Headteacher’s Letter – 06.11.2020
November 2020
Dear parents and carers,
We are rapidly moving through the term as Year 11 begin their mock exams and students prepare for end of term assessments in many subjects.
Attendance at School
Good attendance at school is important for academic progress, social interaction with peers and the opportunity to participate in clubs and try new activities. At Stepney All Saints we have a clear expectation that students should aim for 100% attendance every year. We will be rewarding tutor groups with the best attendance as well as individuals throughout the year.
The tutor groups with the best attendance for the week before half term were 7.7, 8.6, 9.4 10.7 and 11.5. We publish this weekly information on our school website as well as details on the reward winners celebrating excellent levels of attendance at school.
COVID-19 update
I wrote to you earlier this week with an update on government changes to secondary school and sixth form requirements. The new guidance will be in place for at least the duration of the lockdown.
As a further reminder, here is a summary of the changes:
- You will be aware that we made face coverings mandatory for students at transition points around the school in September. Face coverings are now mandatory in communal areas of the school at all times. They are not mandatory in classrooms but we will allow students to wear their masks in lessons if they wish. Face coverings are also mandatory for students on public transport.
- Students who have been identified by their doctor as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), will be advised not to come into school. If your child is classified as CEV, please contact their Head of Year. The school will provide remote learning for students in this category. Parents must ensure that their children are set up and able to access work on google classroom. Students who are clinically vulnerable or have underlying health conditions but are not CEV are still able to attend school. Students who live with people who are CEV, but are not CEV themselves, are still expected to come into school.
- PE, ADT, music, and drama lessons can continue in line with the current guidance – during school time. Competitions between schools will not take place.
- Unfortunately all enrichment activities for Autumn Term 2 will be suspended until further notice.
- Visitors (including parents), contractors and agencies will not be able to access the school site unless absolutely necessary, in which case where possible this will take place outside of school hours.
Year 11 examinations
The Year 11 GCSE mock examinations start the week beginning Monday 9th November and continue until the 20th of the month. It is essential that students are revising thoroughly and following a revision timetable. Students have been provided with materials from all of their subject areas to help them prepare and the mock examination timetable can be downloaded from the school website news section. It is essential that students take these examinations seriously and prepare themselves thoroughly. I wish our Year 11 students the best of luck for the two-week examination period.
After school tuition
I would like to remind parents/carers that Year 10 and Year 11 students have an after school tuition timetable. The support offered in these sessions is key to the future success of many students in their examinations and targeted work is carried out to ensure that they are well prepared for their GCSE examinations. Please ensure that your child is attending and completing any work set. The timetable can be found on our website at www.stepneyallsaints.school/for-students/school-information/after-school-tuition
SIMS parent app
Grades for all year groups are being shared via the SIMS Parent App. This will take place each half term and will highlight areas such as a student’s work ethic and engagement with online work. The app is downloaded for free and a full guide on how to use if can be found on our school website – www.stepneyallsaints.school/for-parents/useful-school-links/parent-view-app/
Friday Prayer
As a Church of England school, prayer forms part of our daily experience at Stepney All Saints. Our community includes a range of faith backgrounds as well as those of none and respect for this diversity is at the heart of our ethos as a Church of England school. School has therefore put measures in place to facilitate Friday congregational prayer for our Muslim students, in line with government COVID19 guidance. Full details have been sent in a letter from our Muslim Chaplain, Mr Saeed Deen.
Key Events for this Academic Year
Please check our website and social media feeds for regular updates.
Autumn Term
Anti-Bullying Week From Monday 11th November
Last day of Autumn Term Friday 18th December
Spring Term
Staff INSET day Monday 4th January 2021 (no students)
Academic Review Day Tuesday 5th January 2021
Spring Half Term Holiday Monday 15th February – Friday 19th February 2021
Last day of Spring Term Friday 26th March 2021
Summer Term
Start of the summer term for students Monday 12th April 2021
Summer Half Term Holiday Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June 2021
Last day of Summer Term Friday 16th July 2021
I will be writing again in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please check our website and social media feeds @StepneyAS for updates on what is taking place at our school.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Woods
Headteacher