I have mentioned this a number of times, but the attitude of our students in what would have been their examination years has continued to be more and more impressive. Challenges will face us all in our lives, but the steadfastness, smiles and calm acceptance by our students of the situation has been one which will leave a long and lasting memory within the school.

Sixth form transition

When we return on Monday 7th June, students in the outgoing year eleven who are starting A level courses with us will undertake a three week induction programme to ensure they are ready for the challenge of A levels in the autumn. In addition, there will be online transition activities for them to undertake after this. All students in year eleven will have a careers support package which can be undertaken online. Further details have been emailed to students. We will also be delighted to welcome a number of students from other schools who will be joining our sixth form provision.

Year ten changes

For year ten students, we will be making some changes with the move of year eleven students to Lakeview, our sixth form provision. In the morning and afternoon, year ten students will now use the main entrance at the front of school to arrive and depart.

Primary transition

Next half-term will see a range of activities to support students and their families in making the transition from primary to secondary school. Please refer to the transition pages and further contact from Mr Hobbs.

Masks and provision after half-term

I thank everyone again for the co-operation with what we have asked over the last two weeks, in terms of students and staff continuing to wear masks in classrooms. I said that we would review the situation before next half-term. We are continuing to monitor the situation in the local area and the level of cases that may have an impact on our community.

We did face an impact in the school in the last few weeks from a number of cases and students needed to self-isolate. We have been fortunate in that the more recent lead up to this break has seen no further cases.

I will contact parents at the end of the holiday week to give you an update. However, whether or not we advise that all students and staff continue to wear masks, I can already make it clear that any member of staff or student who wishes to continue wearing a face covering will be able to do so.

I hope that this gives support to parents and students who are concerned about transmission whilst being asymptomatic. We want everyone who comes into school to be able to feel that they can act in theirs and others best interests.

Contact tracing

This will continue over the half-term break. Please use the school COVID contact details to alert us of any student cases.

Preparation for next year

When we return after half-term, we will be making final preparations for the next academic year. With additional staff now in place, clear routines around the school and also plans to move back to subject area bases, next year is one that will build on the school's provision this year. This has been a challenging year and one that has disrupted everyone's plans. We will be sharing with parents and students our final arrangements as we reach the end of term so that we can face the new academic year with confidence and optimism.