Dear Parent/Carer,
It is my pleasure to be able to write to you after such a positive start to the academy year. The way in which the students have adjusted back to school after so many adaptations over the past eighteen months has been very impressive. Congratulations must also go to our new Year 7 and Year 12 students who have settled in very well. The students look very smart and are arriving at the academy punctually, well-equipped and ready to learn. Thank you for your assistance in reinforcing our expectations, we know that parental support is key in achieving positive outcomes for our students.
I would also like to remind parents that students should still be taking Lateral Flow Device Tests twice per week as per Department for Education guidance. These have been distributed to students accordingly. If you require a further testing kit, please do not hesitate to contact us.
To assist you with planning ahead, below is an outline of some key information regarding important dates, parental engagement through Parents Forum, key contact information, curriculum and assessment overviews and our co-curricular opportunities.
Key Event dates – Module 1
- Wednesday 13th October 5.00pm – 6.00pm Year 7 – Meet the Tutor
- Thursday 14th October 5.00pm – 8.00pm Post 16 Open Evening
Parent Voice/Parents Forum
Regular, open communication and consultation is highly valued at Wilmington Academy. The parent voice sessions aim to represent the views of all parents/carers and to be a voice to inform our school of the needs of children and families. It facilitates communication between parents/carers and staff and governors. The forum works to provide feedback on provision, offer a parent’s perspective on current policy and practice and input into decision-making and planning for future provision. The sessions will take place virtually between 6:00pm-7:00pm on the following dates:
- Thursday 2nd December 2021
- Thursday 10th March 2022
- Thursday 7th July 2022
(An invitation will be sent to all parents nearer to the date of the event. )
Assessment Overview
Assessments for students will take place at various points in the academic year for different year groups. All students will sit a short, summative assessment each module with staff providing individual feedback. Year 11 and 13 will have mock assessments at various points in the academic year. In the summer term, Year 7, 8, 9 will sit final MYP assessments with Year 10 and 12 sitting end of year assessments. All stakeholders will be notified of assessment schedules at appropriate times in the year.
Curriculum Overview
Students in Year 7, 8 and 9 are following the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. This involves the study of subjects within the eight disciplines set out in the MYP programme, covering the National Curriculum in full. In Year 10 and 11, students study a variety of GCSEs and BTEC qualifications that culminate in external examinations at the end of two years of study. Post 16 offers multiple pathways, studying a variety of International Baccalaureate Higher and Standard Level subjects, along with BTECs and technical qualifications. Many of our students study the full International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme. Further details of curriculum offer can be found on our academy website.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
We are pleased to inform you that we are reinstating a full co-curricular programme with immediate effect. There will be opportunities for students to participate in a range of clubs and trips throughout the academic year. The clubs on offer for Modules 1 and Module 2 can be viewed via our website.
If you have a query or require any further information, please contact the academy via admin@wilmingtonacademy.org.uk
Again, thank you for your ongoing support.
Yours sincerely
Mr M Gore
