The essential information pupils need to know so they can start the new academic year successfully.
September Start
Tuesday 6th September: Year 7 and Year 12 will be in school. Year 7 need to arrive at 8.40am. They will finish school at 2.55pm, slightly earlier than usual so we can have some extra time to get them used to leaving site Year 12 need to arrive at 10.00am for an assembly and to confirm their places on their courses. They should be finished around noon. Wednesday 7th September: All other year groups will be in school for 8.40am and finishing at normal time: 3.10pm.
Change to end of school day
Please note, that in line with the new government requirements, we have a slightly extended school day. School will still begin at 8.40am but will finish at 3.10pm, 10 minutes later than we do currently. This means Period 5 will be slightly longer than the other periods, although this does begin with afternoon registration. This way, we can ensure there is no lost learning time.
Period 6 for Year 11
Period 6 is essential for all our Year 11 pupils. From September, Period 6 will run from 3.10pm-4.00pm. Period 6 is used as a skills-based session and exam preparation; it is also used to gauge exactly where pupils are at in terms of exam answers. Teachers will use modelling and model exam answers to check pupils understanding. I am sure parents will support their Child in understanding how integral attendance to period 6 is. Please be aware subjects will run on a rota basis. Period 6 will run on a Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Uniform
Our uniform policy is available to read here: https://decschool.co.uk/uniform/ The only difference is providing you with a cheaper alternative. We have taken away the requirement to have a jumper with a purple band, as we know these were quite costly. We have changed this to a plain black ‘V’ neck jumper. This is a much cheaper alternative. Please note that pupils who already have a ‘V’ neck jumper with a purple band along the collar can continue to wear these until they wear our or otherwise need to be replaced. A jumper itself is optional. We are looking to providing further cost saving alternatives for the next academic year. Replacement uniform items can be purchased here:https://kidsessentialsschoolwearbirmingham.co.uk
https://clivemark.co.uk
Rubery Schools Community Swop Shop provides FREE preloved school uniform. 224 New Road, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9JH. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 14:00 (opening times may vary over bank and school holidays)
School shop
In the new term, pupils will be able to purchase essential equipment from the school shop using money from their Wisepay accounts.
Catering
Due to increasing food prices, which we are sure you have noticed yourselves when going shopping, we are having to put up the cost of some of our items for sale at break and lunchtime. A meal deal, which was previously £2.10, is now £2.20. This will enable us to cover costs. A meal deal will now consist of a hot meal and a bottle of complimentary water. Menus for school meals will now be published on our website so you can through these with your children at home.
Advance Notice: Open Evening
On Tuesday 13th September, school will be closing at 12.40pm so that we can get the school ready for Open Evening. Many current pupils will be involved in this evening and you will receive a separate letter about this.
