Year 6 Transition Portal 2025

My name is Inma Pena, I am the proud Head of School of our wonderful academy and would like to welcome you to our Year 6 Transition Portal.

Newark Academy is an inclusive 11–18 school where, through our ethos of ‘Work Hard, Be Kind’, every child is supported to achieve academic and personal success. Our expert teachers deliver amazing classroom experiences which engage and inspire children to develop a thirst and excitement for lifelong learning.

We pride ourselves on providing excellent pastoral care which ensures children are supported to grow as confident, resilient and responsible individuals who are able to make positive contributions to society.

We set unashamedly high expectations and standards for all so that our environment is one where harmonious teaching and learning can take place, ensuring everyone is happy and able to succeed.

We are dedicated to providing experiences for all children, within and beyond the classroom, which are designed to develop character. We offer a variety of enrichment opportunities in sport and the arts, and regularly celebrate success in local and county level competitions and through music show cases and drama productions. We are committed to broadening experiences for all children by providing opportunities beyond the classroom to develop strong character traits. We are also passionate about student leadership and provide a wide range of leadership opportunities where children are able to develop enterprise skills such as communication, confidence and team work, preparing them for the next phase of their educational journey and on to employment.

We are committed to our GREAT values and work cohesively as a ‘crew’ to encourage and support each other to achieve success.

We look forward to welcoming you to Newark Academy.

Inma Pena
Head of School

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Welcome to Crew 7 and our Transition Team

We aim to support every child by providing access to high quality academic, pastoral and emotional support by a dedicated Year 7 team. This team includes a Head of Crew, Associate Head of Crew 7 (Pastoral Leader), the SENCO, and a team of Crew Leaders. Each student will be assigned a Crew Leader, which they will meet every day. Your child's Crew Leader will be you first point of contact at the Academy.

Welcome to the beginning of your 7-year journey with us at Newark Academy — Your adventure starts now.
You are stepping into a community where you will grow, learn, and discover who you are. This is your time to set high standards, build new friendships, and take on exciting challenges. Secondary school is full of opportunities—try new things, work hard, and never stop believing in what you can achieve. Take ownership of your journey because your attitude and effort will shape the experience ahead. The future is wide open, and it starts with you.

Self-confidence and wellbeing are at the heart of your Year 7 journey.
As a crew member, you are valued, appreciated, and an important part of our school community. We want you to feel proud of who you are and the role you play—here in school and beyond. At our academy, we wear positivity with pride, showing respect, kindness, and courage in everything we do. You must work hard and take pride in everything you do. This is your time to grow, to believe in yourself, and to take your first steps toward a bright and exciting future.

This year, you will begin to explore your unique identity and grow into the person you are proud to be.
You will learn to understand and live out our GREAT values—showing gratitude, responsibility, excellence, aspiration, and tenacity in everything you do. By giving 100% inside the academy, you will gain the knowledge and skills that can truly make a difference, both now and in your future. We will ask you to bring your best self every day—because who you are, and who you are becoming, truly matters. Finally, we need students to work hard and to be kind every single day.

Head of Crew – Mr T Petchell

Associate Head of Crew - Miss J Gough.

SENCO - Mrs G Willis.

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Mrs H Bradshaw

Hi! My name is Mrs Bradshaw, and I am the Head of Design & Technology. I am very much looking forward to welcoming you to Newark Academy and beginning a new journey with you all. I spend my time at home with my family, and our 1-year-old puppy Coco and she is full of beans! I love going for countryside strolls in the summer but also spending time with friends.

A fun fact about me is that I am deaf in one ear, but you would never be able to guess which one!

Mr S Clarke

Hello I am Mr. Clarke. I teach science and I specialise in chemistry. I have been at Newark Academy for 3 years and cannot wait to welcome this new cohort of year 7’s to what will be my first KS3 crew. It’s a real privilege to help guide you as you start this exciting new chapter, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. I believe every student has the potential to achieve great things, both in the classroom and beyond, and I’m committed to helping you settle in, grow in confidence, and reach your very best. Outside of school I enjoy listening to an eclectic mix of music and watching sports, in particular football and cricket.

Fun Fact: I am a Derby County season ticket holder (I know this won’t please everyone!)

Mrs V Dalton

Hello! My name is Mrs Dalton and I’m really looking forward to meeting our new Year 7s. I teach English here at Newark Academy, and I absolutely love sharing stories—especially ones from Greek mythology, which is one of my favourite topics. I’m also an animal lover and have lots of rescued pets at home, so there’s never a dull moment! I have three children who are in Years 10, 9 and 6, and when I’m not busy with family life, I enjoy horse riding, reading and running.

Fun fact: I have an elderly, toothless pony named Dinky who is full of character and very well loved.

Miss A Davies

I am Miss Davies, a Maths teacher. Next year will be my 7th year at Newark Academy. I love sci-fi movies/shows; my favourite type of music is rock/metal and go to lots of concerts and gigs. My favourite sports are ice hockey and rugby. 

Fun Fact: I have met Jason Momoa the person who plays Aquaman. 

Miss C Evans

Hello! My name is Miss Evans, and I am very excited about joining Newark Academy and being part of the Y7 Crew team. I really enjoy travelling and by the time I meet my new Crew, I would have travelled to 12 countries! I am also a huge Harry Potter fan with a Gryffindor collection of books, and I recently saw the theatre production of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.’ I love sports and play for Saxilby Tennis Club for the mixed and ladies’ teams. I really enjoy watching rugby union, especially the Six Nations competition and have recently been playing paddle.

My fun fact about me is that I used to live in Evans, Augusta, Georgia in America!

Miss B Ferguson

Hello! I’m Miss Ferguson and I cannot wait to welcome you into your new crew! 

I am a geography teacher, but I will also be new to Newark Academy. This will be an exciting opportunity for us to learn and experience Newark Academy together for the first time and hopefully reassures you that we are all in this together! 

In my spare time I love to read, paint and draw. I spend a lot of time outside walking my dog - Snoop! I hope you all have a fantastic summer, and I look forward to welcoming you in September!

A fun fact about me: The scariest thing I have ever done is paragliding off a cliff in Tenerife!

Mrs L Mawson

I teach science at Newark academy three days a week, I love sharing my knowledge and inspiring young people. When I’m not in the classroom, I immerse myself in the world of animals, working with both dogs and horses. This balance between teaching and animal care shows my love for both learning and the natural world.

Fun fact: I have lived in Italy.

Mr N Mosley

I’m looking forward to commencing my Newark Academy journey at the same time as the new Year 7 cohort. Having worked in various teaching roles for 16 years, I have joined Newark Academy as Head of Maths.

I’m a Sheffield Wednesday fan and hobbies include being a dad to two active boys, one of whom is football mad! Weekends are taken up with coaching his football team. I have recently taken up gravel biking and enjoy time at the gym.

A fun fact about me is that I gained my pilots license at 17 years old. Following this, I toured around Europe in a light aircraft, known as a microlight.

Mr G Rice

Hello! I'm Mr. Rice and I will be one of the new Year 7 Crew Leaders!

My specialist subject is Languages - I can speak four others besides English - and I enjoy things such as football, running, reading, travelling - lots of different things!

My fun fact: I'm a semi-professional football referee - and have been refereeing for over 25 years!

Mrs G Willis

Hello, I’m Mrs Willis and I love being a member of the Newark Academy crew. My job is being the SENCO. So, anyone that needs anything additional to help support with their learning then I’m the lady for supporting that, I’m a good person to know at times.

You will find me up in the inclusion area, but I also appear in the food tech rooms teaching food which I do find fun, although a little stressful when it’s a practical lesson. I love being a crew leader but if you’re in my crew I love to gain positives but I’m not very keen on negatives so please promise me to try really hard if you’re in crew Willis.

A fun fact about me - I trekked across the Sahara Desert on my 40th birthday.

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Please follow the links below to visit the relevant pages on our main website.

Welcome to our Curriculum

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• Art
• Cooking and Nutrition
• Design and Technology
• Drama
• English
• English - Summer Vocab Challenge
• Geography
• History
• Maths
• MFL
• Music
• PE
• RS
• Science Heroes Colouring Sheet
• Superhero Science

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Our website is full of useful information for parents and pupils. Here are a few links to some of the most important for new Year 7s.

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Q: How do I buy uniform for my child?

A: Follow the link to purchase uniform (including PE kit) with our online supplier: Uniform and Equipment

Q: Are girls allowed to wear socks with a skirt?

A: Black tights should be worn with skirts. (Socks are not permitted with skirts unless advised during the summer term, then any adjustments will be at the Headteachers discretion and communicated accordingly).

Q: Is my child allowed to wear hair accessories?

A: Hair bobbles or hair bands can be worn but should not be bright coloured or elaborate and are to be discrete.  Large hair bows are not appropriate.

Q: How do I set up a ParentPay account (cashless payment system) for my child to purchase food at break and lunch?

A: Within the first few days of your child starting at our academy, your child’s fingerprint will be registered (if you have consented on the form which is part of the application process).  Your child will then bring a letter of registration home with details of how to add money to your child’s account.

Q: My child is eligible for a Free School Meal (FSM), how will the school canteen know?

A: Our Catering Manager has a list of all students eligible for a FSM and loads the cashless system with their daily allowance which is available to students ready for the start of lunch. They will put their finger on the scanner the same as all children to purchase their lunch.

Q: What does my child need to bring to school on their first day?

A: They will need a rucksack with a pencil case with the following items:

• Black or blue pens
• Pencils
• 15cm or 30cm ruler
• Rubber
• Pencil sharpener

 These items need to be brought into school on a daily basis.

Q: How does my child get a locker?

A:  You will need to purchase a medium sized padlock, there will then be an opportunity as directed by Head of Crew  for your child to claim a locker for use of personal belongings eg, coat, PE kit, spare equipment.  No valuable items or food should be left inside lockers as Newark Academy will not take any responsibility for items lost or stolen.

Q: Who do I contact if I’ve got an issue/query/safeguarding concern?

A: The Year 7 Team is as follows:

• Deputy Head/Transition Lead Mrs Hamilton-Smith -transitions@newarkacademy.co.uk

• Pastoral Leader/Transition Co-ordinator/Designated Safeguarding Lead – Miss Gough  jgough@newarkacademy.co.uk 

• SENDCO (Special Educational Needs Disability Co-ordinator)/Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs Willis gwillis@newarkacademy.co.uk

Q: My child will need to catch a public bus to travel to school, how do we find out details?

A: Follow the link to know which bus company to contact to purchase a bus pass direct with the bus company: Buses

Q: What date does my child start school?

A: Monday 01 September 2025 is the first day for Year 7 students (unless otherwise informed)

Q: What times does school start?

A:  The school gates open at 8:15am and students are expected to be sat in lesson at 8:30am. Students are expected to be in school at least 5 minutes early so they are not late for lesson. 

Q: My child is worried about being bullied at secondary school, how can I reassure them?

A: We have zero tolerance for any form of bullying within our Academy, and can only deal with issues we are informed about.  Please see our anti-bullying policy and reassure your child that if they let teacher or parent know if they feel they are being bullied, then it will be investigated promptly and discretely: Anti-Bullying Policy

Q: My child is worried about getting a detention, what is the behavioural policy?

A: Newark Academy has a clear behaviour policy which your child will learn within the first week of starting our academy during our 'onboarding programme'.  We aim to ensure that:

• Positive behaviour is rewarded
• Inappropriate behaviour is dealt with promptly, firmly, fairly and consistently
• Parent/carers are kept informed and their co-operation and support sought. 

For further details including the home/school agreement please follow the link: Behaviour and Conduct Policy

Q: My child is worried they will get lost trying to find their classroom, how will they know where to go?

A: : During the first week of your child starting at Newark Academy they will be ‘on-boarded’ which means they will be given all the information they need to know what is expected of them and how to navigate around the academy alongside a map.

Q: What are the rules around hair/make-up/nail varnish/ jewellery?

A: Hair/Make up - Styled appropriately to a formal environment except for religious, cultural or medical reasons. In such cases, this must be agreed on an individual basis between the parents and school. Dress Code regarding hair and make-up:

• Hair not excessively gelled or braided
• Any hair colouring must be within a natural colour range
• No shaved wording or patterns on the scalp
• In all cases, the school has the right to exercise its discretion about appropriateness of hairstyles and colouring
• Make-up must be discreet
• Lipstick and painted fingernails are not allowed. Only clear polish will be permitted
• False eyelashes and false nails are not permitted
• Tattoos are not allowed
• Jewellery - facial jewellery is not allowed for health and safety reasons. The following are the only accepted items of jewellery: wrist watches (not smart watches) and one earring stud of a suitable size in each ear.

Q: What after school enrichment activities are available for my child and how do they put their name down to attend them?

A: All enrichment activities are detailed on the school website and parents can enrol their children via the MCAS system. The enrichment offers will change every term so parents will need to re-enrol.

For further details please follow the link: Enrichment

Q: My child is worried they won’t know where the toilets are and when they will be allowed to go?

A: During the first week of term, children will get the opportunity to explore the academy so they will know where the toilets are situated.  As a general rule, children should ensure they use the toilets at break and lunch to avoid having to leave the classroom during lesson time.  Teachers will use their discretion if a child really needs to go to the toilet during lesson time and will call for support from the Pastoral Team via on-call. Students who will need to access the toilet because of medical reasons will be issued with a toilet pass.

Q: My child wants to be in classes with friends and others they may know and is worried if they won’t know anyone.

A: On the whole we find that after the first couple of weeks the children make new friends, become familiar with children they don’t know and realise that there are plenty of opportunities to meet back up with their best friends during break and lunch, before and after school and in enrichment clubs too.  If your child doesn’t settle well during the first half term, then please let the pastoral team know and we will do our best to help.

Q: My child will be travelling to school on their bike, where will they leave it and will it be safe?

A: We have a caged bike store and overspill wall bracket storage area.  It is advised that children securely lock their bike to avoid theft, or someone taking the wrong bike by accident.  The caged bike store is locked at the start of the school day and unlocked at the end of the school day.  Newark Academy does not take any responsibility for loss, theft or damage to bikes stored at the school.

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Attendance

Newark Academy is committed to providing a full and aspirational education for all students, our academy believe very passionately that education can provide our pupils and students with lifelong opportunities that will give them greater access to a successful life. Attendance therefore becomes of significant importance where we believe that everyday counts. Our commitment to our families is that we will always do everything possible to support all children and enable them to have a barrier free access to high quality experiences. In return we ask families to support our vision of the importance of school attendance every day and to engage in positive communication with us should any issues arise.

To help, here are some questions you may have…

...I know in advance that my child will be away from school, for example for a dental or doctor’s appointment?

All routine medical and other appointments should be arranged out of school time. Whenever possible we wish for your child to attend school before/after appointment.

Please let us know by phoning the office (01636 615000, press option 1) or emailing studentabsence@newarkacademy.co.uk with the date, time and a screenshot of the appointment card/text message/medical letter. Or you can pop the appointment card into reception.

...My child is away from school or is unwell, and no prior notice has been given?

Telephone school (01636 615000) before 8.30am to explain reason for absence. The telephone system allows you to leave a message for the Attendance Officer, please give your child’s name, year group, your relation to child and reason for absence. If no calls have been received by 9.15 am, the academy system will send an automatic absence text and/or possibly home visit if no communication is received.

Please help us to minimise this administrative work by explaining the reason on the morning of every day of absence, or if you know of a future absence then please let us know as soon as possible.

All absences can also be reported to studentabsence@newarkacademy.co.uk

...I wish to take my child away on holiday during term time?

We are aware of the essential role good attendance plays in achieving good academic progress and good social skills.  We therefore do not authorise term time holidays and parents will receive a letter explaining an FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice) has been referred and dealt with by Notts County Council. 

Parents receive written reminders in September and January about attendance expectations and updates throughout the year about their attendance.

I have a query/concern about an attendance related matter..

If you have any questions relating to attendance, the Attendance Officer is available to discuss these with you and work with you to support your child. Please contact them by telephoning 01636 516000 or emailing studentabsence@newarkacademy.co.uk

Punctuality

All students are expected to arrive on time, and ready for lessons. Any student arriving late to school will automatically receive a detention unless they have a genuine reason and a parent/carer has contacted the school.  We would be grateful for your support in ensuring your child arrives on time.

All students are expected to arrive on time to class too throughout the day. Arriving late for lessons is embarrassing for your child and puts them at an immediate disadvantage to other students who arrived on time, it also impacts on their learning. For students that are continuously late to lesson, their minutes will be accrued and they will receive a detention.

What should I do if my child is reluctant to attend school?

There may be many reasons why a child is reluctant to attend school, issues relating to school but also issues which are not related to the academy in anyway.  Please contact our Year 7 Pastoral Leader as soon as possible if your child is reluctant to attend.  They will suggest strategies and put in place help/support when and where needed. 

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Initial welcome letter

Transition Days information letter

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During a pupil’s time with us we will gather information about them which we will use for various purposes. A Privacy Notice in relation to the use of this information is available on the school website.

There are some things that we cannot do without the consent of parents/carers or pupils and we have set these out below. This form should be read very carefully and the appropriate options ticked. This informs us which of these things we are permitted to do, and which we are not.

No pupil’s place with us will be affected by the decisions made on this form. Parents or carers / pupils are completely free to refuse to provide consent to any of these things and do not have to provide reasons for refusing consent. However, we are happy for parents or carers / pupils to give us additional information if they choose to so that we understand their concerns and can take appropriate steps where necessary.

We will gather consent from parents or carers to use their child’s information in the ways detailed below until their child reaches the end of Year 8. We have deemed the start of Year 9 as an appropriate threshold at which to seek consent directly from pupils regarding the ways in which we use their information. This decision to renew consent at this point will be taken on a case-by-case basis.

Photographs and Videos

Some of the information below includes photographs and videos of our pupils. We take very seriously the issue of potential misuse of photographs and videos of our pupils, and have the following measures in place:

• Images taken by a professional photographer for marketing purposes (school / trust websites, prospectuses, adverts etc.) are stored in a secure online gallery for a maximum of six months following a photo shoot, after which they are deleted
• Professional images are also stored on an encrypted hard drive for sole use by the trust’s marketing department
• Access to professional images and videos is limited and only provided to selected members of staff by the trust’s marketing department upon request by the school
• Students who have consent to appear in the professional images are required to be appropriately dressed in full / correct school uniform while being photographed
• Use of professional images is limited to marketing materials only, for which special consent is sought

The school / trust may provide photographs and videos to the media, or the school / trust may be visited by the media who will take videos and photographs. When these have been submitted to—or taken by—the media, the school / trust has no control over these.

Image Rights

Please see the Privacy Notice provided on the school website for more information regarding school photographs.

The school may take photos and / or videos of students during normal school activities (e.g. class work, trips etc.) for use in displays for public areas of the school (e.g. reception) and in school newsletters distributed directly to named contacts. Occasionally these displays may include the name of the student.

The school may take photos and / or videos of students during normal school activities (e.g. class work, trips etc.) for use in publicly-accessible media (e.g. newsletters on school websites, social media, television news articles, local press stories etc.)

Consent for use of any images in promotional campaigns (e.g. on the main pages of school websites, school prospectus etc.) or public events (e.g. awards evenings) will be sought prior to any images being used.

Biometrics (Cashless Catering)

The current Data Protection legislation requires that we obtain explicit consent to use your child’s biometric (fingerprint) data in school. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact the school.

There are several forms of characteristics that can be used to identify a student, but the biometric data we use is the fingerprint.

What will we use the information for?

Biometric information will only be used to identify the student when purchasing food at school. It enables us to provide a faster service than traditional cash tills and the technology works in the following way:

• The technology uses biometric fingerprint recognition and no image of a fingerprint is ever stored
• The reader creates a mathematical template that is a fully secure identifying information system, just like any other identity number
• The data is ID encrypted for further security and cannot be used in any other database
• It is not possible to recreate an image of the original scan for the data that is stored
• Once a student leaves the school their record is deleted from the database

It is possible to purchase food from the school without giving your fingerprint information. Should you feel you do not wish for your child to be registered on the fingerprint system please indicate below and your child shall be issued with a PIN instead.

Parents or Carers / pupils may change their mind in relation to any of the consents that have provided at any time. This includes withdrawing consent to anything that has been agreed to here.

To withdraw consent to any of the above, or otherwise amend their position, parents or carers / pupils should write to us at the address shown on the contact page of the school website.

This consent will otherwise continue until the pupil leaves the school / trust.

Once the pupil ceases to use the biometric recognition system, his/her biometric information will be securely deleted by the school.