Letter From The Headmaster
As we are blown into half term by Storm Eunice, I would like to thank you again for all your help and support.
This is always a busy time of year in school and I think we are all ready for a break and a recharge of the batteries. There have been many highlights this term, with major successes on the sports field, the school musical Matilda Jr and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Presentation Evening yesterday exemplifying the depth and variety of activities the pupils are involved in with the support of our staff.
Of course, the Year 11 and Upper Sixth go straight into mocks after the break; they have had a lot of guidance regards preparation for these exams and it it is important that they strike the right balance between revision and rest.
With COVID cases steadily decreasing (there are only five positive cases currently in school) it has been great to continue to move towards reducing the number of additional measures in place. We are very much hoping that there is no spike in cases over Half Term and would ask all pupils to take an LFT on Sunday 27 February before returning to school.
Assuming the trajectory remains good in terms of positive case we are planning:
From Monday 28 February (immediately after Half Term)
All pupils return to wearing full uniform each day on arrival and departure from school, changing into games kit at school, using their lockers to store any valuables. Pupils should also ensure their games kit is kept in their locker and not carried around all day.
With the mock exams running in the Sixth Form Centre, Year 11 and Upper Sixth must use their lockers to store their bags/laptops during the exams as there is very limited space outside the examination rooms.
Parents picking up from Prep or the Student Hub will now be expected to sign their child in and out please.
From Monday 7 March
House assemblies and meetings will be “live” and held in the Chapel or the Clarkson.
From Monday 14 March
We are reverting to a common tutor time from 10.35am to 10.55am for all years and a common first break time from 10.55am to 11.15am. Years 7 to 11 can use either the Tuckshop or Main Refectory and the Sixth Form can use the Sixth Form Dining Room.
Parents’ Evenings
The parental feedback from on-line parents’ evening has been exceptionally positive and we will be keeping these on-line for the future. We are trialling new software which we hope will make the booking process much more straightforward for parents.
Science Centre
We are very excited that the building work on the new Science Centre will begin in earnest over Half Term. We have already implemented the timetable changes necessitated by the removal of the portacabins and we look forward to seeing this project taking off as the term progresses
With all best wishes to you and your families, I hope you all stay safe and well over the Half Term break.
