Summer Letter to Families August 2023

9th August 2023Garry Drinkall

August 2023

Dear Parents/Carers

 

This year has been another where we travel further away from the pandemic and towards an educational landscape and culture which feels like one we used to value and appreciate.

Amongst a hugely difficult year financially for you as families and as the country has struggled in the face of great adversity, education has had its fair share of difficulties also.

The biggest teacher recruitment crisis is upon us. Quite simply there are not enough teachers in this country across all sectors. Addressing this now needs to be a priority if we want the generation of tomorrow to be educated to the best possible standard. This needs to be funded by the government and not from school budgets. 

During the last term we have said our farewells to Year 11 students, the Year 10 prefect team has been elected and we have embraced a series of events that have created new and varied opportunities. Our new Year 7 students for September, 2023, will start at the academy, after their  transition events this summer on Tuesday 5th September. I am sure the students are excited about starting at the academy and that they will be a huge success, as our class of 2028!

We were oversubscribed again with some families going to appeal to try to get a place with us. We are genuinely humbled by your desire to be with us and it does not go unnoticed. In September we will have our largest ever number of children at the academy, around 810 in total.

As we always welcome new students and say farewell to those who are leaving us, we also do the same with our staff. Leaving us at the end of this year will be:

 

  • Annie-Rose Lewis is joining another school nearer to her home after 5 years at the academy. We wish her well. 
  • Magdalena Wyderka is leaving as our Cover Supervisor and temporary Teacher of Science. We thank you for all the support she has given to the academy and we wish her well in pursuing a teaching career. 
  • Sam Cowling  is leaving the academy after being a LTA to pursue other opportunities.

 

I am sure you will join me in wishing these staff well and in thanking them for all the support and help they have given the students at the academy.

This is also a time to welcome and celebrate some fantastic staff joining us in September:

We welcome to the academy Matt Hire as an interim Headteacher who will oversee the day to day running of the academy until such a time as a new substantive Headteacher is appointed. 

  • Ashley Ritchie will be joining the Senior Team for 4 days a week and working with the Inclusion team. 
  • Jake Scott joins us as a newly qualified teacher in Science at the start of his career. 
  • Catriona Scoular will be joining the Humanities department as an experienced teacher and will be leading on the Geography curriculum. 
  • Wahida Khanum is joining the Inclusion team as a Learning and Teaching Assistant

 

As a result of these appointments, we have been able to afford some new positions to some of our staff who have been with us over time.

  • Jake Browne will take on the role of the Year 7 Student Progress Leader having been a LTA for two years.  
  • Cathie Bremner, our Year 7 SPL will now be working part time in a job share with Val Borrill as the SPLs for Year 8
  • Emily Atkinson Teacher of Science will also now be working part time over 3 days a week but will continue as the Gold House Leader.  

 

Our staffing can always be viewed by clicking on the link shared below and from here you can also make contact with staff via their email addresses.

https://tsla.realsmartcloud.com/parents/key-staff-contacts/

GREAT Expectations

In addition to our 5 core values of Truth, Justice, Respect, Forgiveness and Generosity, we continue to promote and embed our 3 Academy GREAT Expectations for all our academy community.

  • Be Ready – on time, correct equipment, uniform, attitude.
  • Be Safe – being calm and thoughtful, keeping yourself and others safe.
  • Be Respectful – this is an essential and core part of what we believe to be the basic expectation of all who are a part of the academy.

 

The St Lawrence Academy uniform

It is essential that we maintain high standards of appearance and uniform. We have attached our Uniform Policy as a reminder about our expectations in relation to uniform. 

  • Uniform can be purchased atShah’s uniform supplier on West Street, Scunthorpe. https://www.shahsuniform.co.uk/st-lawrence-academy or there is a small quantity available online via Parentpay for collection at the academy. 
  • Long, painted or acrylic nails are not allowed at the academy
  • Skirts must not be of a tight and stretchy material and all skirts must be appropriate in length. If Year 7 to 10 students choose to wear a skirt it must be the TSLA branded skirt available from Shah’s.
  • Please do not allow your child to have a new piercing towards the end of the holidays as there are no exceptions to our rule on jewellery, which is a maximum of one stud in each or one ear lobe and a watch.
  • Please ensure any extreme hairstyles/hair colours are reversed for the return to school in September.
  • No jumpers, hoodies or jackets are permitted to be worn under blazers.

The academy PE kit is ESSENTIAL at all times and students must have the correct PE kit.

 

Detentions

We run a detention system and this is a whole academy system and detentions will be held every day after school up to 45 minutes. These will be communicated to you and we will be expecting the support from our families in students attending these. Refusing to attend detentions will mean an increase in sanction.

 

Mobile phones

Mobile phones should not be seen in the academy; if they are seen or heard they will be confiscated. If a student brings one into the academy, and it is lost or stolen, we will not take any responsibility. If a student needs to contact home during the day they can use one of our telephones. The use of mobile phones is a distraction to learning and there are serious consequences for students who take photos or videos in the academy and then share them on social media.

 

Smoking or Vaping

We would like to remind you that the academy is a smoke free zone anywhere on the premises. This also includes vapes, which may be confiscated if a student brings one on site or if caught smoking or vaping this may lead to further consequences. 

 

The Academy Day 

These can be seen below. The important thing to note here is the start of the day for all year groups is now 8.25am. We encourage students to arrive into the building no later than 8.15am.

 

Students will be dismissed from the academy at the following times:

  • Monday 3.45pm
  • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2.45pm
  • Friday: end of lessons 1.15pm (lunch is available at break time)

 

GDPR/Data Protection Act

Throughout the year we encourage staff to take photographs of our students learning or when they are out on school trips. We like to put up displays around the academy to celebrate student achievements and we also want to continue developing our website/social media platforms.

You need to give your permission to display images for celebratory purposes of your child. We are regularly visited by the media to celebrate the talents of your children as we always try to promote their successes when we can. Please ensure you have completed or updated the consent form which we send to you, or you can update your preference on the Arbor APP. 

 

Use of technologies

Can I please ask you all to monitor your child’s use of their phone/computer at home in relation to social media, as sometimes they may use it inappropriately or they may be sharing too much personal information.  It would be wise to check their privacy settings so that they are not sharing information too widely, as sometimes this can result in safeguarding concerns. 

 

TikTok in particular continues to be an increasing point of concern. We have worked tirelessly nationally and with the Police this year and we will not hesitate to take the appropriate forms of action if social media use is abused.

 

Social media is not appropriate for young children. We ask that although difficult, if you allow your child to use it prior to them reaching the age related criteria that you carefully help them navigate what can be a dangerous and problematic culture.

 

Medical information

Our Student Services provide a basic first aid service for all students but they do not give specific medical advice and you should contact your GP if this is required. If an illness or injury occurs outside of academy hours it is your responsibility to follow this up, please do not rely on us to do so. Any medication, if sent into the academy, must always be in the original packaging and clearly labelled, and a consent form completed. Antibiotics must be managed at home, not in the academy.  The school nurse, via the NHS, does offer a 2 weekly drop in service. If you believe your child requires a specific Health Care Plan for school and this is not already in place, please contact student services to discuss.

 

We want to work in partnership with you to make sure that the academy can provide the best possible education for your children. We recognise how important it is to have the support of all the staff, parents, carers and students and we hope that our partnership with you will continue to grow over the coming years. Our mission statement reflects our vision: Transforming Lives and we are very optimistic about the future, especially after having had another very successful year. 

 

Operation Encompass

We are an Operation Encompass School. Operation Encompass is a partnership between police and schools. One of the principles of Operation Encompass is that all incidents of domestic abuse are shared with schools, not just those where an offence can be identified. Mrs West, DSL, will be informed of all domestic instances that the police have attended.

 

Food Bank 

We are a distributor of Food Bank Vouchers. Please contact us if you need this support.

 

Parent App through Arbor

Following the successful launch in 2022/23 we continue to be a paperless academy. Reports, timetables, and other documents will be viewed through our Arbor app. Please download this if you have not already done so.

 

Communications are sent electronically (i.e. by text or email) including but is not limited to, reports, letters, attendance letters, suspension letters. Please ensure your contacts are up to date on our records via the Arbor APP. 

 

Biometric recognition / Parentpay

The St Lawrence Academy has moved to a fingerprint recognition system for our cashless catering and printing solutions.  This will remove the need for the students to have to use the current card system.  The move is part of a project to improve the catering solution and help to enhance the students’ experience.  In order for your child to opt in to biometric recognition, we require your consent via the Arbor APP if not yet done so or by completing the attached CONSENT FORM as detailed in the letter on our website. 

The academy operates a cashless system in the diner and for all purchases. Funds can be added to the dinner account by purchasing school meals using your ParentPay account,  All payments for trips, visits and resources are also cashless and paid online.  If you need your Parentpay log on details please contact us.

 

Communicating with us

If you need to get in touch with a staff member around either a subject or a year group matter then please see the Contact List where a list of staff contacts are supplied. Please go through these channels to speak with the relevant person or people. Below are the main contact details for us in terms of telephone number, email address, website and social media accounts. Please be advised our social media channels are not manned continually & messages not always responded to.

 

Our main areas of information on our website are listed below and you should use these to reference where to get the appropriate help or details from,

 

Meet our Senior Team & Key Contacts – https://tsla.realsmartcloud.com/about-us/staff/ 

 

Our Parent App (Arbor) –https://tsla.co.uk/parents/arbor-parent-portal/

 

Our Prospectus – https://tsla.co.uk/about-us/prospectus/

 

Curriculum – https://tsla.co.uk/student-experience/curriculum/

 

Attendance/Absence – https://tsla.co.uk/parents/attendance-absence/

 

Safeguarding –https://tsla.co.uk/parents/safeguarding/

 

Headteachers Weekly Blog – https://tsla.co.uk/category/front-page-news/

 

Moving forwards

We have appointed some fantastic staff at the academy for the start of the new academic year who are very excited about their new roles and being part of The St Lawrence Academy. We believe we have an excellent team of staff who will inspire your children to do their best.

 

In September, students will need to be organised and plan in advance. They will need to:

  • be on time for the start of the day and arrive in good time.
  • have the correct uniform including shoes and not trainers.
  • bring the correct equipment for learning (pen and pencil as a minimum expectation).
  • bring their PE kit (The St Lawrence Academy PE kit only) on PE days.
  • be prepared to complete homework when it is set.

 

In September, we aim for a good start to enable the focus for our children’s futures moving forward.

 

A school community needs a community and a community needs a school that works hard together through times that are good and also tough. I thank you for your patience, trust and respect and I wish the organisation well as it embarks on the next stages of its journey and will be sure to monitor its successes and stories moving forwards.

 

As I recently advised you I am moving on after 24 years at the academy for new challenges in my career and I am very grateful for all the support and best wishes you have sent.  I am confident the academy will continue to transform lives and I wish you all the best. 

 

I hope you have a safe and happy summer.  

 

Yours sincerely

 

Phill Dalowsky 

Headteacher

 



https://slatrust.co.uk/ 

Headteacher’s Blog

19th July 2023Nigel Lowther

Some events will live in the memory a long time – the Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, Wednesday, 12th July, 2023, was one.

It was the largest we have held at the Academy post Covid. It rekindled memories of some past nights before the pandemic hit.

For many students, parents and staff, this will have been a first; an event of such magnitude at an established venue.

It demonstrated when we put on a night like this, we put on a great night.

It was celebratory, rewarding and had a real sense of good purpose.

Some families stayed in the bar a long time after the event, still soaking up the atmosphere.

Many were so proud of their children because they had done well. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, you need time to look back and reflect on what someone has achieved.

I watched from the back of the auditorium until it was my turn to present awards.

It was wonderful to see people’s faces as awards were announced. There was so much joy and children were genuinely pleased for each other.

When you see people happy for others, you know it’s a good event.

It is my favourite part of the job.

We followed that the next day with another fabulous event, the summer fayre. There were hundreds there and the task was to try to raise more than the £501 raised last year.

I am delighted to say we have heard that our amazing community raised a quite outstanding £673 for Lindsey Lodge Hospice. This is staggering in only a few hours and shows a real generosity of everyone who attended.

It was lovely to see the Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Cllr Janet Longcake, other representatives from the local authority and governors at both events.

I’m grateful for all those who go out of their way to support Academy events and our young people.

I accompanied Ryan Oates, our Lead for Personal Development, to a Greater Lincolnshire LEP event, organised by the Careers and Enterprise Company, at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Careers leads had nominated who they thought provided the best careers and personal development programme.

There were 22 nominees from the hundreds of schools and colleges across the Greater Lincolnshire area.

Ryan was named one of only five Career Champions. The level of work that goes in to making available to our students information, guidance and opportunities about the next steps after school is the best out there.

It was humbling to know Ryan’s peers – people looking in from outside – think so too.

I have been incredibly proud of our sensational programme. Ryan goes above and beyond to ensure our children get the best provision possible.

Another example happened this week. Our new prefect team have been on a team-building exercise at Go Ape. It is the first time we have done it but the reward will come next year, with students building a team ethic and ethos.

It was also fabulous to see students rewarded with a trip to the cinema on Friday. We had wonderful feedback about their conduct and behaviour.

Tomorrow (Thursday), Year 7 are having a STEM day away from the normal curriculum, to allow them to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths as we encourage them to think ahead in terms of careers.

On a personal note, it has been a challenging year, with peaks and troughs.

There has been so much success to celebrate and look back on. But it is time to look forward and you’ll be aware I’m handing over the leadership baton at the end of term.

I have taken assemblies this week with a theme “what feels like the end is so often the beginning”.

My last few days have also involved conversations with staff, families and children.

I have been blown away by people’s kindness, generosity and gratitude for what we do. For this is not about one individual, it is about a significant team effort.

The Academy will always hold a special place for me.

I have often said in this blog we are not perfect and we do not always get it right. But we try our best.

It will continue to be a great place to learn. I have loved every minute of my 24 years in the building, the last 15 as The St Lawrence Academy. It has formed a significant role in my professional and personal life.

I have never wanted to change or move, until now.

But, sometimes, an opportunity comes along that offers a new challenge and takes you in a different direction.

That has what has happened with me. There are no hidden agendas.

I have built amazing relationships with so many people through working at the Academy, some that remain more than 20 years after I have taught them. Those friendships will continue and I’ll return to the Academy wearing a different hat.

As I say, this is not the end but a new beginning.

Have a lovely, safe summer break.

Headteacher’s Blog

12th July 2023Nigel Lowther

The end of term may be in sight – but there is still plenty of time to celebrate our students and community.

Three events present chances to do just that this week.

We start tonight with our huge, cross-year group celebration at the Baths Hall, the largest event in terms of numbers we have organised since a sports presentation evening at the same venue 11 years ago.

More than 500 students and parents/carers will join us tonight. For those still making their minds up about coming, I would urge them to do so. It promises to be a memorable night, starting at 6pm.

The awards are:

  • 100% attendance
  • Pixl Edge ambassadors
  • CCF recognition
  • Student leadership
  • Core values
  • Merits
  • House heroes
  • The ATL’s ‘You impress me’ 
  • Subject legends and the
  • Transformation Awards

The evening represents an opportunity to dress smartly and celebrate the achievements of a great percentage of our young people. Many have produced outstanding work over the last 12 months.

If you enjoy tonight, remain in a celebratory mood and have a sense of engagement with the Academy, please drop into our summer fayre tomorrow between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

It was held for the first time last year and we did not know what to expect in terms of support. 

We were blown away by the numbers attending and raised £501.93 for Lindsey Lodge Hospice, a charity with personal connections for families and staff and somewhere the Academy community has supported over a long period.

I hope we can do even better tomorrow for the same cause.

If you wish to make a donation online you can do so via this link

Entry is via the normal student entrance. Visitors can expect games, music, face painting, drink and food, entertainment, an art exhibition, raffles, challenges, henna and dancers.

It all takes place in the school grounds and access is via the front of the school.

Please come down, help raise funds for a fantastic charity and celebrate the Academy’s inclusivity and diversity.

The final one of our three celebratory events this week is on Friday, when Years 7 to 10 have their free rewards trip to the cinema.

All who go have applied our core values and shown excellent effort over the year.

It is not just about what they receive in terms of results, but we also notice and reward our young people who have gone above and beyond to be outstanding ambassadors over the last 12 months.

As I say, quite the three days ahead.

 

Headteacher’s Blog

5th July 2023Nigel Lowther

It does us all good to be taken out of our comfort zone every now and again.

Forty of our students are experiencing just that as I write/you read this.

The contingent from our Combined Cadet Force are in the middle of a five-day stay at the Cadet Training Centre in Driffield Camp.

Goodness knows what they are up to today.

But one thing I’m certain of is they will be pushing themselves, having fun and growing in confidence.

I know because I had the privilege of being invited to join them yesterday (Tuesday). 

I heard about the range of opportunities being given to our students and experienced the culture created at the centre for schools with CCF forces.

I was blown away by the professional, respectful climate. I was given a tour of the camp and shown the field activities. Students have already experienced enhanced laser weaponry, air rifle shooting, archery, tag-related games and drill practice.

I was given an insight into what they were doing last night and the water-related activities they would be taking part in today.

This is the first time since we created the force earlier in the year our young people – and our staff team – have experienced cadet camp.

They are joined by a host of other schools, some from as far away as Surrey, with children of all ages.

Our students are building friendships and forging relationships they would not have done otherwise. 

They are increasingly comfortable and confident, leading activities and thinking on their feet. They are being taken out of their comfort zones and it is something we should do more of in school.

One special moment saw wheelchair user Ibby promoted to corporal by the camp Brigadier. 

We understand this is the first time this has happened during camp and it was a proud moment for Ibby and the Academy. We are proud of our values of inclusivity and diversity and the new corporal is a fantastic example. 

Each cadet contributed £40 to cover the entire week, including travel, accommodation and food.

We were restricted with numbers and those who could not go this time will have first choice next.

Our CCF is already seen as one of the most successful in the country. We have nearly 100 students, an eighth of our student population, involved. Praise was showered on our senior leadership team and governing body for the support given to it.

It is an example of great work as a staff team that has really paid off. 

Our athletics team also went out of their comfort zone yesterday.

They took part in the North Lincolnshire Schools’ Athletics Championships at Quibell Park and had a brilliant day, in terms of results and experiences.

All county secondaries entered and our team finished second in their division, a fantastic achievement.

Girls and boys from Years 7 to 10 achieved a lot of first places in track and field events, and team relays.

Special mentions to those who finished first: 

  • Year 7: Paige in 100m and 200m; girls relay 
  • Year 8: Joel, 300m and triple jump; Fida, 100m; Jolania, 100m; Scarlett, long jump and 300m 
  • Year 9: Jermaine, triple jump; Ruby, shot and discus 
  • Year 10: Carlo, high jump and 100m; Charlie, 300m; Raiyana, 100m and 200m; boys relay

The stand-out year group was Year 8. 

All competitors challenged themselves and, in some cases, faced their anxieties and put on a brilliant show in front of hundreds of other competitors and spectators. 

Finally, Year 10s are on the last of their Further Education visits at John Leggott College today.

The different environment will not be for everyone but I’m certain they, too, have benefitted from being out of their comfort zone.

 

Summer Fayre 2023

4th July 2023Callum Watson

July 2023

RE: Invitation to our Summer Fayre 2023 at The St Lawrence Academy.

Hello,

We would be delighted if you could join us on Thursday 13th July for our Summer Fayre at The St Lawrence Academy.

We are keen to extend our audience and we would like to invite grandparents, elderly relatives, our community members and local residential homes residents, community groups as well as parents, carers, family and friends to come and join us.

We have planned refreshments produced by our hospitality students, Face Painting, Music, Arts Exhibition, Food, Entertainment, Raffles, Challenges, Henna Art, Dance Shows and brilliant games which includes Soak the Teacher, and much more.

All events will be by donation, so please bring some coins with you and no change will be given.

This was a fantastic community event last year and we hope to build on that again, you don’t have to confirm attendance, just turn up and join in the fun from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

All proceeds will go towards supporting Lindsey Lodge Hospice.

All the best,

Eddie Wraith
Amethyst House Leader
Teacher of Maths

Raising Aspirations Day – July 2023

30th June 2023Garry Drinkall

Our Ref MCY/ROS/NLC University

 

June 2023

 

Dear Parent/Carer

 

Year 7 Raising Aspirations Day – University Campus North Lincolnshire

 

As part of our Raising Aspirations Day on Wednesday 5th July 2023, your child will be attending University Campus North Lincolnshire. They will spend the day at the University Campus engaged in workshops designed to enable them to find out more about studying at university and to help them think about their future after the academy.

 

Students are expected to arrive at the academy as normal and register at 8:30am in tutor rooms. Between 8:30am and 9:00am, all students will be in tutor groups and tutors will deliver a session that will focus on raising aspirations and student expectations for the visit.

 

At 9am students will attend an Empowerment Event with Luke Staton in the Westaby hall at the academy.

At 10:15am students will all walk to the University Campus, supervised by tutors.

Students will be expected to be in normal academy uniform. 

Students will need to bring a packed lunch or they can order a grab bag meal from the academy no later than Monday 3rd July. If your child is entitled to free school meals, this will be provided for them.  

Throughout the day, the Year 7 tutor team, in addition to Student Ambassadors from the University Campus North Lincolnshire, will support our students.

Students will be dismissed directly from the University Campus North Lincolnshire on Ashby Road at 2:30pm. 

 

This is a fantastic opportunity for students and one which I am sure will not only be very enjoyable, but further raise their aspirations and help them realise their full potential. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me. If we do not already have your consent for your child to walk on local visits we will contact you. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

M Cretney

 

Matt Cretney

Year 7 Achievement Team Leader

 

JLC College Taster Letter

29th June 2023Garry Drinkall

June 2023

 

Dear Parent/Carer.

 

Year 10 students will be visiting John Leggott College on Wednesday 5th July to experience a variety of subjects, which they have already individually selected. 

 

Students need to be in the academy promptly at 8.30am to be registered. They are to meet in their normal tutor rooms where they will be registered and briefed for the day. Transport to the college will be provided.

 

Taster Days will finish at approximately 2.30pm upon which students will be dismissed directly from the College to make their own way home. 

 

Students are to be dressed in appropriate casual clothing and do not need to wear the academy uniform unless their chosen subject demands it. All students are to remain on campus throughout the day and must bring their subject allocation letter with them. Students need to ensure they bring the required equipment to their sessions, should they not bring the correct equipment they may be reallocated to another subject when they arrive at the College.

 

John Leggott College will provide all students with a complimentary lunch during their visit. They are welcome to bring their own lunch if preferred. 

 

If there are any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Miss S Walker

Year 10 Achievement Team Leader 

 

Headteacher’s Blog

28th June 2023Nigel Lowther

A significant proportion of students and staff will be celebrating Eid today and I would like to wish them a wonderful, reflective time with their families.

Eid ul-Adha, a public holiday in Muslim countries, prompts a quote to come into mind:

“If you believe in something so utterly and completely are you ready to make sacrifices to achieve your goal?”

The quote’s sentiments can be linked to decisions students take in school regularly.

It is important young people make the right ones, even when a poor choice might be more appealing.

I’m continually impressed by those who make the right choices and it is right we reward those individuals.

Yesterday, Year 10 went on their first full day visit to a Further Education provider, on this occasion North Lindsey College.

This comes off the back of a brilliant week of work experience and a visit next Wednesday to John Leggott College.

In a small period, Year 10, as we start to prepare them for life after the Academy, will have had two days in FE environments and a week of work experience.

Students in the year group may have been inspired by something or someone during their time out of school that has altered their longer-term thinking.

If they believe a change of course is right, what sacrifices are they prepared to make to achieve their goal?

Year 9 are being rewarded for their all-round excellent efforts with a 10-pin bowling trip. They, too, will have made sacrifices to ensure they met the criteria and received an invitation.

Our first CCF camp will take place in Driffield, involving 40 children plus staff, Monday to Friday next week. What an amazing experience and opportunity. They were selected after making the right decisions.

On Tuesday (4th July), an athletics team will represent the academy in a North Lincolnshire inter-school competition at Quibell Park while some will attend the Adam Simms Memorial event at the same venue tomorrow (Thursday). More sacrifices being made.

Our first, all-school celebration evening at the Baths Hall on 12th July will be full of students being rewarded for setting a great example and making the right choices.

The day after, on the 13th at 4.30pm, we hope to repeat the unbelievable scenes last year at our first summer fair when hundreds attended.

There will be lots to celebrate and it will include a showcase of many talents, as well as stalls and plenty of other things going on.

It will be another example of young people going above and beyond and making the right decisions.

A choice of a different kind was made by Year 6 pupils last October. On Thursday (6th), they will have an induction day and evening having selected this academy to attend.

These young people will be welcomed and supported as we help them prepare to take on the demands of a secondary school.

It will be a new environment, completely different to their primary experience, and they will have to make changes to fit in with our vision and ethos.

Finally, action by the NEU which affects schools nationwide will take place next Wednesday (5th) and Friday (7th).

A text will be sent to parents / carers this morning with regards arrangements being put in place and what it means for individual year groups.

 

NLC College Taster Letter

22nd June 2023Garry Drinkall

June 2023

 

Dear Parent/Carer.

 

Year 10 students will be visiting North Lindsey College on Tuesday 27th June to experience a variety of subjects, which they have already individually selected. 

 

Students need to be in the academy promptly at 8.30am to be registered. They are to meet in their normal tutor rooms where they will be registered and briefed for the day. Transport to the college will be provided for both days.

 

Taster Days will finish at approximately 2.30pm upon which students will be dismissed directly from the College to make their own way home. 

 

Students are to be dressed in appropriate casual clothing and do not need to wear the academy uniform unless their chosen subject demands it. All students are to remain on campus throughout the day and must bring their subject allocation letter with them. Students need to bring equipment to certain sessions and should they not bring the correct equipment they may have to be reallocated to another subject when they arrive at the College.

 

North Lindsey College Day students are asked to bring their own packed lunch or they can bring some money to purchase from the canteen, the lunch period is 45 minutes and this will help to eliminate queues in the College diner. Students who are eligible for a Free School Meal will be provided with a packed lunch from the academy diner to take with them if requested. Please complete the form for Free School Meals here. 

 

If there are any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Miss S Walker

Year 10 Achievement Team Leader 

 

Headteacher’s Blog

21st June 2023Nigel Lowther

Sport has always played a big part in the life of our Academy – and it has dominated the calendar over the last few days.

It is National School Sports Week, organised by the Youth Sport Trust, and something we have been proud to participate in since 2004, when we were part of the Specialist Sports College Network.

While the network is no more, we formed some big partnerships with national organisations which remain today and we have stayed true to sport.

Quibell Park hosted our annual sports day on Monday. We had a great day, aided by the weather which was not too hot or cold.

Excellent attendance and levels of participation showed how comfortable the students were performing in front of such large numbers of people.

I understand that, sometimes, young people are a little reticent on such a big stage but ours went that extra mile.

They demonstrated terrific camaraderie, encouraged their peers to do their best and generated a positive atmosphere.

It was a well-structured and competitive event and I would like to congratulate winners Ruby House who triumphed in three of the four year group competitions in Years 7, 8 and 9. Emerald pipped them in Year 10 but that left Ruby overall winners.

The day kick-started a great week of sport, with a variety of activities on offer.

They have included boxing taster sessions, a Year 9 silent disco, Scunthorpe Alphas American football team players coaching Year 9 boys, trips to a gymnastics club and the Pods and a primary schools leadership festival on Friday, in which our students will help coach younger pupils.

Finally, also on Friday, former Scunthorpe United manager and player Neil Cox, also an ex student, is coming in for a question and answer session.

It has all added up to a great week and I’d like to say a big thank you to Lindsay Shutes and her PE team for organising it.

To see more pictures and details, please go to @tsla_pe_sport)

We are looking forward to the Year 11 leavers event on Friday as they look ahead to the next step in their young lives.

Unfortunately, the unexpected prospect of further strike action by the NEU has returned. Members will take action on Wednesday, 5th July, and Friday, 7th.

We are looking at how that will impact on the academy and we have not made any formal decisions yet. We will be notifying parents in the coming days what it may mean to their child.

Today, there is a great event at the Baths Hall promoting careers for women in engineering. All our Year 8 girls will be attending.

They will have a chance to consider potential career choices ahead of selecting their GCSE options next year.

Finally, I end on a sombre note. Our thoughts are with the family of a former student who lost their life over the weekend. While they attended in the early 2000s, several people have mentioned the tragedy. It is always a reflective moment when we lose someone connected with our community and we send our condolences.