Attendance
Outwood Academy, Adwick believes that high attendance rates are a significant factor in maintaining the quality of education that we provide. If we are to maintain the continuity of education for our students and prepare them for the world of work, we must ensure that absenteeism is kept to an absolute minimum.National average for all students in the uk is to be at 94% or above.
What is good attendance?
Most students think that an attendance rate of 90% is good.
Why? Because, as an examination score, 90% means excellence.
However, as an attendance rate:
90% equates to missing 20 days per year!
The impact of attendance
How does this impact on a student’s attainment?
The facts speak for themselves:
Students attending over 95% of the time miss no more than 10 days a year!
6 out of 10 of these students gain 5 GCSE A* – C grades!
Almost ALL students with good attendance go on to leave the academy with qualifications that support their future training and employment or further higher education.
Why is good attendance important?
•To Make new friends
•To Learn and enjoy new experiences
•To Develop skills that you will need in later life
•To Take part in a wide range of activities in and outside of the Academy
•To Learn how to look after themselves and encourage independence
•To Feel safe and listened to
•To Improve their chances of having a good career or life chances
•To Make a positive contribution (to the community)
Did you know?
•Government research shows students who have less than 90% attendance (20 or more days missed in a year) achieve, on average, a whole grade lower than expected in examinations.
•There is a link between the number of days a child is absent and their average earnings in later life.
•A child is not in school 175 days a year – plenty of time to go shopping, take holidays, visit family or attend routine appointments during this time only
•A parent/carer has a legal responsibility to ensure that his/her child attends school regularly. Failure to fulfil this responsibility can lead to prosecution/enforcement
How can a parent/carer help?
•Tell your child how important school is.
•Praise your child for working hard and attending school.
•Organise non-urgent medical appointments outside of school time.
•Check that you child is organised for school (with a bag to carry their things).
•Make sure your child has a good night’s sleep and wakes up in good time for the new academy day, arriving early by 8.15am
•Take time to talk to your child about what they have done in school.
•Contact the academy at the first opportunity if your child is genuinely ill or is unable to attend.
•Talk to someone at the academy if there is a problem or reason why your child finds it difficult to attend regularly.
Taking students out of school during academy hours for holidays, is not a right. The Academy has the right to refuse holiday requests, as there is a direct line to attendance and achievements.
If you take your child out of the Academy for a holiday, this may be unauthorised and you may be issued with a fixed penalty notice. All holiday requests must be done in advance. More information about holidays during term can be found on the Doncaster councils website or contacting the Academy directly on 01302 722237 and ask to speak to attendance