Parent Information Meeting�Year 8

 22nd September 2021

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.

Year 8 Team

Ms Fehimli

 Year 8 ESA

Associate tutor

Mr Fyles

Head of Year 8

Ms Claxton

Ms Bergame

Assistant  Headteacher

Giving 10/10 effort to your child every day

Ms Akhtar

Mr Curtis

Ms Bugtti 

Ms Korner

8C

Ms Williams

8L

8A

8P

8T

Mr John

8N

Ms Odoi 

CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT

What will my child study?

In year 8, all classes are in mixed ability groups for most subjects.

Students are only in sets in Maths.

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 9nd December there will be an opportunity to discuss your child’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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Assessment and Feedback at CGA

1. Teachers provide written feedback on agreed formative and summative assessments according to the SOL (this varies within faculties and between key stages).
2. Teachers use WWW (what went well) and EBI (even better if) to identify what students can do and what they need to do to improve.
3. Teachers use the CGA marking code when correcting student work.
4. STAIR time us used to improve work.

STAIR Time

Student

Time to

Assess,

Improve and

Respond

1. Students will correct mistakes in their work identified by their teacher – e.g. spellings, vocabulary
2. Students will use STAIR time to answer questions posed by their teacher or to redraft (sections of) their work.

GCSE Options

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Year 8 study a broad and balanced curriculum.

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Students do not pick their options until Year 9 to ensure they get to enjoy a variety of subjects for as long as possible.

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Full study of all subjects at Key Stage three will support your child when they make their choices next year.

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

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Homework – Satchel One

• 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� 

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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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.
• 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 Provisions starting from Monday 20  September :

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• All students will have access the LRC at lunch time & after school
• Allocated year group days for students to access LRC at break time
• LRC books are being replenished and re-catalogued- loaning open from Monday 20 September

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WELLBEING AND EXTRA-

CURRICULAR

Y8 PSHCE/RSE Autumn Term 2021 overview

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 8 will be learning about this term in PSHCE and RSE. During October there will also be ongoing Black History activities and tasks.

After school clubs (including Greenhouse Sports)

These will gradually restart from Monday 27 September. The initial focus will be on sports, music and drama opportunities. More information was shared with parents in the Headteacher's letter last Friday (17 September).

School trips

Due to the ongoing concerns around Covid-19, we are doing a thorough review of our trips policy and systems.

There will be no international school trips this academic year. Covid permitting, local and national trips are likely to resume from early November.

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Our current plan is to use MyEd to get consent information from parents for trips. To support with this, please ensure that you have installed and are regularly checking the MyEd app.

See student planner and New Families handbook for more details

Behaviour for Learning non-negotiables:​

• Arrive between 8.15 and 8.35am (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.

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

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.

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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Year 8 lockers are in the Pankhurst building, Room P51.

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All year 8 students were issued a locker last week.

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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We have a new designated prayer room in C54.

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It is open during lunch time only.

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Parents have been sent a link via MyEd to give consent for students to use the prayer room. 

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.

The webpage includes two wellbeing directories which contain direct links to lots of useful websites

Mental Wellbeing — Clapton Girls' Academy

Scroll down to the ‘Managing Anxiety’ section and click on the tab for all the crisis numbers you might need.

Contact Call advice for students and parents Feb 2021.pptm - Google Slides

If you click on the grey tab under the wellbeing directories, it takes you to a Powerpoint containing lots of useful links and tips for parents and students.

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file:///C:/Users/joyme/AppData/Local/Packages/Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe/TempState/Downloads/Kooth%20-%20How%20to%20Sign%20up%20Guide%20(1).pdf

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Click here

Parents awareness: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8834544460907728144

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Important information:

• The session is 1 hour in duration, without breaks. 
• Once the session starts you can pause / fast forward and rewind – by using the control panel at the bottom of the screen.
• If using an organisation device / or wifi connection the link may be blocked by your firewall. Please ensure IT department has unblocked the GoTo platform.  
• All forms of digital devices can be used to access the sessions.
• Access the session via the link and follow instructions.

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Online safety for Parents and Carers

WORKING WITH PARENTS

PROGRESS

Planners 

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Needs 100% buy-in from students and parents.

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Subsidised laptops

• We want every 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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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 parent letters, 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 Mr Fyles (Head of Year ) ext 218 or Ms Fehimli (ESA) ext 267. 

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