Letter for Parents 20/10/2021
Wed 20 Oct 2021
20 October 2021
Dear Parents and Carers,
This academic year at Outwood Academy Shafton we will be providing half termly Praising Stars© reports for students in Year 10 and 11, but will be providing termly reports for those students in Years’ 7 - 9. It is important to note for all parents and carers that the reduction from 6 to 3 reported assessment points for Years 7-9 is not an indicator of a reduction in the vital tool of assessment in the classrooms of these year groups. We will always utilise the routine assessment of each student's knowledge, understanding and performance to inform all future teaching. This is as important during the early secondary phase of students' experience as those students completing GCSE and Level 2 qualifications.
At Outwood Academy Shafton teachers collect attainment information from students in every classroom every day as part of quality classroom practice. This information is used to develop future learning; differentiate practice to support and challenge all students. This new system of reported assessment for Y7 - 9 students will afford teaching staff more time to analyse assessment information, identify misconceptions and implement appropriate interventions for their students to progress in their subject area. In addition, we will be advertising parents evening dates very soon. Our first parents evening this year will be for Y11 and Y7 students. Please remember that if you have a question regarding your child’s academic or pastoral progression at Outwood Academy Shafton, you can contact your child’s learning manager via email or you can communicate with their tutor via their planner.
As we reach the end of the first half term I reflect on our students' amazing achievements and the events we have held to celebrate these. From our Ace ceremony awards, #ProudThursday, our wealth of enrichment and sporting events and #HelloYellow day. There have been so many amazing occasions. Every day we work together as a supportive academy to provide the very best education for every child.
As always we will be maintaining our high standards for uniform throughout the academic year, please take the opportunity to see the uniform information on our website https://www.shafton.outwood.com/uniform. As we approach the colder months and our rooms remain ventilated, students may wish to purchase an OGAT black jumper or a plain black jumper to wear under their blazer, this must have no visible logos.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students, parents and carers a safe and restful half term. Students have worked hard this half term and teachers speak extremely highly of their effort and engagement. This half term we have had visitors to the academy from our Academy Council, OGAT Executive Team and the Heart Start team all of whom have commented on how polite, courteous and well-mannered our students are; they are a credit to their families and, of course, to our academy.
Yours faithfully,
Alison McQueen