Dear Parent/Carers,
It feels as if a week is a long time in lockdown and politics. So far this week as school we have:
- Moved to remote learning due to lockdown. Our model is 75% live lessons at KS4 and KS5 with a minimum of 50% live lessons at KS3 this is due to the feedback we have gathered regarding students working in a virtual environment for 5 hours a day. We are developing how we communicate lessons and tasks so it is easier for parents to follow and understand and makes your life as easy and hassle free as possible.
- Started Critical Worker School that has been well attended and the students have been a credit to themselves and their families
- We have decided to continue with BTEC/Vocational exams for Year 13 and Year 11 as we believe the school environment is safe for us to do so and it would be wrong to deny students the opportunity to test themselves when they have prepared thoroughly for the examination. However, we have decided to allow the students the choice of whether to sit the exams or not. We will ensure whatever the student does they will not be disadvantaged in the process.
- At the present time we have placed mock exams on hold but they may well take place in some form in the future. As they could make up a useful piece of evidence to support teacher assessed grades.
- We will start to look at the teacher assessed grades for GCSE and A level and develop a transparent and rigorous approach to ensure students receive a fair and appropriate grade for their efforts, progress and development.
- We have trained staff and set up a Lateral Flow Test Centre to allow the school to test staff on a weekly basis and students. We will contact parents regarding consent for testing as required.
- We have also launched our online Aspirations Event that I would recommend students and parents have a look at over the next couple of weeks to support students in considering their future career options.
- Free School Meal Vouchers will come as physical vouchers via the school from St Helens Council. These will be distributed in three lots one this week/ early next week, another in mid January and a final set for this half term at the start of February.
Can I once again thank parents and carers for their support. If there any issues regarding online learning or any other concerns please do not hesitate to contact the school so we can offer help and support at this challenging time.
Kind regards
Ian Young
Principal