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English
<<SPACE>>
OUR
AIM
The aim of the English department is to pass on to the pupils the teachers’ knowledge, enthusiasm and skills, so the students become perceptive readers, confident and skilful speakers and talented writers.
The English faculty, led by Miss Ashcroft, consists of eleven specialist teachers, including an Assistant Director of English and two Lead Practitioners who possess experience, enthusiastic spirit and impressive professional qualifications in a friendly, ambitious team.
We endeavour to equip all of our students with the skills that they will need to be successful in the ever-changing world of the 21st Century whilst simultaneously fostering a love of the English language through reading, writing and oracy. The English team plan and deliver engaging, challenging and personalised lessons, alongside providing regular and rigorous feedback to support and motivate our students to achieve and surpass their targets.
Miss Ashcroft
Head of English
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Uniform essential itemsThe appearance of the pupils reflects very much on the School and all pupils are expected to wear school uniform to and from school and to maintain a smart and clean appearance. The uniform requirements are quite clear and girls must wear only the specified tailored trousers or skirt. Uniform essential items: Items marked with an * must be purchased through the uniform suppliers noted in the tab below. *Official Darwen Vale embroidered badge black blazer. *Official Darwen Vale school tie blue at KS3 and red at KS4. *Official Darwen Vale embroidered lettering black V-Neck pull over. *Official Darwen Vale black stitch down embroidered badge pleat skirt. Waistband must be flat at all times. Black conventional style trousers, not cords or denim, and not bootleg or skinny fit. Students can choose to wear trousers or a skirt. Plain light blue shirt, long sleeve or short sleeve. Students must ensure that their shirt is always tucked in, with the top button done up. Black tights if wearing a skirt, no patterns (Autumn Term – May Half Term). Black socks, no patterns or bows and knee length if wearing a skirt (After May Half Term only). Black leather or simulated leather shoes, no branding and no trainers. Black or navy outer coat, no leather or denim jackets or hooded sweatshirts. Students must not wear coats inside the building. In extreme circumstances if there has to be a variation from the required standard, pupils should be provided with a note explaining the situation and giving a date when the uniform will be complete. The full uniform must be reinstated in as short a time as possible. Pupils risk being sent home to get changed if wearing incorrect uniform without a note. For further information see our appearance and school dress guide here.
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Purchasing UniformsGarments in the distinctive school colours with logo can be obtained from: • Gray’s, Northgate, Blackburn Tel: 514257 • Derek Whittaker & Co, 3 Waterloo Pavilions, Church Street, Blackburn BB1 5AL Tel: 676047 • Snazzys, 24 Bridge Street, Darwen School ties and badges are also available at the school from Pupil Services.
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PE KitsPE kit essential items: PE kit is only to be worn during PE lessons. *Official Darwen Vale t-shirt – black/maroon. *Official Darwen Vale quarter zip top – black/maroon. Black shorts or tracksuit bottoms Black football socks. Trainers – indoor use. Football boots, no metal studs – outdoor use (3G and field). No leggings or cycle shorts​​
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AppearanceThe appearance of the pupils reflects very much on the School and all pupils are expected to wear school uniform to and from school and to maintain a smart and clean appearance. The uniform requirements are quite clear and girls must wear only the specified tailored trousers or skirt. Uniform essential items: Items marked with an * must be purchased through the uniform suppliers noted in the tab below. *Official Darwen Vale embroidered badge black blazer. *Official Darwen Vale school house tie *Official Darwen Vale embroidered lettering black V-Neck pull over. *Official Darwen Vale black stitch down embroidered badge pleat skirt. Waistband must be flat at all times. Black conventional style trousers, not cords or denim, and not bootleg or skinny fit. Students can choose to wear trousers or a skirt. Plain light blue shirt, long sleeve or short sleeve. Students must ensure that their shirt is always tucked in, with the top button done up. Black tights if wearing a skirt, no patterns (Dates to be confirmed by the principal). Black socks, no patterns or bows and knee length if wearing a skirt. Black leather or simulated leather shoes, no branding and no trainers. Black or navy outer coat, no leather or denim jackets or hooded sweatshirts. Students must not wear coats inside the building. Students must be impeccably dressed in the correct school uniform at all times. The uniform requirements are quite clear and any students not adhering to these requirements will be asked to borrow the required item of uniform, and parents informed to rectify for the next day. Students who need to borrow an item of uniform will also receive a 30-minute same-day detention after school. Should the student refuse the borrowed item they will be placed in internal exclusion. For medical reasons whereby students may not be able to have or wear the correct uniform, medical evidence from a doctor will be required. Pupils risk being sent home to get changed if wearing incorrect uniform without a note.
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Items not AllowedPlease note the following items are not permitted in school: Mobile Phones and Smart Watches Mobile phones are not to be seen or heard within the Academy and as soon as our students step foot through the main gate. If a mobile is seen or heard they will be confiscated, placed in the pastoral office and students will be asked to collect at the end of the day after sitting their 30-minute same-day detention for being on their mobile phone. If this happens more than 3 times in one half term, parents/carers will be asked to collect the mobile phone. If you need to contact your child throughout the day you may do so via school reception or your child’s Head of Year. Smart watches capable of communication through connectivity with phones are not permitted. Make up, eyelash extensions and nail varnish/false nails Make up, eyelash extensions, nail polish, and false nails are not permitted. Any visible make-up or nail varnish that is worn will be required to be removed immediately. Cigarettes Any students found to be smoking or in possession of cigarettes will be sanctioned in line with the Academy’s behaviour policy. E-cigarettes Any students found to be smoking or in possession of e-cigarettes will be sanctioned in line with the Academy’s behaviour policy. Aerosols Due to health and safety aerosols are not permitted at the Academy. Students are permitted to bring roll on deodorant if required. Tippex Chewing gum Any students chewing gum, will be sanctioned in line with the Academy’s behaviour policy. Permanent markers Energy drinks
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