17 March 2021

Dear Parent/Carer

I am delighted to report that we have had a very smooth start to the reopening of the College with very strong student attendance, very good compliance with all our COVID-related procedures and a high uptake on the lateral flow testing.  Without wishing to tempt fate, we have had no positive tests as yet.

Lateral Flow Testing

The testing arrangements have continued to go extremely smoothly.  Our last day of on-site testing takes place tomorrow (Thursday) with students in Years 7 and 8 receiving their third and final on-site tests.  Next week, all students will transition to home testing.  Please refer to the information sent out on Tuesday 16 March which includes guidance on home testing and confirms the arrangements for issuing students with their test kits later this week.

Awarding Grades

We are still awaiting exam board guidance with the detail for awarding grades this summer, but you will have received a letter this week if your son or daughter is being awarded a Teacher Assessed Grade, (TAG) in August.  Miss Watling and Mr Webster will also be speaking to the students this week about our intended approach towards how grades will be awarded.  It should be noted that the key difference from Centre Assessed Grades, (CAG) awarded in 2020 is that students in 2021 are to be graded on ‘the standard that they are performing at’ according to current evidence in their subjects and not on their potential. 

Funeral for Syd Hempson

The funeral for Syd took place on Monday.  There were an amazing number of students and parents lining the streets of Bagshot and the surrounding area prior to the funeral.  The occasion was obviously extremely sad with lots of tears, but it was a fitting tribute to her that so many of the College community were there to pay their respects to a much loved and missed member of Collingwood.

Dates for your Diary

Please note the following forthcoming dates:

• Wednesday 31 March - Academic Review Day (please see the letter dated 10 March)
• Thursday 1 April - INSET day

Mr Tanner - Principal