Well done everyone for getting through the third or fourth remote learning saga (I’ve lost count). I hope your son or daughter will turn the laptop off, disengage from unread messages and enjoy the week off. You too can have a break from home tutoring (which we greatly appreciate by the way). The weather forecast looks ok – a dryer week – days lengthening and a bit warmer. Hopefully you can get some fresh air and at least not be envious of anyone going abroad to warmer climes – as they can’t!
There are a number of unknowns and uncertainties to pick up when we return:
- There should be an announcement on Monday 22nd February with speculation that there will be a return of children to full-time education on 8th March. The smart money is on a staggered return with Year 11 and 13 returning first of all.
- Therefore, WB22nd and 1st February are a continuation of where we left off – remote learning as per timetable. We will still be looking after key worker / vulnerable and SEND students
- We have been testing key worker students and rota staff each week and we have enough supplies for mass-testing if required to do so by the DfE
- Within the next fortnight, Ofqual are due to publish requirements for schools regarding the processing of CAGs for Year 11 and 13. I think our Year 11s and 13s have shown tremendous patience and resilience waiting for the unknown. Today, we have sent out 140 Sixth Form Offer letters and Sixth Form Tutors are busy supporting record numbers of university offers (90 applicants) including offers from Cambridge and Oxford.
As we plan for students to return to school, measures we used in the Autumn Term will be re-applied including one-way systems, lunch & break arrangements and PPE / Hands-Face-Space rules. These worked well and I see no reason for any radical changes. There will be, no doubt, further guidance from the DfE and we will implement these as required.
Keep safe and enjoy the break!
Dr Chris Ingate
Principal