26th March 2021
Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s been great having learners back in school over the last two weeks and we are really looking forward to the full time return for all learners after the Easter break. In the meantime, I just wanted to give you a few reminders/updates in readiness for this return.
Staggered End to the School Day
In line with Welsh Government guidance and our own risk assessment, some learners will leave school at slightly different times in order to reduce the likelihood of learners mixing across year group bubbles at the end of the day. These times will be as follows:
* Year 7 and 8 – 2.50pm
* Year 9 – 2.55pm
* All other Year groups – 3.00pm
As learners tend to arrive with natural gaps in the mornings, we currently do not need to have staggered arrival times at the start of the school day. This arrangement will be reviewed as the term gets underway.
Uniform
We recognise that it has been difficult to obtain uniform items during lockdown and we have taken a more relaxed approach towards wearing of full uniform over the last two weeks. We would appreciate it if you could make every effort to ensure that your child is wearing correct uniform when they return after Easter. However, we also appreciate that this may be difficult in some circumstances and if this is the case please ensure that you contact your child’s Head of Year to discuss this.
Canteen
We should have full canteen facilities back when we return after Easter. Please note that we are unable to provide change for learners to add funds to their cards whilst in school and please remember to top up Parent Pay accounts before learners return.
Lateral Flow Tests (also known as LFD tests)
There is no requirement for these to be taken over the Easter period, but a test should be done at the usual time on the Sunday before we return (11th April) and results reported in the normal way. Please remind your child to double check that they are entering the correct result before entering it online.
Centre Determined Grades (CDGs) and Learner Leaving Date (Yr10, 11, 12 and 13 Learners)
We have now completed our Centre Assessment Policy for the completion of Centre Determined Grades (CDGs), in relation to the award of subject grades this year. The WJEC (exam board) will be checking and validating these for all secondary schools over the Easter break. Once this has been done I will make our policy available on the school website. In addition to information from their teachers, I have today given learners an assembly which explains the CDG process – what it entails, what is expected of them and how we will support them. This assembly has also been shared via Google Classroom. We are currently planning for the last day of school for Year 11 and 13 learners to be Friday 18th June. This makes the most of the time available to us and learners whilst fitting in with the CDG timeline we must adhere to. Year 12 leaving date will be confirmed following consultation with St Julian’s, our Sixth Form collaboration school. Year 10 learners will remain in school until the end of term of course. Please note that these leaving dates are provisional.
As always, if you have any questions about anything in this letter or any other matter please do not hesitate to contact us. I hope you have a safe, positive and enjoyable Easter break.
Best wishes,
Neil Davies
Headteacher