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A High Performing Specialist Academy for Technology & Applied Learning

8 March 2023

Snow Closure

Following heavy snow yesterday morning we unfortunately had to make the difficult decision on health and safety grounds to close the College.  However, I am pleased to say that work by the site team throughout the day and rising temperatures have enabled us to clear high-traffic areas of snow and restore the site to a safe condition.

Production

Being based in Kingston building is an added bonus at this time of the year as I have been able to hear a taste of the fabulous rehearsals for our production ‘SIX’.  I would urge you to book your seat as soon as possible so as not to miss out on this wonderful evening of Collingwood talent.  Please see our flyer at the end of the newsletter with the dates of the performances.

Industrial Action

As you will be aware, following my newsletter article on Wednesday 1 March, I have been consulting with our staff union representatives about further industrial action.  There is no requirement for staff members to inform me in advance if they will be taking action on these days.  Following our risk assessment analysis and modelling, assuming that similar numbers of staff who took strike action on Thursday 2 March will strike on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 March, then we will not be able to keep the College fully open.  I have therefore made the decision that we will again need a partial closure but that we will be able to accommodate three year groups safely over these two days as outlined on Page 3.

Year Groups to Attend College on Wednesday 15 March

  • Year 11
  • Year 12
  • Year 13

Year Groups to Attend College on Thursday 16 March

  • Year 10
  • Year 12
  • Year 13

Year 10, Year 11 and Sixth Form students are still to attend College as outlined above and will follow their normal timetabled lessons on Wednesday 15 March and Thursday 16 March.  However, striking staff do not have to set work in their absence so students will be encouraged to bring independent learning materials with them to College on this day so they can make a productive use of the time in such lessons.  All coaches will be running as normal as will catering facilities.

Year Groups to Remain at Home on Wednesday 15 March

  • Year 7
  • Year 8
  • Year 9
  • Year 10

Year Groups to Remain at Home on Thursday 16 March

  • Year 7
  • Year 8
  • Year 9
  • Year 11

For Years 7-11, work will be provided via OneNote in some cases but there will be no live lessons.  Given the significant number of NEU members of staff, please expect such provision to be very limited, however we will guide the students to generic work on these days to support their learning and future revision.  An Edulink message will be sent to all students next week.

Again, like on Thursday 2 March and subject to capacity, we will endeavour to accommodate vulnerable students and children of critical workers on site. 

I am sorry that you have had to make alternative arrangements for yesterday and Wednesday 15 and 16 March, and I would like to reassure you that I have not taken these decisions lightly, but the health, safety and welfare of students and staff are of paramount importance to me.  I am sure you understand the situation we are in, and I would again like to thank you in advance for your support.

Miss Watling - Acting Principal

Curriculum Information