Parent Information

Frequently Asked Questions for website:

How do I know what my child is studying in lessons?

Each subject page includes a term-by-term overview of what your scholar will be learning. If you’d like to explore the curriculum in more detail, please contact your scholar’s subject teacher or the Curriculum Leader listed on the relevant page.

Why Do Scholars Have Homework?

Homework is a key part of our learning culture at Astrea Academy Netherwood.

Reinforces Classroom Learning

Scholars revisit and apply knowledge, helping transfer it from short-term to long-term memory.

Supports Retrieval Practice

Recalling information without prompts strengthens memory and deepens understanding.

Builds Fluency Through Repetition

Repeated exposure helps scholars become quicker and more accurate, freeing up mental space for complex thinking.

Encourages Independent Learning

Homework builds time management, organisation, and ownership—skills essential for future success.

Prepares for Assessments

Regular practice boosts confidence and highlights areas for review.

Promotes Long-Term Retention

Spaced repetition helps scholars retain knowledge well beyond the test date.

How can I support my child with their home learning?

Create a quiet, focused space for study. Encourage consistent routines and help your scholar avoid last-minute work.

What is Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader?

You can find detailed information about Sparx Maths here and Sparx Reader here.

How long should my child spend on their home learning?

Years 7–9: Around 1 hour per evening  

Years 10–11: Minimum of 2 hours per evening  

View our Homework Policy for more details. This link shows our homework policy.

Where is home learning set?

Tasks are set via Sparx Maths, Sparx Reader, Carousel, or Languagenut. Scholars also use their Knowledge Organisers for support. Feedback is given either automatically or during lessons.

What if my child has no set homework?

Years 7–9: We encourage reading for pleasure via Sparx Reader or other books and self-quizzing using their knowledge organisers i.e. Look, Cover, Write , check  

Years 10–11: Scholars should revise course material regularly.

What is the purpose of a Knowledge Organiser?

Knowledge Organisers are essential tools that:

Clarifies Core Content 

They outline key facts, vocabulary, and concepts scholars need to master.

Supports Independent Study

Scholars use them at home and in revision to reinforce learning.

Improves Retrieval Practice

Regular use strengthens memory and boosts long-term retention.

Promotes Consistency Across Classes 

All scholars receive the same foundational knowledge.

Builds Confidence and Autonomy

Scholars know what’s expected and feel more in control of their learning.

Why do Scholars complete 100-Question Fluency Quizzes?

These quizzes are designed to:

Strengthen Automatic Recall

Scholars quickly retrieve key facts, building fluency and freeing up cognitive space.

Boost Confidence Through Repetition

Familiar formats reduce anxiety and build self-assurance.

Track Progress Over Time

Teachers monitor fluency growth and identify areas for support.

Encourage Focus and Stamina 

Scholars learn to concentrate, pace themselves, and persevere.

Prepare for Formal Assessments

Quizzes simulate exam conditions, helping scholars build resilience and strategy.

Why Morning Meeting Matters at Astrea Academy Netherwood?

At Astrea Academy Netherwood, we know that how a child starts their day can shape their mindset, motivation, and success. That’s why we’ve created Morning Meeting. This is a daily routine designed to help students begin each day with focus, confidence and purpose.

Morning Meeting is more than a warm-up. It’s a structured time that builds the habits essential for academic achievement. Through short, knowledge-rich quizzes, students practise retrieving key information, which promotes fluency of knowledge and strengthens long-term memory. These routines help scholars track their progress, reinforce learning and feel confident in what they know.

This is part of our commitment to a culture of scholarship, where every minute counts and every scholar is supported to aim high. Morning Meeting also sets the tone for behaviour and character. It’s a time to practise discipline, celebrate effort and grow together as a community.

Whether your child is preparing for exams or building their knowledge step by step, Morning Meeting helps them stay on track, supporting them with climbing the mountain to university, or wherever their aspirations may lead.

We believe that consistency, encouragement, and high expectations make a difference. Morning Meeting is one of the ways we ensure your child starts each day ready to learn and thrive.

How are scholars assessed at Astrea Academy Netherwood?

Years 7 to 9:

Scholars complete two trust-wide assessments per year which are used to place the scholars into sets. Scholars also complete mastery quizzes each half-term along with regular in class assessments to track progress. They are also quizzed on the content of their knowledge organisers during morning meetings three times per week. 

Each lesson begins with recall questions to quiz, recap, and consolidate scholars’ knowledge.

Years 10 and 11:

For GCSEs (or equivalent), scholars are assessed through mock exams in June of Year 10, as well as mocks in November and February/March of Year 11. They are also assessed regularly through fluency quizzes, practice exam papers/questions in lessons, recall questions at the beginning of lessons and during morning meetings. 

Where can I get support if I am being bullied?

 Scholars can report bullying or concerns at any time, including school holidays, using the following email addresses: itsstopsnow@astreanetherwood.org or netsupportsafeguarding@astreanetherwood.org these are checked regularly and are sent directly to the senior leadership team so concerns and issues can be addressed quickly, with the appropriate member of staff.

I want to help make the school make more improvements, how can I get involved?

Scholars can drive whole-school improvement by leveraging key leadership roles. Through Scholar Council, they voice student needs to shape school policies. As It Stops Now Ambassadors, they lead crucial initiatives on wellbeing and respect, creating a safer, more inclusive environment. Furthermore, by supporting primary schools and the local community through curriculum-based projects, they extend the school’s positive impact, fostering pride and strengthening our collective reputation. Ultimately, these opportunities empower scholars to be active partners in building a better school for everyone.

What sort of things do we cover in PSHE lessons?

PSHE is a broad subject that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future.

In PSHE, we cover things like:

• Mental Health: How to handle stress, build resilience, and look after our minds.
• Healthy Lifestyles: Food, exercise, and the facts about drugs and alcohol.
• Relationships & Sex Ed: Puberty, consent, and how to build positive relationships.
• Online Safety: How to be smart and safe on social media and the internet.
• Money Skills: Budgeting, saving, and understanding how money works.
• Careers: Thinking about our future jobs and the skills we need for them.
• British Values & Diversity: Learning to respect everyone, no matter their background.

It’s basically the lesson that teaches us the stuff we need for real life!

What will we have assemblies on at Astrea Academy Netherwood?

Our school assemblies are a vital part of our community life. They are a time for us to come together, reflect, and learn about important values, events, and each other. The programme is designed to be broad, inspiring, and relevant to your lives.

Here’s a flavour of what you can expect:

1. Celebrating Our Values: Astrea Assemblies

A core part of our assembly calendar is dedicated to exploring our core Astrea values, such as Respect, Scholarship, and Responsibility. Each half-term, we often focus on a specific value through stories, current events, and role models, discussing what it looks like in our everyday school life and beyond.

2. Marking Important Cultural and Awareness Events

We use assemblies to connect with the wider world and understand different perspectives. Key highlights include:

Black History Month (October): We will have special assemblies to celebrate the immense contributions, achievements, and history of Black individuals and communities in Britain and around the world. This is a time for learning, reflection, and honouring a vital part of our shared history.

Other National & International Events: This includes themes for LGBTQ+ History Month, Mental Health Awareness Week, Safer Internet Day, and World Book Day. These assemblies help us build a more inclusive, aware, and supportive school community.

3. Sharing and Celebrating Success

We love to take time to celebrate our achievements! Assemblies will regularly include:

Appreciations for fantastic work in subjects.

Recognising students who have demonstrated our core values.

Celebrating successes in sports, arts, and clubs.

Highlighting progress and achievements across the whole academy.

This is our time to come together as a school family and be proud of what we accomplish.

4. Focusing on Local and Current Events

Sometimes, we will hold assemblies linked to what is happening in our local community or in the news. This helps us discuss important issues, understand different viewpoints, and think about how we can be positive, active citizens.

In short, our assemblies are designed to educate, inspire, and unite us. They are more than just a talk; they are a cornerstone of our school culture, ensuring that we not only focus on academic success but also on developing into well-rounded, responsible, and kind individuals.

What enrichment activities can I take part in at Astrea Academy Netherwood?

At our school, scholars can enrich their education through a diverse array of activities designed to broaden their horizons. This includes a vibrant programme of after-school clubs, from various sports to homework support. Beyond the school gates, we offer unforgettable experiences ranging from curriculum-based trips across the UK and adventurous skiing trips, to international cultural visits like New York. All of these opportunities are carefully designed to develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and allow scholars to experience life in a new and inspiring way.

How does the school know if my child needs extra help?

We listen carefully to parents, carers, and pupils.

Teachers monitor learning and wellbeing every day.

We use assessments, tests, and observations to spot difficulties.

If we think your child may need additional support, we will talk with you straight away.

What should I do if I think my child may have SEND?

Speak to your child’s class teacher first.

You can also contact our SENCO directly.

We will work together to understand your child’s needs and agree the next steps.

How will my child be supported in class?

Quality First Teaching – every teacher is trained to adapt lessons for pupils with different needs.

Extra support – teaching assistants may give small-group or 1:1 help when needed. Adjustments – we may use different resources, strategies, or technology to make learning accessible.

Personalised plans – some pupils have additional targets or support strategies written in their passport.

How will I know how my child is doing?

You’ll be invited to regular review meetings.

We’ll share progress through reports, phone calls, and scholar review evenings.

You’ll always have the chance to ask questions and give your views.

How will my child be involved?

We listen to what pupils say about their learning and support.

They help set their own goals where appropriate.

We encourage independence and self-confidence.

What specialist services are available?

We work closely with outside agencies when extra expertise is needed, including but not limited to:

Educational Psychologists

Speech and Language Therapists

Behaviour and Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Sensory Impairment Support Teams

Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapist

Who can I contact for more information?

SENCO: Miss Chantelle Selby

Contact details: Chantelle.Selby@astreanetherwood.org

Assistant SENCO: Mrs Emma Currie

Contact details: Emma.Currie@astreanetherwood.org

You can also find more information on the Barnsley Local Authority SEND Local Offer website.

Why is school attendance so important?

Every day in school matters. Missing even a few days can disrupt a child’s learning and make it harder for them to keep up. For example, a two-week holiday during term time means missing around 50 hours of learning—lessons that won’t be retaught but may still appear in future exams. Scholars with broken attendance (e.g. a day off here and there) often struggle more than their peers due to gaps in their learning.

There is a strong link between attendance and academic success. Research by the Department for Education found that:

· Pupils with above 95% attendance are almost twice as likely to achieve strong results in English and Maths compared to those with 90–95% attendance.

· Pupils with above 95% attendance are three times more likely to achieve strong results than those with 85–90% attendance.

What should I do if my child is absent from school?

If your child is unwell or absent for another reason, you must contact the school on the first day and every day thereafter. You can:

· Send a message via MCAS.

· Phone the school on 01226 272000, selecting option 1 for the attendance office.

If you don’t make contact, the school’s attendance team will follow up through messages, calls, or even home visits to check on your child’s wellbeing and help support their return to school.

What if my child has a medical appointment during school hours?

Please try to book appointments outside school hours whenever possible. If an appointment during school is unavoidable:

· Ensure your child attends school before and/or after the appointment.

· Inform the school in advance and provide evidence of the appointment (letter, card, or confirmation message).

You can notify the school by:

· Visiting the attendance office.

· Emailing: attendanceteam@astreanetherwood.org

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

No. Term-time holidays will not be authorised.

Taking your child out of school during term time:

· Disrupts learning.

· Results in missed lessons that are not retaught.

· May lead to a fixed penalty notice.

Why does the attendance team carry out home visits?

Home visits are an important way for the attendance team to:

· Check on the wellbeing of absent scholars.

· Offer support to families facing challenges.

· Encourage a safe and timely return to school.

These visits are about working together to improve attendance and ensure every child has access to education.

What should I do if my child is experiencing behavioural difficulties at school?

If your child is experiencing difficulties with behaviour, we encourage you to contact the Academy via the pastoral team in the first instance. This allows us to work collaboratively to understand the underlying issues and put appropriate support in place. The Academy may offer targeted behavioural interventions to support scholars in managing their conduct and meeting expectations. Our Behaviour and Relationships Policy clearly outlines these expectations, which are further reinforced through Commitment to Excellence meetings, Scholar Review Evenings, and regular communication via our messaging systems. A strong partnership between school and home is essential in promoting a consistent message of high standards and personal responsibility.

 How does the Academy address bullying?

Astrea Academy Netherwood maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of bullying. Our Behaviour and Relationships Policy clearly defines bullying, including physical, verbal, and cyberbullying, and outlines robust procedures for reporting and addressing incidents. Scholars are encouraged to report any concerns, and all reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Appropriate support is provided to those affected, and proportionate sanctions are applied to those who engage in bullying behaviours. We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our school community.

What happens if a scholar is repeatedly disruptive in lessons?

When a scholar repeatedly disrupts learning, the Academy follows a clear, staged approach in line with our Behaviour and Relationships Policy. This may include a verbal warning, detention, or removal to the Triage Base. Further support and interventions are considered in partnership with the scholar and their parents or carers. One such intervention is the Reset Base, a structured provision designed to support scholars in successfully reintegrating into the classroom environment. These procedures are applied consistently across all lessons to ensure a calm and focused learning environment where every scholar has the opportunity to thrive.

 What role do attendance and punctuality play in behaviour and success at the Academy?

At Astrea Academy Netherwood, excellent attendance and punctuality are considered essential foundations for academic success. There is clear evidence that consistent attendance and punctual arrival positively influence learning outcomes, wellbeing, and future opportunities. The Academy monitors attendance closely, and any concerns are addressed through timely and supportive interventions. Scholars are expected to attend school every day and arrive punctually, ready to learn and fully equipped.

How does the Academy promote positive behaviour and recognise success?

Astrea Academy Netherwood has a well-established system for recognising and rewarding positive behaviour. This includes the awarding of merits, appreciations, and public celebration of scholars’ achievements. We believe it is important to acknowledge and share the successes of our scholars to reinforce a culture of aspiration and excellence. Leadership opportunities such as Prefect roles and Anti-Bullying Ambassadors provide scholars with additional responsibilities and the chance to model exemplary conduct. Our behaviour expectations and routines are communicated clearly and applied consistently, ensuring all scholars understand what is expected and are supported to make positive choices every day.

How to set up a My Child at School Account (MCAS).

• To access MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) via the web page, visit https://www.mychildatschool.com/MCAS/MCSParentLogin 
• To access MyChildAtSchool via the App: If you are using an iPhone, you can download the app from the ‘App Store‘. If you are using an Android phone, you can download the app from the ‘Play Store‘

                       

How to Login to MyChildAtSchool (MCAS):

• Once on the Login page, there will be the option to enter your email address (which acts as your username) and a auto generated password which would be part of the welcome package (which you can change once you have successfully logged in). If you are unsure of your password, you can click on the Reset Password. Once signed in, you will be navigated to your child’s profile page.

How do I pay for a school trip once I have given consent?

The Clubs and Trips modules can be found on the Dashboard individually, click on the module that you would like to enrol on. There is when you will then be presented with 3 different sections, the first tab will show a list of ‘Available‘ enrollment options, and another section called ‘Enrolled’ and thirdly, if the trip/club is full, there is a ‘Waiting List’ section. When you find the Club/Trip that you would like to enrol and pay for, click on the ‘View Details’, which will provide further information on the club or trip including when it is, how frequent the club runs, the run time and how much it costs. 

• A good majority of clubs and trips will give the option for ‘Installments‘ as well as the option to ‘Pay in Full’. Select the payment option you would like to proceed with and then click the ‘Add to Basket’ button, once it has been added to the basket, you will automatically be taken to the ‘Shopping Basket’ screen when you will then be given the option to click the ‘Checkout’ button. Select your payment options from the dropdown menu and click ‘Next’. Once completed, you will be redirected to the ‘Order Summary’ screen to complete the payment.

How do I add money to the scholar’s dinner account?

Via the Student Dashboard, navigate to the ‘Dinner‘ module. When you have selected the Dinner module, in the right top corner you will see a blue shape with a picture of a wallet with an amount next to it, this is how much is available for the student to purchase food and drink. To add funds to the account, click on the ‘Add Dinner Money’ button, this will then open another session which you will be able to add the amount that you would like to the account (there is no minimum limit). Once you have typed the amount that you would like to add to the account, click the ‘Add to Basket’ button

•  

• Once it has been added to the basket, you will automatically be taken to the ‘Shopping Basket’ screen when you will then be given the option to click the ‘Checkout’ button. Select your payment options from the dropdown menu and click ‘Next’. Once completed, you will be redirected to the ‘Order Summary’ screen to complete the payment.

How do I add a payment method?

 In the MCAS App (Mobile)

1. Sign in and navigate to the My Child dashboard.
2. Go to Settings → Financial → Payment Methods → My Cards to view saved cards.
3. To add a new card, initiate a purchase:
   1. Tap on an item (e.g., dinner money, store item) and proceed to the Checkout screen.
   1. Choose “Pay by New Card”. You might need to swipe past your saved cards to find this option. 
4. If you want to save the card for future use, tick the box labeled “Save information for future payments.”

Optionally, add or select an address:

• To add a new one, tap the “+”, enter the address details, and click Add Address. The app will then select it for this card. 

Tap Next to proceed to the order summary and complete your payment.

How do I add money onto my child’s dinner account?

Via the Student Dashboard, navigate to the ‘Dinner‘ module. When you have selected the Dinner module, in the right top corner you will see a blue shape with a picture of a wallet with an amount next to it, this is how much is available for the student to purchase food and drink. To add funds to the account, click on the ‘Add Dinner Money’ button, this will then open another session which you will be able to add the amount that you would like to the account (there is no minimum limit). Once you have typed the amount that you would like to add to the account, click the ‘Add to Basket’ button

Once it has been added to the basket, you will automatically be taken to the ‘Shopping Basket’ screen when you will then be given the option to click the ‘Checkout’ button. Select your payment options from the dropdown menu and click ‘Next’. Once completed, you will be redirected to the ‘Order Summary’ screen to complete the payment.

How do I apply for a bus pass?

• Check Eligibility – Ensure the criteria is met for the Zoom Under 16 Travel pass by visiting ‘Travel South Yorskhire website.
  • Create a MyTSY Account – if applying for a child, use a different email address.
  • Complete the application – Log in, select passes, then concessions and complete all personal details.
  • Upload documents – Upload proof documents as per the guidelines
  • Submit application – Check your order and go to check out.  If all details are correct your pass will be dispatched within a few days
  • Replacement –for lost or damaged passes there is a small replacement fee. Stolen passes can be replaced free of charge with a Crime Reference Number from the Police.

For more information on the Zoom and Zoom Beyond passes visit the Travel South Yorkshire website.