The Darrick Wood Way
Parent Bulletin

Welcome to our second Parent Bulletin this year. We are in a busy period where we work hard to set our expectations and deliver the best lessons and extra-curricular programme we can, but are also pleased to be able to welcome parents of specific year groups to the School for information evenings. So far we have held evenings for parents of students who have just joined the Sixth Form and then last week we were delighted to see a large number of parents of our youngest students come in to find out more about what we do and how they can help during this critical transition period from primary into secondary education. This week it was the turn of parents of Year 11 to come to the School. Apart from being able to speak to subject representatives, SEN and careers, there was also lots to think about in terms of how the year for these students is structured, especially the key dates of mock examinations. Probably one of the most helpful presentations was one providing techniques for studying and revision alongside the importance of staying physically and mentally healthy in what can be a very stressful year for all – students, parents and teachers!

I will leave you to read the rest of this Bulletin and catch up on the latest news from around the School, but I would like to end with a few gentle policy reminders:

1. Please ensure you have read my recent email regarding attendance and punctuality. You will see in this Bulletin that our overall attendance figure has already decreased from 96% to 95% since the last Parent Bulletin. We need to work together to ensure this reverts to our target of 96% very quickly.

2. Our Communications Policy includes an important paragraph regarding one of our Core Values – Respect. I would like to remind everyone of the importance of adhering to this:

All parties are expected to value and show respect for others by demonstrating acceptable standards of attitude, behaviour and communication. Whilst we acknowledge that in some circumstances parents/carers may be upset or angry at a particular situation, we will not tolerate shouting or unreasonable behaviour, including any form of bullying, harassment or intimidation. If proven, this could result in further action being taken. Both staff and parents are responsible for creating a respectful environment that encourages effective communication. This will mean that all those involved in communication will treat each other with dignity, courtesy and sensitivity. This includes all staff that you communicate with at the School, including office and teaching staff.

Parents who need to meet with members of staff are reminded that they must have an appointment. Our staff have very busy roles throughout the School day and into the evenings. Whilst we always want to try to help, staff are not usually available without considerable notice.

3. Please remember that in accordance with Department for Education guidance and our own Behaviour Policy, students can be kept behind at school at the end of the day for a detention for up to 30 minutes without any notice to parents. All detentions are, however, entered into our system and parents can track this using the Bromcom MyChildatSchool app. Parents will always be given 24 hours’ notice of Detentions longer than 30 minutes, again using the app. 

Finally, on a more positive note, I have been very impressed with the vast majority of our students during these first crucial weeks of the new school year. To give you some idea, we have issued over 32,000 positive points across the School already! 94% of all the points awarded are positive. I look forward to awarding Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Awards later this year.