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  • Apply now to be a parent governor!

    Published 28/03/24

    Dear parent(s)/carer(s),

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys’ Local Academy Committee

    I am writing to inform you of a vacancy for the role of parent academy committee member (ACM) on our local academy committee.

    The role of the Local Academy Committee

    A Local Academy Committee replaces the previous accountable body – the Local Governing Board – and is designed to allow Academy Committee Members to focus on the key priorities for each school, specifically, Progress, Learning and Achievement, Safeguarding, Well-Being, Leadership and Pupil Related Matters, providing oversight and challenge for school leaders across these areas.  The committee is passionate about education and committed to continuous school improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for our pupils.

    The role of a parent ACM

    As a parent ACM, you’ll work with the board to make sure it effectively carries out the duties referred to above. You’ll also play a vital role in bringing a parental perspective to the committee, but you’re not there to speak ‘on behalf’ of the parent body.

    To be a parent ACM you should have:

    • A strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children
    • Good interpersonal skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills
    • The specific skills required to make sure the committee delivers effective governance

    The committee is keen for candidates to have skills in the following:

    • Knowledge of/ can identify with the communities served by the school;
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion;
    • Analyzing Data/ KPIs.

    Expectations of governors

    • The term of office for an ACM is 4 years, and ACMs are expected to commit to completing their full term, unless there are extenuating circumstances why they need to step down earlier;
    • ACMs are required to attend 6 meetings per year, either online or in-person;
    • ACMs are also required to attend 3 Deep Dive Forums per year, and the annual conference. These are all in-person;
    • ACMs are required to undertake a monitoring visit to the school at least 3 times per year;
    • ACMs may be required to become Link ACMs for a specific area, including visiting the school and writing a report.  Full support will be given;
    • ACMs must maintain confidentiality at all times with regard to matters discussed at meetings;
    • The Trust expects that members will undertake appropriate induction training and regular additional training, for which we provide access to both the National Governors Association and The Key.

    How to apply

    If you’re interested in applying for the role, please complete the candidate form attached Parent ACM Application Form and return to the Governance Professional (governanceprofessional@polymat.co.uk) by Sunday 28th April 2024. If we receive more applications than there are vacancies, a secret ballot will be carried out. We will inform you closer to the time if we have to do this.

    If you have any queries about this process or would like to find out more about the role, please contact the Governance Professional on the email address shown above.

    Yours sincerely,

    Mr M Guest

    Director of Innovation & Systems

    PolyMAT

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  • Studybugs - The new way to report student absence!

    Published 21/06/23

    Dear parent/carers, 

    We are pleased to announce that Woolwich Polytechnic Boys is introducing a new, more efficient and secure system for reporting your child’s absence due to illness, called Studybugs.

    If you haven’t already, please get the free Studybugs app, or register on the Studybugs website, and use it to tell us whenever your child’s ill and unable to attend school.

    Get the app or register now:  https://studybugs.com/about/parents

    Top 3 reasons to use Studybugs
    1. It’s integrated with our systems, so we know right away if your child is unaccounted for.
    2. It’s quick and easy to register and use and automatically reminds you to keep us posted.
    3. You’ll be helping the NHS and other public health organisations improve children’s health. https://studybugs.com/about/schools

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  • Conclusion: Changing the timings of the school day

    Published 03/05/24

    Click to download the Conclusion: Changing the timings of the school day letter pdf

    3rd May 2024

    Dear Parents/Carers,

    I am writing to you to inform you of the results of our consulted changes to the school day, coming into effect from September 2nd 2024.

    Feedback on this proposal has been overwhelmingly positive, and I can therefore summarise concluded changes below for years 7 to 11 at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys:

    • A 10 minute later start time of 8.40am every day;
    • A 15 minute later finish time of 3.20pm every day except Wednesday;
    • A finish time of 2.40pm on Wednesdays which will include an afternoon registration;
    • We will no longer need to have different finishing times in Week A and Week B, meaning that the finishing times above are consistent each week;
    • The lengths of periods, break and lunch will not change;
    • Interventions that we run after school will also start and finish 10 minutes later, normally from 3.20-3.50pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

    For years 12 and 13, the same start time will apply but these students will not have afternoon registration, meaning that they will finish school at 3.05pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and at 2.30pm on Wednesdays at the latest.

    The new school day timings will therefore be as follows:

    Monday/ Tuesday/ Thursday/ Friday

     

    Start

    Finish

    AM registration

    8:40am

    9:05am

    P1

    9:05am

    9:55am

    P2

    9:55am

    10:45am

    Break

    10:45am

    11:05am

    P3

    11:05am

    11:55am

    P4

    11:55am

    12:45pm

    Lunch

    12:45pm

    1:25pm

    P5

    1:25pm

    2:15pm

    P6

    2:15pm

    3:05pm

    PM registration

    Year 7-11 only

    3:05pm

    3:20pm

     

    Wednesday

     

    Start

    Finish

    Personal Development

    8:40am

    9:20am

    P1

    9:20am

    10:10am

    P2

    10:10am

    11:00am

    Break

    11:00am

    11:20am

    P3

    11.20am

    12:10pm

    P4

    12:10pm

    1:00pm

    Lunch

    1:00pm

    1:40pm

    P5

    1:40pm

    2:30pm

    PM registration

    Year 7-11 only

    2:30pm

    2:40pm

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, our sister school right next door, will start at 8.15am and finish by 3.00pm, creating a 25-minute gap between both schools’ start times and a 30-minute gap between finishing times from September 2024 onwards.

    I want to thank you for your engagement in our consultation process and hope that you agree that these new times will greatly benefit the smooth access and exit from our two schools.

     

    Yours faithfully,

    Mr. T. Lawrence

    Headteacher

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  • Ofsted Report 2024

    Published 02/05/24

    We are delighted that the report from the March 2024 Ofsted inspection has been finalised, enabling us to post this today. 

    We are pleased that Ofsted has recognised significant strengths in our curriculum offer, including personal development, enrichment, career guidance and teaching. 

    We also take pride that they have celebrated the accomplishments we have made in improving behaviour in classrooms.

    We have yet more work to do, but this report provides us with a very stable launchpad to future improvement and even greater success.

    I would like to thank our staff, students and you, as parents and carers, for your support and contributions that have helped us secure this achievement.

    Mr T Lawrence

    Headteacher

    Click to download Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys Ofsted Report 2024

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  • Important information for current Parents/Carers - Hayfever season

    Published 26/04/24

    As it is hayfever season students are now likely to display symptoms of hayfever which include swollen red eyes, a runny nose, sneezing etc.

    Please can all students who are known to suffer from hayfever be given antihistamine (cetirizine hydrochloride) each morning before they arrive at school. 

    If you have not already done so, please ensure that you use the MCAS (My Child At School) app to provide parental consent for over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, paracetamol, ibuprofen and strepsils.

    Click here to view the NHS page for Hayfever

    Click here to view our Medical & First Aid webpage which is updated regularly

     

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  • London Youth Homeless Prevention Service

    Published 25/04/24

    Last week at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys we welcomed staff from the charity Depaul to speak to our Year 10 and 12 students.

    The Depaul charity work with local communities across the country to prevent and relieve the impact of homelessness on people’s lives. They prioritise young people, who are among the most vulnerable in society, and especially those who have previously had traumatic experiences.

    The Depaul Group was founded in 1989 in response to the growing number of homeless London youth sleeping rough on the streets. Today, Depaul International charities work around the world, going where the need is greatest.

    Click to download LONDON YOUTH HOMELESS PREVENTION SERVICES Providing tailored support to 11-25 year olds to help prevent homelessness in London

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  • Message for current Parents/Carers - Wednesday 24th April 2024

    Published 24/04/24

    Dear parents/carers,

    This morning, Wednesday 24 April, we conducted searches of all students on entry to the school.

    The school police sergeant and his team helped us conduct these searches, working alongside our staff.

    This police-school collaboration is increasingly common amongst Greenwich secondary schools and is devised to maintain a safe community both within the site and also beyond in the local area.

    Sergeant Geoff Warren said, “We have worked together with other Greenwich schools on operations similar to this. Today’s event was devised to keep children safe in school. I was so impressed with the staff professionalism and the patient cooperation and good manners of the students.”

    I have been delighted with the students’ cooperation and the staff’s and police’s sensitive efficiency to ensure that this has also not impacted upon the learning of the school day.

    I thank you for your understanding, and we will continue to search randomly and more systematically in the future as well.

    Mr Lawrence

    Headteacher

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  • It is William Shakespeare's birthday today - 23rd April!

    Published 23/04/24

    Today, on the 23rd of April, marks the birthday of William Shakespeare. Here are some intriguing facts about the renowned playwright that you may not be aware of:

    Throughout his lifetime, Shakespeare penned approximately 37 plays for the stage and over 150 poems. The exact number remains uncertain as some of his works may have been lost over time.

    William was born in Stratford-upon-Avon during the Tudor era and was one of eight siblings.

    He was a member of the theatre group Lord Chamberlain's Men, known for their performances at a venue called 'The Theatre'. Following a disagreement with the landlord, they dismantled the building, relocated it across the river, and renamed it the Globe. Productions at the Globe were known for their elaborate special effects, including trap doors, actors suspended on wires, smoke, fire, and even cannons.

    Students should visit our School Library where Ms Griffiths our School Librarian has put together a wonderful display of his works just waiting to be loaned out!

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  • Erith Town FC - Final Game of the Season - Thursday 25th April 2024 at 7.45pm - Bayliss Avenue Thamesmead

    Published 23/04/24

    Erith Town vs. Snodland Town FC - Final Game of the Season Thursday 25th April 2024 at 7.45pm

    Stanmore Stadium Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ

    The final game of the regular league season against Snodland Town FC is this Thursday 25th April at 7:45pm. This may be a bit late for some, but we would be delighted to invite as many fans as we can to this game to celebrate the first season we have had at Bayliss Avenue.

    As a thank you for your support this season, fans will have the chance to have photos taken with the SCEFL Challenge Cup and Kent Senior trophies that the club has won, as well as the club buying fans their first drink of the evening at the bar. There will also be half-time entertainment for any children to take part in, as well as the chance to meet and have photos with the players and management after the game. As always, any season ticket holders will get in FREE and any accompanying adults will get in at the reduced rate of just £5 instead of the usual £8.

    Thank you again for your support this season. It has meant a lot to all of us at Erith Town FC, and we would not have been able to achieve what we have without you.

    Click to view the Erith Town FC website for more details

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  • Congratulations to Ms Gurney for completing the London Marathon 2024!

    Published 22/04/24

    A huge congratulations to Ms Gurney for completing the London Marathon 2024!

    ‘It was an exciting and emotional experience. The Canary Wharf section was particularly challenging and crossing Tower Bridge was a poignant moment. The supportive crowds were incredible. I felt so fortunate and lucky to have friends, family, and the enthusiastic Poly Cheer Squad cheering me on throughout the route – their encouragement kept me motivated, along with the thought of the generous donations received. The current total on the JustGiving page stands at £2,175, and an additional £124 is expected from the finish time raffle. I am overwhelmed and delighted for the Brittle Bone Society.’

    Mrs Gurney

    A big thank you to everyone for the generous support and donations for the Brittle Bone Society.

    If you would like to contribute, there is still time to donate: Ms Gurney - JustGiving Page - Brittle Bone Society

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  • Ms Gurney is running the London Marathon this weekend for the Brittle Bone Society!

    Published 17/04/24

    Ms Gurney is an Assistant Head Teacher at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys and will be running the London Marathon this weekend on 21st April 2024.

    The London Marathon is held every year in London and first began in 1981. The race is about 26 miles long and more than a million people have completed the course with over a billion pounds raised for charity and countless stories of human achievement.

    Ruky is a student currently in Year 10 at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys and was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta – more commonly known as brittle bone disease. He has undergone several surgeries as a result of his condition, including a major spinal surgery which kept him away from his school. Inspired by Ruky Ms Gurney has decided to fundraise for the Brittle Bone Society which is a charity which provides support for people with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

    We are incredibly proud of Ms Gurney for taking on this challenge and for raising awareness and funds for the Brittle Bone Society. Any donation, large or small, will make a difference. A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

    Click to donate directly to her JustGiving page now!

     

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  • Kooth - Support for parents/carers & students taking exams

    Published 15/04/24

    Dear Parents/Carers

    Over the coming weeks your child may mention they have been made aware of a service called Kooth. At Kooth, we provide a safe, secure means of accessing online emotional health support from a professional team of qualified counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners. 

    Kooth offers wellbeing support 365 days a year via a range of self-help materials and peer to peer support which young people are able to contribute to. Everything is pre-moderated and age appropriate, in order to safeguard our users, so you know that what your child is accessing is safe. 

    Kooth works alongside schools and colleges across the UK and are running student facing webinars through April and May on topics like ‘Staying safe online’ and ‘Tips for managing exam stress’. 

    Kooth is also offering free virtual sessions for parents on the 22nd & 25th April that provide tips on how you can support your child manage anxiety about their upcoming exams - please use this link to sign up.  

    There’s also resources designed especially for parents available on our website including advice on how to talk to your teen about their feelings: Parents/Carers resources.

    If you have any questions or would like to discuss what Kooth.com can offer you can email us on parents@kooth.com.

    Kind Regards

    Kooth Engagement Team

     

    SUPPORT FOR STAFF & PARENTS/CARERS

    In April we’re running KoothTalks training webinars specifically to help education staff and parents support young people sitting exams. 

    Please share these booking links with your team:

    Tue 23 Apr. 3.30-4.15pm

    Thu 25 Apr. 12.30-1.15pm

    (Don’t worry if you can’t make these times - just fill in the short form and we’ll send you the recording to watch in your own time).

    And here are the booking links to share with parents in school emails or on parent portals. Please let parents know about this free session, especially if they are worried about their child’s anxiety:

    Mon 22 Apr. 1-2pm

    Thu 25 Apr. 6-7pm

     

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