Parent Updates

Our first half-term has been incredibly busy and productive, and our pupils have grown in knowledge, confidence and character through the many sporting events, academic milestones and trips and visits that have taken place. 

Over the past eight weeks, it has also been my pleasure to meet many of you at our open events, parents’ evenings and community clinics. Cultivating a strong sense of community remains a priority for all at Ark Boulton and you play a crucial part in this. 

I hope that you and your families have an enjoyable half-term break and I look forward to all that the second half of term will bring. 

Mr Cole, Principal

Friday 23rd October is a non-uniform day for all pupils and we will be fundraising for Beyond the Horizon, a local charity. Pupils are encouraged to wear something that they love in exchange for a donation to the charity – bright colours, a favourite outfit, or something that reflects their personality. Please ensure that clothing worn is appropriate for a learning environment. 

We suggest a £1 donation per pupil, which can be paid through iPay, or in cash which will be collected during Form Time on the day. 

Pupils are expected to bring their usual school equipment, including their laptop. All other academy rules and expectations apply. 

Pupils will be dismissed slightly earlier on this day, at 12:45. 

Detentions will run as usual after school; finish times are as follows:

School is open to all pupils for the beginning of Autumn 2 Term on Monday 2nd November. Breakfast Club begins at 07:30 and the main gates open at 08:10 as usual. 

Pupils received their individual October Half-Term intervention timetables last week. Please contact our Year 11 team through the Enquiry Form if you have any questions about half-term intervention. 

The timetable for the week is shared below:

This half-term we have successfully updated our approach to homework and independent learning. Please click here to find out more. 

As mentioned at the beginning of the academic year, we have revised our allergy safety policy and procedures. As part of this, we liaise with families about their child’s individual needs when their child joins Ark Boulton, or when medical changes occur. 

To ensure that every pupil is safe in school, we need to ask for more information about your child’s dietary allergies, intolerances and preferences. 

Please complete this short form to tell us more. Thank you. 

Every year, Ark gives parents and carers the opportunity to share their views about their child’s education journey and Ark Boulton Academy.

After the half-term break, a link to an online survey will be shared with all parents and carers. Survey responses are anonymous and we would be grateful if as many parents and carers as possible completed the survey, as the more feedback we receive, the more positive change can be made. 

Remember that you can contact us at any time to discuss your child’s progress or resolve any issues that may arise. 

Thank you in advance for your contribution. 

Every student at Ark Boulton Academy has been provided with their own laptop for use in lessons and for independent study, and it is a privilege that we want every student to keep enjoying. This term, we have seen a 25% increase in damaged screens, so we are asking for your help in resetting our standards. Please read the laptop expectations letter here: Laptop Expectations Letter

Please read this letter for some safety advice and guidance shared on behalf of West Midlands Police: Happy, Safe Holidays Letter

• Friday 23rd October is non-uniform day for all pupils. 
• Year 11 Mock GCSE Exams continue after half-term until Tuesday 10th November. 
• October Half-Term break begins on Monday 26th October. Year 11 GCSE sessions will take place from Monday – Thursday. 
• Autumn 2 Term begins on Monday 2nd November.

Please click here to see our full Calendar, and here for Term Dates.