18 November 2020

Face Coverings

We have now moved to a much simpler rule which provides clarity for everyone as well as still fully complying with government guidance:

• Face coverings are compulsory inside all buildings and on College transport (not compulsory in classrooms although can be worn in classes if students wish).
• Face coverings are not compulsory outside buildings and on pathways (although again they can be worn if students wish).  Of course students should maintain social distancing at these times, use the one-way system and ensure face coverings are prepared to be worn on the way into buildings/onto buses to avoid any queuing. 

Students were informed of this decision last Friday and most students have complied fully with its implementation.  However, there are a small number of students who are repeatedly forgetting their face coverings or saying their face coverings are damaged.  So far, we have simply given out a replacement face covering to any student requiring one, however our stocks are starting to run low. We want to ensure that we are able to maintain a contingency supply for those students in genuine need and the costs, which are not recoverable from the government, are mounting up.

Therefore, as from Monday 23 November, face coverings will become a mandatory part of the College uniform (until further notice) and any student not having a suitable one to wear will be given one behaviour point in line with College policy.  As per our policy, three behaviour points in a week will result in a pastoral detention.  Obviously, as with our College uniform expectations, if any family has any particular problems with providing face coverings then please contact your son/daughter’s Year Manager.

The vast majority of students are fully complying with our expectations and this new procedure is being introduced to deal with the very small number of students who are not, as yet, complying with this government and College rule.

Could you please discuss this issue with your child and ensure that your son/daughter has a spare face covering available in case of damage or loss.  Many thanks in advance for your support.

Updated Guidance from the DfE for Parents and Carers

The Department for Education have updated their guidance for parents and carers on what you need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.  This update provides information on the national restrictions that came into force on 5 November, the latest advice for clinically extremely vulnerable children and young people and advice on the use of face coverings in education settings.

Latest Update on Exams for 2021

On Monday 12 October the Department for Education confirmed that exams will go ahead next year. Most AS/A level and GCSE exams will be delayed by three weeks to give pupils more time to catch up on their learning.

The exams 2021 education blog published on 10 November provides further answers to the key questions being asked about exams 2021.

Change of Date for INSET Day

Please note that, due to the government’s decision to change the dates for the summer examination series next year, we have moved the June INSET day to Monday 22 February 2021.

Letter from Surrey County Council

At the back of this week's newsletter is a letter from the Local Authority that I have been asked to distribute to parents.

Mr Tanner - Principal