Dear Families,
I hope this update finds everyone in good health. We have had another superb week at the Academy this week. Our timings for the school day have now become aligned for all Year Groups and students have settled into the routines of school life really well. The changes around movement, dining and so on have been well received and our students have, as ever, been adaptable and taken these in their stride. There is a real focus in lessons across the school and it’s great to see our staff applying their findings from research into lessons and our students working with them to try out new ways of learning and improving their skillsets. I witnessed a wonderful example this week where Sixth Form students were peer coaching Year 11s in English, helping them to understand the requirements of an English Language writing question. The peer coaches reflected on their own prior learning to engage, motivate and tutor the Year 11 students in order to prepare them for an upcoming mock exam. A great example of how our community is working together to embrace our motto of Together We Succeed.
Weather and Warmth
We have enjoyed a warmer than average September this year according to meteorologists. This is due to change next week with temperatures beginning to drop. As such, may I remind families that there is very little covered space, even with our new canopy, and students do spend break and lunchtimes outside. Please encourage them to check the forecast and bring a waterproof and/or warm coat when necessary.
Open Evening
Our Open Evening for Year 6 students takes place on the 7th October. The evening is an important part of the transition from Primary to Secondary school and gives young people and their families the chance to take a look at what our academy can offer. There will be a number of presentations, tours and a chance to meet staff and students. More information can be found on our website here.
Show My Homework (Satchel One)
As most of you will know Show My Homework is our online platform for setting homework and supplying materials for students to work remotely. You can find help with using the platform and logging on through our website here. We also have some exciting news ahead for families as we have begun trialling more aspects of Satchel One to give you more information about your child’s experience in school and how they are performing in lessons. This is one of our many innovations this academic year and we are hoping to roll out a parent trial over the coming weeks and months. We will be in touch with further updates shortly.
Duke of Edinburgh
Our Bronze DofE group has now expanded to include 38 students from Years 9 and 10. There’s still time to join in – just ask Mrs Burrows (Spirit Hub) for more details. The Silver Group in Year 11 includes 17 young people, some of whom are new to the DofE program, others who completed their Bronze last year. Mrs Burrows will be available during (second) lunch next week in LH21 for students in the Sixth Form wishing to discuss the completion of their Silver Award and the possibility of going onto Gold.
The Parent’s Information Evening is this Thursday, 30th September, 6-7pm in the Main Hall. It will be a chance for families to ask questions about the DofE program and meet some of the staff team.
Sporting Fixtures
We have had a number of fixtures for our sports teams this week in what has been a busy period for those involved. There is a summary of results and upcoming fixtures below:
Y11 Boys Football – DMA 4 – 1 Murray Park
Y7 Boys Football Festival : DMA 0-3 John Port, DMA 4-0 City of Derby Academy
Y8 Boys Football: DMA 0 – 3 Murray Park
Next week’s Fixtures:
Y7 Boys Football Festival : Wednesday 29th @ John Port
Y8 Boys Football Vs Woodlands on Tues 28th (A)
Y9 Boys Football Vs Woodlands on Wednesday 29th (A)
6th Form Boys Football Vs Landau on Thurs 30th (A)
We will also be hosting a City Cross Country at DMSA on Friday 1st October.
Parking
Thank you to families who have assisted us by parking in the turning circle at the end of the day. Keeping Moorway Lane clear of parked vehicles make a significant impact on the local traffic situation which is appreciated by the school and local residents.
Year 11 Update
Our after school intervention begins next week in English and Maths. Students will be personally invited as these are targeted sessions, designed to address specific areas for development in the core subjects. On that note, the Mock Examination period for Year 11 begins on the 1st November, whilst that may sound like a long way away, it is only 4 school weeks from now and is the first key milestone for our Year 11s en-route to the summer examinations.
Best wishes to all members of the Derby Moor Community,
Scott Doyle
Principal
