School closure update – March 19th, 2020 Posted on: 19 Mar 2020
Firstly, thank you for your support and patience during this period of uncertainty. The situation is very fluid and currently we are being informed of updates at the same time as the general public. Rest assured that we will continue to relay any relevant information and guidance as and when we receive it. As I’m sure you’ll know by now, the government has announced that schools across the UK will close until further notice, and this summer’s exams won’t go ahead. I want you to know that we have been emailed by examination boards who have told us that all the hard work of students and teachers will be properly rewarded. I’m sure you’ll have a lot of questions about how this will work, so we promise we’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more details. This – like the coronavirus itself – is an unprecedented situation for all of us; our commitment to helping young people realise their potential hasn’t changed, and never will.
We continue to expect ALL students to complete the work set and to maintain normal routines. Looking after your physical and mental health is incredibly important at this anxious and stressful time. If the closure extends for a significant period of time, we will set appropriate bridging work for students intending further study.
With reference to the announcement that schools will make provision for vulnerable children and those of ‘key workers’ – we await the government’s official list of ‘key workers.’ Our intention then, is to ascertain the level of need for our school community. We will do this via an on-line form accessed from the school website. It is envisaged that any provision in the authority will be centralised.
With regards to school trips including: D of E, World Challenge, Leavers Ball, Ski trip and the MFL trip to France – we are in liaison with our Insurance companies for those visits affected. As soon as we have further clarification, we will update the website.
Finally, although we are saddened with the decision made by the Government to cancel this year’s examinations for Years 11 and 13, we are immensely proud of their hard work and achievements. We are sure these will be recognised and acknowledged appropriately in time. With this in mind we will seek to rearrange leaver’s events that may be disrupted.
Thank you for the warm, supportive messages received from parents/carers, they are much appreciated.
Yours sincerely
John Crowe
Principal
