Welcome to Darton Academy
Welcome to Year 6 parents, carers and students who will be joining Darton Academy soon. This page is designed to keep you informed about our transition process over the remaining few weeks of your time in primary School.
Starting at secondary school can be an exciting yet nervous time for Year 7 learners as well as for parents/carers. Our aim is to make the transition from primary to secondary a smooth and positive experience for everyone. We continue to work within the Government guidelines to try and make the transition as smooth as possible. On this page are a number of videos and information booklets to support learners with the transition.
Key Contacts
transition@dartonacademy.org.uk
Mr Paul Carmody
Assistant Principal – carmodyp@dartonacademy.org.uk
Letters
Below you will find a handy Parent booklet and a presentation that goes through some of the key points with regards to the transition however should you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Mr Carmody our transition lead using the email address above.
We realise that so far many of you may not have been able to visit the school however you can click on the link below to take a virtual school tour.
School Tour and Maps
We want all new students and parents/carers coming to Darton Academy to feel excited and comfortable when they arrive here. As you cannot currently come for a visit in person we have put together a few photographs from important places around school that you need to know!
Virtual Tour
The Bus Bays/Car park
If you are coming to school on one of the school busses they will drop you off in the bus bays. This is the same place as where you will get the bus to take you home after school. If you are arriving or being picked up by car your parents can drop you off in the parent car park/drop off zone. This is found on the right before the bus bays straight after the school gates. This allows enough space for the busses to be able to turn around and exit the school gates.
The Driveway
After being dropped off in the carpark. The driveway takes you towards the main entrance of school. As you walk up the driveway to the main entrance there is a path on your left that takes you to the Blue line and the student entrance. Parents/carers can get access to the main school entrance by continuing straight up the driveway towards the Canopy.
The Blue Line
The blue line is located next to the School building before the school gates. Once you cross the blue line mobile phones should not be seen or heard. You will be welcomed on the blue line each day by the senior leadership team and a learning manager. They will ask to see your student planner.
Playground
The playground is at the back of the school. You walk through this after crossing the blue line to get into school. You can go on to the playground at break and lunch time weather permitting however you are not allowed to eat or drink on the playground.
The Atrium
This is the area where all students gather before school and at break and lunchtimes. We have three lunch sittings. The Y7 lunch time is 12.30- 1pm. You will queue up at the various canteen hatches. Once you have chosen your food you will pay for it using your thumb print and the money will be taken from your account automatically. You will then be able to choose a place to sit.
The Lecture theatre
The lecture theatre is located behind the atrium. We use the lecture theatre for assembly’s. Each week you will attend an assembly with your form.
Astroturf
The Astroturf is located next to the sports hall and mini gym. PE lessons take place on here throughout the year.
Sports Hall
The sports hub contains the sport hall changing rooms and mini gym. Students will have the opportunity to take part in activities after school as part of our enrichment programme, these will include a range of sports such as football, table tennis and badminton
Map of the school
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Related Documents
Parent FAQ
What equipment will my child need?
The basic items of equipment which your child will need are: pencil case, pen, pencil, ruler and rubber. Many learners also choose to bring coloured pens and pencils along with other items of stationery which they feel they may need.
What happens on my child’s first day?
All learners will come to the Academy on their first day where they will be met by members of staff. Students will then be taken to the Lecture Theatre for a welcome assembly led by the Transition Leader, Mr Carmody. Following this, learners go off to their forms for a period of time. This allows them to meet with their peers and collect their timetables and planners. Later during the day, timetables commence and learners will take part in lessons.
Will my child be in a form with other children who they know?
Wherever possible, and appropriate, your child will be placed with at least one other learner from their primary school.
What happens if my child is ill when they are at school?
If your child is ill they will be seen by trained first aiders who will assess how your child is. If required a member of staff will call home to discuss how your child is feeling with you.
What do I do if my child is ill and going to be absent from school?
Please contact school as early as you can to leave a message on the absence line.
How do we pay for school dinners?
Learners will be set up with an account on our cashless system. This uses your child’s fingerprint to load money onto their account and to pay for anything they purchase. You will also be sent a log-on for our School Comms system, which will allow you to top-up your child’s account online. Learners who receive Free School Meals will continue to do so. Their account will be pre-loaded with the allocated amount daily.
How will my child know where to go for the bus home?
The bus bays are located at the bottom of the drive near to the main entrance gates to school. Darton Academy staff on duty will support any learners who are unsure about which bus to catch to ensure that they are on the correct route. In the first instance Year 7 learners have priority access to the buses to ensure that they get home safely.
Who do I contact if I have any questions or if there are any problems?
You should contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance. The most effective ways of doing this are either by putting a note in your child’s planner or sending an email direct to the relevant teacher who will then respond as soon as they can. For more significant questions or concerns please contact: Mr Carmody, Transition Leader or Mrs Travis, SENCO.
How can I prepare my child for secondary school?
Moving to secondary school can be a daunting time for both children and their parents. One of the key ways to prepare your child for transition is to develop their independence skills. This includes encouraging them to gather and pack their own equipment ready for school or other activities, managing time and money, looking after their belongings and development of strategies to use if something goes wrong.
School Transport
Travel South Yorkshire has a new dedicated website with useful information for learners and parents including the very latest timetables, visit the website by clicking on the link below.