Dear Parents,
Following the recent government announcement we propose to open the school for year 10 and year 12 students from Monday June 15th.
The purpose of this is to prepare students for year 11 and year 13 – their exam years. This face-to-face provision will be designed to supplement their home learning. Teachers will assess student’s progress, identify and fill gaps in learning and explain next steps to students. The government has said it is up to parents to make the decision whether to send their children back to school before the summer.
Year 7,8 and 9 students will not come into school at this time. Our virtual curriculum will continue for all students with more videos and more audio feedback, in response to parental feedback.
When I surveyed parents a week ago a clear majority of respondents said they wanted to send their children into school, but also some understandable concerns were expressed. In response to those concerns, we are proposing a modest and phased re-opening as follows –
Phase One – before students return
- All year 10 and 12 parents will receive a phone call to discuss student welfare and progress and to arrange a progress interview for the following week.
- Students classed as “vulnerable” by the government (those with EHCPs or social workers) may be invited in for a face-to-face chat.
- Staff will be trained to follow strict guidelines from our risk assessment
Phase Two – From June 15th
- In the first week back all year 10 and 12 students can have a 30 minute progress-interview with a pastoral leader. For most students this will be their House Progress Leader or Assistant House Progress Leader or a Sixth Form leader.
- The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss what progress has been made, successes, and areas that need more attention and support.
- In addition, we will explain to each student how school will be for them in the following week – entry and exit, handwashing, toilets, food and all health and safety rules.
Phase 3 – From June 22nd
- Students will have lessons in small and separate social bubbles of no more than 10 students and 3 teachers.
- Year 10 will start in week beginning June 22nd, and will be joined by year 12 in the week beginning June 29th
- Year 10 will enter through the J block gates and will have their lessons in the J block. Each day a maximum of 30 students will attend, in groups of 10, always in the same room. They will have one hour each of English, Maths and Science, with a specialist teacher, and with a staggered break. In addition, students will be asked to attend a further progress interview if there is a concern about their well-being or progress or if further support is required. Students will come into school for one day each week.
- Year 12 will enter through the P block gates and will have their lessons in the P block. Each day there will be 3 hours of learning with a staggered 30 minute break. Monday will be English Lit, Biology or Business Studies , Tuesday will be Business Studies, Geography, PE, Physics or Travel & Tourism, Wednesday will be Science, History or Psychology, Thursday will be Maths, Health & Social, Law or Film Studies and Friday will be Product Design, Childcare, Photography or Music. Students should only come in to school on days when their subjects are being taught. They will use only one room each day and will leave school by the same gate once their lesson is finished.
The full risk assessment will be published on the school website before June 15th. However, I have summarised the key points in an attached document headed “Further Information for parents and students”.
I have also collated a “Frequently Asked Questions” document to answer questions asked in our recent survey of year 10 and 12 parents.
I look forward to seeing your son or daughter in school over the next few weeks.
However, please be assured, that we acknowledge that it is your decision whether to send your child back to school at this point.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Goodwin
Headteacher