General Information

Academy Shop

In addition to Uniform, the shop provides many items useful in the day to day life of our students. This includes a full range of textbooks and revision guides, as well as the sale of pens, pencils and rulers. This ensures that the excuse of forgetting these items is a thing of the past. During term time, the shop is open before and after the Academy, and at break and lunchtimes. The shop is also open during the holiday periods at times advertised or on demand by prior arrangement.

Insurance

Parents are reminded that the Academy does not accept responsibility for personal property. Students are strongly advised not to bring expensive items to the Academy. Parents should initially check their household insurance policy to see that they are covered. The Academy does not accept any liability.

Mobile Phones and Cameras

Whilst we understand that mobile phones have, to an extent, become a useful security item, they bring with them significant problems. Whilst on site, mobile phones must be turned off and remain off. Students are advised to be discreet in the use of their phones to and from the Academy in order to prevent becoming a target of aggravated phone theft. The taking of photographs of any kind on the Academy site, is done so with the prior permission of the Principal only. Possessing images taken on our site, even if it is of friends, can lead to problems.

Calculators

It is beneficial for students to have a simple scientific calculator. They can be purchased from the Academy shop and are suitable for students up to the end of their GCSE courses. Maths and Science teaching staff will be pleased to offer advice on such a purchase.

Charging for Activities

Heartlands Academy does not charge fees for tuition. Charges may be necessary for activities which take place in Academy time or which form part of the curriculum studies of the Academy. In some cases, the Academy may invite parents to make a voluntary financial contribution to activities which are additional to the basic curriculum. However, there will be no obligation to make such contributions and equality of opportunity for all students will be maintained, irrespective of any voluntary contributions.

Detentions

There is an Academy detention which takes place for one hour at the end of formal lesson time. Students are placed in this only as a last resort and parents are given the statutory twenty-four hours notice before this occurs. This is not a voluntary activity and although parent's agreement is not required we seek to work together on this.