Taster Day Presentation 2017

WELCOME TO WEST LAKES ACADEMY

5 July 2017

www.westlakesacademy.org.uk

PASTORAL CARE SYSTEM Structure

Vice Principal: Miss S McCabe

Head of Year: Miss L Kerr

Form Tutors: Mr R.Harrington, Mr A.Mawson, Mrs L.Amor, Mrs S.Bell,

Mrs L.Campbell, Mrs A. Freestone/ Miss A.Savage,

Miss S.Wilson/ Miss L.Hoban

SENCO: Mr J Woodcock

First Aid

Co-ordinator: Ms K Tuck


5 July 2017


YEAR 6 INTO YEAR 7


5 July 2017


Developing skills and independence

Forming friendships and positive working relationships

Building confidence and resilience


5 July 2017


‘Never do anything regularly for your

child that they are capable of doing

for themselves.’





5 July 2017



Forming friendships and positive

working relationships


EQUIPMENT

Each day, students are expected to bring a pencil

case containing:

• Black pen

• Blue pen

• Red pen

• Ruler

• Pencil

They will also need their iPad, a calculator* and their

Accelerated Reader book every day. Sometimes

they will require PE Kit or additional items such as

cooking ingredients.*The Maths Dept. recommend Casio FX85GT+


5 July 2017






HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD?

Unpack and repack the whole school bag each

night

Have separate stationery for home and school

Have a copy of the timetable in an accessible place

and model how to refer to this for the next day

Document wallets can be useful for keeping letters

and paper safe

Designate a space in the home where all school

things are to be kept.


5 July 2017






HOMEWORKYear 7 students should be completing around one hour of home learning each

school day. This should be a combination of set tasks, revision, reading or

independent research.

Students will be shown how to use the MILK application, which is used by staff to

record and mark homework.

Our popular Homework Club runs from Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm – 5.30pm in

the Academy Library.

Failure to hand in homework is not acceptable. Students should attempt

homework tasks as soon as they are set to leave plenty of time to solve any

problems.


5 July 2017







Agree a suitable time for home learning which fits in with your family routine.

Check the MILK ‘app’ each night and agree what needs to be completed in the

set time. When there are no set tasks, encourage some reading, research or

revision.

Restrict devices and other distractions. These will only encourage

procrastination and mean that the tasks take longer than they should.

When problems occur, encourage your child to see their teacher at the earliest

opportunity for help.


5 July 2017


“It's only been a month at West Lakes Academy and there's already so much to say thank you for! I love the teachers, they are all so kind and willing to help at all times. The building is easily

navigated! I like how friendly all the students are, and the calm atmosphere. I also praise the motivational messages around the academy as they make me feel as though if I really try, I can

achieve great things. My favourite thing about West Lakes Academy is the expectation. I love the fact that you are expected to do well but are still rewarded for doing so. There is no school in the

world that I would rather be at than here. So, thank you for making this the best school experience of my life so far.“ – Year 7 feedback 2016





5 July 2017


POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPSStudents will work in several different groups throughout the timetable and will

meet lots of new people. In the first few weeks, Year 7 will have extended social

time to support the settling in process.

There are lots of opportunities for group work and collaboration which support

‘ice breakers’.

Students with additional needs have allocated supervised social areas should

they prefer this.

All students can speak to their form tutor or Head of Year about any social issues

and will be supported to overcome this.


Forming friendships and positive working

relationships



5 July 2017



Encourage your child to speak to new people. Rehearse some conversation

starters if they are nervous.

Encourage participation in extra-curricular activities.

Supervise use of iPads and smartphones for communication. Never allow use

of communication devices in bedrooms etc. and recommend that you remove

them at bedtime.

If conflict occurs, encourage your child to speak to a member of staff in school

for help.



relationships



5 July 2017


POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

Staff and students have excellent working relationships built on mutual respect.

Where poor social or learning behaviour is recognised, teachers will follow this up

with a sanction, usually a break time detention. If poor behaviour issues are

becoming frequent, teachers will liaise with form tutors and the head of year to

agree strategies to address this and contact home.

Positive behaviour is rewarded in a wide range of ways including sharing praise,

Vivo points, praise postcards, phone calls home and certificates.



relationships



5 July 2017



Reinforce the behaviour expectations at home and support your child to make

positive choices about their behaviour for learning.

Support teachers and staff in upholding high expectations of all our students

We encourage dialogue between parents and staff so please do not hesitate to

contact staff if you require any further information.



relationships



5 July 2017


“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t;

You’re right!





5 July 2017


RESILIENT LEARNERS

Effective learning feels tough! Students will not be able to

immediately do what is expected of them and it can be easy to

feel deflated, or to avoid tackling the experience.

Non academic challenges can include:

• Losing belongings

• Getting organised for each day

• Managing friendships

• Overcoming minor homework problems

• Positive behaviour habits

We will encourage your child to develop a Growth Mindset; to

see challenges as opportunities to improve and learn.



relationships


Panic Zone!Learning ZoneComfort Zone


5 July 2017


HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Encourage your child to talk through problems and support

them to find a solution themselves.

Help your child to maintain a sense of perspective and to

remain calm.

Celebrate the effort your child has made towards an

achievement.

Talk through hypothetical scenarios around particular areas

of anxiety. Share examples of problems you have

overcome.



relationships


Panic Zone!Learning ZoneComfort Zone

YEAR SEVEN RESIDENTIAL 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017



5 July 2017


ACCOMMODATION


5 July 2017


ACTIVITIES

Derwentwater Ferry

Den building

Group chants

Natural sculptures

Visit to Lodore Falls (weather permitting)

Team and individual sports

Team building activities

Group meal times

Taster Day Presentation 2017

Education