Headteacher’s Letter – 12.05.20
Dear Parents,
Following the Government announcements over the past few days, we are still awaiting further clarity as to how to proceed with an interpretation of the phrase ‘some face to face contact’ with students in Year 10 and Year 12. Once we have further information we will be able to share this with you.
Half Term Holiday
This term is a short half term, and I have made the decision to close the school completely over the half term break.
At school we have engaged with all parents who have been sending students into school and are arranging any alternative supervision as required by them. Additionally, Tower Hamlets is providing a Half Term Childcare Scheme for students up to the age of 13, for further information please visit the Tower Hamlets website – https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/education_and_learning/extra-curricular_activities/Holiday_childcare/school_holiday_schemes.aspx
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish those who will be celebrating Eid during the holiday Eid Mubarak, We hope that you have had a blessed Ramadan and have the opportunity to celebrate safely with loved ones.
Year 11 Transition
We have been working with both internal and external Year 11 students and provided them with a transition guide, sharing activities and tasks to support with development and the transfer from secondary to sixth form.
Following the half term, we will be working with Year 11 students and setting them work and a variety of tasks which will support their journey to sixth form or college in September.
Free School Meals
We continue to implement the government’s national voucher scheme for children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and will continue to provide meal options for staff and children who are in school. Those who are eligible to receive the vouchers, please note vouchers will be sent from a company called Edenred, and not directly from the school.
Exams
As I previously briefed you, schools and colleges have been asked to provide centre assessment grades for students who were due to sit their exams this summer. The Government has issued very strict guidelines to schools regarding this. We have been told clearly that school staff must not discuss this process or its outcomes with parents of staff. I must therefore be clear that parents and students are strictly asked not to engage with teachers regarding this process. I have also briefed all staff to this effect. Students will receive their final grades as usual, A and AS Level results will be published on the 13th of August and GCSE results on the 20th of August. Further information about exam grading and assessments can be found on the government website – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-cancellation-of-gcses-as-and-a-levels-in-2020/coronavirus-covid-19-cancellation-of-gcses-as-and-a-levels-in-2020
Key Stage 3 Art & Design Resource Packs
Currently, we are collating some art and design resource packs for all students in key stage 3. As well as equipment, there are activities and tasks for students to complete in order to support their art and design work and for use at home. This equipment should be kept at home for students use now and for future homework. We will be in touch once these packs are ready to collect from the school.
I will be in touch once there is further information to share following the phased return to school. Until then, stay safe and take care.
Kind regards
Paul Woods
Headteacher