FAQs
We know that you probably have many questions for us, so to answer as many as we can here are some frequently asked questions.
Still need to ask us a specific question? Head to our ‘Get in Touch page’.
How many lessons do I have each day?
You will have six lessons a day. The first lesson will last for 30 minutes and will be with your form. The next five lessons will all last for an hour each.
What if I don’t know where my next lesson is? Do I get a map of the school?
Don’t worry about where your lessons are; there will always be a member of staff around to help you find your way and you will get a map of the school in your planner.
What subjects will I be taught?
You will have the following lessons each week in Year 7; English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, French/Spanish, PE, Music, Drama, RE, ICT, Art, Design Technology and PSCHE.
What will the first day look like and how will I know where to go and who to see?
Your first day will have time at the start of the day when you will get to meet your new Form Tutor and form group and you will also get to go on a tour of the school.
What will happen if I am late to school or late to lessons, will I be in trouble?
Punctuality and attendance are really important in helping you achieve at school. Senior Leadership will always be on the ‘purple line’ in the morning from 8.00am to welcome you into the academy with a smile and a good morning! If you are late in the morning it will be a 30-minute detention the following day. Don’t worry about being late to your lessons in the first week, you may get lost! The Senior Leadership Team and Pastoral Year Leaders will be around in between lessons and they can help you find your way to lessons.
Who do I speak to in school if I’m worried, nervous or have any other concerns?
All members of staff in school are here to help but in the first instance you should speak to your Year 7 Pastoral Year Leader (PYL), a member of the Senior Leadership Team or your Form Tutor. You can also go to Pupil Support for advice.
My child has special educational needs. How do make sure Horbury Academy knows their needs?
If there are any extra details that you wish to pass on to us about needs then please contact us using the email address: enquiries@horbury.accordmat.org and a member of our SEN team will then contact you directly.
How do I sort out uniform?
Our preferred uniform supplier is now ready to welcome you to purchase uniform. For further details please use the following link: https://horbury.accordmat.org/uniform/
What if I’m not in the same lessons as my friends?
You will still be able to see your friends at break and lunch time. You will also have chance to make lots of new friends at secondary school.
When will we find out which form I am in?
You will find out which form you are in via a separate letter later in the academic year.
I am worried about bullying. Should I be?
No. As an academy we aim to create an atmosphere where all staff and pupils feel safe, where no individual or group feels threatened and where members of the academy community feel valued. We work hard to make sure the whole school community (pupils, staff, parents, governors and neighbours of the academy) have a shared understanding of what bullying is. We have a clear procedure for reporting, investigating and stamping out bullying. To make it clear, bullying will not be tolerated!
What are the school dinners like?
We love our school dinners! There is a range of hot and cold food available each day at break and lunchtime. We also cater for different dietary needs. See the link here for some of our menus: https://horbury.accordmat.org/academy-kitchen-provision/
Can my child continue with musical instrument lessons at Horbury Academy?
Yes! More details will come out via our music curriculum area during the summer term.
Can pupils have mobiles? Over break and lunch too?
Pupils are allowed to bring a mobile phone to secondary school but phones must be turned off and out of sight at all times (in blazer or school bag) until they leave school at the end of the day.
Do they get to choose if they do French or Spanish in Year 7?
If you have a particular preference of what language you would like your child to study in Year 7 there will be the opportunity to indicate your preference on an electronic form which is sent out in the summer term to collect parental information and this will be accommodated wherever possible.
Will the children be put into forms with any of their current friends in Year 6?
Form groups include pupils from a number of different primary schools and we cannot guarantee that pupils will be in the same form as current friends. However, they will still be able to see their friends at break and lunch time. They will also have chance to make lots of new friends at secondary school.
What time does school start?
This academic year our start times have been staggered for different year groups to fit in with government guidance. The academy day begins at 8.30am and finishes at 2.45pm. We will communicate times of the day for 2024-2025 during the summer term.
Are parents encouraged to come with their child on the first day?
On their first day many of our new Year 7 come to school by themselves or with friends. However, we also have some parents/carers who accompany their child to school. The choice is entirely yours.