Dear Parents / Carers
I hope you and your families remain safe and well. As we finish our fourth week of school shutdown and the fifth week of the national lockdown, it is more important than ever that we role model hope and positivity to our young people. This whole situation can feel very scary to us as adults, imagine what it must seem like to a child? Following the news can be both traumatic and frightening. I am in no way suggesting we become blasé about the serious situation we are in but, as adults, we must do everything we can to comfort and reassure our young people during these unprecedented times.
I would like to thank all our fantastic staff for all the work they are continuing to do, especially when it comes to the care of the children of vulnerable and the children of key workers in school on a daily basis. I would also like to thank all parents and carers for the feedback and messages of support we have received over recent weeks. We have listened to and acted upon this feedback, reviewed our current practice and below are some updates I would like to share with you.
Mrs O’Neill will be e mailing all students directly every Monday morning.
Form Tutors will soon begin calling home to speak to all members of their form on a regular basis.
Staff are looking at ways in which we can add more variety and interactivity into the work that is being set to be completed at home. This is not always easy, depending on the subject or topic but staff will do their best.
Staff are also looking at ways in which we can build in more feedback to pupils with regard to the work that is being set. Again, this is not always easy with distance learning but staff will do their best.
If you are a key worker and require childcare, please use our e mail address care@alsagerschool.org
Please remember Friday 8th May is a Bank Holiday and school would normally be shut, so teachers will not be setting work on that day.
For year 10 students, parents and carers, we are still awaiting confirmation from the exam boards with regards to the planned year 10 GCSE RE. I know this is deeply unsettling and frustrating for you and as soon as we hear anything on this, we will let you know.
Despite all the speculation in the press, there is still no date set by government when schools will re-open or partially re-open. Again, as soon as we know anything, we will let you know.
Our next fortnightly 6th form newsletter for years 11, 12 & 13 will be sent out on Monday 4th May.
Can I please draw the following link to the attention of all year 11 and 13 students, parents and carers;
This is was released this week from the Joint Qualifications Council and it gives clear guidelines and an update on this summer’s exam series. Can I please emphasise the section regarding parents / students trying to exert pressure on schools and staff when it comes to the awarding of grades.
“There may be instances where schools and colleges or teachers are put under external pressure from a candidate or their parent/guardian to influence the decision-making on a grade or rank order. Any external pressure must be reported to the exam board(s) who may investigate this as potential candidate malpractice.”
Please remember we are here for you, your child and your family, if you have any concerns please contact the school in the usual ways to discuss it with the most appropriate person.
With best wishes to you and your families
Richard Middlebrook
