Welcome to the

Year 7  

Parent Information Meeting

Destinations

History at Oxford�Modern & Medieval Languages at Cambridge�Computer Science at Kings�Medicine at Queen Mary & Kings�Maths at Edinburgh�Diagnostic Radiography at St Georges�Business, Accounting & Finance at Exeter�Speech & Language Therapy at City

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Summer building work & changes

• Stone archway outside Pankhurst reception rebuilt.
• Reading room set up off LRC to promote reading for pleasure
• Expansion of Dining Pavilion green space to support student wellbeing.
• Significant reconfiguration and improvements to our Art, Design and Technology facilities in the Tereshkova building

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Rosa Parks - work still in progress

• Old art rooms in Rosa Parks now music rooms - significant changes made to rooms increase access to instruments, band space etc
• Old music practice rooms modified  to make new mentoring rooms.
• Old music cupboards – now new sixth form teaching space.
• Changing rooms made larger to support ventilation.

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Covid catch-up spending breakdown

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• Continue to practise excellent hand sanitisation inside school and out.
• Wash your hands on arrival to school. You can also use the washbasins in your year group area at break times during the day.
• Use the hand sanitisers around school frequently.
• If you cough or sneeze, ideally do so into a tissue. Throw the tissue away afterwards then sanitise or wash your hands.
• Sanitise hands before eating or handling food
• Try to carry hand sanitiser with you outside of school where possible so that you can sanitise your hands after touching shared surfaces such as door handles.

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It is no longer compulsory to wear a mask anywhere in school but if you prefer to do so this is completely fine. It is now your personal choice and no-one will judge you whether you choose to wear or not wear a mask.

• Whilst many of the COVID restrictions have now lifted, we are still required to make sure that spaces are well ventilated as an effective measure in keeping transmission rates low.
• Even allowing a small amount of air in for a short amount of time will make a big difference in minimising the transmission of COVID-19.
• Ventilation replaces shared air with fresh air.
• The windows will continue to be open for a while yet so please make sure you have base layers to wear in order to keep warm.

Fresh Air

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Specific COVID symptoms are:

1. A high temperature above 37.8 degrees. Do you feel hot to touch on your back or chest?
2. A new continuous cough. Have you been coughing a lot for more than an hour or had 3 or more coughing episodes in the last 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it could be worse than usual.
3. A new loss of or change to sense of smell or taste. Have you noticed that you cannot smell or taste anything or that things smell or taste different to normal.

If you have – or anyone in your household has – any of these symptoms, you must take a PCR test and self-isolate if the result is positive. 

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If you do not have any of these 3 symptoms but feel generally unwell and have symptoms such as feeling sick, vomiting, bad stomach cramps, a bad headache or a sore throat, please arrange to take a PCR test in case it is COVID.

You should continue to do your Lateral Flow Tests at home twice a week. We recommend that you test yourself on Sunday and Wednesday. If you get a positive result on a Lateral Flow Test you must take a PCR test. If the PCR test result is positive, you must stay at home and self-isolate.

Key transition staff

Ms Evans 

Head of Year 7/

Transition

Ms Feltham

Headteacher

Ms Anokye

Engagement

Support Assistant/ Transition

Ms Meyer

Deputy

Headteacher/

Mental Health

Lead

Ms Cook

Assistant 

Headteacher/

Transition

Lead

Mr Gall

Assistant 

Headteacher/

SENDCO

Form tutors

Ms Mahon

7L

Ms Chambers

7C

Ms Omazic

7A

Ms Whitley

7T

Ms Dawes

7P

Mr Hood

7N

Ms Hanlon

What will my child study?

In year 7, all classes are in mixed ability groups.

Students will move into sets in Maths by October.

KS3 Curriculum and Assessment

• At KS3 (Years 7 to 9), students follow a broad curriculum that prepares them to start GCSE in Year 10.

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• Parents will receive three reports during the school year. These will explain:
• how well students are learning 
• how well students are behaving
• The report will also allow parents to understand whether students are making sufficient progress based on their KS2 data.
• At Parents Evening, on Thursday 2nd December there will be an opportunity to discuss your daughter’s learning with their teachers.
• We are trialling online parents evening on SchoolCloud. More information will follow.

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KS3 Assessment and wellbeing

• Our assessment model focusses on holistic student progress and avoid high-stakes testing.
• Our priority is on teachers providing students with feedback to help them improve their work and make progress.
• Your child is being assessed on all the work they have done: classwork, contributions in lessons, homework, presentations, extended writing. 
• To support KS3 students familiarise themselves with the routine of revising for and sitting exams at KS4 and KS5, we have some end of year exams in May.

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• Our KS3 assessment approach does not use GCSE grades but qualitative judgements. For each report, students will be given one of five learning statements in each subject. 
• If a student is identified as ‘securing’  they are making good progress to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE.
• If a student is identified as ‘Mastering’ they are making good progress to achieve a Grade 8 or above at GCSE.
• We expect students to improve throughout the year, e.g. moving from 'approaching' to 'securing'.
• The learning statements get harder each year so a student who ends Y7 and Y8 on 'securing' is making good progress.

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Metacognition

• This year, to support Covid recovery, we will be using metacognition to support all students build confidence, independence and resilience.
• Metacognition is a conscious awareness of one’s thoughts–thinking about thinking. 
• When developed, this awareness helps students successfully complete complex and extended tasks (e.g. essay writing, problem-solving, project work).
• Teachers in all subjects will be working with students to model the thinking process and train them to think metacognitively.

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• Satchel:One is used at CGA to help students manage their homework.

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Homework – Satchel One

• Teachers publish homework online with instructions and a due date – this then appears on your child's personalised homework calendar, along with any other details such as resources, internet links or worksheets. Each piece of homework appears on the timeline as shown below. 

• Students are expected to write their homework in their planner and use Satchel:One daily.

• Students will receive regular and meaningful homework. Homework can take various forms including written work; research tasks; rehearsal and practice; memorising and revision; and practical work. 

At home you can support your child by:

1. Creating a quiet space where homework can be completed.

2. Providing paper, pens and other resources.

3. Removing distractions during this time (such as television, phones or computers).

4. Checking your child’s planner and Satchel:One to make sure work has been completed.

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Supporting your child with their homework

At school

From Monday 20 September, the Learning Resource Centre is available every day with a homework club running after school 2.50pm-4.30pm. Students can complete their homework here and have access to books, computers, support staff and desk space. 

This app can be used by you and your child.  It will notify you when homework is set and due.� �If you need your parent login details for Satchel:One, please contact James Bradbury.�Jbradbury@clapton.hackney.sch.uk ��Your child will receive login details for access to Satchel:One �tomorrow (Friday 10th). Please help them with this.

Download the Satchel:One app

Here’s how you can support your child’s reading:

• Encourage them to join Hackney Libraries for free and loan physical, audio & e-books.
• Encourage them to make a reading book a part of their daily equipment
• Encourage your child to read 30 minutes a day and have discussions about what they are reading.

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Further recommendations can be accessed here: https://claptonhackneyschuk-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/rhanlon_clapton_hackney_sch_uk/EcXjShcS6dJNmvVLVaFaw2QB-_gfq-C_HA5Jj5uPLNsP3Q?e=9ClN5c

Reading routines at CGA

- A reading book is part of school equipment. Every child should have one in their bag, or let their tutor know if they need one.

- 20 minutes quiet reading every Thursday in collective time.

• ‘Read together’ bookmarks will be given to students to support their independent reading.
• Year 7 students take part in Accelerated Reader programme. 
• LRC lessons will be used with Years 7,8 and 9                            

LRC updates

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LRC reconfiguration will continue throughout 2021-22.

Key Changes: 

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• New quiet reading fiction space in the back room to encourage reading for pleasure
• An increase in available study space & access to IT in main LRC room

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Meet our new Librarian, Annie Taylor!

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LRC access for Year 7 will start on Monday 20 September

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• All students will have access to the LRC at lunch time & after school
• Year 7 will have access to the LRC on Monday break times
• LRC books are being replenished and re-catalogued
• Loaning will open from Monday 20 Sept.

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Maths curriculum in year 7

• Our challenging schemes of work are closely linked to MyMaths textbooks. Online versions can be found at www.Kerboodle.com

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• Students learn a mix of number, geometry, statistics, probability and ratio & proportion over the year. We also do some cross curricular work during Black History Month and Money week.

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• Students have 1 assessment each half term and an end of year assessment.

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• Students are put into sets by October to ensure they continue to make excellent progress.

Maths homework

What is HegartyMaths?

• Over 850 video tutorials and question sets.

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• Records progress and effort.

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• Allows parents and teachers to see all topics that have been covered.

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• Helps pupils to revisit their mistakes and learn from them.

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• Excellent revision tool and can be used for independent learning.

Ade Odumade 

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Y7 PSHCE/RSE Autumn Term 2021 overview

Sexual Health Awareness Day – Thursday 16^th September 2021 

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) are delivered to all year groups. The planned delivery of this content has been carefully considered to ensure that it is age appropriate and meets the needs of all of our students.

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Here is an overview of what Year 7 will be learning about this term in PSHCE and RSE. During October there will also be ongoing Black History activities and tasks.

See student planner and New Families handbook for more details

Behaviour for Learning non-negotiables:​

• Arrive between 8.15 and 8.40am (Gates will close at 8.40)​
• Positive start of the day – quiet year-group line up.​
• Planners on the desk.​
• No coats in  classroom.​
• Bags on the floor.

Smart, flat plain black leather look, hard soled shoes or ankle boots no higher than ankle height

Students are not allowed to wear trainers.

Uniform- shoe policy

From Monday 13^th September, students are expected to wear the correct footwear. Please keep the following in mind:

• Trainers and trainer-like shoes are not allowed (Vans, Converse, Sketchers,etc).
• Mesh/Fabric shoes are not allowed.
• Mesh/Fabric ballerina shoes are not allowed.
• Knee-high boots
• Please refer to the policy if in doubt.

Mobile phones

Obesity - exposure to advertising of high-calorie foods and snacking while watching screen media

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Sleep problems - exposure to blue light and stimulating content from screens leading to negative effect on school performance

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Cyberbullying - can lead to negative social, academic and health issues

• Avoid exposure to screens for 1 hour before agreed bedtime

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• Plan media-free times together as family

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• Decide on media-free locations such as bedrooms

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• Engage in activities that promote wellbeing e.g. sports, reading and talking with each other

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Take the mobile phone at certain times

Top e-safety tips for parents

1. Talk to your daughter about what she is up to online.
2. Set boundaries in the online world just as you would in the real world.
3. Keep all equipment that connects to the internet in a family space.
4. Know what connects to the internet and how.
5. Use parental controls on devices that link to the internet, such as the TV, laptops, computers, games consoles and mobile phones.
6. Emphasise that not everyone online is who they say they are. 
7. Know what to do if something goes wrong. 

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See www.thinkuknow.co.uk for more e-safety tips and guidance

PROGRESS

Planners

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Needs 100% buy-in from students and parents

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Year 7 lockers will be in the Rosa Parks building 

Students will get these in the next few weeks

Space for coat and PE Kit

No food please!

No deposit or padlock needed!

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Lunch 

All lunch money is to be deposited onto Parentpay. Letters were  posted in July. If you did not receive your letter, please email finance@clapton.hackney.sch.uk

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• Meal deal lunch (meal and drink) can be purchased for £2.40
• Snacks are additional cost (prices will be on website next week)
• A limit can be placed on your child's account 

Email finance@clapton.hackney.sch.uk

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Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club - 8.15-8.35am daily in the Dining Pavilion. Free toast and activities. Additional food items can be purchased at a small cost via your ParentPay account.  This started on Monday 6 September.

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Homework Club

Homework Club starts on Monday 20 September for all students after school in the Learning Resource Centre until 4.30pm. Learning Support Assistants will be available to assist students with their work. 

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Clapton Records

Clapton Records will restart from Monday 27 September in the music rooms.

Monday - Year 7 – 2:50-4:30pm 

Tuesday - Year 8 - 2:50-4:30pm 

Wednesday - Year 9 -  2:50-4:30pm

Thursday - Year 10 - 2:50-4:30pm 

Friday - Year 11 - 2:50-4:30pm

Basket Ball

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Breakfast Clubs (7.15am-8.30am)

Monday- Shooting- Open Session (Sports Hall)

Thursday- Fitness- Open Session (Sports Hall/ Fitness Suite)

Friday- Games- Open Session (Sports Hall)

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After School Club (3pm-5pm)

Monday- Under 16 Training (Sports Hall)

Wednesday- Under 12 Training (Sports Hall)

Friday- Under 14 Training (Sports Hall)

PE CLUBS WILL START ON MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

Tennis

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Breakfast Clubs (7.15am-8.30am)

Monday- Squad Training- Invite Only (Tennis Courts)

Tuesday- Touch Tennis- Open Session (Sports Hall)

Wednesday- Squad Training- Invite Only (Tennis Courts)

Thursday- Cardio Tennis- Open Session (Tennis Courts/Sports Hall)

Friday- Squad Training- Invite Only (Tennis Courts) 

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After School Club (3pm-4.30pm)

Monday- Year 7- Open Session (Tennis Courts) 

Wednesday- Year 8- Open Session (Tennis Courts) 

Thursday- Year 9, 10 & 11- Open Session (Tennis Courts) 

All club information will be emailed to you over the next few weeks. Regular updates will also be shared in the Headteacher's weekly letters (every Friday).

Subsidised laptops

• We want very child to have regular access to a computer at home to support effective independent and home learning.
• This will enable them to do more than a smartphone or tablet.

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• To support this, parents will be able to buy a heavily subsidised laptop or Chromebook from CGA for £99. 

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• Payment is via ParentPay.

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• If you would like to more information, please contact Yetunde Monz, Deputy Business Manager.
• finance@clapton.hackney.sch.uk

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Support your child’s attendance and achievement by:

• Not taking any holidays during term time (these CANNOT be authorised)
• Arranging medical/dental appointments outside school time
• Ensuring we are aware of any medical needs

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Academy Improvement Plan target W1:

Empower students to use strategies to develop personal and academic resilience so they attend and thrive

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• You must aim to be in school by 8:30am and be inside your year group gate by 8:40am at the very latest to allow time to go to your locker without being late for morning line-up.
• If you are late to school, you must complete a 30-minute detention after school on the same day.
• If you arrive to school after 9am, this will be recorded as unauthorised absence not as lateness, unless agreed in advance due to medical reasons, and you will also have to complete a detention.

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Communication

General information

1. Use MyEd app on your phone
2. Read information pages in the student planner
3. Read weekly Headteacher letters to parents (emailed every Friday morning)
4. Read CGA News (emailed every 2 weeks) and keep letters 
5. See parents' section of website (calendar dates, copies of parents, guidance pages)

Questions or feedback

1. Encourage student independence – can your child help?
2. Use student planner to write to tutor – weekly notes page
3. Call main reception between 8am and 4.30pm
4. Email academy mailbox – CGA@clapton.hackney.sch.uk
5. Email or call Ms Evans (Head of Year 7) or Ms Anokye 

Remember – there are also lots of resources and links to reliable websites and sources of support on the Mental Wellbeing page of our academy website.

MyEd parent app – download it now!

In September 2020, we made the full switch to the MyEd parent app.  This means that we do not send paid text messages to parents but instead all communications go out via the free “In App” function available on MyEd.

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It is ESSENTIAL that ALL parents download the app from their app store.  

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Aside from saving the academy thousands of pounds, other advantages to the app are that it is a one stop shop were you get up to date information about all aspects of your child’s school life including attendance, achievements, behaviour, holiday dates and other key academy dates.  The app also allows you to link directly to Satchel:One and ParentPay.

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If you have any questions about the app, questions about what to do if you don’t have a smart phone, or maybe even need help downloading the app, please contact Ms Nolda Halderman on 020 8985 6641 extension 252

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https://www.myeddschoolapp.com/

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My Ed – connecting parents, students and schools

https://www.myedschoolapp.com/

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• The Friends of CGA is a new group made up of parents and carers of CGA students, coming together to support the school community and raise money to enhance our girls’ education.  
• The Friends group will meet once a month during term time starting in October, details will appear in the school newsletter. 
• If you are interested in joining the group, please email cga@clapton.hackney.sch.uk giving your name, your child's name and your contact details.

The Friends of CGA

Don’t forget:

1) Correct contact details – phone and email  -cga@clapton.hackney.sch.uk

2) Download the MyEd app

3) Login to Satchel:one – DO NOT LOSE THE LOGIN DETAILS!

4) Login to Parentpay

5)Contact cgall@clapton.hackney.sch.uk  Mr Gall (SENCO) if your child has medical or special educational needs that we are not aware of