Another week of remote learning is complete. We now know that it will be the 8^th March at the earliest before the students will return to school. Whilst it was very disappointing to hear that students wouldn’t be returning straight after the half-term break, at least we all know where we stand and can therefore plan accordingly. I have been critical of the Government in the past for their last minute announcements so it is important to recognise when they offer clear and decisive decision making.

Today sees the last day of the DfE’s consultation on the awarding of grades for Year 11 and Year 13 students. Frustratingly, it will be a number of weeks before we get definitive answers to the crucial questions posed. The consultation has given schools a steer on the likely direction the DfE will take and we have begun to plan accordingly. As those plans are finalised we will of course share the information with our Year 11 students and their parents. I do understand how disconcerting the Year 11 students will be finding the current situation and the limbo they find themselves in. I can only emphasise to them the importance of remaining engaged, attending all of the remote lessons and working to the best of your ability. We are confident that their hard work will be rewarded whatever the final system of awarding grades.

Remote learning might be continuing but that doesn’t mean key activities are not taking place. This week has seen the launch of the options process for Year 9 students. Mr Connor ran a presentation during prep earlier in the week outlining how the process will work this year and Options Booklets and letters will be on their way home to parents this afternoon. The options process is always an exiting time for me as I see our students really get to take an active part in decisions affecting their education and the subjects they will take. It’s a really important rite of passage for the students and one that is key to a successful Key Stage 4. The current situation will mean we will need to run the process differently. I have every confidence that the quality of information available via the booklet and the soon to be launched subject videos will ensure that every student can make truly informed choices.

Despite the many challenges presented by the pandemic, our students continue to make progress towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. At the beginning of the academic year 41 students signed up to start their Bronze DofE Award. Since then, they have been working hard doing their Volunteering, Physical and Skill sections, with Sophie Evans, Alana Phelps and Ryan Burge becoming the first of this new cohort to fully complete one section. We have also been able to celebrate more students fully completing their Bronze Awards. Congratulations go to:

• Lydia Matumba

• Adele Smith

• Ava Hanman

• Christopher Jeanes

• Emily Wadley

• Esther Millward

• Caitlin Adshead

• Luke Wallis