Update Following Secretary of State Announcement
19th March 2020
Dear Parents and Carers
National School Closure
I’m sure you are aware of this afternoon’s announcement that schools will be closed from Friday afternoon except for the children of key workers and the most vulnerable children. We await further clarification of the details of this and will publish arrangements as soon as possible.
Remote Learning
We have already been planning so as to ensure the best remote-learning opportunities for our pupils. Please be assured that those teachers who are able to work will be doing so, from home, in order to provide lessons which follow usual curriculum plans as closely as possible. Today we sent round a form asking for you to give us permission to phone your children directly. This is so that staff can keep in touch with our pupils from time to time, and can maintain morale and motivation over what may be an extended closure. Please do reply to this form.
Year 11 Exams
It has been further announced that public exams will not take place in May and June. OFQUAL, the body that oversees examinations has just made this statement:
We welcome the certainty that the Secretary of State’s decision not to hold exams this summer provides in these challenging circumstances. We will now work urgently with the Department for Education to work through the detail of this decision and to provide more information as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister has further stated that he will ensure that this move will not ‘impede’ pupils’ progress. Please be assured that we will do our utmost to ensure that our Year 11 get the results that they have worked so hard for and deserve, whatever assessment methods are ultimately decided upon.
Arrangements for Rest of Week
Based on further reductions in our staffing capacity as more teachers need to stay at home, there are some changes to our arrangements for the rest of the week. The current plan is:
Thursday:
Year 7: Work From Home.
Years 8, 9 & 10: Full day at school. Assemblies to explain new working arrangements.
Year 11: Registration and Period 1 only. Assembly.
Friday
Year 7: Registration and Period 1 only. Assembly. Work From Home periods 3-6.
Years 8, 9 & 10: Work From Home.
Year 11: Attend from 1.20pm. Leavers’ assembly for pupils who are not self-isolating
NB: Hospitality and Catering Practical exam will run from 8am to 1.00pm.
We will do our best to provide up-to-date information to you, as and when it becomes available.
With all good wishes
Claire Coates
Principal
.jpg)