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Preparing for September

 

Journey to and from school
  • Investigate bus times 
  • Rehearse the route (ideally at the same time of day).
  • Is your child aware of road safety as local roads can be very busy at this time of day?
  • Travel safety - does your child know to travel in groups and never alone especially in more vulnerable areas and during the winter months?
  • Plan alternative arrangements for after school clubs or if a bus is missed.
  • Get your child to practise taking the house key out with them

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    Mobile Phones
    We operate a no mobile phones policy.  If we see a student using a mobile phone on site without permission, we will confiscate the phone until the end of the day.  If a student needs to carry a mobile phone, it must be kept out of sight and switched off.  If you need to contact your child urgently during the school day, you may do so through the school switchboard on 0207 479 3900 and ask for the Head of Year’s Office.    
                 

    If your child is bringing a mobile phone to school, please can you help them as follows:  

    • Use an inexpensive phone for school
    • Practise using it first - especially turning it on and off so that your child does not have it switched on in lessons.
    • Program your contact details into the phone.
    • Program in phone numbers of any other adults that your child is able to contact if they need to.
    • Talk about where and how your child can keep their valuables, like phones, safe.

     

    Routines
  • Homework - when and where will this take place?
  • Meal times - will these need to change now that your child is starting school earlier in the morning and could be home later if they take part in after school activities? 
  • Packed lunches or school meals.  If you are eligible for free school meals, ensure you have filled in the correct paperwork which you can get from the school office. 
  • Talk about the clubs and activities on offer. This year’s clubs are published on the website in the Student Zone and will be updated in September.
  • Plan when your child will be able to get their bag ready for the next day at school. 
  • Refer to your child's timetable. This is in their planner.
  • Check and sign their planner on a weekly basis. 
  • How will your child going to secondary school affect the routines of other family members? Will you have to renegotiate shower times etc? 
  • Have you allowed enough time in the first few weeks to spend extra time talking to your child about their new school and helping them to adjust?

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    Friends

    We try as far as possible to place Year 7 in tutor groups with people that they will know or existing friends.


    You might be able to help ease the transition in terms of friendships:

    • During the holidays try to plan opportunities where your child can socialise with other children who are in the same tutor group, or who your child is likely  to be friends with at Paddington Academy in September. Also make opportunities for your child to see existing good friends.
    • Talk to your child about why they like certain people and what it means to be a good friend. 
    • Build up your child's friendship skills and their self esteem. 
    • Reassure them that they will not lose touch with existing friends, even if they are in a different school or tutor group

     

    Uniform

    Our full uniform policy is available on our website and can be seen by clicking here.

    Please be advised that:

    • Students in Years 7 – 11 are expected to wear uniform. An unexplained lack of uniform may result in a student being sent home to change.
    • Headscarves may be worn for religious reasons and should be plain navy blue or black. 
    • We do not permit hoodies, baseball caps and these will be confiscated if found in the academy. 
    • Outdoor coats should be appropriate for school. 
    • Jewellery is not permitted except watches.  
    • Jeans or corduroy are not allowed
    • Ensure that your child has a school bag that is big enough to hold all of their books and equipment


    Talking to each other
  • Try to balance any of your child's worries or fears with excitement and hope.
  • Start talking about secondary school now. Don't bottle up feelings. 
  • Bear in mind that this change for your child will have a knock on effect for the whole family. 
  • Help your child to understand that it is natural to be apprehensive when you start anywhere new. 
  • Use the Paddington Academy website to initiate key conversations with your child. Look at it with them. 
  • Encourage your child to talk to other people about going to secondary school for example, friends, grandparents, teachers etc.