Hi Charlie. Bolingbroke Academy has a very small dining hall. Each year group has always had lunch individually. As the “bubbles“ are going to be year groups they will not mix with any students from other year groups. I am sure the hygiene element has been thought through - hand sanitizers etc. Maybe if you’re worried you could raise it with the school? Not sure what purpose is filled posting this on a public forum?!

Hello.

This is my 1st write-in! My friend's son goes to Ark Putney and my daughter is starting at Bolingbroke Academy. Ark Putney have decided to allow 'packed lunches' to reduce the possible spread of coronovirus in the school. Parents feel so much more comfortable and confident in now sending their secondary school children into such an environment. Bolingbroke will no longer be serving a salad bar (so much for healthy, nutritious meals!!), which clearly shows there are concerns!! So why are they still enforcing school dinners on all children, when clearly their sister school has taken a much more caring and compassionate, as well as very sensible and safe approach?? Are they putting their finances over and above the safety of our children and their families lives?? Many other schools are following Ark Putney's approach. This is very worrying indeed, because such action would not have been taken without clear thought, consideration and consultation. Well done to those schools!!

coldatchristmas wrote:You could try...

parentcouncilba@gmail.com

or... info@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Already emailed ark, but will forward the email to parentcouncilba@gmail.com - thank you for the information

The NSC wrote:CrazyLiz, not condoning this, 100% unacceptable, but in interest of balance I once had some young pupils try and rip off the wing mirrors on my car on Battersea Park Road. I am sure both schools will do all they can to control this nasty behaviour outside the school gates. You should certainly complain. But one needs to look to the parents as much as the school to mitigate this anti social problem.

I completely agree, and I hope that once the school informs the parents they will discipline the children involved

CrazyLiz, not condoning this, 100% unacceptable, but in interest of balance I once had some young pupils try and rip off the wing mirrors on my car on Battersea Park Road. I am sure both schools will do all they can to control this nasty behaviour outside the school gates. You should certainly complain. But one needs to look to the parents as much as the school to mitigate this anti social problem.

You could try...

parentcouncilba@gmail.com

or... info@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Apologies, I am aware this is an old thread, but does anyone know who to complain to about Bolingbrook students behaviour outside of school time? I witnessed a group of students in uniform harassing 2 younger children - when I confronted them, they threatened to smash my face in! (I'm a 45 year old woman) Appalling behaviour, my son attends Harris Academy and I know the head there would not tolerate this kind of behaviour from his students...

Hi,
I have to say that all I had heard about this school was the detentions for silly reasons. I was hoping it was incorrect but unfortunately it is very true. The terms defiant and desrespectful are always used and this does not sit well with me as I have raised both my children (20 and 11) with respect and to be respectful and for a teacher to use those terms about a child leaves me to question are they then questioning the parents parenting skills or is this school just way over the top!

I have been to the open day and was impressed with the wonderful diversity and the general feel good atmosphere of the school. It is good to know pay feeing schools are not the be all and end all of options for local parents. Facilities and clubs seem very good. I spoke to a few pupils and grilled them with most saying 'it's really strict'.
I do not accept that the voices saying anything negative about the school are the loudest. This is evident even from this thread.
I have spoken to a good few parents of the school over the last few months and overall MOST children seem to be happy and thriving HOWEVER there does seem to be an imbalance with the discipline protocol.
It isn't working. Parents who I have spoken to are keen and very careful not to portray the school badly but are worried about some nasty elements in this school (which is an inner London problem and indeed a nationwide problem) who seem to get away with frankly demented behaviour.
It seems that the school hands out detentions willy-nilly left right and center to kids who are being kids but who are not actually doing anything 'wrong'. It is keen to portray itself 'strict, no excuses' which is fine except I have heard (first hand) of physical bullying, threats, gang references and nothing has been done about it.
I find that unacceptable and wonder why the school is putting up with such rubbish which will bring it down if they do not get a handle on it.
The headteacher is back now after maternity leave and I very much hope will have the balls to expel immediately those very few who are ruining the school with fights, insults and threats for the vast majority of excellent children from all backgrounds there to learn and enjoy the experience.
I am entitled to my opinion and actually like the school very much. The majority of parents are supportive, involved and protective of the school which is a good and positive indication in the right direction.

This is the first time I post on NVN but when I heard about this thread I wanted to share my feelings about the school. My son has just started in yr 7 and is doing well, making friends and liking it a lot! It has children from all different backgrounds which is how real life is, most of the teachers seem great and there is a brilliant tutor system. I have nothing against private schools (my oldest is in private school, BA didn't exist yet) and we didn't send the second one to BA because of lack of money, or whatever, but because we liked it, he did too and it's wonderful to be able to go to a local school. Of course not everybody likes the school, and that's ok, but I wanted to reply to all this because often the ones that don't like it, are the loudest. I just think it's ridiculous to think that only private schools are good and that people with less money are less intelligent or capable or whatever. The school has a good mix of involved parents who want the best for their kids and this school and we really want this school to succeed!

Thanks ! I am actually interested in your feedback.
is your child happy with the choice of clubs on offer ? would he rather do more or less ? does he get to represent the school in anything ? Thanks

I'm afraid as my child is in Year 10 I only have an insight into the popularity etc of the enrichments of that specific year group. Perhaps some Year 7 parents might have an insight for the younger year groups. Sorry not to have been of more help.

thanks sw11parent, I will have a look.
but I am looking for something a bit more personal like: what clubs are popular or going strong, oversubscribed, what teams and fixtures, etc any project/future clubs as the school develops ...

Hi Betsyboop the best place for details on the clubs etc at BBA is to go to the website, go to the 'Life at School' section and click on 'Enrichments' to see the full range

Hi sw11parent,
could you please give some hindsight on the clubs and sports on offer ?
thanks,