Year 7

" Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think".

A.A. Milne

Year 7 Motto

Where’s the future? Right here! Whose life is it? Mine! What are you going to do with it? Live it and believe everything is possible.

I am excited and honoured to introduce myself as the new Achievement Team Leader of Year 7 at Cecil Jones Academy. It is with great enthusiasm that I join this wonderful year group, and I look forward to working closely with you and your children in the upcoming school year. It has been an incredible first week, and I am eager to share my vision and plans for the coming term with you. Our aim is to ignite a passion for exploration, creativity, and engagement in learning, inspiring pupils to become the very best version of themselves, both inside and outside the classroom.

As your child takes their first steps into Year 7, I want to assure you that we are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for their learning and personal growth. It's a significant transition, and I understand that both students and parents may have questions and concerns. Rest assured, my role is to support your child through this journey, helping them adapt to the new challenges and opportunities that secondary school brings.

During this initial week, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of your children, and I am truly impressed by their enthusiasm and potential. My goal is to continue fostering that enthusiasm, encouraging their curiosity, and helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed both academically and personally. Your children would have had the opportunity to encounter a team of teachers who are dedicated to encouraging their curiosity and guiding them in exploring the vast world of knowledge. We firmly believe that the foundation your children lay here will be the building blocks for a bright and successful future.

Cecil Jones Academy isn't just a school; it's a community where we encourage families to join this remarkable journey. Remember, it's not solely about reaching the destination, but how you navigate the path. Everyone will chart their own unique course, complete with twists and turns—a truly exciting thought!

In the weeks and months ahead, you can expect open lines of communication between home and school. I believe that strong partnerships between parents and teachers are vital to a child's success. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to listen and support you.

We have exciting events and activities planned for Year 7 students, including a variety of extra-curricular sports/ team fixtures, fantastic lessons I look forward to meeting you at one of our school events, for example at the Meet the Tutor evening, Parents’ Evening etc. Through these events it will help your child build connections with their peers and become familiar with their new school environment.

To emphasise the importance of books and reading, we've introduced an Accelerated Reader scheme in Years 7 and 8. This program combines reading with rewards, setting milestones for the number of words read by a student. For instance, reaching 500,000 words earns your child a bronze bookworm badge, 750,000 words gets them a silver, and an impressive 1 million words earns them the coveted gold bookworm badge.

I am a strong advocate for independent learning, empowering pupils to take ownership of their own success. Rest assured, I'll be here to support them every step of the way.

Our curriculum at Cecil Jones Academy is extensive, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. When pupils discover the subjects they are passionate about, we will challenge them to reach new heights within those lessons, and I have every confidence that everyone will excel and believe anything is possible, making me incredibly proud to serve as your child’s Achievement Team Leader.

We believe in rewarding positive behaviour at Cecil Jones Academy. Here are some ways we recognise your child’s outstanding efforts:

• Achievement Points: These are awarded in every lesson for excellent work, positive contributions, and demonstrating good manners and respect
• 100% attendance: Pupils who achieve 100% attendance each week will be entered into a wheel of fortune within their form groups, which will be given them an opportunity to win a prize. After each term your child will also receive a bronze 100% attendance badge, followed by silver and then gold to celebrate their success of being in school every day
• Student of the Week: Each subject recognises a student who has excelled that week, celebrating their achievements during our weekly Year 7 assemblies. Please remember on a Monday, that your child might leave school slightly later than normal due to our weekly assembly
• End of Term Awards: These certificates and prizes go to students who have consistently demonstrated excellence throughout the term, be it within a subject, tutor group, or year group

One of the most exciting rewards awaits at the end of the academic year—a trip to Thorpe Park! Students are chosen based on their outstanding behaviour and attendance. There will also be other incredible trips running throughout the year from difference subjects.

As the Achievement team leader of Year 7, I anticipate a group of learners who are polite, hardworking, engaged, and enthusiastic, making both the school and me immensely proud.

While some of your children may be brimming with excitement after their first week, made loads of new friends and embrace their fresh start, I understand that others may feel a bit nervous and anxious. Please know that as an ATL no one will be left behind and your child will have me, our dedicated teachers, are fantastic support staff and amazing tutors who will support and encourage throughout their time with us.

I am genuinely excited about the journey that lies ahead for your child and for our entire school community. I look forward to getting to know each of you better and working together to ensure that this school year is filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me and I look forward to meeting you in person, along with Miss. Costello, the Year 7 member of the Year Care Team. Here is to a successful and rewarding school journey for your child in Year 7.

Mr. B. Nice

Year 7 Achievement Team Leader