Saturday 13th October was a wet and windy day but Woodham Academy opened its doors to offer a warm welcome to prospective parents and students. Over 50 Year 5 and Year 6 children, their siblings and parents were welcomed into the school.
The children were given a variety of activities to take part in, becoming mummies, travelling through a crystal maze, building a computer game or bouncing around on a trampoline as well as many others. Meanwhile the parents were occupied with information about how the school operates and what the school does to support their children on a five year journey through secondary school.
Pam Hall, Director of Student Support, explained that the focus was about allowing the parents and students the time and opportunity to get to know Woodham better. She felt that it allowed parents a better chance to ask questions to help make a choice about which secondary school would best suit their child. ‘We focused on giving parents information not only about how we operate on a day to day basis but also how we prepare our students for their next steps, ensuring they are able to take these at post 16 with real confidence and purpose. This is of course about their academic achievements but also about those extra-curricular activities; music, drama, art and sports as well as the many cultural opportunities that our students are given.’ She reported that feedback from parents had been excellent.
All felt that it had been really helpful in supporting parents to make a decision about which secondary school they might choose for their child, as well as how much they enjoyed the home-made biscuits. Ms Hall also added that it was a pleasure for all the staff involved to describe to parents what a great place Woodham Academy is.
This was the final formal event to be held for prospective parents. The deadline for Year 6 parents to submit their choices to the Local Authority is 31 October. The school would still welcome anyone who has not had the opportunity to look around or would just like another chance to see it operating on a normal school day. If anyone is interested in visiting please telephone 01325 300328.