Year 7 Welcome Letter

September 2022

Dear Parent

It was lovely to welcome your child on their first day at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College.  Over the first few days and weeks, I have been impressed with their behaviour and enthusiasm for learning and I am confident that this will continue as they progress not only through Year 7, but across the full five years at this College.

One of the key themes for the first term is for Year 7 students to get organised. This includes ensuring that they have the correct books and equipment in school and making sure that homework is completed on time and to the best of their ability. I would ask that you check with your child daily if they have everything that they need. This repetition will lead to emphasis which will lead to strong habits being formed. We want students to be in the habit of being ready and organised for school. Please resist the urge to pack your child’s bag for them as we want to encourage independence and responsibility for their learning from the first day.

Our college website contains lots of information about the school including our school policies, but I wanted to take this opportunity to briefly summarise a few of the key policies to avoid any confusion.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are allowed in College but must remain switched off and in a student’s bag at all times. If they are seen (including in trouser pockets) or heard, then they will be confiscated. If a student feels ill during the school day, they must report to Pupil Reception: they must not contact you directly. Our medical team will assess the student and contact you if necessary. Parents should also contact the school office if they need to get a message to their child during the school day rather than directly message them.

Attendance

Research has shown that a positive attitude to attendance is a strong indicator of academic success. The College expectation is that students are in every lesson, every day. If your child is unable to attend College for any reason, please contact our College Attendance Officer before College begins to inform us of their absence on 01905 352615 option 1, or you can use the MyEd app. Please note that medical evidence may be requested for extended or repeated periods of absence due to illness.

Behaviour

Our behaviour policy is designed to ensure that all students can learn in an environment that is safe, secure and rooted in mutual respect. Our three rules in school are Kindness, Honesty and Respect.  When students occasionally fall short of these expectations, appropriate sanctions will be put in place. In most cases, talking through the issue with the student and agreeing better future choices will be all that is required, but if poor behaviour is persistent or if a student needs to be removed from a lesson, then they will be issued with a same day afterschool detention. If you have any concerns with your child’s behaviour, please do not hesitate to get in touch so that we can work together to support them.

Uniform

Year 7 are immaculately presented and are proud to be wearing the school uniform correctly and smartly. This is something that we will be seeking to maintain as we move throughout the year. Our college uniform is a way in which our students show their pride at being part of our community. Please refer to the uniform policy on our website, particularly in relation to shoes that resemble trainers, haircuts that are too short and coats that have large logos. Please get in touch if there are any difficulties regarding uniform. Please also ensure that all items are named so that any lost items can be swiftly be returned to their rightful owner.

Appointments with staff

We believe communication is the key to building good relationships between school and home and are always keen to meet with parents to resolve matters face to face. We fully understand that urgent issues can arise but please bear in mind that we cannot always see parents who arrive without notice during the school day. Staff are often teaching or in meetings. Please call ahead to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet rather than arrive at school unannounced and risk disappointment if no one is available. Many thanks for your understanding on this matter.

Social Media and Online Activity

We understand the pressures that parents and children can face when using the internet and social media platforms to communicate and socialise. We cover internet safety as part of our PSHE curriculum but would encourage parents to actively monitor their child’s online activity. The NSPCC website (https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/social-media/) has lots of useful information to help parents keep their children safe online. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me in College.

Form Tutors

The form tutors and their College email addresses are below. Please note that emails may not always be responded to immediately, especially if they are sent outside working hours. Form tutors should be your first point of contact for any issues or queries that you may have.

PGL residential

As mentioned on Induction Evening, we are planning a residential trip to PGL, Boreatton Park on Monday 3 July until Wednesday 5 July 2023. This trip is open to all Year 7 students and the cost of the trip is £330. A deposit of £100 is payable via ParentPay by Friday 30 September. Two further payments of £115 will be due on 1 December 2022 and 10 February 2023. Please get in touch if there are any queries. It is hoped that the majority (if not all) of Year 7 will want to come on the trip.

The first term of the school year is always busy and there are a number of key dates for you to be aware of:

Thursday 22 September – Year 7 Welcome Disco (details to follow)

Thursday 29 September – Open Evening (Students leave at 12.30pm)

Tuesday 18 October – Departmental Curriculum Planning afternoon (students leave at 1.35pm)

Wednesday 19 October – Year 7 Activity Day

Thursday 20 October – Year 7 Pastoral Parents Evening for Year 7

Monday 24 October – Friday 28 October – Half Term

Friday 25 November – Teacher Education Day (School closed to students)

Wednesday 30 November – Personal Development Day

Thursday 15 December – Carol Service

Friday 16 December – Students finish for Christmas at 12.30pm

I am looking forward to working with you and your child over the next five years.  If there are any issues, questions, or if you need any support with any aspect of College life, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

With best wishes

Mr C M Taylor

Head of Year 7