The Government – and employers – place a lot of emphasis on English and maths. What is happening at the Academy?

In this first year we will have a huge emphasis on ensuring all students gain a high standard in Mathematics and English. After school classes and regular revision programmes will ensure success in public examinations in these subjects.

Parents worry about the behaviour of their children. Why will behaviour at the Academy be different?

Behaviour in the Academy will be improved through a very clear, sensible behaviour code that will be consistently applied. Poor behaviour will be swiftly nipped in the bud with a very clear consequences regime. Excellent behaviour that is thoughtful of others will be rewarded and celebrated. All students will stay on the site for lunch.

Emphasising traditional values we will create an ethos of mutual respect and trust in the Academy. This together with the emphasis on praise, celebration and reward will mean that all members of the Academy community will feel highly valued and will want to achieve as highly as possible and to contribute to their own personal success and the overall success of the Academy.

We believe in traditional values, students will stand when an adult enters the room, they will treat the staff and each other with respect.

What is the position with students’ jewellery?

We want our students to look as smart as possible. We all feel good when we are wearing smart clothes and are well presented.

That’s why no extreme haircuts and no jewellery. We are allowing a small pair of plain earring studs.

The specially-designed uniform will present our new image to the world of hard-working young people who are fabulous ambassadors for the Academy.

We aim to have the smartest uniform and young people in Norfolk. Even our sixth-formers will be in ties, shirts and business dress, underlining our new attitude.

Is Lesson Six/Curriculum Enrichment compulsory or voluntary?

It is compulsory for Year 11s on Wednesdays and Fridays, otherwise the Academy day ends at 2.45pm. However, Curriculum Enrichment provides huge opportunities for students to catch up on work, do homework, follow their interests or access extra expertise.  If a student is falling behind in their work, we may insist they attend Curriculum Enrichment. Parents will be notified and, I’m sure, support our decision.

What are the new lunch-time arrangements?

All students will stay on Academy premises during the lunch break and all food – hot and packed lunches – will be eaten in the Hall or in designated outside areas. We have significantly upgraded our catering facilities and have developed a brand-new menu which will be both nutritional and delicious. The new 30-minute lunchtimes, run in two shifts, will allow students plenty of time to eat their food.

There has been a very good reaction to the Academy uniform. Do students have to wear the jumpers in hot weather?

Blazers are compulsory, jumpers are not. Of course, special arrangements will be announced in extreme weather.

How will families be kept informed about what is happening at the Academy?

We will be sending out regular newsletters such as this one to parents and carers and there will be information evenings. We will also write to parents and carers if anything exceptional happens.