Dear Parent/Carer
It has been another very busy year and our students have achieved so much since last September. In this final term there has been a wide range of opportunities and experiences for students at the Academy. These include: Wellbeing Week; Be the best you can be week; Sports Day; France trip; CERN trip; Radio Club trip to the BBC in Salford; Fellwalking club; Year 10 Work Experience; Year 9 World of Work day and many more.
Some other highlights include a group of Year 9 students winning the CET Innovate competition, well done to the four Year 9 students involved. Our Summer Show this year was outstanding with many notable performances, the finale from the show Matilda was an uplifting end to this term.
We are saying goodbye to a number of staff this year, many are moving on to new roles. I would like to thank Mrs Dale, Mr Bunker, Mrs Harrison for their committed and dedicated service to the Academy. We are also losing two very long serving members of staff, Miss Tweddle after 17 years of committed service and Mr Kearton after 28 years. They both have been very much part of our improvement journey and we wish them both well in their new roles.
I have also tightened up our mobile phone policy from September as I am increasingly worried about the negative and harmful effects these devices have on our young people. In summary if a student uses their phone in school, it will be confiscated and placed in the main office, a parent or carer will be required to come into school and collect the phone and it will only be returned to students on Friday after school. Phones can only be brought into school if they are switched off and, in their bags, devices are not allowed to be kept in blazer pockets. Ideally mobile phones should not be brought into school at all.
In other news you may be aware we have a new barrier which prevents access to the front of school throughout the day. If your child requires to be dropped off by the main entrance, you will need to apply for a permit. There is a letter attached with the school policy and application form.
As always, I am proud to serve the Academy and the community of Workington and wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer break.
Students return on Wednesday 3 September at 8.25am.
Best wishes
Mark Bedford
Headteacher
