At Rutherford College, we value strong partnerships with parents and caregivers. The information below outlines how we support Year 9 and 10 learners, what you can expect throughout the year, and how you can stay informed and involved in your child’s academic progress. 

Who to Contact for Academic Support

If you have concerns about your child’s learning or wellbeing, please contact:

• Subject Teachers – for questions about learning, assessments, reports or progress. Communication with subject teachers should be done via email. Email information can be found on the colleges website - click on ‘Explore College’, then STAFF DIRECTORY. 
• Tutor Teachers – for overall academic monitoring and day to day pastoral support. 
• Deans – for pastoral care, attendance issues, or ongoing concerns
• Junior Academic Dean - Mr Blair White ([email protected])
• LEAP Extension Coordinator - Dr Evie Mansfield ([email protected])
• Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) - Ms Saffron Conde ([email protected])

Parents are welcome to contact subject teachers directly if they notice their child is struggling in a specific subject.

Attendance and Achievement Updates

• Parents will receive a weekly email with the latest attendance information and most recent assessment results to monitor students progress.
• Consistent attendance is essential for learning success, and we appreciate your support in this area.

Learning Updates and Assessment Reminders

• Departments/Subject teachers will send home KAMAR letters including:
   Termly updates on next steps for learning topics, assessment dates and reminders.
• Teachers may also communicate through email or Google Classroom.

What Parents Can Expect

Across Years 9 and 10, you can expect:

• Regular communication about upcoming learning content and  assessments will be communicated with specific timelines. Usually at the start of each term. 
• Clear assessment timelines and expectations.
• Supportive interventions if progress or attendance becomes a concern.
• Opportunities to partner with the school to support your child’s success.

Information will be shared through KAMAR emails, Google Classroom, and teacher communication. 

Reporting Timeline (PRC Reports) and Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences

• Progress and Report Comments (PRCs) are issued at key points during the year. These are issued twice a term, usually half term and end of term. 
• There will be one report in Term 4 with a broader summative reflection on the whole year's work. 
• Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences happen twice a year. This is an opportunity to meet with your child's subject teacher to discuss their learning progress. This year these evenings will happen on April 30th and August 13th. 

Homework Centre - Rutherford College Free Tutorials and Catchups

Our Homework Centre provides:

• A supported space to complete homework and support students' progress for completing assessments.
• Access to teacher support when needed.

We strongly encourage students who need extra structure or support to attend. Click on the link below to find the latest homework centre timetable.

Rutherford College study site

Year 10 – Introduction to NCEA

As Year 10 students prepare for senior learning, we provide:

• An introduction to what NCEA is and understanding the CAA’s (Common Assessment Activities). 
• Guidance on key terminology and expectations
• Support to help students and families understand how learning builds toward NCEA in Year 11

Digital Learning and Communication Tools

• Google Classroom is used for learning materials, homework, and assessment information
• Classroom codes are provided by subject teachers
• SchoolBridgeis used by parents to access:
  • Attendance information
  • Assessment and reporting details
  • School notices and communication

A guide to using SchoolBridge is available to support parents and caregivers.

We encourage all caregivers to log on to our school portal to check the results of recent assessments. Details of all subject assessments are available on SchoolBridge. Your student can also login to check their own assessment results.

Log on to SchoolBridge (parent portal) here. SchoolBridge

If you have trouble accessing SchoolBridge, please check with our school reception to make sure we have the right email address for you. Your username and password is your email address and your own password which you would use to access Google, Microsoft or FaceBook. The school does not issue passwords.

Slides from the Year 9 and 10 Success at School Parents’ Evening

Working Together

If you have any concerns or questions at any stage, please reach out early. Open communication between home and school plays a vital role in supporting student learning and wellbeing.