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Letters

Below you will find the latest school letters, alongside an archive of past communications.

Paper copies and letters issued before autumn 2020 are available on request.

Our most recent letter is pasted below to allow for easy translation for non-English speaking families.

18th July 2025


Dear Parents and Carers


We have reached the end of another exciting year for Rockwood Academy. Thank you for your continued support. Please take note of the key dates for the new term and slight change in school start time, which from September will be 8.40 am! (Not 8.35am)

Rockwood Events this Year Below I outline a selection of events that we have either created or facilitated our pupils to take part in this year. I am sure you would agree that Rockwood has so much to offer our children.


Aston Outreach Programme


The Aston Outreach Programme, conducted annually at Aston University, offers Year 10 students a distinguished opportunity to advance their academic ambitions and personal development. This initiative is meticulously designed to elevate students’ aspirations, cultivate essential skills, and provide detailed guidance on prospective educational and career pathways. Through carefully structured workshops and interactive activities, participants are encouraged to expand their perspectives and make well-informed decisions concerning their future trajectories. Ultimately, the programme seeks to empower students to realise their full potential and confidently pursue their chosen paths.

Joseph Chamberlain College Taster Sessions

Year 10 students attending Joseph Chamberlain College were afforded the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the courses offered and to experience college life in a supportive environment. Each student received a tailored timetable aligned with their individual interests, enabling participation in a range of taster sessions. These sessions provided an in-depth insight into various subjects, thereby assisting students in making
well-informed decisions regarding their future educational pathways. The visit served as a valuable introduction to further education and facilitated a smoother transition to college life.


Pupil Commentary:


‘Criminology was really interesting we looked into the mind of Jeffrey Dahmer and learned about who was statistically more likely to become a serial killer” (Jacob Mohammed 10F)

‘The politics lesson was very engaging, as we got to debate new bills and understand the perspectives of other individuals around the country’. (Hasher Rafiq 10C)



Spanish Breakfast Immersion Experience


On July 3rd , the MFL department celebrated Year 7 students’ outstanding commitment and achievement in Spanish with a traditional Spanish breakfast event in the canteen. The students had the opportunity to make and taste classic Spanish dishes, such as tostada con tomate and churros, while also enjoying lively games like “Pass the Sombrero” and listening to flamenco music. It was a wonderful chance to immerse students in Spanish culture, celebrate their hard work, and create a fun and engaging experience that they’ll remember.


Year 7 Translation Bee


The Year 7 Translation Bee, held on July 4th, was a thrilling success, showcasing the impressive language skills and competitive spirit of our students. The event had a fantastic atmosphere, with all participants receiving a certificate of attendance. Congratulations to our three winners Khadija Ahmed, Aleena Begum and Husna Bibi, who were awarded special certificates for their outstanding performance and a mini speaker as a gift. Next year, we look forward to taking the competition to new heights, potentially inviting other schools to join in the fun and challenge!


Rockwood Academy Achieves International School Award Foundation Certificate!


We are delighted to announce that Rockwood Academy has been awarded the British Council International School Award – Foundation Certificate! This prestigious recognition comes as a result of our vibrant extra-curricular programme and the enthusiasm of our students in engaging with international opportunities.
This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and pupils in broadening global awareness and fostering cross-cultural connections. The International School Award highlights our commitment to providing students with enriching experiences that extend beyond the classroom, promoting a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our next goal is to achieve the Intermediate Certificate, and we are confident that, with the same teamwork, passion, and commitment, we will reach this milestone together.


Media literacy programme and parent workshop around being safe online


As part of our drive to teach students to keep themselves safe online, we took part in the Ofcom Media Literacy Programme, aimed at educating young people and parents about the dangers of social media. Our students enjoyed in-school workshops, followed by a filming session at Birmingham City University where they produced an excellent learning resource video for others to learn from. We are immensely proud of every student that took
part and thankful to those parents that attended the parent workshop in school. Keeping our children safe online is an essential partnership between parents and the school, where supervision, vigilance and openness and key.


Bournemouth Beach attendance rewards trip


Our annual attendance rewards trip to Bournemouth beach took place on 2nd July, with 46 students enjoying the sea and the sand, on what was a very hot day. With smiles and ice creams all around, our top 11 students by attendance percentage enjoyed a change of pace and look forward to their chance to attend next year. If your child would like to attend in July 2026, they must attend school every day. Students that attend every day achieve
far better than those that do not, so it is every good parent’s responsibility to get their child into school every day.


I also enclose a letter sent in conjunction with Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce of the West Midlands Police where we give tips on how to keep safe during the long summer holidays. Please do have a read of this and ensure your children read it too!


I wish you a relaxing summer break and look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 3rd September 2025.


Yours sincerely


Richard Reeve
Headteacher

11th July 2025


Dear Parents/Carers


I write to report to you the outcome of our School Day Change Consultation.
Following this process, we have decided to amend the proposed times of the school day to start from September 1st 2025. Following the consultation, we have decided that from September 1st 2025, the start time for pupils will be 8.40 am and the finish will remain what it is currently, 3.10 pm. The other proposals, where we have split breaks and lunches for all year groups, will commence from then.


Here is a breakdown of the new school day:


Consultation Summary
Points made in responses, which came from staff, parents and one local school:

  • Question raised about ability to supervise all areas of the site during split break and lunch and
    potential for involving local volunteers.
  • Question raised about PE lessons during break and lunch.
  • Questions raised about the impact of the split break and lunch on LRC use and Reading Plus lessons
  • Question from a parent that the proposed 3.15pm end of day time was unfavourable due to commitments in picking up children from Primary
  • Question from some parents and Nansen Primary about the traffic in Naseby Road if we finished at 3.15pm (Nansen Primary finishes at 3.15pm) and that the current difference of 5 mins (Rockwood Academy finishes at 3.10pm) “makes all the difference”.
  • All responses regarding the proposed split break and lunch were positive.

  • Response to the consultation from Rockwood Academy:
  • The split break and lunch will lead to a reduction in duty time for Rockwood Staff as only specific areas will be in use. Current model predicts it will half the number of staff on duty each day.
  • PE Lessons will not be impacted as PE areas will not be used at social times.
  • The LRC will be used for lessons during the split break and lunch times and thus won’t impact. Reading Plus but will the use of the LRC in social times.
  • We take on board the concerns raised although if the pick up is from Nansen and Rockwood there is facility for the older child to wait at Rockwood at the end of the day for what would be a minimal time-period.
  • A clash of closing times is something that we would like to avoid and therefore this is feedback that is taken on board in the final outcome.

Yours sincerely


Mr R Reeve
Hedteacher

7th July 2025


Dear Parents/Carers


On Friday 11th July 2025 we will be holding a lockdown drill in school to practice our safeguarding procedures; ensuring that all students and staff understand what to do in an emergency. As you can appreciate, this is of vital importance, especially given the recent news of attacks in schools in our own city and across the world, affecting young people and their families.

Once the drill is completed your child’s school day will continue as normal. Our students have an important part to play in a successful lockdown practice and we rely on their excellent behaviour.

Please discuss the importance of carrying out this drill correctly and following all staff instructions, so they can be properly prepared, should there ever be reason for us to lock the school down if an emergency arises.


Thank you for your ongoing support.


Yours faithfully


Mr R Reeve
Headteacher

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