Weekly Update - 14/05/2021

Dear all,

It was pleasing to hear our Prime Minister on Monday evening speak further about the easing of lockdown restrictions. As mentioned a few weeks ago we are working on plans internally for the opening of the full school and removing bubbles, so let’s hope everyone continues to follow the Government advice so that restrictions can continue to be eased. During his speech, the PM stated that students will no longer need to wear face coverings.

From 17th May face coverings will no longer be compulsory for students in classrooms or communal areas, in all schools. Face coverings will also no longer be recommended for staff in classrooms. In all schools, the Government continues to recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms (corridors, meeting rooms, offices, and transport etc.) where social distancing is not possible. Please note that the reintroduction of face coverings for students or staff may be advised for a temporary period in response to particular localised outbreaks, including variants of concern.

Students will, however, still be required to wear a face covering if they use school or public Transport.

Students can, of course, choose to continue to still wear a face covering but this will not be enforced by the school.

This week our Art students have been completing their exams, the work has been outstanding and shows how talented our students are (pictures below). Next week Year 10 will have exams to test their skills and their knowledge of what they have learnt so far.

This week has been “Mental health week”, and this has been promoted positively throughout the academy.

Our SSA team are always on hand to provide support and guidance to all students in school. This week they prepared and put together an assembly for all years to watch in mentor time. Here they talked about the impact that lockdown has had on our mental health and discussed coping strategies. The theme of mental health awareness week this year is ‘nature’ and how engaging with nature can be a great way to promote positive mental health. In mentor time students are creating bunting to go in our wellbeing room as well as making positive thoughts jars to remind us of all the good things in our lives. There have been daily updates on both our staff and student wellbeing Google classrooms that all are free to join and engage with.

Finally, just a reminder to take care when dropping your children off at the front of school. No cars should be driving around the side of the building as this isn’t safe and cars must not block entrances and exits. Where possible please allow your child to walk or use public transport as the volume of traffic impacts significantly on the main road outside the school and causes delays. Many thanks for your co-operation and continued support.

Kind regards,