The Weston Road Academy

Open Event FAQ's

How can I contact the school?

The school can be contacted by telephone on 01785 413600 or via email at office@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk

Our Transition Manager, Year 7 Pastoral Leader and Pastoral staff can be contacted via the main school number on 01785 413600 or email to office@westonroad.staffs.sch.uk 

How can I prepare my child for secondary school?

Moving to secondary school can be a daunting time for both children and their parents. One of the key ways to prepare your child for transition is to develop their independence skills. This includes encouraging them organise their own equipment and bags ready for school or other activities, managing time and money, looking after their belongings and development of strategies to use if something goes wrong. 

What happens on my child’s first day? 

Pupils will be asked to meet at the year group meeting point where pastoral leaders will be waiting for them.  Pupils spend the morning in their tutor groups, collecting their timetables etc. and will take part in lessons later in the day. 

How will my child know where to go on the first day?

Parents will received letters in the Summer Term providing further information.  Staff will also be on hand on the first day to greet pupils at the Weston Road school entrance to direct them to the Year 7 meet and greet area.  

What uniform and equipment does my child need? 

You can access details of our uniform here and this is available to purchase from Crested Schoolwear. Pupils are required to bring their Super7+, details can be found here. 

How are tutor groups decided?

This year due to changes with Covid 19 pupils have been placed in groups with children of similar ability.  Where ever possible, we have tried to keep children with one of their friends or pupils from their current school.  

Will my child be in the same tutor group as their friends?

Wherever possible, and appropriate, your child will be placed with at least one other pupil from their primary school. This year pupils have been grouped with pupils of similar ability to themselves.  

Which subjects will my child study? 

The timetable operates on a 30-period week with lessons being in either doubles or singles.  PSHCE is delivered throughout the curriculum.  The following table gives the breakdown of lessons in Years 7, 8 and 9.

The following table gives the breakdown of lessons in Years 7, 8 and 9.Year 7, 8 and 9

The School Day

This is what a typical day looks like for Year’s 7-11. 

 How much homework will my child get?/How Can I Check What Homework My Child is set? 

In Years 7-9 pupils receive one extended homework task in one subject area per week along with a Maths and French homework. Pupils in Year 7 and 8 will also be expected to read daily. Homework is set for most subject via Show My Home Work and pupils will be given their individual login details when they join the Academy.  More information about homework can be found here

Will they need PE kit on the first day?

Parents will receive full details of what pupils are required to bring with them on their first day in the spring term.  

What do pupils do for lunch?

Pupils can bring a packed lunch or purchase their lunch from our school canteen.  Our lunchtime food service is provided by Compass.  More information about school meals, nutrition and allergies can be found on our website. 

How do I pay for my child’s school dinner / school trips?

As a cashless school, we use ParentPay for all payments including lunches, school trips and music tuition.  When you child joins us, they will be given a letter providing full details on activating their ParentPay account. 

What happens if my child feels unwell during the day?

If pupils become unwell they will be seen by a member of support staff who are trained in emergency first aid.  Please note that we do not have a school nurse or any medical professionals onsite.  If pupils are too unwell to remain in school, parents will be contacted to collect their child. Medical information forms are included in our transition pack prior to joining us for you to advise us of any medical conditions your child may have.

What should I do if my child loses something?

Pupils should check the rooms where they last visited and parents can enquire at Reception to check with lost property.

What can my child do if they are upset, worried or having friendship issues?

Pupils can speak to their tutor or a member of the pastoral team who will offer support and address any concerns.

What should we do if we do not have internet access?

Please let us know if you do not have internet access at home so that we are aware and can send paper copies of letters, documents etc.