Please forgive this message late in the evening but I thought families would welcome a brief update on the announcement from the Prime Minister this evening.
I will write in further detail tomorrow but I think it’s important for all families to know that:
1. Whilst we have worked incredibly hard since September to keep our school safe and have been looking forward to welcoming students back to school, we do recognise that this is a necessary step to help combat the rising number of Covid-19 cases across the country.
2. Schools are now closed with immediate effect for all students apart from those who are vulnerable or children of key workers. It is likely that this will last until at least February half term. During this time lessons will be delivered online as previously outlined in letters home, summarised below:
Years 10, 11, 12, 13:
- These students we will receive live online teaching in line with their normal timetable, it is the expectation that all students attend these lessons. The link for live lessons will be available via Google Classrooms. Instructions for conduct in online lessons will be made clear to students at the start of each lesson. We would ask wherever possible in live lessons that students have their cameras turned on.
Years 7, 8, 9:
- These students will access resources on Google Classrooms, included pre-recorded materials and narrated lessons. Teachers will be available online during each timetabled lesson to answer questions and support students.
We will review these arrangements at the end of next week and as always seek to deliver education of the highest possible quality.
3. The Prime Minister outlined that exams will not take place in their current format this summer. It is vitally important that I stress that at this moment this does not mean that examinations have been cancelled. We currently have no further information than what was given tonight by the PM, we await further guidance of how students will be accessed in the summer and in the meantime it is essential that we continue to deliver the planned specification in each subject area and that our students continue to work in a conscientious manner.
I realise that this is an extremely unsettling time for everyone connected to school but especially those in examination years. As soon as we have further clarity we will pass this on to families.
In the meantime myself and everyone at Archbishop’s remain absolutely committed to supporting every student and every family in every way possible. I will, just as I did during the last lockdown, communicate on a daily basis, providing as much information and support for families as possible.
Kind Regards
Andrew Daly