30 March 2020

Further update on 2020 exams - the latest news from Ofqual

Ofqual expect to publish detailed information about the process and timetable which will apply this summer sometime this week. We will forward this information to parents as soon as we receive it.

Work arrangements for students working at home

Please can I ask you to read the letter from Mrs Wright which is also attached.   This confirms and updates our arrangements for providing work for students. Please note the section on Home Learning in particular as there are some useful tips about students’ wellbeing included as well as some videos to support students’ learning with OneNote. If any parent or student is having any IT issues, please can I ask that they contact our IT Support section rather than individual staff?  They can be contacted at itsupport@collingwood.surrey.sch.uk.

Additional Support

We are aware that the government has written to 1.5 million people who have been advised to stay in doors for 12 weeks as a precautionary measure and to safeguard them due to medical conditions that identify them as "at risk". If your child has been identified in this group, please do not hesitate to inform your child’s Year Manager to discuss if there is any additional support we may be able to provide. The wellbeing of all our students is paramount at this moment and we will support if we are able to.

Trips and activities in the calendar for the summer term

Following the announcement from England's deputy chief medical officer yesterday that ‘this could mean schools and universities not reopening until the autumn’ it is obvious that the current uncertain situation is going to be with us for some time. Given that all activities, such as Sports Days and Presentation Evenings, as well as trips require significant planning and preparation time, I have decided that the most appropriate action is to make a clear decision now that all activities and trips for the summer term are cancelled. This is very regrettable but given the circumstances unfortunately unavoidable.

Debating Club continues on-line!

 

Great to see so many students participate in the usual Friday lunchtime debate last week via Zoom software. The students debated the motion ‘this house prefers distance learning’ which raised some great discussion. Students can certainly see the benefits of learning at home as well as the obvious shortcomings! All participants seemed to enjoy the social interaction and are keen to continue over the period of our closure as a College.

 

My thanks to Mr Baird for arranging this - I have heard that he has challenged Wellington to an online debate which should be an interesting experience for all involved!

Easter Holiday provision for children of Key Workers and Vulnerable Students

 

We intend for our on-site provision to be open over the Easter holidays and we are awaiting further guidance from the DfE and the Local Authority as to whether this will be any different to the provision that we are currently running.  We will confirm arrangements as soon as the DfE provides clarity and guidance. I would like to acknowledge the fantastic response from staff in volunteering to run this provision during the holiday period.

 

Again, my thanks for your support.