SLT Update
As always time seems to go quicker every year, it is hard to believe that we are already in October and Autumn is well and truly here. It has been lovely to hear the Year 7 and 8s rehearsing for the Harvest Festival service which will take place on Monday at Corby Glen Church. Thank you for all of the donations that have been given for the local food bank, we will deliver these on Monday.
Charles Read will also be at the Corby Glen Sheep Fair on Sunday selling items that our Bushcraft group have made, with all proceeds going to food bank. Please come and visit us if you attending!
I hope that you have a restful and relaxing weekend.
Kerry Milligan, Principal
Second Hand Uniform
We would like to start a second hand uniform store to help parents navigate the cost of living crisis many people are currently experiencing. Therefore if you have any good quality ties, blazers, skirts, trousers and school shoes that no longer fit your child please either drop them in at reception or send them in with your child. Once we have enough stock we will provide information for how parents can access this.
My Child At School
This is a reminder and request to all parents/carers to download this app so you can receive all vital information and details about your child. We use this app to send all communications for example - school closures, bus delays, events happening , trips. This app is also used to make purchases such as lunch money, trip payments, bus passes and uniform. As we are now a cashless office as much as possible, we appreciate when you make payments using this method. In addition, this app displays student behaviour , achievements and end of term reports.
To set this up , please download the My Child At School on your device and you can then self set up using your email address that is registered with us and the school ID code 11582. If you already have a child registered on this app, you can add the sibling to it.
If you are having difficulties with installing the app, please contact the school office for support.
Revision Spotlight
What is revision?
Throughout this year, before students sit assessments, you will receive a document giving advise on what and how to revise. Revision is a really important part of school life. It's what you do to make sure that you remember all the things that you learn every day. So we want to make sure that everyone knows how to revise effectively - whether they're in year 7 or year 11. To achieve this, in combination with the booklet, we will have regular updates on revision in the newsletter to support families in helping our young people make the most of their time.
In this spotlight, we will give an overview of what revision is. Revision simply means going over the things you've learnt. It's about repeating things over and over again so that they become impossible for us to forget. Some people think that revision is only something that you do right before you sit an assessment, but that's not the case. To make the most of your learning, you should be constantly revising the things that you learn each day. This is why we do prep homework.
Prep homework is revision all year round. Knowledge organisers contain all the most important information that students need to know and, by completing prep using them each week, students repeat that information regularly to reduce the chance of forgetting it between lessons. Programmes like Sparx Maths, Sparx Reader and Seneca are all also designed to make revision possible year round, rather than focusing it right before exams.
So to recap, revision is the repetition of things you've already learnt. It's something that you should be doing all year round, not just when you have assessments and the purpose of it is to make the things you learn impossible to forget.
Sparx Reader
As students get more comfortable using Sparx Reader, I want to draw your attention to some of the features that students have access to to make their reading experience more comfortable. Students are able to change the font type, size and colour of the texts they read. They are also able to add a coloured overlay to the screen. Finally, they can add a range of reading guides to help focus their eyes on the page. All of these can be accessed by clicking the menu icon in the top right hand corner and then choosing the settings option.
OME Tv
OmeTV, is a free video chat and social networking app that is marketed as a tool for connecting with random people globally to make new friends. OmeTV is popular with younger users, despite coming with clear warnings that it’s intended for over-18s only. This presents obvious dangers to any children and young people who do use the app, with reports of predators trying to exploit OmeTV for their own ends. As of 2023, OmeTV hosts a colossal community, with users numbering more than a million on mobile devices alone – and a further hundred thousand via their site. With such a large global community, there’s a reasonable chance that users might be matched with someone who could genuinely be a potential friend. It’s equally likely, however, that they’ll also encounter some unsavoury individuals who have the potential to endanger any young people they meet online.
Please visit the following link to find out more information and other parent friendly guides to help keep you child safe online:
Online Workshops
Here are details of the two free online workshops available to families with SEN children.
📌 Juggling the Joys of Parenting – Thursday 9th October at 11am (parents only)
An interactive Zoom session exploring the ups and downs of parenting children with SEND, with tips and strategies to support family life.
📌 Promoting Positive Behaviour – Thursday 16th October at 7pm ( parents and professionals)
A free workshop with behavioural specialist Chris from Aspens, looking at behaviours of concern, why they happen, and practical strategies to reduce stress and encourage positive behaviours.
Both sessions are free to LPCF members (parents of children with SEND and professionals can join free via our membership sign-up page).
Above and Beyond
Every week a certificate is issued for a deserving student who demonstrates CRA values. Please see below this weeks students and the reason they have been awarded.
Caeli - Steph G for CRA Ambition
For her extremely high quality prep homework.
Terra - Megan P for CRA Ambition
For contributing to netball and showing leadership from the side lines during the staff game.
Aqua - Skye S for CRA Aspiration
For being the number one in Sparx, contributing positively and always with a smile.
Sparx Stars
Each week, our students at CRA, complete maths and reading for their homework on Sparx. Some students answer additional questions, further increasing their knowledge. We do this as there are online resources to help and guide students if they are struggling with a question. You might like to ask them to show you what they typically do on a weekly basis.
Our Sparx stars this week are
MATHS
This weeks Sparx Stars are a class- 7ma1 who as a collective had 97% completion rate as a Class;
- Lewis H
- Callum H
- Georgina J
- Elijah K
- Willow L
- Marley-Belle P
- Archer P
- Willow P
- Eva R
- Kyffin-Lee R
- Yara S
- Ella S
- Rio S
- Jacob T
- Jonas U
- Joshua V
- Oscar V
READER
WHOLE SCHOOL TOP 3
- McKenzie S
- Skye S
- Henri F
Top 3 scores this week for each year group
YEAR 7
- Henri F
- Isaac B
- Reegan D
YEAR 8
- Niomi W
- Frankie E
- Albert BC
YEAR 9
- Skye S
- Lily-Mae D
- William E
YEAR 10
- Sophie McD
- Charlie A
- Harry S
YEAR 11
- Mckenzie S
- Oscar M
- Harry S
Table Talk
Talk about young love.... Have you ever taken the time to talk about young love with your chld?
Supporting Teenagers Facing Relationship Abuse: What Every Adult in the UK Should Know
Teenagers across the UK are navigating complex emotions and relationships—many for the first time. While young love can be exciting, it can also turn harmful. Sadly, relationship abuse among teenagers is more common than many realise. According to Women's Aid, around one in five girls aged 13-17 has experienced physical abuse from a partner, and emotional abuse is even more widespread.
Abuse can happen in any kind of relationship— regardless of gender, sexuality, or background—and it’s not always easy to spot.
What Does Abuse Look Like?
Relationship abuse isn’t always physical. It can involve:
- Controlling behaviour, such as telling a partner what to wear or who they can speak to
- Emotional manipulation, like constant guilt-tripping or gaslighting
- Threats, intimidation or pressure—especially around sex or private photos
- Monitoring, like checking a partner’s phone or social media constantly
- Isolation from family and friends
These behaviours can have long-term impacts on a teenager’s confidence, mental health, and future relationships. Why Teens May Not Speak Out Teenagers might not realise what they’re experiencing is abuse. They may feel embarrassed, confused, or worry they won’t be taken seriously. For some, this might be their first relationship, and they simply don’t know what a healthy one should look like. That’s why adult support is essential—calm, caring conversations can make all the difference
How You Can Help
- Create a safe space. Let teens know they can talk to you about anything—without fear of judgment or punishment.
- Learn the signs. Changes in mood, social withdrawal, secrecy, or constant texting from a partner may be red flags.
- Believe them. If a young person shares something concerning, listen and take it seriously. Avoid blame.
- Offer support, not pressure. Telling a teen to “just end it” may push them away. Help them explore their choices instead.
- Signpost to help. Organisations like Refuge, NSPCC, and Childline offer confidential advice and support.
Resources • Childline (under 19s): 0800 1111 / childline.org.uk • Refuge (24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline): 0808 2000 247 / nationaldahelpline.org.uk • The Hideout (by Women’s Aid): thehideout.org.uk • Respect UK (for those worried about their own behaviour): respect.uk.net
Final Thought
Every teenager deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in their relationships. By staying informed and approachable, we can help young people recognise abuse early—and take the steps they need to protect themselves and heal.
Why We Do What We Do
We use the MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) parent portal. This a Bromcom-powered online system and app that allows families to view real-time information about their child's school life, including aspects of their academic performance, attendance, timetables, behavior, and school announcements. This is the method by which we send reports and things such as exam timetables for GCSE and A level exam series. The MCAS app also provides features for online payments for items like school dinners and trips, booking parent-teacher appointments, and updating parental contact details. We use this app to try and keep everything in one place and keep things as simple as possible. It is vitally important that every child has a parent or carer who has downloaded the app so they can receive important information and use the online payment system whenever needed.
Times Tables
At the end of all lessons students stand behind their chairs in silence to prepare for themselves for the next lesson. From September, on a weekly rota, Years 7 and 8 will be reciting their timetables to help embed them in their long term memory.
Week beginning 6th October 2025 - 11
Accelerated Reading
Week beginning 6th October 2025 - Period 5
Moments Matter, Attendance Counts
Regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.
As we return to school and move into winter, there is inevitably an increase in illnesses. It can be tricky deciding whether to keep your child off school when they are unwell. There are government guidelines to support you in this decision.
Attendance.
We have seen a large increase of absence this week and would just like to remind you of the following Guidance.
You should not go to school with a fever or other high temperature, but you can attend if you have mild symptoms like a runny nose or slight cough, if you feel well enough to go. Although there are no longer specific rules for COVID-19 in schools, you should stay home if you are unwell.
When to stay home
- • High temperature: If you have a fever or a high temperature, you should stay at home.
- • Feeling unwell: If you are generally feeling unwell, it is best to stay home.
When you can go to school
- • Mild symptoms: You can go to school if you only have mild symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or a slight cough, and you feel well enough to attend.
Why this advice has changed
- • There is a low risk of COVID-19 to children and young people.
- • There are high vaccination rates in the population, which helps to reduce the risk.
At Charles Read Academy we follow the guidance from the NHS and Public Health England on whether your child should be in school.
This covers all the usual childhood illnesses. For more information click on the links below:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/people-with-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19
If your child is absent from school, please ensure you contact school daily either by email/MCAS or by telephoning the attendance line 01476 550333 ext 502. It is vital we are notified everyday of any absence for safeguarding reasons, unless previously authorised. A reason for illness will always be requested, this is to observe attendance patterns and outbreaks of illness amongst students.
Please do not hesitate to contact myself tsandison@charlesreadacademy.co.uk ext 502 to discuss ways to support your child's attendance.
CRA - Lets work together to make every day count!
Leave of absence request
A Principal can only authorise a leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. We will take into account the Government guidance when considering what the exceptional circumstances are- all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be able to take your child out of school in exceptional circumstances, providing an application is made in advance by the parent/carer, this request complies with Government guidance and the leave is deemed to be ‘exceptional’ by the Principal.
If you take a leave of absence without our permission or if your child fails to return by the agreed date if permission was granted, then this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and noted in your child’s record. You might also be issued with a fixed penalty notice for this absence. If your child has not returned within 10 days of the expected date of return then, after consultation with the Local Authority, we may take your child off our school roll.
As examples, the following reasons are not considered to be exceptional circumstances:
- availability of cheap holidays
- periods overlapping with beginning or end of term
- visits to family
- renewing passports
Requests for leave of absence will only be considered if made in writing. Please ensure you use the leave of absence request form to do this.
To request a leave of absence, please use this form.
House News.
Terra House Netball Champions
Congratulations to Terra House who were crowned house netball champions this week by just 1 point to Caeli house in second place. Students and staff took to the court throughout the week to represent their respective house teams in a number of exciting year group, round-robin style competitions. The competition got underway on Monday lunchtime as the year 9 to 11 teams battled it out for the first points on the board. All matches were extremely close but it was Terra who won both of their matches over Caeli and Aqua to take the overall lead. The following day the year 7 and year 8 teams showcased their skills in a day dominated by Caeli house, with two wins of their own to level proceedings. Aqua also managed to pick up their first victory of the competition with a win over Terra.
Heading into the final day, all three house teams were in with a chance of being crowned champions. It was down to the staff who in front of onlooking students produced some close games. Despite looking like it was just Terra and Caeli going for the win, Aqua staff pulled out a great performance in a draw against Terra before picking up a 2-0 win over Caeli, throwing themselves back into contention. Following all the matches, points were accumulated across the three days to determine the overall winners where Terra (10 points) prevailed by just one point to Caeli (9 Points) in second and Aqua (7 Points) in third.
Full Results
- Year 7 and Year 8
- Caeli 1 v 0 Aqua
- Caeli 2 v 0 Terra
- Aqua 1 v 0 Terra
- Year 9, 10 and 11
- Terra 1 v 0 Aqua
- Terra 1 v 0 Caeli
- Caeli 1 v 0 Aqua
- Staff
- Aqua 0 v 0 Terra
- Aqua 2 v 0 Caeli
- Terra 1 v 0 Caeli
Well done to everyone who took part.
European Day of Languages – House Quiz
Congratulations to Oliver (Terra 7) who managed to score an amazing 19/20 on the European Day of Languages house quiz, to be crowned champion. Caeli finished in second place thanks to Mr Aram and Mrs Langton with scores of 18/20. Mr Smith for Aqua also managed a score of 18/20. Aqua were awarded 20 additional bonus points for the the highest participation. House quizzes will become a regular feature throughout the year – keep an eye out for the next quiz.
Year 7 Summer Transition Challenge
Congratulations to Oscar in Aqua 7 who picked up 50 house points for Aqua following his summer transition project. Over the summer holidays year 7 students took part in a variety of transition activities, with one being a house competition showcasing their personalities in a box. Oscar showcased a wide range of interests and hobbies in his box and put a lot of effort in putting it together – from attending Nottingham Forest v Manchester City in the FA Cup semi final to achieving his purple belt in Mixed Martial Arts. Well done Oscar!
House Football – Rescheduled
Please note that House Football, originally scheduled to take place next week has now been moved to the end of term due to a number of students attending the French and History trip next week. The new date is set for week commencing Monday 20th October.
The Sporting Post.
PE kit reminder - 2025/2026
The standard PE kit is as follows:
- CRA House PE top (compulsory)
- CRA PE shorts or skorts (compulsory)
- CRA PE Hoodie (compulsory)
- Black socks. These can be purchased from any provider.
- PE track pants / leggings / skins - optional - must be plain navy or black. These can be worn under the CRA PE top, shorts or skorts. These items should have no logos/writing/labels. These can be purchased from any provider.
Sports trainers- These can be purchased from any provider. No fashion trainers.
Girls will take part in hockey and boys will take part in rugby during PE lessons. Gumshields and shinpads are recommended for their safety.
Shinpads will also be needed for girls' and boys' football.
Moulded football boots are also recommended as students can wear these on the 3G artificial surface and grass field.
Please can all students be collected from the BACK of the school when being picked up from after school clubs and fixtures.
Term Dates
Please see the latest term dates for 2025-2026
A list of diary events can also be found on the CRA Website by clicking here
Credits:
Created with images by sosiukin - "upcoming evente word written on wood block. upcoming evente text on table, concept" • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "Cropped view of woman hands holding paper with lettering we need you isolated on white" • Olena - "Show Lamb at Market Fair: Sheep Animal Show Lifestyle with People" • smile35 - "School clothes for boy and girl on hanger." • sitthiphong - "Close up of hand holding smartphone and screen applications with unlocking mobile phones.,Concept of technological safety." • TungCheung - "Close up of old English dictionary page with word revision" • deagreez - "Photo portrait of cute schoolgirl hold ebook reading look empty space wear trendy white outfit isolated on pink color background" • cacaroot - "continuing education" • ArtificialHorizons - "The phrase quiet zone on a sandy beach background." • Debalina - "Hand drawn web browser window with the text internet safety for kids.,Keeping children safe online concept." • PX Media - "Help, support, advice, guidance signpost." • Who is Danny - "Social media, workshop and network concept" • bbbar - "Acronym of AAB for Above and Beyond" • Gerisima - "Christmas star decoration of golden confetti stars against white" • DisobeyArt - "Happy latin family eating dinner together at home - Winter holidays and Christmas time concept - Main focus on mother face" • Production Perig - "Concept of man holding smartphone with Communication icon around" • Naypong Studio - "Sports Equipment on white background" • tatomm - "close up of calendar on the yellow table background, planning for business meeting or travel planning concept"