Q: I have been offered a place at Armfield Academy. How do I accept it?
A: You will receive an email from Blackpool authority confirming your place. You do not need to do anything from there. Blackpool council will give us a list of pupils who will be attending Armfield Academy.
Q: Will my child visit the school for a transition day?
A: We are following the latest advice from the Government on safe working practice for schools. This means that we are not able to invite Y6 students into school at the moment. We will, however, make sure that all Y6 students are able to experience time in school, getting to know the routines and school building, before being joined by students from other year groups. We will update this information as more advice is made available.
Q: Will my child be in the same tutor group as their friends?
A: We have students joining us from a large number of different primary schools. Students will be allocated to a number of different groups and classes throughout the day and may be with a different group of students in lessons. It is likely, therefore, that students from the same primary school will be with other students they know at some point during the day.
Q: My child has additional needs. What extra help will they get?
A: Inclusion is a core value at Armfield Academy and we have very high expectations of all our students, whatever their additional needs. Our SENCO will meet with the SENCO of your child’s primary school to make sure that we understand your child’s individual needs and to plan for any support that needs to be put in place to allow your child to access a full and varied curriculum.
Q: Will my child be able to take part in any clubs?
A: The wider curriculum is central to the experience of all students at Armfield Academy. All students will be encouraged and supported to take part in a wealth of opportunities, including sport, music and the performing arts, creative activities, cultural visits, outdoor learning experiences, work experience and opportunities to develop leadership skills. There are extra-curricular clubs running every night of the week and during the lunch time.
Q: Will my child have homework?
A: Here at Armfield Academy we call this prep. Preparation for the next lesson. All students are expected to complete daily homework because this is what will ensure they have a better chance of success. Incomplete homework will result in an after-school detention sanction. Repeated incomplete homework will trigger additional support.
Q: When will I be able to buy school uniform?
A: Our uniform is supplied by First Class Kids on Highfield Road.
Q: I have heard that you are very strict about school uniform. Is this true?
A: Yes! Students at Armfield must look smart and professional at all times. This means we check uniform at the start of every day. Shirts must be tucked in; White or grey socks must be long enough to cover the ankle fully (trainer socks are not allowed); students may wear one pair of plain small gold or silver stud earrings and a watch - no other jewellery is allowed. Trousers have to be straight-cut. Nail varnish and visible make-up are not allowed. Trainers or trainer-style shoes are also not allowed. We are able to lend students items of uniform if they forget something but students who refuse to work in collaboration with us or who persistently choose to break uniform rules, are sanctioned.
Q: What equipment will I need?
A: All students need a bag to carry books and their equipment. Y7 students are given class charts log in access their homework. Parents will also be given a log in so they can see and monitor homework being done. Pupils will bring a reading book, pencil case and a scientific calculator.
Q: Will my child have to do tests or exams?
A: All students joining Armfield Academy complete assessments regularly so that we can check on their progress and plan any additional support, such as numeracy or literacy interventions. Reading tests are key to making sure that teachers plan work that challenges students at an appropriate level.
Q: I’ve heard that students who disrupt learning are taken out of class. Is this true?
A: Being able to focus and concentrate in class is a commitment we make to all students at Armfield Academy. If you choose to disrupt someone else’s learning, the teacher will give you a warning and will remind you of the rules. If you choose to disrupt learning this is unacceptable and will be dealt with according to our school behaviour policy.
Q: What happens if my child is absent from school?
A: Excellent attendance is key to a student’s success, both academically and socially. We expect all students to meet our minimum target for attendance of 95%. If a student’s attendance falls below this, we meet with home to offer support and to explain the consequences of a failure to improve. We work closely with Blackpool Council Education Welfare Service to make sure that parents and carers fulfil their statutory obligation to send their child to school regularly.
Q: Can my child bring a bike to school?
A: Yes. We encourage students to walk or cycle to school to stay healthy. Students may lock their bikes up in one of our bike lockers (they will need a simple padlock for this) or on a bike rack, using a traditional bike lock. Students may not cycle on the school premises and should observe safe cycling rules on the roads as they approach and leave school.
Q: Can my child take part in the Armfield Academy remote curriculum this term?
A: Yes, our remote curriculum includes academic lessons from all subjects offered in school which are all available online.