Parent Information

Generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now widespread and easy to access. Staff, pupils and parents/carers may be familiar with generative chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google Bard.  Samuel Ryder recognises that AI has many uses to help pupils learn, but may also lend itself to cheating and plagiarism. 

Pupils may use AI tools:

1. As a research tool to help them find out about new topics and ideas
2. When specifically studying and discussing AI in schoolwork, for example in IT lessons or art homework about AI-generated images. All AI-generated content must be properly attributed.

Pupils may not use AI tools:

1. During assessments, including internal and external assessments and coursework
2. To write their homework or class assignments, where AI-generated text is presented as their own work
3. As an alternative to engaging in practical learning.

Scholars’ Education Trust and all of its schools considers any unattributed use of AI-generated text or imagery to be plagiarism, and will follow our plagiarism procedures as set out in our exam and plagiarism guidelines.

Student Code of Conduct

We want Samuel Ryder Academy to be a happy and peaceful community in which to learn. Our Code of Conduct is designed to help students understand what we mean by this. It is not an exhaustive list of aspirations and things to avoid; instead it outlines key points so students have clear examples of what we expect from them.

Students have the right to:

• learn without disruption
• be free from bullying of any kind
• feel safe
• enjoy equal opportunities
• exist within the school without fear of prejudice of any kind from any member of the community.

The school community will not tolerate:

• bullying of any kind
• any type of violence
• vandalism, graffiti, or litter
• cruel or insensitive behaviour
• possession of or dealing in drugs or alcohol
• smoking cigarettes
• misuse of solvents
• any signs of disrespect from any member of the community
• arriving late to school or to lessons
• leaving the school without permission or missing lessons.

In our school we will try to:

• respect ourselves
• respect each other
• do our best
• act with honesty and responsibility
• show ourselves in the best light
• be polite and courteous
• enjoy learning
• participate in all aspects of school life.

We publish our Student Code of Conduct on our website and in students’ planners and refer to it in our rewards and behaviour management systems.

As a parent you can make an enormous difference to your child’s chances of success in school, at home and in their later life.  Working in partnership with your child’s school can help them to succeed.

We see the relationship between home and school as being extremely important in determining how successful a student is.  It is important that there is a shared philosophy and both parties are clear about what they can expect from each other.

A good partnership also involves transparency, honesty and clear channels of communication so that you are fully informed about your child’s learning and development.

There are a number of ways in which parents can become even more involved in their child’s education at Samuel Ryder Academy. Some of the methods of formal communication are listed under the 'Parental Communication' banner below but parents are encouraged to contact staff at the Academy at other times if they have any concerns or queries. 

Parent Pay

ParentPay is the web payment service that lets parents pay online by credit and debit card or in cash at PayPoint stores to schools and school suppliers.

MyChildAtSchool

Samuel Ryder Academy uses a portal called MyChildAtSchool which provides a convenient and accessible solution for the school to communicate with parents on all aspects of school life and also allows parents to access all information about their child in one place.  

Technical Assistance

If you are having any issues regarding Parent Pay or MyChildAtSchool, please use the following email contacts for assistance:

Parent Pay Log in requests:

sra-finance@scholarseducationtrust.co.uk

MyChildAtSchool in Technical Assistance:

technicalassistance@samuelryderacademy.co.uk

Parents' Evening

There is one parents’ evening each year which gives you an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with their teachers. Appointments will be released and booked using MyChildAtSchool.  You will receive further communication prior to the evening on how to make a booking.

Joining instructions using Microsoft Teams for virtual appointments

Please find below instructions for joining a Microsoft Teams meeting on a mobile device and PC.

Joining Microsoft Teams on a mobile device

Joining Microsoft Teams on a PC

Parent and Staff Communication

Please click here to see our protocols for contact between parents and staff.

Please click here for Samuel Ryder Academy's Parental Permissions document which details the various permissions that are important for parents and students to understand.

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Facebook

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Twitter

 Main account: @SRA_StAlbans 

A very high standard of uniform is expected at all times throughout the school day and on the way to and from school.

Primary Uniform	Secondary Uniform

Anti-Bullying Charter