link, or view previous newsletters by clicking on this link.

Dear Woodfield Academy Community,
In this first week of being the new Headteacher of Woodfield Academy I would like to introduce myself and share with you my ambition for the school. Having worked as a senior leader in a middle school I feel well placed to understand the challenges and rewards which go with the privilege of leading the Academy. As a Physical Education teacher for many years, I find great parallels between the dedication and work ethic required by athletes to get to the top of their sporting field and that of what we want to develop in our pupils. The managers, coaches, officials, medical staff, analysts and sports psychologists work together to produce the very best and it is this collective leadership and the hard work of the participants which breeds winning teams and performers. With the Olympics and Euros behind us I would like to echo the message which Gareth Southgate sent out to England as a basis to address the Woodfield community.

There’s something I like to remind pupils and the reason that I repeat it is because I really believe it with all my heart. I tell them that when you wear the school badge you have the opportunity to climb which ever mountain you want to tackle and that anything is possible. You are part of an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life so make the most of it.

Everybody will have their own idea of what it means to be ‘Woodfield’, but one word we should all use to describe it is ‘pride’. My belief is that everyone has pride, and for the pupils who walk through the gates in the morning it should have a great meaning, where wearing our badge and being part of our school is important to everyone.

This idea that some pupils don’t have pride or have a low opinion about going to school is something of a false narrative. You don’t need to dig deep to realise that. Try telling a pupil they can’t play for the school sports team, that an after school club has been cancelled, a trip can’t go ahead due to the weather or that their favourite teacher is leaving. You only need to see the friendship groups and the collective feeling of belonging to know that without Woodfield their lives would be less.

It’s their duty to continue to interact with each other positively and promote the school when they are beyond the gates. Acting with respect and courtesy to the public whilst making sure the uniform is worn correctly, with the local community identifying such behaviours as a pupil from Woodfield. It’s clear to me that we are heading for a much more tolerant and understanding society, and I know our pupils will be a big part of that. I want our pupils and parents/carers to share this tolerance for each other and to make the school environment one of respect and joy.

We do have a special identity and that remains a powerful motivator. You have all chosen to be part of the Woodfield team, myself included, so let’s work together and build a future we will all be proud of. When putting on the uniform for the first time or even the 100th time, stand tall, be confident and most of all ‘go for it’. Having the chance to achieve and aim as high as possible is what Woodfield is about.

Everybody in the school community should have a voice and know that someone is there to listen. Communication between pupils, parents/carers and staff is an important part of building strong
relationships. I encourage everyone to use the school Facebook and Twitter accounts to keep up to date with weekly information whilst the school newsletter will also be distributed. These will be key in celebrating our achievements and recognising the great work of our pupils on a daily basis. We all know how praise and reward can motivate and increase self-esteem and we wish to share this with you as often as possible.

I look forward to getting to know you much better over the coming weeks, but I hope this introduction shows you the passion and pride which Woodfield Academy will be formed upon. So let’s all get ready to stand tall, be proud of what we represent and work as one team to make Woodfield Academy a special place for us all.

Your sincerely
Mr Neil Straw
Headteacher

Dear Parent(s)/Carer(s),
I trust that you are all enjoying the summer break, that pupils are feeling well rested and beginning to think about their return to school in September. We appreciate this is a busy time buying new uniform, ensuring pupils have the equipment needed for the start of term and fitting in any remaining family holidays. With this in mind, we are writing to confirm the arrangements for the start of the academic year.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that school attendance is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age. It is our priority to ensure that as many children as possible regularly attend school and to benefit from the learning opportunities available. Research shows that pupils who attend school regularly and on time make the best possible progress.

RISK ASSESSMENT AND HEATH & SAFETY NOTICES
The Academy’s Risk Assessment has been updated following guidance from the Department for Education (DFE) as the country moves to stage 4 of the Government’s roadmap. This will be available on the school website from September 2nd. The risk assessment is in line with current control measures outlined by the DFE below:

1. Ensuring good hygiene for everyone.
2. Maintaining appropriate cleaning regimes.
3. Keep occupied spaces well ventilated.
4. Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19.

We will continue to work alongside Public Health England and Worcestshire Children First – Local Outbreak Response Team (LORT) to monitor cases, plan for subsequent outbreaks and ensure robust practices are in place to limit transmission and focus on the safety of staff and pupils.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL
Pupils will return to full-time face-to-face educations as follows:

• Year 5 – Monday 6th September
• Year 6 and Year 7 – Tuesday 7th September
• Year 8 – Wednesday 8th September

This will allow Year 5, who were unable to visit the school on Transition Days, to feel more confident in their new surroundings before older pupils return – we understand this is an agreement in place with all local middle schools in Worcestershire.

In addition to this we are also staggering the start of face-to-face education in school for years 7 and 8 to allow for testing. Following DFE advice which states, “Settings may commence testing from 3 working days before the start of term and can stagger return of pupils across the first week to manage this.”

This will allow KS3 pupils to receive Asymptomatic LFD testing onsite prior to their return. Testing will then return to twice weekly, at home from 13th September 21. Please see the separate letter, sent to parents of pupils in Year 7 and 8 with further details.

On Monday 6th September, online tasks will be set for pupils in Years 6, 7 & 8. Year 8 will continue with online tasks on Tuesday 7th September. Further information will be sent to parent(s)/carer(s) during week commencing 30th August. Tasks will be designed to engage pupils in readiness for their return to school, support their well-being and we welcome your support in ensuring these are completed.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL – FAQs
Please take note of the following frequently asked questions based on pupils return to school:

8:30 – 8:45am

• KS3 (Year 7 & 8) enter school using the gate closest to the car park for the local convenience stores and access to the 3G pitch.
• KS2 (Year 5 & 6) use the gate closest to main reception.
• Staff will be on the gates to support pupils and parent(s)/carer(s).
• There will be no staggered start to the school day for year groups.
• At present there are no plans for Breakfast Club and there is no before school wrap-around support available.

8:45am – 3:15pm

• School Day Pupils will be in school for the full school day from 8:45 – 3:15pm and will access five lessons every day.
• There are no ‘year group bubbles’ or ‘designated areas assigned to year groups’ operating in school. At key points at the start of the day, after break, after lunch and between some lessons the pupils will be escorted by their teaching staff from collection points to their classroom but may be in the same corridor as other year groups. A systematic, structured exit from lessons will also allow for filtered entry of pupils to the corridors and prevent congestion.
• Face coverings are no longer required, but pupils who feel more confident wearing these may continue to do so. If pupils have a 1TCA face covering we advise they continue to use these.
• Full school uniform is expected. Pupils will need to wear blazers and school jumpers as windows will be open to aid ventilation. The heating will remain on, so pupils will be working in comfortable temperatures as the weather gets colder. Items which do not match the Academy’s uniform policy will not be permitted and pupils will be instructed to remove these. School uniform expectations can be found on our website.
• Pupils are expected to bring their own essential kit. Details of this are on the website and in school diaries. This consists of: Berol Blue Handwriting pen (or specialist handwriting pen), pencil, rubber, ruler and coloured pencils and/or coloured felt pens. If pupils require equipment, it can be purchased in school.
• All pupils will return to a full curriculum including Music, Computing, Design and Technology and two hours of PE. This means that pupils will be taught by specialist teachers in the majority of their lessons and will move from lesson to lesson.
• Having received positive feedback from pupils and parent(s)/carer(s) this academic year, pupils will be expected to attend school on the days they have PE lessons in their PE kit.
• More information about extra-curricular sports clubs and specific PE days will
  be shared in September. The benefits of these changes are:
  – Limited use of changing rooms, a confined space with little ventilation available.
  – Reduced wear and tear on school uniform and lost items.
  – Promoting pupil’s confidence as they no longer need to change alongside
  peers.
  – Increased participation in PE lessons as no changing time is required.
  (If there any changes to these arrangements you will be given advance notice.)
• Tissues will be provided to encourage pupils to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”.
• Hand sanitizer stations are at the doorway to every classroom to ensure hand hygiene is maintained. Pupils are welcome to bring their own if they wish to.
• Pupils will return to normal toilet arrangements and will no longer have toilets assigned to year group bubbles.
• Pupils can purchase food and drinks during their morning break. A selection of warm and cold snacks will be available.
• Lunch will be served in the school hall. Pupils can purchase lunch or bring their own packed lunch unless they are in receipt of free school meals. A selection of hot and cold foods and bottled drinks will be on offer at lunch – please see the menus on our website and cost £2.30.
• Lunches are staggered, so only one key stage will be in the hall at a time and there will be time to clean between sittings.
• The Academy prefers parents to credit pupils accounts using Parent Mail but understand in some circumstances pupils may need to bring money to pay for food and drinks. Pupils are now able to add credit to their account using the ‘top-up’ facility in the school hall.
• Water fountains will reopen, pupils will need to bring a water bottle to be refilled each day. Please ensure these have been cleaned thoroughly.

3:15 – 3:30pm

• Pupils will finish school at 3:15pm and the gates will remain open, with staff on duty till 3:30pm.
• We request that parent(s)/carer(s) avoid congregating at the school gates when collecting pupils for everyone’s safety as the gate areas can become overcrowded.
• There is no wrap-around care provided by Woodfield Academy.
• Information regarding extra-curricular clubs will be shared with pupils and will be available on the school website within the first few weeks of term.

If you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school office on office@woodfield-academy.org.uk or contact 01527 527081 from 9am on Monday 6th September.

We look forward to seeing all pupils in September ready to start the next stage of their learning journey.

Kind regards
Miss B. Doidge
Interim Deputy Headteacher, Health & Safety Co-Ordinator

Please find attached letters sent home to parents/carers about school reopening from Monday 8th March.

School Reopening Plans Keystage 2

School Reopening Plans Keystage 3

Dear Parent(s)/Carer(s),

As we approach the end of the first half of the Spring Term, I would like to start by thanking you all for your support. The pandemic has caused us all to work in different ways and we are proud of our pupils, staff and parents who have adapted and worked together through an active and positive partnership. This is to everyone’s credit!

Please note the following:

Spring Term Parental Consultations:
Spring Term Parental Consultations will be held virtually on Wednesday 24th February using Parent Cloud. Information about how to book appointments and join meetings will be sent out from Parent Cloud to email addresses held within the school database. Further information can be found on the academy homepage (link). Parental Consultations appointments will be available from 1.00pm – 7.00pm and are now open for bookings. Consultations will be held with Form Tutors and will cover:

1. Progress data
2. Attendance reports (based on Autumn Term 2020)
3. Behaviour using Class Charts
4. Celebrations and Achievements
5. Wellbeing – worries and concerns

Teachers listed below will be leading the consultations for the forms on this occasion.

• 5PH – Mr Howells
• 6DA – Miss Cross
• 6DD – Miss Lawrence
• 8KM – Miss Marshall
• 8HD – Mr Farmer

Mrs Messam will be leaving us at the end of this half-term, and we wish her well in her new post with the NHS. Miss Marshall will lead consultations for 8KM. We will inform you of the teacher appointed to replace Mrs Messam following the interviews taking place today. Miss Marshall will support the Form Tutor transition with 8KM at the start of next half-term.

Aspirations and Careers Programme:
A themed afternoon is planned on Wednesday 24th February to support raising aspirations of our pupils and as part of the schools’ careers programme. During this afternoon, pupils will be set tasks which will be assigned to them and Form Tutors will prepare our pupils for this event week beginning 22nd February.

Half-Term:
School will close for the half-term break from Monday 15th to Friday 19th February. School will be open from Monday 22nd February for Vulnerable Children and Children of Key Workers.

Teacher Training Day:
School will be closed to all pupils for a Teacher Training Day on Monday 1st March. School will be open as usual from Tuesday 2nd March for Vulnerable Children and Children of Key Workers. We wish you all a safe and relaxing half-term break and look forward to the half-term ahead.

Kind regards
Mrs S K Powar
Headteacher

Dear Parent(s)/Carer(s),
This week, we have all been touched by the loss of Captain Sir Thomas Moore, who has left behind for us, his legacy of ‘service to others’. His famous words remain ever more important to us, “tomorrow will be a good day and things will get better”.

We were touched, when we were asked by two of our Y8 pupils in school if they could walk 100 laps of the school playground in honour of Captain Sir Thomas Moore.

Owen and Ben, pictured below, have completed their 100 laps of the playground, and have dedicated their time to create this piece of work to honour Captain Tom’s achievements. Well done to the boys for showing every one of our school core values through their thoughts and actions.

Wishing you and your families a lovely, safe weekend.

Warm regards
Mrs S Powar
Headteacher

Dear Parent(s) and Carer(s),

Due to the snow over the weekend and the low temperatures forecast overnight, Woodfield Academy will be closed tomorrow (Monday) to all pupils, including Key Worker and Vulnerable Children.

Live lessons are CANCELLED tomorrow (Monday). We strongly feel that a day away from a screen and enjoying time outdoors safely would benefit pupil’s wellbeing.

Following on from the feedback to our Remote Learning Survey, we are grateful to parents for over 300 responses of which 88{6c69a2e77c4d162fc5a6ba659ff9ac9c533af96654b1dea3c87a3e2cb3b35da3} of parents were pleased and very positive about the online learning in place. We will take into consideration your responses and inform you of any adjustments following your constructive feedback.

Please find attached an assembly to mark a very important historical event in the week ahead, Holocaust Memorial Day. The PowerPoint covers the Holocaust and subsequent atrocities that have affected many with the objective of demonstrating to our pupils the importance of compassion and this year’s key message ‘Be a Light in the Darkness’. There are some activities we would like the pupils to get involved in. Please forward any work created by your child to office@woodfield-academy.org.uk, we would love to see and showcase what our pupils have produced.

If parent(s)/carer(s) wish for their children to complete schoolwork, pupils are able to access the following:

• Reading Plus in Years 5 and 6
• myON
• MyMaths work in all year groups

There is no expectation for this work to be completed tomorrow, we are offering it in order to support those who would benefit from maintaining some routine.

We are hoping to resume live lessons and to have Key Worker and Vulnerable Children on site from Tuesday. However, please check your emails and our social media sites for further updates.

Kind regards
Mrs S Powar

Assembly – Holocaust Memorial