Front Page News

Dear Parents/Carers,

RE: Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist School

We would like to share with you the results of an inspection that took place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th January 2024 – a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS). In a similar way to Ofsted, all Church of England schools are visited regularly to  explore ways in which each school’s theologically rooted Christian vision drives its work and enables the school to live up to its foundation as a Church school.

As part of the Inspection process, the Inspector met with key stakeholders including students, staff, parents and governors; observed lessons, assemblies and collective worship and spent time with staff and students during breaks and lunch. 

I’m delighted to attach a copy of the report we received this week. The report clearly demonstrates the wonderful culture and ethos that we have established at the Academy and we are incredibly proud of our staff and students for achieving such glowing feedback. The highlight for me in the report is the acknowledgement of our diversity within the Academy. The report states that “Diversity is truly embraced and celebrated. This makes the school an extremely harmonious place where students and adults live well together.” 

The report is also available to view/download on our website.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of The St Lawrence Academy. 

Yours sincerely

Mr M Hire

Headteacher

RAD – John Leggott College Visit

Dear Parent or Carer.

On Tuesday 5th March 2024, the Academy will be holding its second RAD day of the academic year. On this day Year 8 students and their tutors will be visiting John Leggott College on West Common Lane to gain a taste of college life for the future. 

Students are to come to school at the normal time in their full academy uniform unless otherwise directed to do so. 

There will be an activity period 1 and the year group will walk under supervision to the college setting off at 10:00 am. We will arrive at college by 10:40 am. Students will experience 3 one hour taster sessions of their own choosing from a selection the college offers. 

Students will need to make their own arrangements for lunch which will be eaten onsite. Students can either bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch from the college cafeteria. Students who are entitled to a free school meal will receive a packed lunch if they choose to take one.

The day will end at 2:40 pm and students will be dismissed directly from the college. If you would like your child to be accompanied back to the academy then please email me directly by Friday 1st March to indicate this.

We expect all our students to conduct themselves in a respectful, safe manner. The academy reserves the right to remove any student from the visit prior to or during the visit if we feel academy expectations are not being met. 

Yours sincerely

Mr A Murray
Year 8 Achievement Team Leader

[email protected]  

Dear Parent/Carer 

Year 9 Consultation Evening – Tuesday 30th January – 4.00pm-6:30pm

On Tuesday 30th January at 4pm you and your child are invited to our Year 9 Consultation Evening. This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in their final year of Key Stage 3, a year where your child will make their GCSE options choices for Key Stage 4. It will also allow you to identify what needs to be done to maximise their potential for achieving success in the future. We would appreciate your support and attendance for the evening.  Please confirm your attendance using the attached link.

 Please sign in on arrival  and then proceed directly to the classrooms of the subjects studied by your child, to meet with your child’s teachers.  There is no individual subject appointment system so you are able to arrive at a time to suit you between 4.00pm to 6.15pm, but please ensure you arrive in time to see the teachers you need to.  Prefects will be outside classrooms to facilitate your time with the teacher. The evening will finish at 6.30pm.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 Yours sincerely 

J Elston

Mrs J Elston  

Achievement Team Leader

[email protected]

D Ellerby

Mr D Ellerby 

Deputy Headteacher for Learning and Progress

Dear Parent/Carer   

Year 11 Mock Exams – January 2024

I am writing to you in advance of our forthcoming mock examinations for all of our Year 11 students. These examinations will take place over three weeks, from Monday 29th January to Friday 23rd February 2024. These exams will be a very important opportunity for our Year 11 students to sit exams in a formal environment and are a good rehearsal for their final GCSE exams this summer.

The mock exams will enable students to practise their revision techniques, and to better understand how to work effectively in timed exam conditions. These exams will also provide your child’s teachers with a clear indication of where they may need additional support to be able to achieve their full potential during the summer 2024 exam period. 

You can find the mock exam timetable below:

Art and 3D Design

Year 11 students that have Art and Design or 3D Design should have completed and handed in their portfolio section of the course equating to 60% of their mark. Students will be focusing on their externally set task 40% of their GCSE grade between now and Monday 29th April.

The externally set task is a project created in the same format as the portfolio and will be completed with a final piece created in a 10 hour exam during the week commencing 29th of April. 

Preparation

As well as revision it is important that students:

• Have enough sleep the night before their exams
• Arrive for the examination on time
• Are hydrated and have a good breakfast before coming to school. This will help with their concentration.

All Year 11 students will be able to access Breakfast Club at the academy during the mock exam period. Students will be able to access the academy from 8am every morning when there is an exam and speak to subject staff for last minute advice. Toast and juice will be provided free of charge for all Year 11 students.

Attendance

During the mock examination period it is critical that Year 11 students attend school on time each day.

Y11 Final Push – Advanced Notice

A reminder of a date for your diary at this stage, Thursday 7th March will be the Year 11 Final Push Evening, more details to follow.

Thank you for your support. It is important that students experience the full formal exam conditions during these mock examinations, in order to develop their confidence and resilience so that they are fully prepared for their final exams in Summer 2024. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Many thanks in advance for your support.

Sally Walker

Year 11 Achievement Team Leader

Dan Ellerby 

Deputy Headteacher for Quality of Education

Dear Parent/Carer 

Year 8 Consultation Evening – Thursday 18th January 2023 4.00pm-6:30pm

On Thursday 18th January at 4pm you and your child are invited to our Year 8 Consultation Evening, to meet all their subject teachers. This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in Year 8. It will also allow you to identify what needs to be done to maximise their potential for achieving success in the future. We would appreciate your support and attendance for the evening.  Please confirm your attendance using the attached link.

Please sign in on arrival in the Westaby Hall  and then proceed directly to the classrooms of the subjects studied by your child, to meet with your child’s teachers.  There is no individual subject appointment system so you are able to arrive at a time to suit you between 4.00pm to 6.20pm, please ensure you arrive in time to see the teachers you need to.   Prefects will be outside classrooms to facilitate your time with the teacher. The evening will finish at 6.30pm.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 Yours sincerely

 A Murray 

Mr A Murray

Achievement Team Leader

D Ellerby

Mr D Ellerby 

Deputy Headteacher for Quality of Education 

8th December 2023

Dear Parent / Carer,

As we approach the end of term, we would like to inform you of a number of events taking place in the next fortnight. 

Christmas Services

As Christmas approaches each year group will be escorted to St Lawrence’s Church on Church Lane and the students will be dismissed directly from there.  If you would like to attend any of the Carol Services at St Lawrence’s Church with your child’s year group, you would be made very welcome. 

It has been an incredibly busy term with lots of exciting developments taking place across the Academy. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term as Headteacher at The St Lawrence Academy and wanted to thank staff, students and parents for making me feel so welcome. May I take this opportunity to wish those of you celebrating Christmas a wonderful festive break. We look forward to welcoming all of our students back on Monday 8th January at 8.25am. 

Warm Regards,

Mr M Hire

Headteacher

5th December 2023

Dear Parent/Carer

I am writing to inform you that the academy will be closed to all students from 12.15pm on Monday 11th December 2023.  This is due to some essential staff training which is only able to be facilitated on this date.

Students will be able to purchase lunch at break times or receive their free school meal, or alternatively order a grab bag to take home.

All students will therefore be dismissed to home at 12.15pm. 

I absolutely appreciate this is far from ideal and I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this causes you as families. Without doubt at times like these I genuinely value your support, patience and understanding.

I apologise for the inconvenience

Yours sincerely

Matt Hire

Headteacher